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Peter Natscher
sage

Reged: 03/28/06

Loc: Central California

AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only?
#5666804 - 02/07/13 10:32 AM

Any experiences with using a AP 130EDFGT for observing only? The AP front desk told me a few months ago that my name is coming up on the wait list for an offer to buy one 130EDFGT during the next production run in 2013. Should I take the offer? I don't flip scopes. I would use it pretty much for grab&go observing around the house since I'm still totally enjoying transporting larger aperture scopes to dark sites at my youthful age of 62. Would it be a keeper as I get older and tire of managing larger scopes, or will I be underwhelmed by its relatively small 130mm aperture?

Post Extras:

Footbag
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/13/09

Loc: Scranton, PA

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Peter Natscher]
#5666811 - 02/07/13 10:38 AM

How long ago did you put your name on the list?

Sorry, I cannot help answer your question. I hope to be able to someday.

Post Extras:

elbee
professor emeritus

Reged: 05/02/09

Loc: Arizona

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Footbag]
#5666822 - 02/07/13 10:47 AM

it's a wonderful scope for observing but don't expect to see views like you are accustomed to with your 24" aperture (or even the 175mm AP). to me it seems like a no-brainer to take it. try it out for a few weeks or months and if it is not to your liking you will have no problem selling it for more than you paid for it. it will be a pleasure to handle vs. your larger gear. given your current scopes, test driving it for awhile and deciding it's not for you, i don't think you can be accused of "flipping". besides, you can alway sell it to a deserving/begging friend for what you paid for it and will likely have a friend for life.

Post Extras:

Doug Culbertson
Post Laureate

Reged: 01/06/05

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Footbag]
#5666850 - 02/07/13 10:57 AM

Quote:

How long ago did you put your name on the list?

Sorry, I cannot help answer your question. I hope to be able to someday.

I don't know about Peter, but it took me almost exactly 10 years on the list to get the call from AP regarding my 130EDFGT. After all that time, I declined.

Post Extras:

Footbag
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/13/09

Loc: Scranton, PA

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Doug Culbertson]
#5666858 - 02/07/13 11:00 AM

I wish they still had plans to make smaller refractors. I'd love something like a traveler. I could wait 10 years for that.

Post Extras:

Paul G
Post Laureate

Reged: 05/08/03

Loc: Freedonia

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Peter Natscher]
#5666894 - 02/07/13 11:20 AM

Quote:

Any experiences with using a AP 130EDFGT for observing only? The AP front desk told me a few months ago that my name is coming up on the wait list for an offer to buy one 130EDFGT during the next production run in 2013. Should I take the offer? I don't flip scopes. I would use it pretty much for grab&go observing around the house since I'm still totally enjoying transporting larger aperture scopes to dark sites at my youthful age of 62.

It's a great portable observing scope. I keep mine set up on a Unistar Light Deluxe on a Gitzo 5 series tripod. I'll be 60 next month and have a horrible back but I can easily carry the whole thing out in one trip. It makes a great telephoto lens for daytime birding or photography, too.

Quote:

Would it be a keeper as I get older and tire of managing larger scopes, or will I be underwhelmed by its relatively small 130mm aperture?

Only you can answer that.

Post Extras:

JJK
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 04/28/08

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Peter Natscher]
#5666948 - 02/07/13 11:50 AM

Peter,

If you can live with the limitations of a 130 mm aperture OTA, then the AP130GT is a very good choice. I had one (I really liked it) and sold it a few years later (for what I paid) only because I had other scopes that were more portable (AP StowAway & Traveler), much harder to find again (Zeiss 130 APQ), the next major step up in size (AP155 f/7), and I needed the funds for another astro-project. It obviously won't provide quite the same breathtaking views your AP175 f/8 (I have one) or 14" Newt-Dob afford, but it is far more portable and easier to set up.

The neat thing about the AP130GT is that it can be packed up into a relatively small footprint case. There's almost no reason to leave home without it.

Clear Skies,
John

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t.r.
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/14/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: JJK]
#5666963 - 02/07/13 12:00 PM

Peter, unless your AP175 is permanently mounted or your 24" is in an observatory, I can pretty much guarantee you will use the 130 more as your grab and go scope of convenience. I'll post about my adventures with the Gran Tursimo as my primary visual use scope when I get the time later tonight.

