Telescope Reviews: TEC 200

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Equipment Discussions >> Refractors

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Smo
sage

Reged: 01/19/09

Loc: North Vancouver, BC, Canada

TEC 200
#4242621 - 12/11/10 03:08 PM

These don't seem to be for sale anymore is that correct? only used ones available?

Post Extras:

Mike Clemens
Frozen to Eyepiece

Reged: 11/26/05

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Smo]
#4242640 - 12/11/10 03:21 PM Attachment (263 downloads)

Correct.

Yuri hints that 200FL's may become available in the future, but probably not 200ED's. Either way, breathe deep do not hold breath.

Edited by Mike Clemens (12/11/10 03:23 PM)

Post Extras:

Smo
sage

Reged: 01/19/09

Loc: North Vancouver, BC, Canada

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mike Clemens]
#4242908 - 12/11/10 06:11 PM

How much do the 200's go for?

My research show me that an APM 8" triplet is going to be around 31K-34K asking price depending on the f/ratio etc.

Obviously the asking price on that 206mm Astro-physics is 48K starting Bid with reserve not met so who knows how much..

What would someone expect to pay for a TEC 200 do you think.

Post Extras:

Ira
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 08/22/10

Loc: Mitzpe Ramon, Israel

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Smo]
#4242911 - 12/11/10 06:14 PM

Maybe Yerkes will put the 40" on sale one day.

/Ira

Post Extras:

Ziggy943
Post Laureate

Reged: 08/11/06

Loc: Utah

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Ira]
#4242978 - 12/11/10 06:47 PM

Quote:

Maybe Yerkes will put the 40" on sale one day.

/Ira

Its been for sale

Post Extras:

David Pavlich
Transmographied

Reged: 05/18/05

Loc: Mandeville, LA USA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Ziggy943]
#4243005 - 12/11/10 06:55 PM

I believe Tony Hallas is selling his 8" Astro Physics. Here's to buying lottery tickets!

David

Post Extras:

t.r.
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/14/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: David Pavlich]
#4243109 - 12/11/10 07:48 PM

I "bought" a TEC200ED this past summer on Amart for $15,000. It was a STEAL at this price IMHO. It sold for around $18K new. Then , I started the process of trying to mount, house, feed, etc. the beast! I realized quickly that I was over my head in what I could manage (bad back compliments Uncle Sam

). So, I had to turn down delivery which was no problem as the seller had a list of anxious alternates. That was the last available stateside, APM of Germany had been advertising one for $18,000. Nice dream scope...IF you have an observatory!

Post Extras:

SteveC
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 06/15/06

Loc: The Garden State & Ocean State

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mike Clemens]
#4243117 - 12/11/10 07:52 PM

So, Mike, I noticed the TEC200 on the table, but no food.

Post Extras:

Ira
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 08/22/10

Loc: Mitzpe Ramon, Israel

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: SteveC]
#4243140 - 12/11/10 08:04 PM

Post Extras:

skybsd
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/01/08

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: SteveC]
#4243162 - 12/11/10 08:12 PM

Quote:

So, Mike, I noticed the TEC200 on the table, but no food.

No "proud Mike next to scope" too.., Perhaps no clothes either?

Regards,

skybsd

Post Extras:

SteveC
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 06/15/06

Loc: The Garden State & Ocean State

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: skybsd]
#4243535 - 12/12/10 12:49 AM

Quote:

Quote:

So, Mike, I noticed the TEC200 on the table, but no food.

No "proud Mike next to scope" too.., Perhaps no clothes either?

Regards,

skybsd

, You know, there may be more truth to your claim than you might believe. A few months ago, Mike revealed to the world that he went outside to view through his TEC200 in freezing weather without any socks on. I don't think we were getting the full story.......................not that I want to see pictures at this point.

Post Extras:

Mike Clemens
Frozen to Eyepiece

Reged: 11/26/05

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: SteveC]
#4243607 - 12/12/10 02:47 AM

I go outside only via ethernet now.

Post Extras:

Muffin Research
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 09/28/07

Loc: Belgium

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mike Clemens]
#4243774 - 12/12/10 07:53 AM

Hmm the whole backside and focuser section look like they are made out of material from 'the monolith'
It has this shimmer of being unreal, does anybody else hear those Ligeti choirs?

