.

This is my first adventure into the world of big refractors.  This is the Burgess 1278, a 127mm f/8 achromatic refractor.  It has been on order for quite some time.  Currently scheduled to arrive in late Sep.  That's Bill Burgess in the left photo.  Visit the Burgess Refractors Yahoo group for some great info on Bill and his whole family of astro gear.

Update 7 Nov 2003:  The 1278 is on the way.  Shipping has been confirmed and it should arrive next week.  It is shipping with a 1.25" diagonal instead of a 2" because Bill found a problem with the stock diagonals.  So I ordered a William Optics 2" diagonal from Kendrick so I could use my 2" OCS and binoviewers when the 1278 arrives.  I also ordered a baader solar filter for the 1278.  Should have a lot to look at when it arrives.