Post Extras:

Cliff C
member

Reged: 02/11/09

Loc: Long Island, NY

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Peter Natscher]
#5666996 - 02/07/13 12:18 PM

Peter,
I have had mine for a little over 4 years now and love it! The scope is extreemly manageable. I've used it on an EZ-Touch altazimuth mount for sky sweeping and satelite tracking. It will give you a much wider field of view compared to your AP-175 or the big dob. Nice for the upcoming comets.
Cliff

Post Extras:

Peter Natscher
sage

Reged: 03/28/06

Loc: Central California

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Footbag]
#5667089 - 02/07/13 01:24 PM

I put my name on the AP 130EDF list around 2005.

Quote:

How long ago did you put your name on the list?

Sorry, I cannot help answer your question. I hope to be able to someday.

Post Extras:

Mike Clemens
Frozen to Eyepiece

Reged: 11/26/05

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Peter Natscher]
#5667109 - 02/07/13 01:38 PM

I think that means they are moving through time faster than the rate of signups...

Post Extras:

Doug D.
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 08/23/05

Loc: Virginia

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Peter Natscher]
#5667115 - 02/07/13 01:40 PM

Quote:

I put my name on the AP 130EDF list around 2005.

Oooh, maybe I'm getting close - beginning of 2006 for me... The question is, however, would the 130GT supplant the Traveler as my grab and go? It would certainly be dragged out more often than my 140mm with 4" focuser for visual use!

The 130GT strikes me as a great scope for visual use, I'd be very tempted to consider it even if I had to give up the Traveler to make it happen - as long as I was sure the mount demands were no greater (and that my set-up time was not much different than it is with the 105).

Post Extras:

t.r.
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/14/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Doug D.]
#5667232 - 02/07/13 02:49 PM

Quote:

...as long as I was sure the mount demands were no greater (and that my set-up time was not much different than it is with the 105

That is the real catch to the 130!

Post Extras:

Daud
sage

Reged: 08/05/06

Loc: AZ, Scottsdale

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: t.r.]
#5667239 - 02/07/13 02:55 PM

Quote:

Quote:

...as long as I was sure the mount demands were no greater (and that my set-up time was not much different than it is with the 105

That is the real catch to the 130!

What mounts then people are using for visual observing with the 130GT?

Post Extras:

JJK
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 04/28/08

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Doug D.]
#5667283 - 02/07/13 03:20 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I put my name on the AP 130EDF list around 2005.

Oooh, maybe I'm getting close - beginning of 2006 for me... The question is, however, would the 130GT supplant the Traveler as my grab and go? It would certainly be dragged out more often than my 140mm with 4" focuser for visual use!

The 130GT strikes me as a great scope for visual use, I'd be very tempted to consider it even if I had to give up the Traveler to make it happen - as long as I was sure the mount demands were no greater (and that my set-up time was not much different than it is with the 105).

That depends on what you mean by grab and go. I sometimes leave my WO80 f/6 or AP92 f/5 StowAway inside my house on a small Alt-Az mount for true grab & go missions. I don't feel comfortable doing that with my Traveler or larger scopes. Given that, I saw no significant difference between setting up the Traveler and 130GT when I had them both.

I think the mount requirement for the Traveler an 130GT aren't much different. An AP Mach1GTO (or the equivalent) should handle either nicely.

Edited by JJK (02/07/13 03:21 PM)

Post Extras:

Peter Natscher
sage

Reged: 03/28/06

Loc: Central California

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: JJK]
#5667488 - 02/07/13 05:03 PM

C7 shows theirs on a Vixen Sphinx equatorial. Looks great and half the cost of a Mach 1. Heck, I could probably keep the 130 attached to a Sphinx and ready to carry out in one piece for fast grab&go.

Post Extras:

M13 Observer
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/09/06

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Doug D.]
#5667633 - 02/07/13 06:33 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I put my name on the AP 130EDF list around 2005.

Oooh, maybe I'm getting close - beginning of 2006 for me... The question is, however, would the 130GT supplant the Traveler as my grab and go? It would certainly be dragged out more often than my 140mm with 4" focuser for visual use!