Post Extras:

Paul G
Post Laureate

Reged: 05/08/03

Loc: Freedonia

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mike Clemens]
#4243979 - 12/12/10 11:15 AM

Man, that thing is beautiful, looks like a piece of a spacecraft!

Post Extras:

drksky
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 09/01/09

Loc: Bloomington, IL

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: David Pavlich]
#4244399 - 12/12/10 02:48 PM

Quote:

I believe Tony Hallas is selling his 8" Astro Physics. Here's to buying lottery tickets!

David

A bargain at only $48,000.

Post Extras:

David Pavlich
Transmographied

Reged: 05/18/05

Loc: Mandeville, LA USA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: drksky]
#4246494 - 12/13/10 03:50 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I believe Tony Hallas is selling his 8" Astro Physics. Here's to buying lottery tickets!

David

A bargain at only $48,000.

I remember many years ago, my son who was about 5 at the time, and I were at a car show. I was looking at a 348 Ferrari and made a comment like, "too rich for my blood!". My son said,"just write a check, Dad!" So....there's Tony's big refractor. Checkbook?

David

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islandsteve11
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 01/08/07

Loc: World Class LP of Las Vegas

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: drksky]
#4247243 - 12/13/10 09:45 PM

Quote:

A bargain at only $48,000.

That's what I thought, until someone pointed out that the "Buy It Now" price was $100,000.

Post Extras:

john 127
super member

Reged: 01/17/08

Loc: Napa, CA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: t.r.]
#4247539 - 12/14/10 01:12 AM

Shortly after tr bought his I "stumbled" across a TEC 200ED for sale in Southern California. I was looking for something in the 180mm range thinking it would be the last refractor I would buy when I saw this one for sale. $16,900 with scope guard case. I bought it knowing if nothing else I could sell it and get my money back if for some strange reason I didn't like it. It is a beast and I've only used it about 4 or 5 times since I bought it six months ago but it has served it's purpose. My wife now fully understands my "need" for an observatory!

Post Extras:

Scott Beith
SRF

Reged: 11/26/03

Loc: Frederick, MD

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: john 127]
#4247683 - 12/14/10 05:20 AM

You made a smart purchase.

Post Extras:

Daniel Mounsey
Vendor - Celestron

Reged: 06/12/02

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: john 127]
#4247951 - 12/14/10 10:21 AM

Hi John, glad you are happy with that TEC200. The one you have is the one depicted in these photos which originally belonged to my friend John Curry. http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbarchive/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/1025653/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/all/vc/1
I have tested it and it's a beauty. I've tested several 8" apos and yours ranks one of the best I've ever tested. Spherical correction is beautiful and Jupiter is mesmerizing. Saturn's rings take on a rich color tone. I wanted tp purchase it myself, but was wavering on price, but in the end, you made a good investment. I currently use my FS152 for portability purposes and it too is a wonderful refractor. If you are mounted permanently, it shouldn;t be to much trouble. My understanding was that the ED was an F stop slower with the same color correction as the FL. If that's true, then I wouldhave the ED model anyway because I prefer long F-ratios, but I'm sure they're both wonderful scopes either way.

Post Extras:

jimegger
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 12/22/05

Loc: Palmer,Alaska

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Daniel Mounsey]
#4249152 - 12/14/10 08:46 PM

I am looking into making a large refractor (8 to 10 inch) by grinding my own objective lens and am considering doing it with ED glass. I am finding out that a lot of the ED glass material is going out of production and the stock sizes are in smaller widths seeming to be more in the 180 mm and 160 mm sizes. You can have some melted for larger sizes but you would have to be a millionaire to afford that.I have not even checked on the prices for the stock available yet but I bet that it will make me yowl and go for the usual flint design !!!

Post Extras:

t.r.
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/14/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: jimegger]
#4249793 - 12/15/10 07:43 AM

Good luck on your venture. D & G attempted doublet ED refractors and they threw in the towel on it. Too hard to make, and they are set-up for production! They now stick to achro's.

Post Extras:

Jeff B
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 12/30/06

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: t.r.]
#4249845 - 12/15/10 08:26 AM

I once asked Barry if I gave him the ED glass, would he do the lens? There was a brief chuckle followed by "No".

