Which 4" Doublet?

I'm seriously considering a used 4" refractor purchase. I thinking of spending between $900-$1500. I have three capable mounts, Gibraltar, Unistar, and a LXD55. I have a very nice assortment of EP's, UO short Orthos, 14 UWA, 19 Pan, UO 32 Konig, Pentax 40XL, TV 2X barlow.

I think the best scope available in this range would be the TV 102. I have seen an ad for a Vixen ED102SSWT f6.5 and I can't find any reviews of this scope?

Anyone done a side by side with these two? Anyone have any input on the Vixen? I'm guessing the focuser on the TV will be better but what about the views?

What other used scopes should I consider?

Any and all responses will be greatly appreciated.

I think you will find that us TV102 owners are very biased; like AstroPhysics and Takashi owners, we think our scopes are the cream of the crop. So with that bias in mind, if you can find a used TV102 for $1500 (and I haven't seen any at that price) go for it. You won't be disappointed.

The Vixen ED102SS Optical Tube was reviewed by Sky & Telescope back in the November, 1999 issue. They compared the ED102SS against the Vixen VX-102 Achromat and the Vixen FL-102.

Dave Keller