Sky-Watcher Quantum 120ED F7 Tripliet
This is the precursor to Sky-Watcher's renowned Esprit series of triplets. This apparently is the same cell as the Esprit 120, but decked out in Carbon Fiber.
I wanted the biggest refractor I could fit in the "Bay Room", set up and ready to view. I also am fond of carbon fiber: it's a good look, it's robust and it hides blemishes well.
In it's case (which holds its accessories (the 50mm right-angle finder, bracket, custom flattener, diagonal), it's a bit to big to be a "grab and go" scope. With a heavy Berlebach tripod, it's a bit cumbersome for quick views on the patio, but it works. It really is the biggest refractor to leave set up inside that's ready for quick viewing.
I bought this from a guy in the very humid deep south a few years back. It had some issues that a purist would object to: the focuser locking nut was unlockable (to no ill effect) and the glass wasn't perfect. He had some spots between the lenses from the humidity. He pointed at the sun to dry out/kill the issue. I've seen zero additional issues in the intervening years (desert southwest is a far friendlier clime).
Considerably more detail on Jupiter (my baseline) than the 4-inch APOs I've had. Better views than the 120mm FPL-53 doublets I've had. This is a very capable refractor; I don't see ever needing anything bigger. Ever.