Jeff

Post Extras:

jimegger
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 12/22/05

Loc: Palmer,Alaska

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Jeff B]
#4251583 - 12/16/10 12:34 AM

Not only is it getting harder to find the bigger size ED glasses for an objective in the 8 inch size range , they are darned expensive and anyone using them in lens production really needs to be careful in handling it plus they are finicky in you really need to be on your game in holding tolerances. Someone set up for production such as Barry would be taking a chance in trying something out of the norm. In some respects doing a one time job on specialty glass would be better for someone not set up for production. I am no expert at optical design although I did turn out a really nice 6 inch achromatic doublet. I have seen that the economy situation is making the different manufacturers cut back on production and sizes of materials not heavily used are taking a back seat. It always seems to go that way when things get tough. The Tec scopes are at the cutting edge of optical design and would be among the first to feel the pinch. I hope Yuri keeps it going because he sure has a great product line. I'd like to see even larger ED scopes come out in the future. Wouldn't a 10 inch be nice !!

Post Extras:

Mike Clemens
Frozen to Eyepiece

Reged: 11/26/05

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: jimegger]
#4251645 - 12/16/10 02:44 AM

I always hear about homogeneity problems, stria, and other things which make buying thousands in glass blanks sound terrifying. Coating and THEN finding out about probs, etc.

Post Extras:

jimegger
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 12/22/05

Loc: Palmer,Alaska

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mike Clemens]
#4252460 - 12/16/10 02:43 PM

Quote:

I always hear about homogeneity problems, stria, and other things which make buying thousands in glass blanks sound terrifying. Coating and THEN finding out about probs, etc.

You got that right Mike !!! We little guys can ill afford to have that expense for experimentation purposes. Right now no one is huge when it comes to optical design and implementation especially in this economy. When the money is rolling in it is best to take chances otherwise stick to the tried and true and let someone else take the risks. ( I think I just talked myself into a classical 8 inch doublet design !)

Post Extras:

Mike Clemens
Frozen to Eyepiece

Reged: 11/26/05

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: jimegger]
#4252537 - 12/16/10 03:25 PM

I think even the big guys don't like to take those chances. I think thats why you cannot order an 8" APO from USA right now.

Post Extras:

Muffin Research
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 09/28/07

Loc: Belgium

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mike Clemens]
#4252570 - 12/16/10 03:41 PM

so no love for these guys here?
Big lens

Although I can't get my mind around the money for these things.. I mean for that amount I can buy twice the size quality reflector and a nice 4/5" widefield Apo and be done with it and still have money left.
And scopes like this need observatories and heavy duty expensive mounts.

Still sure envy those who can put this in their backyard (and live in great skies)
If you see these sticking out of a Manhattan high rise building you probably think 'schmuck'

Post Extras:

skybsd
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/01/08

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Muffin Research]
#4252593 - 12/16/10 03:53 PM

Quote:

so no love for these guys here?
Big lens

Pretty sure "love" is not a problem - indeed, I'm pretty sure there's lots of "love"..,

. Its the "money" that's the problem - or lack thereof..,

Regards,

skybsd

Post Extras:

Mike Clemens
Frozen to Eyepiece

Reged: 11/26/05

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: skybsd]
#4252598 - 12/16/10 03:56 PM

It's awesome until something goes wrong and you need it serviced.

Post Extras:

skybsd
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/01/08

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mike Clemens]
#4252637 - 12/16/10 04:12 PM

Hi Mike,
Just curious.., What would typically crop up that fits the "something goes wrong" scenario in the case of such a scope (lens)?

Regards,

skybsd

Post Extras:

Mirzam
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/01/08

Loc: Lovettsville, VA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: skybsd]
#4252662 - 12/16/10 04:27 PM

Well, I can tell you one problem. I have a 180mm TMB with a poorly designed lens cell that does not hold the rear element with proper centering. My reason for keeping it is to rework the cell myself one of these days to try and revive the thing. Unfortunately, when TMB passed on, APM did not take up the cause or support the scopes that they had manufactured on TMB's behalf. Long term support is one of the great benefits of dealing with TEC, although I have never heard of their scopes requiring any support. (And I have owned two).

JimC

Post Extras:

skybsd
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/01/08

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mirzam]
#4252679 - 12/16/10 04:34 PM

Hello Jim,
Wow! Sounds like a right mess there.

