Telescope Reviews: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7

· Get a Cloudy Nights T-Shirt

· Submit a Review / Article

Click here if you are having trouble logging into the forums

Privacy Policy | Please read our Terms of Service | Signup and Troubleshooting FAQ | Problems? PM a Red or a Green Gu… uh, User

You are not logged in. [Login]

Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online
FAQ · Calendar

Announcements and News >> Discussion of CN Articles, Reviews, and Reports

Pages: 1 | 2 | (show all)

Tom Trusock

Reged: 02/26/02

CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7
#2138587 - 01/22/08 05:21 PM

Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7

Edited by Mike Loffland (01/22/08 05:36 PM)

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

hoof
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/07/05

Loc: Redmond, WA

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: Tom Trusock]
#2138794 - 01/22/08 07:03 PM

Nice review!

BTW, what is that mount you have it on?

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Tom Trusock

Reged: 02/26/02

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: hoof]
#2138806 - 01/22/08 07:07 PM

Thanks Hoof.

The mount is a Universal Astronomics Microstar Deluxe on a Bogen / Manfrotto 3036 tripod.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

lineman_16735
Tak-o-holic

Reged: 12/04/04

Loc: Central PA

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: Tom Trusock]
#2139013 - 01/22/08 08:23 PM

One of the best reviews I have read from you yet Tom. To the point and impartial. Excellent read.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Tom Trusock

Reged: 02/26/02

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: lineman_16735]
#2139072 - 01/22/08 08:45 PM

Thank you Chris.

Your comments are appreciated.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

ckwastro
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 11/23/05

Loc: Tempe, AZ

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: Tom Trusock]
#2139914 - 01/23/08 09:25 AM

Nice review Tom, thanks! Did they go with a cemented triplet for cost reasons? I thought they would have gone air-spaced for a little more correction freedom.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

timmbottoni
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 08/25/05

Loc: W Chicago suburbs, IL USA

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: ckwastro]
#2139956 - 01/23/08 10:01 AM

Good review as always!

Any hints on more reviews coming?

Timm

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Tom Trusock

Reged: 02/26/02

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: ckwastro]
#2139965 - 01/23/08 10:08 AM

Hi Kerry,

Dunno specifically.

A cemented triplet - if done right - has several advantages in a scope like this one that is geared toward this particular target audience. It's less fuss for the company to mount and align (providing it's properly cemented of course). And of course, it won't go out of (internal) alignment. There's also an improvement in cooldown (especially if there are large air spacings) although that's probably pretty negligible with a scope this size.

Of course, on the flip side, you have to make sure that the elements are properly matched before cementing, and that you use a proper cement.

Folks should keep in mind that it's not designed to compete with something like a lomo 80 triplet, the TV85 or an FS78. Design wise (as compared to the AT80EDT) the TMBSS is also superior although the mechanics are the same.

The scope is built to a price point, and it offers an excellent value for that price point - especially when you look at what the other offerings are in that same price point.

Thanks sir.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Tom Trusock

Reged: 02/26/02

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: timmbottoni]
#2139968 - 01/23/08 10:11 AM

Quote:

Good review as always!

Any hints on more reviews coming?

Timm

Hi Timm,

I'm finishing a review on TV's flagship scope, then I have a piece of astrosoftware on tap, and after that I'll get back to the Nagler piece. I also have a DSLR focuser that I need to take a look at. Then I'd like to work on an article about choosing a beginner telescope, and of course I'd like to get back and do some more small wonders.

There's a few other projects in the pipe as well.

Thanks for asking sir.

T

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

ckwastro
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 11/23/05

Loc: Tempe, AZ

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: Tom Trusock]
#2139974 - 01/23/08 10:19 AM

Um, T. - Do ever have any time left for observing??

Thanks for all you do!

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

ckwastro
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 11/23/05

Loc: Tempe, AZ

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: Tom Trusock]
#2140001 - 01/23/08 10:37 AM

Quote:

Hi Kerry,

Dunno specifically. A cemented triplet - if done right - has several advantages in a scope like this one that is geared toward this particular target audience. It's less fuss for the company to mount and align (providing it's properly cemented of course). And of course, it won't go out of (internal) alignment. There's also an improvement in cooldown (especially if there are large air spacings) although that's probably pretty negligible with a scope this size.

