I know they say that about the 150 doublets, but I’m not convinced based on my AR6.
I've abandoned my plan to put the same Meade StarFinder mount that I use on a pedestal with my APM 152ED onto a hefty wood tripod, because it won't be anywhere near the same as my 4" fracs on their tripod EQs. I can make this platform stable, but the overall weight... Yikes! It would be portable, but there wouldn't be any toting the assembled rig around the back yard.
I've already bought the 152ED, but a better APO aperture progression for me would've been: My current 50mm & 80mm fluorites, plus a 110mm ED, with a 140mm ED as my largest. No regrets with my 152, but it really needs an observatory -- that's the only way I'd get to use it on work nights. Black Friday 2017, APM had the 152 down to 140 prices, and I debated until about the last possible minute before clicking the BUY button.
OP, I get where you're coming from. APM sells some great scopes, but if you're primarily a visual observer (like me) will you get your money's worth with their 140? IDK. I do know that I wouldn't have paid more than $3000 for my 152, even if I got to use it more often -- and it's my best-performing planetary scope.
Is the 140mm ED field crowded? Maybe it's the case that there's not enough demand. I jumped at the chance to own a manageable 6" refractor, and I'm not alone in that group of buyers. Wish I could have a private convo with the vendors, who must know which apertures are most sought.
Edited by Bomber Bob, 22 July 2019 - 11:06 AM.