I'll ask for the simple reason that I do not know. How long has TEC been producing and selling scopes compared to TMB - or various manifestations thereof?

Regards,

skybsd

Post Extras:

Mirzam
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/01/08

Loc: Lovettsville, VA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: skybsd]
#4252794 - 12/16/10 05:20 PM

I don't know the history of TEC in any detail, but their website gives a good synopsis. They certainly have been going strong with the TEC 140s since the early 2000's. They made a small number of excellent maksutovs in the early years as well.

Thomas M. Back designed and assembled telescopes using lenses sourced from Europe until his death in (I think) 2006 or 2007. Newer TMB's are Back designs that are manufactured in China. The newer TMB branded scopes are supported by the companies that sell them, including Astronomics. (My problem scope is one of the older APM-sourced models made around ~10 years ago).

JimC

Post Extras:

timwetherell
sage

Reged: 09/03/10

Loc: A Land Down Under

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: jimegger]
#4252798 - 12/16/10 05:22 PM

Quote:

Wouldn't a 10 inch be nice !!

It sure would be a beautiful thing to behold! Though I suspect that once you start getting into huge apertures the "refractor advantage" begins to wear off. And of course the $$$ become crazy. I think that APM do make scopes in this range but I'd imagine that they're specials to order rather than stock items.

Did anyone see that 14 or 15" apo lens that was being sold off on Astromart a year or so back? I think it was ordered then not collected or something

all the best

Tim

Post Extras:

skybsd
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/01/08

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mirzam]
#4252813 - 12/16/10 05:29 PM

Hello Jim,
Thanks for that..,

Did you ever actually get an explanation or statement from them as to why support was withdrawn (or refused?). Whilst this is not unheard of (lots of instances of similar across many industries), this sort of change is normally accompanied by some appropriate communication or statement of intent - you see.

Regards,

skybsd

Post Extras:

Mike Clemens
Frozen to Eyepiece

Reged: 11/26/05

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: timwetherell]
#4252816 - 12/16/10 05:30 PM

I might feel different if LZOS serviced the lenses once sold. Even though it would involve shipping to Russia and back. When something approaches the price of a new car, I want an awesome plan for service if required.

Post Extras:

Mirzam
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/01/08

Loc: Lovettsville, VA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: skybsd]
#4252869 - 12/16/10 06:05 PM

I contacted a company in Florida, the name of which was given to me by Teton Telescopes (who had nothing to do with my used scope other than being a US retailer for APM). I don't recall the name of the Florida company, but my understanding was that they did service work for APM products. Anyway they discussed the problem with me but did not agree to try and fix the problem. It's not like I was looking for warranty service--I was willing to pay them! However, the problem may also be unfixable, in which case they took the safe option.

The moral of this tale is that purchasing expensive used equipment always has some risk. If Thomas Back were still around my experience might have been different. Let's leave it at that.

JimC

Post Extras:

vahe
professor emeritus

Reged: 08/27/05

Loc: Houston, Texas

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: jimegger]
#4253287 - 12/16/10 09:11 PM

Quote:

Wouldn't a 10 inch be nice !!

Once you go above 8” cooling issues become fairly serious, a 10” air spaced a triplet apo is only useable to its full potential if it is located in tropical climate with very little temperature drops day/night.

Vahe

Post Extras:

john 127
super member

Reged: 01/17/08

Loc: Napa, CA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Daniel Mounsey]
#4253732 - 12/17/10 01:12 AM

Hi Daniel

Yes, it was originally John Curry's. I agree with you on the F9 ED over the F8 Fluorite. The gentleman I bought the scope from had experience with both and he said he didn't notice much of a difference and the fluorite is a lot more expensive. I have also heard that #005 tests quite well. I really didn't know anything about scopes in this size but figured I'd take a gamble. Like your review of this scope says the views of the planets are absolutely jaw dropping! We should have the observatory built by Spring so until then it mostly stays in the case. It helps me work on my patience!

