19 replies to this topic

[25585]

http://apm-telescope...em/333631363631

 

For those for whom a 150/152 is too long and heavy, this 140 seems the answer. Impressive focuser, sliding dewshield, portable.

 

Has anyone got one of these scopes yet, what is it like to use?  

[SeattleScott]

That was pretty much the niche APM was going for. Largest apo suited for medium duty mounts. A number of folks have picked them up. Someone will chime in soon.

Scott

Edited by SeattleScott, 26 June 2019 - 11:23 PM.

[Tyson M]

Choosing this scope or the 150 f8 basically comes down to what mount you have.  I am sure people are very happy with both products for that reason specifically.

Edited by Tyson M, 26 June 2019 - 11:26 PM.

[HydrogenAlpha]

I have the APM 130, which uses the same tube and 3.7" focuser. While I can't comment about the optics, the mechanics are pretty good. The 3.7" focuser is as smooth as the feathertouch, and could hold my 4kg (9lbs) imaging load without slipping.

[25585]

I have the APM 130, which uses the same tube and 3.7" focuser. While I can't comment about the optics, the mechanics are pretty good. The 3.7" focuser is as smooth as the feathertouch, and could hold my 4kg (9lbs) imaging load without slipping.

140 F7 ED would make for a great rich field scope. Does your 130 show any CA? 

[ris242]

Isn’t the 140 using the 152 tube?

 

do you think all the 5 and up use the same tube?

I have the APM 130, which uses the same tube and 3.7" focuser. 

[ris242]

I think hydro has a triplet 

140 F7 ED would make for a great rich field scope. Does your 130 show any CA? 

[HydrogenAlpha]

Isn’t the 140 using the 152 tube?

 

do you think all the 5 and up use the same tube?

I'm not sure if the others use the same tube, but yes the 130, 140 and 152 use the same tube. The 130 also has the option of using the CNC LW and Matthias Wirth tubes, but those cost quite a bit more. 

 

So yes, the tube diameter is grossly oversized for the 130 (the dew shield somewhere around 7" or 7.5"), but at least it's short. 

[HydrogenAlpha]

140 F7 ED would make for a great rich field scope. Does your 130 show any CA? 

As ris242 has mentioned above, the 130 is a triplet, so there's undetectable CA even in imaging. I have looked through the APM152 which uses FPL-51, and visually I can't see any CA in-focus. The 140 should do even better with FPL-53+Lanthanum, so I don't think CA would be an issue. 

[ris242]

See I was under the impression the 130 was a lot shorter thinking the tube diameter is smaller. 

Since the tube is a big diameter it makes them look stocky. Really they are only just short of a 130 f7 which in turn is just shorter than the 140 f7 which is just short of the 152mm 6.7 ok and the 152mm f8 is a lot longer again at 1200mm.

 

 

I'm not sure if the others use the same tube, but yes the 130, 140 and 152 use the same tube. The 130 also has the option of using the CNC LW and Matthias Wirth tubes, but those cost quite a bit more. 

 

So yes, the tube diameter is grossly oversized for the 130 (the dew shield somewhere around 7" or 7.5"), but at least it's short. 

[salico]

looks like the 130 is a LZOS. Completely different animal...

[HydrogenAlpha]

looks like the 130 is a LZOS. Completely different animal...

Yes, that's why I clearly stated I was referring to the mechanics only, not the optics. 

[Auburn80]

They've been out for a while. I got the smaller focuser version last year and have really enjoyed the scope. For my tastes though it is too big for my AVX. Minor complaint is that the 2"-1 1/4" twistlock adapter doesnt work well. The 2" clamp on the focuser works just fine.

[asian_hillbilly]

Got one to maximize the potential of my Stellarvue M2C mount.  I was previously using an AT115 on the same mount, but thought it could handle more scope (especially with the APM's Losmandy plate).  So far so good on the decision.  Need more time to judge the views, but this is literally the largest refractor I could ever use for a "grab and go".  I can just barely make it out my standard sized back door in one trip.  It does require a "three point parking turn" to make it through, mostly d/t the scope length and M2 mount legs.

[beanerds]

6 items down on the home page of user reviews here at CN is a review of this 140mm f7 doublet dated September 2018 .

Looks to be another awesome APM scope .

Beanerds

[Don W]

Here's a thread about them:

 

https://www.cloudyni...ers-do-we-have/

[25585]

Here's a thread about them:

 

https://www.cloudyni...ers-do-we-have/

Encouraging. One in my future, I hope. The final upsize.

 

I would need to sell some of my others first, hard decision....

[gezak22]

Encouraging. One in my future, I hope. The final upsize.

 

I would need to sell some of my others first, hard decision....

When I got out of imaging, I moved from a Televue 127is to the APM 140, and I have zero regrets.

[fred1871]

When I got out of imaging, I moved from a Televue 127is to the APM 140, and I have zero regrets.

Sounds very encouraging. Tell us more about the benefits you've found from the move.

[gezak22]

Sounds very encouraging. Tell us more about the benefits you've found from the move.

They are mostly minor.

 

The TV127is was a fantastic scope, but it was geared toward imaging which I had quit. Even for visual, the 127is is geared toward wide fields views, which I was not doing (planetary/globs/doubles). The main motivation behind the move was that I could sell the 127is on the second hand market, buy the APM 140 f/7, and still have money left over.

 

This will sound stereotypical, but on the first night with the APM 140, I had the best view of Mars I have ever had. While I'm certain that seeing was the main reason, it was enough for me to conclude that the scope is just fine for what I am trying to do.