16 replies to this topic

[ISTAR Optical]

Hello guys, this is Ales from ISTAR Optical. Just wanted to ad few inside info. The 4 element ED lens is indeed heavy but we offer a massive MgTiSi Alloy ring which speeds up the cooling process by about 50 percent. Regarding OTAs we have produced first prototypes for the 210 F/9 doublet and we will offer these in two configurations. Bare OTA only - without focuser for about 3200 dollars and combo with: 2.5 inch US made focuser, 2 inch dielectric diagonal, set of 2 original Baader filters (UV/IR and Contrast Booster to get near APO visual performance), 30mm 70 degree eyepiece, massive PRO-line mounting rings (hope I did not forget anything) for about 800 more. So far all prototypes are made of Magnesium Titanium alloy (all parts CNC machined in Europe) but the weight of fully loaded scope with all extras is near 70Lb... so we are now looking into CF tubes and redesigning all inner parts to reach at least 40Lb total weight.
Two of these existing prototypes are up for sale for about quarter of the prototype development cost (2900 US dollars) write me if interested to ales@istar-optical.com Remember these are prototypes only. The visual performance is similar to the actual production models but there are some glue smears on the inside and the weight is more than what it will be for all production models. But the price should justify these shortcomings I am sure....
We will start selling finished scopes by end of this year as well as eyepieces, quartz dielectric diagonals, and other accessories. For the 2010 we are preparing 10 inch doublet and scope made around this lens. Stay in touch and thank you all for your interest!
Ales.

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[Trever]

I am sure more interest is yet to come thanks to this info.

10 inch doublet? wow!

[AlienRatDog]

Its nice to see some new choices out there!

[ngc2289]

Hey,look! It's a rocket launcher!! I'm interested in a 6" achro. doublet lens some time in the future. I think I'll keep an eye open for future products!!

[ISTAR Optical]

Hello Mike,
we can offer 6 inch well corrected doublet (F8 and F10) in a very good quality alloy housing for ca. 375 dollars plus shipping. Production lead time for such lens is about three weeks, we require 50 percent pre-payment (credit card over the phone or PayPal) for all custom lens and/or telescope manufacturing. So please let us know when ever you are ready, thank you in advance,
cheers,
Ales

[divers]

Might I inquire as to the glass type for a well corrected 6" for $375?

[AlienRatDog]

Hello Mike,
we can offer 6 inch well corrected doublet (F8 and F10) in a very good quality alloy housing for ca. 375 dollars plus shipping. Production lead time for such lens is about three weeks, we require 50 percent pre-payment (credit card over the phone or PayPal) for all custom lens and/or telescope manufacturing. So please let us know when ever you are ready, thank you in advance,
cheers,
Ales

Does this come with a focuser? Are you guys going to being out ED doublets of that size?

[ISTAR Optical]

This is Achromatic doublet in hard anodized alloy housing only. The US made 2.5 inch focuser cost 450 dollars so we could not offer such combo at such low price... still a great deal on a good quality Achromatic objective lens. Regarding ED doublets, the answer is NO... at least not at this time. We offer ED APO Triplets only at prices the other guys sell ED doublets......

[ISTAR Optical]

It is Flint Crown combo, we do not reveal exact type of each glass used, I hope you guys don't mind... We are planning on 3-day public presentation of our new scopes and accessories by end of March 2010 by Lake Powell, Arizona. Any interest you guys? The exact date is yet to be decided.

[AlienRatDog]

This is Achromatic doublet in hard anodized alloy housing only. The US made 2.5 inch focuser cost 450 dollars so we could not offer such combo at such low price... still a great deal on a good quality Achromatic objective lens. Regarding ED doublets, the answer is NO... at least not at this time. We offer ED APO Triplets only at prices the other guys sell ED doublets......

Is that just the lens then? Or an OTA minus the focuser?

[Sky Captain]

Is that just the lens then? Or an OTA minus the focuser?

This is Achromatic doublet in hard anodized alloy housing only.

OOhhh, I feel a 6" f10 carbon fiber refractor project coming on...Moonlite focuser.

[mclewis1]

Kerry, You've been hanging out in the ATM forum too much ... those long fl refractor guys are rubbing off on you.

[Sky Captain]

Kerry, You've been hanging out in the ATM forum too much ... those long fl refractor guys are rubbing off on you.

Oh yeah, you think?

I had the 4" f15 and loved it, but the 4" aperture just wasn't big enough. 8" would be great but 6" is all I can handle at the condo.

[skyward_eyes]

I see a Carbon Fiber 6" f/8 or f/9 Achro coming on and a 8" f/9 on a massive Alt-Az

[wells_ned]

WOW! Such a great looking system. Can't wait to see more of what you can produce. Looks like you might have picked up from TMB in terms of styling which I like very much.

[Psion]

I met Ales and I had great occasion - we have tested his product - refractor 210/1800mm. IMO this is very good achromatic telescope. I have seen Moon - very nice resolution and contrast, Jupiter and moons, open cluster in Perseus (pin point stars), nebulas M57, Altair, Vega and Epsilon Lyrae complex (better than my LX200-ACF 8 inch). I can say, this is very good lens especially for this price. I am looking forward to test 4 elements APO!

[GlenM]

Please stop tempting me