Post Extras:

skybsd
Post Laureate

Reged: 02/01/08

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mirzam]
#4253744 - 12/17/10 01:39 AM

Thanks Jim, appreciate the background.,

Regards,

skybsd

Post Extras:

Scott99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/10/07

Loc: New England

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mirzam]
#4256130 - 12/18/10 11:28 AM

Quote:

I contacted a company in Florida, the name of which was given to me by Teton Telescopes (who had nothing to do with my used scope other than being a US retailer for APM). I don't recall the name of the Florida company, but my understanding was that they did service work for APM products. Anyway they discussed the problem with me but did not agree to try and fix the problem. It's not like I was looking for warranty service--I was willing to pay them! However, the problem may also be unfixable, in which case they took the safe option.

The moral of this tale is that purchasing expensive used equipment always has some risk. If Thomas Back were still around my experience might have been different. Let's leave it at that.

JimC

That LZOS 180mm should be an awesome lens. I'd probably start calling TEC and begging them to make me a new lens cell for some $$$.

Maybe in the midst of all that lens-grinding they might have some down-time in the machine shop for custom work.

Post Extras:

Stellarfire
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 07/10/11

Loc: Switzerland

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mike Clemens]
#5539786 - 11/26/12 03:35 AM

Quote:

Yuri hints that 200FL's may become available in the future, but probably not 200ED's. Either way, breathe deep do not hold breath.

In case that TEC will again bring the 200FL, what focal ratio would you prefer to see on that big boy: f/7 or f/8?

Stephan

Post Extras:

MrGrytt
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 07/28/05

Loc: Upstate New York

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mirzam]
#5539898 - 11/26/12 07:36 AM

Quote:

Well, I can tell you one problem. I have a 180mm TMB with a poorly designed lens cell that does not hold the rear element with proper centering. My reason for keeping it is to rework the cell myself one of these days to try and revive the thing. Unfortunately, when TMB passed on, APM did not take up the cause or support the scopes that they had manufactured on TMB's behalf. Long term support is one of the great benefits of dealing with TEC, although I have never heard of their scopes requiring any support. (And I have owned two).

JimC

It sounds like you have one of the early 180 f/9 scopes that was significantly cheaper than the 175 f/8. It also did not use OK4 ED glass. That is the one scope that Thomas said he wished he had never allowed to be made. It had serious cell problems and has been a pain for everyone.

Harvey

Post Extras:

Mirzam
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/01/08

Loc: Lovettsville, VA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: MrGrytt]
#5540002 - 11/26/12 09:52 AM

Yes, and I still have that scope on my to-do list--I want to modify the cell slightly to beef up the collimation screws and possibly improve the way the rear lens element is held in. The scope was brilliant when collimation is on.

JimC

Post Extras:

Starhawk
Post Laureate

Reged: 09/16/08

Loc: Tucson, Arizona

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mirzam]
#5540381 - 11/26/12 02:12 PM

I had an interesting discussion with Roland about old scopes at ASAE. He thinks people are crazy to pay a premium for his old scopes. I have the distinct impression he really never set out to be the master, and now that he is, it's an unusual situation for him.

Anyway, he is anything but sentimental about his own equipment, which I though was odd at first, but then I realized if Roland and Yuri weren't that way, they'd be insufferable fatheads. So, I'll take the versions who put serious effort into nice telescopes, and when the glass is available and things look right, they make masterpieces they're willing to sell at cost.

-Rich

Post Extras:

RodgerHouTex
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 06/02/09

Loc: Houston, Texas, USA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Starhawk]
#5540451 - 11/26/12 02:48 PM

"I had an interesting discussion with Roland about old scopes at ASAE. He thinks people are crazy to pay a premium for his old scopes."

I'm glad to see that Roland and I agree on what I have been saying all along.

Edited by RodgerHouTex (11/26/12 02:49 PM)

Post Extras:

M13 Observer
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/09/06

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: RodgerHouTex]
#5540548 - 11/26/12 03:45 PM

Quote:

"I had an interesting discussion with Roland about old scopes at ASAE. He thinks people are crazy to pay a premium for his old scopes."

I'm glad to see that Roland and I agree on what I have been saying all along.

The problem is, this could be said of anything. Cars, watches, musical instruments, etc, etc, etc. Quality sets the benchmark, then scarcity brings its own value. I'd love to buy a Stradivarius for 70 or so Lira or Florins or whatever was the coin 'du jour', an air worthy P-51 Mustang for the $15K or so they were made for, or a Ferrari 250 GTO for $18K, etc.

