186 replies to this topic

[Cathal]

I received an email from Daleen in Astro-Physics this morning, saying that there's a new run of the Starfire 130GTX.

 

 

 

February 4, 2022

 

Spring is just around the corner!!

 

Some time ago, you informed us that you were interested in the 130 StarFire. We are very pleased to announce that our newest run for the 130 StarFire GTX is well underway and we expect them to begin shipping in April and continue shipping through the summer.

We invite you to our website to review information and a photograph of this instrument: https://astro-physics.com/130gtx.

I put my name down in 2013.

I also currently own a TS Optics Photoline 130 apo with the 2.5" focuser, and a Riccardo reducer/flattener.

 

I'm now in a conundrum. Do I want an example of perfection, or will I make do with ~90% of perfection with what I now have...

I honestly wasn't expecting to have my name come up for another few years.

 

Did anyone else have their name come up, and what's your choice on getting it or not?

[t.r.]

Yes you want it…never turn down an AP. Try it and sell it for what you paid if you want out. Easiest piece of astronomy gear you can own. Roland still cranking them out for the masses…quite an accomplishment.

[CHASLX200]

You can sell it for more than you paid so it is a no lose sitch. Use it and sell it or use and keep it. Can't go wrong. Many will be happy to pay more rather than wait years.

[Djt]

Hi

I saw this thread start up so I just checked my email and I received the notification this morning so am in like Flynn. 

When I put my name down I also quit smoking as it was starting to dawn upon me that this hobby can get expensive.

 

so over the years I have added up on a calendar the $128 per week I didn’t pay for a carton of cigarettes and at the same time counted down how many weeks it would be before the scope arrived.

 

Happy days.

 

David

Edited by Djt, 05 February 2022 - 06:55 AM.

[CHASLX200]

Hi

I saw this thread start up so I just checked my email and I received the notification this morning so am in like Flynn. 

When I put my name down I also quit smoking as it was starting to dawn upon me that this hobby can get expensive.

 

so over the years I have added up on a calendar the $128 per week I didn’t pay for a carton of cigarettes and at the same time counted down how many weeks it would be before the scope arrived.

 

Happy days.

 

David

I stopped smoking back in 2014. Cigars kept going up from $12 a box in 1989 to $48 a box in 2014. So the price forced me to stop. Now if i can lick not buying anymore scopes.

[Paul G]

Yes you want it…never turn down an AP. Try it and sell it for what you paid if you want out. Easiest piece of astronomy gear you can own. Roland still cranking them out for the masses…quite an accomplishment.

This!

[Scott in NC]

Not that I’m in the market for one, but I’m glad to hear that they’re going to start making these again.  I put my name on the 130 list in 2011, but decided to turn it down when my name came up in 2018.  I did put myself back on the list sometime in 2018 (since it’s hard to predict how priorities may change several years into the future).  I think my son may have signed up about the same time, or maybe even a year before that.  He’s in college now, but figured that by the time his name came up he might actually be able to afford one.

[pr0cy0n]

I also got the email from Daleen yesterday! I put my name on the list in 2013 as well. I was pretty surprised to get the email to be honest, I had checked with Astro-Physics a couple of times over the years just to make sure I was still on the list, but the last time I checked was several years ago.

 

I'm seriously thinking about getting the 130GTX since I've wanted one for so long - and, as was said above: you don't turn down an opportunity like this. It feels like finally being able to complete a quest after all these years of waiting.

 

However, it does mean that I'll probably have to part with my beloved Takahashi FS-102 that I've added Tak parts to over the years and has been my favorite OTA I've ever owned. I'm not sure the wife will let the telescope collection grow beyond where it currently is (5), and not sure I can justify keeping the Tak after I get the AP.

 

Happy to hear that someone else got the email and is in a similar decision making process as me... but I think the 130GTX will be a pretty nice upgrade for me.

[soulprophet]

I put my name on the list in Nov of 2014....no email. Maybe if there is a next time!

[Moondust]

I put my name on the list 130 GTX list long time ago and got the email yesterday saying my name came up for an April offering. It's very tempting knowing how long I waited and I'll never get another chance at this but I'll probably have to pass unless I can come up with a 50% down payment in the next 2 weeks. Not very likely  . 