The 130GT strikes me as a great scope for visual use, I'd be very tempted to consider it even if I had to give up the Traveler to make it happen - as long as I was sure the mount demands were no greater (and that my set-up time was not much different than it is with the 105).

There is always a penalty for larger aperture and going from a Traveler to an AP130 is a definite increase in size and weight. I run my Traveler on an AP400QMD with Gitzo 5 series tripod for the ultimate in airline portability or a Miller TRI36L. The AP130 works just fine as well but it requires a second 9 pound counterweight on the 400 in addition to the 9 pound counterweight required by the Traveler. While I use the same AP Dove08 style saddle plate, the 130 has much larger, beefier rings than those on the Traveler. The more cumbersome OTA and the extra counterweight means it suddenly it goes from "grab and go" over towards "lug and lumber". I guess it now becomes a case of what you feel is right for you.

Post Extras:

Erik Bakker
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 08/10/06

Loc: The Netherlands, Europe

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Peter Natscher]
#5667789 - 02/07/13 08:20 PM

Hi Peter,

I had the EDFS 130. Great for observing around the house, just not quite grab and go. If you can afford to get one, just do it and see how it works for you. The mount will play an important role in how grab and go it will be. GP-DX or EM10 will do quite well for visual work, especially on a sturdy tripod. A DM6 would be a great alt-az for the 130.

Post Extras:

Joe Bergeron
Vendor - Space Art

Reged: 11/10/03

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Peter Natscher]
#5668101 - 02/07/13 11:21 PM

Why not make a 130mm aperture mask for your 175 and see what you think?

Post Extras:

Erik Bakker
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 08/10/06

Loc: The Netherlands, Europe

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Joe Bergeron]
#5668267 - 02/08/13 02:31 AM

Quote:

Why not make a 130mm aperture mask for your 175 and see what you think?

Only to find out that perhaps the best grab-n-go for around the house or anywhere else for that matter is ....................

The little Q 3 1/2

Post Extras:

JJK
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 04/28/08

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Erik Bakker]
#5668375 - 02/08/13 06:28 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Why not make a 130mm aperture mask for your 175 and see what you think?

Only to find out that perhaps the best grab-n-go for around the house or anywhere else for that matter is ....................
The little Q 3 1/2

The Questar 3.5" is a fine instrument, and the ultimate in grab and go, especially if it's used with the built in tripod legs (i.e., as a table-top instrument).

However, the AP130GT's capabilities are far greater. I found that the Q 3.5 performs as one would expect, given the aperture (William Optics 80 f/6 LOMO apo< Q 3.5" < AP 92 f/4.9 StowAway < AP 105 f/5.9 Traveler).

If Peter is man enough to use the 130GT as a g&g OTA, it'd be a great way to go slumming.

Also, if Peter ever decides to become frustrated, the 130GT doubles as a nice astrograph.

Post Extras:

CounterWeight
Postmaster

Reged: 10/05/08

Loc: Cloudyopolis, OR.

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: JJK]
#5668404 - 02/08/13 07:22 AM

I don't understand the long wait, these come up for sale on Astromart every so often. At least there are 4 listed in the last 90 days, one currently.

Post Extras:

gillmj24
Post Laureate

Reged: 12/06/05

Loc: PA

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: CounterWeight]
#5668414 - 02/08/13 07:31 AM

It's quite a hefty scope for grab and go. To me it feels heavier than the 20 or so pounds it tips the scales at. The views are great though, and you wont regret buying it. I've used a mach1 and DM6 with mine and they both are good combos. I have the standard AP case (the original long one I believe) a scopeguard that was meant for a larger scope but I can keep the AP in its rings and dovetail inside the case (not the "case" with the included AP case) and the scopeguard airline one just in "case" I get to travel by air with it. Not likely but it's good to have if/when I travel with it. I wouldn't consider either of my two portable mounts "grab and go" though. Each takes multiple trips to the car to pack/unpack/set up.

Edited by gillmj24 (02/08/13 07:35 AM)

Post Extras:

gillmj24
Post Laureate

Reged: 12/06/05

Loc: PA

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: CounterWeight]
#5668418 - 02/08/13 07:38 AM

Quote:

I don't understand the long wait, these come up for sale on Astromart every so often. At least there are 4 listed in the last 90 days, one currently.