Oh, and anytime you want to dump your Astro-Physics 10"Mak-Cass or 305RH or AP175, or AP180 or . . . at original cost, be sure to let me know!

Post Extras:

elbee
professor emeritus

Reged: 05/02/09

Loc: Arizona

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: M13 Observer]
#5540571 - 11/26/12 04:00 PM

roland's scopes are harder to come by, but there really are equal quality alternatives -- TEC, for one, and TAK owners would probably argue the same. why pay $7k+ for a 'used new' AP130 when you can get a TEC140 without much trouble and $1500+ less?

i also just "don't get it"

Post Extras:

M13 Observer
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/09/06

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: elbee]
#5540632 - 11/26/12 04:37 PM

Quote:

roland's scopes are harder to come by, but there really are equal quality alternatives -- TEC, for one, and TAK owners would probably argue the same. why pay $7k+ for a 'used new' AP130 when you can get a TEC140 without much trouble and $1500+ less?

i also just "don't get it"

Lets see.
1) the AP130GT is designed to disassemble, a huge boon for those who travel via air
2) the AP130 GT is f/6.3 and the AP130EDFS is between f/6.0 to f/6.3 depending on the run. Both are faster for astrophoto use than the f/7 TEC140.
3) the faster focal ratio means that the tubes are more compact and the tubes are smaller overall.
4) a large format field flattener is available for the AP130. It is not always available for the TEC140.

So, yes the TEC140 is a WONDERFUL telescope. There are some reasons people would prefer it over the AP130. There are also some reasons people would prefer the AP130 over the TEC140.

Now the TAK TOA series is supposed to have excellent optics. It is also very heavy for its size. It is also fixed length and quite long at that with a focal ratio of f/7.7. Again, some people would prefer it over either the TEC or the AP. I'm not one of them.

I completely understand my preference! Yes, I get it!

Post Extras:

BPO
sage

Reged: 02/23/10

Loc: South Island, NZ

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: M13 Observer]
#5541491 - 11/27/12 03:48 AM

Quote:

Quote:

"I had an interesting discussion with Roland about old scopes at ASAE. He thinks people are crazy to pay a premium for his old scopes."

I'm glad to see that Roland and I agree on what I have been saying all along.

The problem is, this could be said of anything. Cars, watches, musical instruments, etc, etc, etc. Quality sets the benchmark, then scarcity brings its own value. I'd love to buy a Stradivarius for 70 or so Lira or Florins or whatever was the coin 'du jour', an air worthy P-51 Mustang for the $15K or so they were made for, or a Ferrari 250 GTO for $18K, etc.

Oh, and anytime you want to dump your Astro-Physics 10"Mak-Cass or 305RH or AP175, or AP180 or . . . at original cost, be sure to let me know!

I think it comes down to the intended purpose of the buyer. If it's astronomy there's no good reason to pay premium prices for old AstroPhysics telescopes.

Post Extras:

Stellarfire
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 07/10/11

Loc: Switzerland

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: BPO]
#5541568 - 11/27/12 06:43 AM

Quote:

I think it comes down to the intended purpose of the buyer. If it's astronomy there's no good reason to pay premium prices for old AstroPhysics telescopes.

+1

Stephan

Post Extras:

Sunspot
Post Laureate

Reged: 03/15/05

Loc: Surprise, AZ

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Starhawk]
#5541716 - 11/27/12 09:27 AM

When I met Roland at the ASAE I told him I wanted to shake the hand of the best refractor builder in the business and he blushed bright red!

Paul

Quote:

I had an interesting discussion with Roland about old scopes at ASAE. He thinks people are crazy to pay a premium for his old scopes. I have the distinct impression he really never set out to be the master, and now that he is, it's an unusual situation for him.

Anyway, he is anything but sentimental about his own equipment, which I though was odd at first, but then I realized if Roland and Yuri weren't that way, they'd be insufferable fatheads. So, I'll take the versions who put serious effort into nice telescopes, and when the glass is available and things look right, they make masterpieces they're willing to sell at cost.

-Rich

Post Extras:

M13 Observer
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/09/06

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: BPO]
#5542442 - 11/27/12 04:35 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Oh, and anytime you want to dump your Astro-Physics 10"Mak-Cass or 305RH or AP175, or AP180 or . . . at original cost, be sure to let me know!

