Received the AP Gran Turismo yesterday and here are some pictures and comments. This is probably the first Gran Turismo in Singapore. I will put in some comments but I guess the pictures will do the talking.
Below is the case that comes with it. It is very compact and slim. About only 75% of the size of the Meade 127ed case. I am very surprised that the scope is so compact.
Ok..let's open the case. The scope is fitted very nicely, with the other covers on the side. But because it is fitted so well, it also means you can't attach it with its rings inside the case.
Ok, here is another picture showing the covers. These are used only when the scope is detached into 3 separate pieces.
Now, I am going to mount it up. Using the 4.7" AP rings and a Helix 8" Alz-Azi mount with a Bogen 3036 tripod, the scope balanced really nice and smooth. The picture below is when the dewshield is retracted.
Now, the dewshield is extended. The finish on the scope is some pebble pearl colour. It is not glossy smooth, but a little pebbly feel to it.
The dewshield has a locking mechanism at its end. You extent it all the way and then do a 1/4 turn to lock it down
Now another angle on the dewshield. The wordings seems to be some sort of decal or sticker. Not too sure if these would come off with our high humidity. Need to be very careful when placing the scope into its case because I am not sure if prolong rubbing of these wordings with the foam in the case would cause the words to come off or not. But it sure look darn nice. You can also see a little of that pebbly finishes to the body.
Now onto the lens. Very nice coatings and clean
Finally the focuser. This is the best part. The focuser is extremely smooth and no issue with slipping when the 2" diagonal and the Pentax 21mm are used together.You can also see a thumbscrew at its side for locking down the focuser. However, the finder base you see below is actually an optional item. And of course, the gold knob is see is the fine focuser. You can also see the focuser locking ring below (the thick band that look ribbed). This focuser ring can be loosen to rotate the focuser or detach the entire focuser from the scope for portability
Ahh...the focuser is a feathertouch upgrade. It is really a joy to use.
Another angle of the focuser from the opposite side. BTW, the ring that locks down the diagonal has 3 thumbscrews and it's really nice.
ok...a final view of the scope from the opposite side. All in all, it looks really nice.
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