Yes, at "flipped" prices. If one has the opportunity and finamces to get a new AP for less than the price of a used AP scope it is a no brainer. True, I joined the hobby too late for a new AP scope so I decided to pay the going used AP rate at the time rather than pay a likely higher used AP rate later.

Post Extras:

coz
super member

Reged: 08/25/10

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: gillmj24]
#5668419 - 02/08/13 07:39 AM

I had one and used it with a DM4 on a gitzo tripod for a quick setup. It was great go for it.

Post Extras:

Scott Beith
SRF

Reged: 11/26/03

Loc: Frederick, MD

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: coz]
#5668563 - 02/08/13 09:25 AM

Peter if you pick up the 130, your smallest scope will be the same size as my largest.

Post Extras:

Patrik Iver
sage

Reged: 07/29/03

Loc: Kaarina, Finland

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Peter Natscher]
#5669324 - 02/08/13 04:02 PM

For me:
Not grab & go, but I use mine on a DM6 and Berlebach Planet, so the combination is quite heavy, but also very stable.
I tried using it on my much lighter Giro II and Berlebach UNI 18 L, but considered it seriously undermounted.

I'm getting a 105 mm f/6 (also an oil spaced triplet) in order to have something significantly lighter and more portable. That OTA should be ready for delivery sometime during next summer.

Post Extras:

t.r.
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/14/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Patrik Iver]
#5669378 - 02/08/13 04:36 PM

Everyone is touching on the real issue of owning the GT. Absolutely, it will show more than a Traveler or any other quality 4" refractor. The level of planetary and DSO detail seen is obvious, appreciable and satisfying over those. The catch is to mount the scope in a manner that allows one to use it with the same frequency as the smaller instruments. Otherwise, you might just as well observe with the 175 or 24" for the effort expended!

I used to take my TV Genesis out on its super polaris mount in one trip, counterweights and all. I used it heavily! Nightly! Even though the GT is physically not much bigger, it is twice the weight and then add the additional counterweight! The alt/az solution may be the best answer to use this scope with ease. Nova Hitch, DSV-3, DM-4/6 and even the TV Gibraltar 5 come to mind and seem to be the mount of choice over equatorials, which I prefer for various reasons. I use my GT on a CG5 Goto primarily and a Mach1 more recently, but it is not grab and go and takes a few trips to rig and get going. Result? Decreased use versus the Genesis.

So, is the scope worth getting? Absolutely! The one piece of advice I'd give...consider your mounting options wisely. I have owned the GT since it was first released in 2008...I still have yet to mount it in a manner that is satisfactory to using it as grab and go!

Edited by t.r. (02/09/13 08:28 AM)

Post Extras:

skullpin
sage

Reged: 03/13/09

Loc: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: t.r.]
#5669473 - 02/08/13 05:30 PM

I have a Borg 125SD and a DM4.... a comparable set up that I consider grab'n'go. Two trips, one with scope in case in one hand, starbound chair in other, second trip with DM4 (legs already spread and locked) in one hand, eyepiece box in other. Set up is under one minute, only the time to extract the scope from the case and lock it into the DM4's tilt-in saddle. It is not quite as grab'n'go as some people like to carry everything all put together out in one trip, but I still find it pretty easy to live with.

The Borg+rings is almost half the weight of the AP+rings though (11 vs 20 lbs). Additionally, the Borg case holds the scope+rings+diagonal which is very convenient.

If you think a 20 pound instrument is easy to haul out at a moment's notice, the AP should be similarly easy to live with. Having to handle the diagonal and rings separately will be a minor nuisance, though the Borg case is available for sale and I believe it might fit the AP GT130+rings+diagonal. I know first hand that the DM4 is quite capable of handling the extra weight as I quite successfully used it with a TV np127is (about 19lbs with rings and diagonal).

Keith

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Mike Clemens
Frozen to Eyepiece

Reged: 11/26/05

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: skullpin]
#5669680 - 02/08/13 07:57 PM

It is a chunky scope, feels very dense for it size. You sure don't whip it around like an FS128.