I think it comes down to the intended purpose of the buyer. If it's astronomy there's no good reason to pay premium prices for old AstroPhysics telescopes.

I guess that would put you firmly into the first group. The first group doesn't own an Astro-Physics telescope and likely never will.

Now just what does all this have to do with the TEC200 anyway? I can't even imagine how I would go about handling such a beast!

Post Extras:

Mike Clemens
Frozen to Eyepiece

Reged: 11/26/05

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: M13 Observer]
#5542749 - 11/27/12 08:12 PM

> I can't even imagine how I would go about handling
> such a beast!

I do it like a firewood carry. I first lift it by the top 23" dovetail plate and then I cradle it like a bundle of firewood until it is completely mounted in the tip-in saddle.

It gets heavy. In 0F weather it gets heavy and paralyzingly cold.

My TEC200 turns 5 this Christmas.

Post Extras:

M13 Observer
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/09/06

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Mike Clemens]
#5543141 - 11/28/12 12:36 AM

Quote:

> I can't even imagine how I would go about handling
> such a beast!

I do it like a firewood carry. I first lift it by the top 23" dovetail plate and then I cradle it like a bundle of firewood until it is completely mounted in the tip-in saddle.

It gets heavy. In 0F weather it gets heavy and paralyzingly cold.

My TEC200 turns 5 this Christmas.

Brrr. It would stay on the mount until it was warm out. An f/7 180 is positively portable in comparison and I handle it in the same manner you describe, minus the cold weather. I drop back a size when it starts getting cold out. I just had a look at your pics on pbase. Now perspective makes the OTA look larger than it actually is, but still, your TEC200 is HUGE. Just how much does it weigh when it is ready to do the oof, I hope I don't get a hernia, on to the mount? I know for a fact that I won't even bother getting one and trying to lift it myself.

Post Extras:

Daniel Mounsey
Vendor - Celestron

Reged: 06/12/02

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: M13 Observer]
#5543201 - 11/28/12 01:38 AM Attachment (49 downloads)

The TEC200 is an astonishing 20 lbs. lighter than this 8" TMB at least.

Post Extras:

Daniel Mounsey
Vendor - Celestron

Reged: 06/12/02

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Daniel Mounsey]
#5543204 - 11/28/12 01:40 AM Attachment (46 downloads)

TEC200

Post Extras:

Mike Clemens
Frozen to Eyepiece

Reged: 11/26/05

Loc: Alaska, USA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Daniel Mounsey]
#5543240 - 11/28/12 02:39 AM

> Just how much does it weigh when it is ready

I think its 50 lbs bare and about 80 lbs dressed with all the stuff I bolt on mine.

Post Extras:

mark8888
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 09/24/10

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Daniel Mounsey]
#5543245 - 11/28/12 02:50 AM

The pic two posts above this of the TEC in the driveway is awesome.

Nice.

Post Extras:

Stellarfire
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 07/10/11

Loc: Switzerland

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: M13 Observer]
#5543266 - 11/28/12 03:32 AM

Quote:

I can't even imagine how I would go about handling such a beast!

Considering the dimensions of the TEC APO 200, it is surprisingly light. According the 2006 Owner's Manual, the OTA net weights are as following:
ED f/9 = 50lb / 23kg
FL f/8 = 45lb / 20kg

Anyway, for safe handling of that mighty OTA, a pair of Scope Totes would be a highly recommended accessory.

Stephan

Post Extras:

mark8888
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 09/24/10

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Stellarfire]
#5543270 - 11/28/12 04:14 AM

Here's the best pic I've seen which compares the sizes of the various TECs. Sometimes in pictures it's difficult to know what you're looking at because of the angle, but this one is reeeally clear.
http://www.unitronitalia.com/prodotti/TE-00-yuri.jpg

Post Extras:

Astrojensen
Post Laureate

Reged: 10/05/08

Loc: Bornholm, Denmark

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: mark8888]
#5543280 - 11/28/12 04:58 AM

There is surprisingly little difference between the TEC 140 and the TEC 180. And the TEC 140 is quite a small telescope, physically, IMO. A Sky-Wathcer 150mm f/8 achro is a bit larger, in fact, to put things into a more common perspective.

