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Astro Physics Star 12 ED

Started by John Huntley , Jun 23 2013 06:54 PM
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39 replies to this topic

#26 jrcrilly

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Posted 13 July 2013 - 11:22 PM

It's priced way above the market, though.


Don't look now, but Sale Pending.

I understand your sentiment though.


I guess the value as a collectible is whatever it is. For a telescope to be actually used, that price would yield an excellent FS-128, a much better choice.

#27 BarrySimon615

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Posted 14 July 2013 - 12:56 PM

For a telescope to be actually used, that price would yield an excellent FS-128, a much better choice.


The above comment needs explanation. I can see it justified if for the same price you would get the FS-128 for a price much closer to or even below the original price of the FS-128 (if the Star 12 ED is selling for higher/much higher that the original cost).

If we are talking about optics alone and leaving cost out of the equation, the only real advantage that the FS-128 would have would be slightly less than 1/3 inch additional aperture or 8 mm. (This equates to approximately an additional .14 magnitude reach with the FS 128 assuming both have equivalent light thru-put efficiency for their respective apertures. Personally if it were me and an FS-128 and a Star 12 ED both became available at the same time for the same price, it would likely boil down to which one of the two was in the best condition.

Barry Simon

#28 The Ardent

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Posted 14 July 2013 - 02:37 PM

Easy to explain: Sour Grapes!

#29 jrcrilly

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Posted 14 July 2013 - 07:10 PM

Sour grapes? What's to be jealous of? When I felt like paying that kind of money for a 5" near-apo I chose the FS-128. When I felt like paying quite a bit more for a very high-end 5" apo I chose a TOA-130. A Star 12ED would have cost hundreds or thousands of dollars less (much less than the advertised price mentioned in this thread). I didn't "settle" for the others because the 12ED was out of reach; I chose them because I willing to pay more for better. Those very early low-index ED doublets aren't nearly in the performance class of the Fluorite doublets or dual-Fluoro ED triplets. That's why the usual selling price is so much less than an FS-128.

#30 Jeff Morgan

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Posted 14 July 2013 - 10:53 PM

The Taks are quite nice, I used to own a FS102. An outstanding performer but they are a bit heavy for their respective apertures. I don't know the specs, but it would not surprise me if the Star12 weighed the same or even somewhat less than the 102.

I doubt a 128 would perform well on my GM-8. The Star12 does.

But the 128's are much more common and a bit easier to get.

#31 Scott99

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Posted 15 July 2013 - 02:11 PM

The Taks are quite nice, I used to own a FS102. An outstanding performer but they are a bit heavy for their respective apertures. I don't know the specs, but it would not surprise me if the Star12 weighed the same or even somewhat less than the 102.


yes, an FS128 would out-perform the Star 12 being larger, but the Star 12 OTAs are remarkably lightweight - only 11 pounds. So it's a little easier to mount & transport. Only one pound heavier than a FS102.

I'm hoping the new Tak 100mm doublet could be a sign of things to come - maybe we'll get to see another 5 or 6 inch FL doublet from them, that would be awesome. Not everyone wants to image, these lighter scopes are my favorite (as a visual observer)

#32 George N

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Posted 18 July 2013 - 03:34 PM

About 7 or so years ago a guy had at Stellafane a big binocular made from two of these AP 120's mounted side-by-side. I did not look thru it a night, but the bino did provide a great view of the towers on top of Mt. Ascutney about 10 miles to the north.

#33 Gastronaut

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Posted 20 July 2013 - 07:10 PM

To All,

I am the "new" (seventh) owner of this beautiful refractor. The previous owner had very good reasons for parting with it. I had had the opportunity to observe with this 'scope at the NEAF 2011 Solar Star Party and was impressed enough to post some photos of this beauty! See: http://www.chesmontastro.org/node/6787
http://www.chesmontastro.org/node/6788

The condition was near perfect and it has a brand new 2.7" AP greaseless two-speed Feathertouch and other accessories that helped sweeten the deal. I sent John this message after the purchase, "I had a chance to star test the Star 12 ED and observe some DSOs as well as the Moon and Saturn. The 'scope meets all expectations. The collimation is perfect. Star test inside and outside focus was near identical. Despite the moisture in the air in Central PA, the contrast and detail on Saturn was awesome."

I have attached some photos of the 'scope on my new Nova Hitch AltAz mount.

Robert in Hershey

Attached Thumbnails

  • 5981929-APStar12ED_NovaHitch_2sm.jpg

#34 ggalilei

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Posted 20 July 2013 - 07:35 PM

Magnificent combination. Congratulations!

#35 mgwhittle

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Posted 20 July 2013 - 08:23 PM

Beautiful, looks like a perfect combination. Congrats!

#36 Kunama

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Posted 20 July 2013 - 11:47 PM

Magnificent looking setup Robert, congratulations

#37 t.r.

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Posted 21 July 2013 - 07:52 AM

Congrats Robert. Looks like a fine performer!

#38 Scott99

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Posted 21 July 2013 - 09:42 AM

nice picture, thanks for posting. Looks like the other 6 owners took good care of it, the tube and dewshield look great.

So how does it work on the Nova Hitch? I've used this scope on a Teegul for many years and it's definitely under-mounted. I've been thinking that this new Nova Hitch would be a nice upgrade. But I've already got an EQ mount that weighs about the same, so it's a tough call.

I do have a fondness for using alt-az mounts with no DSC, no battery, no finderscope, etc., the minimalism and fast set-up is so appealing. You can put a big eyepiece in this scope for 2.7 degree FOV and go into RFT mode with no finder. I find that I can sight most objects right into the 2.7 degree FOV just by pointing it.

#39 Gastronaut

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Posted 21 July 2013 - 02:07 PM

The OTA has one well touched-up paint "ding", and a few age-related scratches in the paint that cleaned up and " vanished" with a good polishing with Mothers carnuba hard paste wax. The anodizing on the objective cell shows its age, but otherwise the fit and finish are very good to excellent. I removed the fixed Dew Shield to get a close look at the objective. Looks like it is untouched but could use gentle cleaning. I am considering contacting D&G in Manheim to see if they will clean it for me ( they are just "down the road" from Hershey. )


As to the Nova Hitch it carries the Star 12 ED, my "GranTurismo" as well as my APM f/6 180mm Deluxe Achromat with lightness and grace. I will post a separate report about the Nova Hitch later. You can find a video I submitted to Charles Riddel on the HalfHitchTelescope site of the ballet-like motions of my (+) 35lb APM Deluxe Achromat on the Nova Hitch.

#40 Jeff Morgan

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Posted 22 July 2013 - 02:31 AM

I sent John this message after the purchase, "I had a chance to star test the Star 12 ED and observe some DSOs as well as the Moon and Saturn. The 'scope meets all expectations. The collimation is perfect. Star test inside and outside focus was near identical. Despite the moisture in the air in Central PA, the contrast and detail on Saturn was awesome."


Congratulations Robert!

The Star 12 has been such an incredible performer for me. If I may be so bold as to suggest a target ... one of my favorites in the Star12 has been Xi Scorpii. Push the power up beyond 300x. The lens will just be hitting stride there :grin:

Clear Skies,

Jeff
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