This is my first serious refractor telescope, the 5" f/5.2 Tele Vue NP-127. I plan on using this telescope for solar system and deep sky imaging, as well as solar system viewing. Click on this link to see this set up for viewing the Sun in white light and Hydrogen alpha.

The refractor is mounted on a Celestron CGE mount, with GOTO capabilities. This is a very solid mount and definitely up to the task of moving the NP-127 around. First light was on May 6, 2005 and very impressive. Jupiter and Saturn were razor sharp when the atmospheric seeing was good. I was able to compare images in both an 8" SCT and an 11" SCT and the contrast and detail was much better in the 5" refractor. Both of those scopes were more affected by the seeing than was this refractor. I know that my 25" dob would have been disappointing because of the poor seeing. Tracking and GOTO functions were great. I am looking forward to sharing how much I enjoy this system once I start getting into some imaging.

Dean, Scott, & Larry at Starizona were absolutely fantastic in showing me how to set up and operate this system.