Of course, on the flip side, you have to make sure that the elements are properly matched before cementing, and that you use a proper cement.

Makes sense, thank you sir! It seems like a nice little scope, especially for the price.

Since you were seeing some violet fringing, if I were in the market I'd probably be wracking my brain about now on whether or not to go with a well-corrected doublet for a little better contrast and lighter weight. Probably even faster cool-down too, but like you said - it's an 80mm scope.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Tom Trusock

Reged: 02/26/02

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: ckwastro]
#2140027 - 01/23/08 10:54 AM

Thanks Kerry.

FWIW, the doublets that are corrected to a roughly similar degree are typically quite a bit pricier. WO used to offer an 80mm FPL-53 based scope for around $800+/- that would be a good option if you could find it used. Outside of that, if you wanted a doublet with roughly this color performance, you'd probably be looking at a TV76/85 or an FS78. (And frankly, that would be my choice - overall those are better telescopes. But it's a heck of a price jump, and many people can't do that.)

As usual, it all comes down to: "How much do you want to pay?"

T

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

ckwastro
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 11/23/05

Loc: Tempe, AZ

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: Tom Trusock]
#2140065 - 01/23/08 11:18 AM

Quote:

As usual, it all comes down to: "How much do you want to pay?" T

Always does!!

I was fortunate enough a few years back to come across one of the best Sub-4" APOs out there - AP f/7 Stowaway - so I can't want for much more in that range. But, every once in a while I think it would be fun to add another small refractor in the 80mm-90mm size just to see what it can do.

Edited by ckwastro (01/23/08 11:19 AM)

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Tom Trusock

Reged: 02/26/02

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: ckwastro]
#2140071 - 01/23/08 11:22 AM

A Stowaway? You lucky dog!

Personally, at some point I'd love to get another TV85 (I've had two). But I have an excellent TMB 80/600 with lots of sentimental value in that range and have a hard time fiscally justifying it.

T

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

ckwastro
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 11/23/05

Loc: Tempe, AZ

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: Tom Trusock]
#2140099 - 01/23/08 11:42 AM

I know what you mean about fiscally justifying.

It would seem you're a lucky dog too!! TMB 80/600 - Beautiful scope. I've never seen one up close but was always drooling over it

Yeah, don't part with that one.

I came close to pulling the trigger on a TV85 a couple times and sorta wished I had. There was something I always loved about the 85, a "je ne c'est quoi" I guess you could call it.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Tom Trusock

Reged: 02/26/02

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: ckwastro]
#2140153 - 01/23/08 12:24 PM

Yeah, my custom 80/600 can't ever leave. Far far too much sentimental value.

T

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Wmacky
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 11/24/07

Loc: Florida

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: Tom Trusock]
#2140918 - 01/23/08 06:54 PM

I wonder how this scope would compare with the comparably priced, and outfitted Equinox 80ED for imaging purposes?

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

mattz
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/03/06

Loc: Where is Rescue CA?

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: Wmacky]
#2141177 - 01/23/08 09:20 PM

Thanks for this Tom. Any idea how this compares to Orion's 80mm ED? They seem to be at about the same price point.

Update: on rereading, I did see: The color correction seems to be on a par with the ED80, but the mechanics are a large step up.

Thanks again, Tom.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

JohanK
super member

Reged: 05/21/07

Loc: Ghent, Belgium

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: Tom Trusock]
#2142538 - 01/24/08 01:21 PM

Quote:

Personally, at some point I'd love to get another TV85 (I've had two)

Do you want a new one for it's quality, or for other reasons?

I'm asking this because I'm considering one for myself also.

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Preston Smith
The Travel Scope Guy

Reged: 04/24/05

Loc: Eureka, Pa

Re: CN Report: Astronomy Technologies 80EDT f7 new

new

[Re: Tom Trusock]
#2142830 - 01/24/08 03:46 PM

Thanx Tom!

What's the selling price on this scope?

Post Extras:

Print Post

Remind Me!

Notify Moderator

Pages: 1 | 2 | (show all)

Extra information

1 registered and 5 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator: droid, iceblaze

Print Thread

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled

Thread views: 4619

Jump to

Cloudy Nights LLC
Cloudy Nights Sponsor: Astronomics