Clear skies!
Thomas, Denmark

Post Extras:

Max Lattanzi
professor emeritus

Reged: 06/27/07

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: mark8888]
#5543302 - 11/28/12 05:51 AM Attachment (40 downloads)

Quote:

Here's the best pic I've seen which compares the sizes of the various TECs. Sometimes in pictures it's difficult to know what you're looking at because of the angle, but this one is reeeally clear.
http://www.unitronitalia.com/prodotti/TE-00-yuri.jpg

And, to put things in perspective, this is 'the kid' nearby 'the father'...

Cheers,
-- Max

Post Extras:

snommisbor
sage

Reged: 06/15/09

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Max Lattanzi]
#5543519 - 11/28/12 10:01 AM

The TEC 200 makes that FT focuser look so small compared to the other scopes.

Post Extras:

M13 Observer
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/09/06

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Daniel Mounsey]
#5543799 - 11/28/12 12:38 PM

Quote:

The TEC200 is an astonishing 20 lbs. lighter than this 8" TMB at least.

At this size, they each have exceeded what I would personally call "portable". They are each a wonder to behold. On the other hand, had I a permanent observatory in a dark site . . . I can only dream of such. Which one performs best or is this the TMB with cell issues?

Post Extras:

Scott99
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/10/07

Loc: New England

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: mark8888]
#5543810 - 11/28/12 12:42 PM

Quote:

Here's the best pic I've seen which compares the sizes of the various TECs. Sometimes in pictures it's difficult to know what you're looking at because of the angle, but this one is reeeally clear.
http://www.unitronitalia.com/prodotti/TE-00-yuri.jpg

what a great picture! They should sell posters

Really I feel lucky to have a 6.3 inch refractor that is under 30 pounds and easy to handle. Compared to historic 6 inch refractors, that is a miraculous feat.

When you start to look at the 7 and 8 inchers....wow. magical machines for sure. Incredible amount of performance packed into a small package. You used to need an entire observatory building to use a 7 or 8 inch refractor!

Post Extras:

M13 Observer
professor emeritus

Reged: 12/09/06

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Astrojensen]
#5544144 - 11/28/12 04:03 PM

Quote:

There is surprisingly little difference between the TEC 140 and the TEC 180. And the TEC 140 is quite a small telescope, physically, IMO. A Sky-Wathcer 150mm f/8 achro is a bit larger, in fact, to put things into a more common perspective.

Clear skies!
Thomas, Denmark

Well, maybe. I find that while it appears like there is only a small difference on paper, and even when the OTA's are lying side by side, there is actually quite a considerable difference in the handling of OTA's as one progresses through the sequence of, SOB (some other brand) from 105mm through 180mm. For one thing, it is not just the OTA but attached accessories as well. I double ring with my 155 and 180, and the second set of rings with attached dovetail saddle plate must be on the tube before it is placed into the primary rings on the mount, similar to how Mike works it with his 200. That really starts adding a lot of cumbersome weight.

Post Extras:

Stellarfire
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 07/10/11

Loc: Switzerland

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: M13 Observer]
#5544352 - 11/28/12 06:29 PM

Quote:

Which one performs best or is this the TMB with cell issues?

As far as I know, TEC offered the giant 200 APO in three versions: the ED f/9 and two Fluorite versions at f/7 and f/8. Production of the 200 has ceased and total production number is quite small, resulting in little user data available.
Considering such a large aperture with its heavy lens elements, combined with a focal ratio as fast as f/7, one automatically thinks on the reliability of the lens cell construction. But despite the surprisingly light OTA weight of the TEC 200, it is not renowed for lens cell issues.
Yuri knows his job.

Stephan

Post Extras:

Mirzam
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/01/08

Loc: Lovettsville, VA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Stellarfire]
#5544428 - 11/28/12 07:29 PM

The TMB scope with the lens cell issues is the 180ED f/9.

The TECs have no such issues.

JimC

Post Extras:

suburbanskies
sage

Reged: 12/18/04

Loc: New Jersey, USA

Re: TEC 200 new

[Re: Max Lattanzi]
#5544524 - 11/28/12 08:50 PM

Quote:

And, to put things in perspective, this is 'the kid' nearby 'the father'...

Cheers,
-- Max

Ah, the son is taller than the father!

Post Extras:

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