Post Extras:

APtelephoto
member

Reged: 04/17/10

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Mike Clemens]
#5669835 - 02/08/13 09:56 PM Attachment (33 downloads)

It is a stout piece of work to be sure. It seems the main focus of the replies has been with respect to the portability and stability of mounts. I use my "GT" on a home shop built alt/az mount (similar to a halfhitch) and know of other "GT" users quite happy with using a DM6 and/or other stout alt/az type mounts.

The "GT" is a most portable and capable optic for visual and photographic use. My daytime experience over the past 3 1/2 years has produced thousands wonderful wildlife images during many thousands of miles of travel. My evening use is primarily visual. I do carry the scope on the mount across fields (with a DSLR attached or diagonal with an eyepiece) on my shoulder routinely. My second hand is free to carry a mug of coffee or an eyepiece case.

The views... all one expects from an Astro-Physics refractor!

Pete

Edited by APtelephoto (02/08/13 09:58 PM)

Post Extras:

Zoomit
sage

Reged: 12/04/06

Loc: Tehachapi, CA

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Peter Natscher]
#5670593 - 02/09/13 11:55 AM

Quote:

I put my name on the AP 130EDF list around 2005.

wait, what?? I added my name on 3/2/04 and haven't heard anything. Gonna need to contact AP...

Post Extras:

Scott99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/10/07

Loc: New England

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Peter Natscher]
#5672097 - 02/10/13 10:22 AM

Peter - I would give the 130 a try, you might use it more than you think. Obviously it will be a lot dimmer than your big scopes, but it's big enough to show very good views of the planets from light-polluted places, or at times when you don't want to set everything up for a serious session, like when the moon is out.

I've got a TEC110 right now that I thought I would try and then sell right away, instead it's been sticking around. It's just too easy to set up it on my alt-az mount (Teegul) and get a nice view of Jupiter and a few other things. Even with just 110mm, I find the view each night of Jupiter changes enough to keep it interesting, 130 would be even better.

Post Extras:

Jayo
super member

Reged: 02/03/07

Loc: Quebec City

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Scott99]
#5672564 - 02/10/13 03:32 PM

I had an AP 130EDF myself. For many years did lotsa ap with it and was a first-class visual instrument. I sold it as I was fed up with time required to setting up my G11...a terrific, solid match for the 130. If your skies are routinely stable, you'll love this scope. Up here in the North East, the seeing is horrible and my AP Stowaway often gave more stable views. I bought an FSQ-ED and yes it was fabulous too, but much too heavy for Grab & Go on my smaller mounts. I scaled down to the lighter and shorter TEC110FL myself. Every bit as good as AP quality, optically and mechanically. No, the views are not quite those of the 130 on nights of perfect seeing...but the smaller TEC gets more use being on a simple EZ-Touch mount or my iOpton EQ30. So it all comes down to your 'seeing' skies and whether you have the patience to lug out heavier mounts, set up times, etc.
If you have a permanent set up, the 130EDF is a no-brainer.

Post Extras:

Peter Natscher
sage

Reged: 03/28/06

Loc: Central California

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: t.r.]
#5673733 - 02/11/13 10:07 AM

Observed with my 175EDF this weekend at a one-hour-away Bortle blue site. Views of many DSO's were satisfying considering I'm used to observing with my larger Dobs. Set up with a 900GTO and ATS Portable Pier does take longer than setting up my 24" StarStructure Dob. At larger apertures, say 6" or more, a refractor with eq, mount with all the parts adds up to more time setting up and dismantling away from home.

Quote:

Everyone is touching on the real issue of owning the GT. Absolutely, it will show more than a Traveler or any other quality 4" refractor. The level of planetary and DSO detail seen is obvious, appreciable and satisfying over those. The catch is to mount the scope in a manner that allows one to use it with the same frequency as the smaller instruments. Otherwise, you might just as well observe with the 175 or 24" for the effort expended!

I used to take my TV Genesis out on its super polaris mount in one trip, counterweights and all. I used it heavily! Nightly! Even though the GT is physically not much bigger, it is twice the weight and then add the additional counterweight! The alt/az solution may be the best answer to use this scope with ease. Nova Hitch, DSV-3, DM-4/6 and even the TV Gibraltar 5 come to mind and seem to be the mount of choice over equatorials, which I prefer for various reasons. I use my GT on a CG5 Goto primarily and a Mach1 more recently, but it is not grab and go and takes a few trips to rig and get going. Result? Decreased use versus the Genesis.

So, is the scope worth getting? Absolutely! The one piece of advice I'd give...consider your mounting options wisely. I have owned the GT since it was first released in 2008...I still have yet to mount it in a manner that is satisfactory to using it as grab and go!

Edited by Peter Natscher (02/11/13 10:10 AM)

Post Extras:

Daud
sage

Reged: 08/05/06

Loc: AZ, Scottsdale

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Peter Natscher]
#5674111 - 02/11/13 01:54 PM

Peter, how involved is the setup with the Dob and how frequently are you using it ?

Post Extras:

Peter Natscher
sage

Reged: 03/28/06

Loc: Central California

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Daud]
#5674498 - 02/11/13 05:25 PM

Off Topic. Sent PM.

Quote:

Peter, how involved is the setup with the Dob and how frequently are you using it ?

Post Extras:

Scott99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/10/07

Loc: New England

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Peter Natscher]
#5674578 - 02/11/13 06:24 PM

>>>consider your mounting options wisely. I have owned the GT since it was first released in 2008...I still have yet to mount it in a manner that is satisfactory to using it as grab and go!

I didn't read this before- this does make a lot of sense. It might be better to drop down to the TEC110 for grab-n-go, the 130 is too big for most small mounts. For someone with a 6 or 7 inch apo, it probably does make more sense to get a grab-n-go in the 4-4.5 inch range. The 130 might be better for someone with only large reflectors that wants a mid-size apo.

Post Extras:

Rossmon
sage

Reged: 07/09/10

Loc: Marin County, CA

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Scott99]
#5675173 - 02/12/13 02:12 AM

my tv np127 is a real example of a grabngo 5" ota. 14lbs, f5.2 fits into the np101 case. reviewed on this site! Worked well on my gm8 and a bit cheaper!

Ross

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LivingNDixie
TSP Chowhound

Reged: 04/23/03

Loc: Trussville, AL

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Rossmon]
#5679130 - 02/14/13 10:35 AM

Peter,
Did you make the call to get the scope?

Post Extras:

LivingNDixie
TSP Chowhound

Reged: 04/23/03

Loc: Trussville, AL

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Footbag]
#5679138 - 02/14/13 10:39 AM

Quote:

I wish they still had plans to make smaller refractors. I'd love something like a traveler. I could wait 10 years for that.

I feel your pain. Had the Traveler been produced one more time I would have gotten the call. I got on the list in early 2000 and they got up to late 1999, or so I was told a few years back.

So I was a little ticked how they handled the Stowaways. Not sure. I would have taken one, but I think a call would have been nice.

Post Extras:

jrbarnett
Eyepiece Hooligan

Reged: 02/28/06

Loc: Petaluma, CA

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: Peter Natscher]
#5679194 - 02/14/13 11:07 AM

Yes, Pete, you should buy the scope, IF...

...you want/need a highly portable (including airline portable, due to its modularity) top quality, large aperture (for a refractor) scope for grab & go, general travel or similar use for which portability is a prime virtue.

Regards,

Jim

Post Extras:

t.r.
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/14/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: AP 130EDFGT For Observing Only? new

[Re: jrbarnett]
#5679272 - 02/14/13 11:42 AM

Quote:

So I was a little ticked how they handled the Stowaways. Not sure. I would have taken one, but I think a call would have been nice

Yeah, AP has an odd track record of offerings. I did my best to get on the 180 list several years ago...No Go, said it was closed even though I showed an interest. Lo and behold, out comes the 175EDF last year and people not even on the list or showed interest in such a scope get the call?!?!? Then, back in '07 the 140 comes out, no one on the 130 list gets a call to order first...new list, get in line?!?!?! People who attended NEAF take delivery within months...I'm on the 130 list for 8 years?!?!? A friend of mine attends NEAF and signs up as the first couple folks on the RH list, he notes the names ahead of him. A high profile imager who signs up well after him gets one and my friend...still waiting! I have a couple such dealings with AP that left me scratchin' my noggin'!!!