[t.r.]

That is what a credit card is for.

[KGoodwin]

I was extremely excited to receive the email yesterday and I accepted the offer this morning after figuring out (mostly) how I'll rearrange my scope collection around the new baby.  I'm going to be selling an awful lot of things that aren't in my sig as being currently used because it just feels like the right time.  I've only ever sold one scope and a camera or two before.  I've always kept everything I bought in astronomy, and it's not really a money thing, more that this is just the kick in the pants I needed to reassess what those scopes sitting around could mean to others who want them when they're in short supply.

Edited by KGoodwin, 05 February 2022 - 03:06 PM.

[ewave]

I was extremely excited to receive the email yesterday and I accepted the offer this morning after figuring out (mostly) how I'll rearrange my scope collection around the new baby.  I'm going to be selling an awful lot of things that aren't in my sig as being currently used because it just feels like the right time.  I've only ever sold one scope and a camera or two before.  I've always kept everything I bought in astronomy, and it's not really a money thing, more that this is just the kick in the pants I needed to reassess what those scopes sitting around could mean to others who want them when they're in short supply.

As Benny Hill used to say, "Save the furniture"  

[ewave]

Seriously, if my name came up for a GTX 130 I would probably have a garage sale or something like it...  everything must go...

[betacygni]

These are one of the few scope investments that are actual investments! That you get to use and enjoy no less. Unless it means real financial strain on the family, or you really have no interest in a scope of that aperture, don’t pass it up. Without a doubt everyone’s last chance to get such a scope new.

[Lagrange]

Not that I’m in the market for one, but I’m glad to hear that they’re going to start making these again.  I put my name on the 130 list in 2011, but decided to turn it down when my name came up in 2018.  I did put myself back on the list sometime in 2018 (since it’s hard to predict how priorities may change several years into the future).  I think my son may have signed up about the same time, or maybe even a year before that.  He’s in college now, but figured that by the time his name came up he might actually be able to afford one.

Your son can probably pay for it out of his retirement money!

 

It would be a tricky decision if I was on the AP list and got offered a 130GTX. That's a lot of money to spend and I couldn't really afford it right now but on the other hand if I didn't find a way to buy it I just know I'd regret it.

[payner]

However, it does mean that I'll probably have to part with my beloved Takahashi FS-102 that I've added Tak parts to over the years and has been my favorite OTA I've ever owned. I'm not sure the wife will let the telescope collection grow beyond where it currently is (5), and not sure I can justify keeping the Tak after I get the AP.

 

Well, the FS-102 is a sought-after telescope and it'll be snatched up quickly.

[Rockin'Robin]

The last run on the 130GTX I had to turn it down because of finances, but when they had the lottery for the Stowaways I put my name in for that since my situation greatly improved. By sheer luck, which I don't have much of, I was drawn and received "Clarence" in December. I'm now waiting on a Skywatcher mount to be back in stock so I can try out my new baby. This scope is to stay in the family and pass down through the generations. I don't know, when Roland retires, if Astro-Physics will continue to make scopes. So with that in mind, I didn't hesitate to pull the trigger. These are telescopes of a lifetime that, if properly taken care of, will last generations I believe. I hope one of my grandchildren will love astronomy as much as I do.

 

~Robin

[Scott in NC]

However, it does mean that I'll probably have to part with my beloved Takahashi FS-102 that I've added Tak parts to over the years and has been my favorite OTA I've ever owned. I'm not sure the wife will let the telescope collection grow beyond where it currently is (5), and not sure I can justify keeping the Tak after I get the AP.

 

Well, the FS-102 is a sought-after telescope and it'll be snatched up quickly.

The FS-102 is a scope that I wouldn’t even consider selling to come up with the money to buy an AP130.  There are lots of occasions when I don’t feel like dragging out the mount needed to support a larger refractor, but the FS-102 is so light (as is the mount and tripod required to support it), that there’s almost no excuse not to use it.  I’ve owned an AP130EDF before.  It was a nice scope, but I sold it to an astrophotographer friend who could put it to better use than me.  The FS-102 however has remained in my scope arsenal, and is on my “do not sell” list.

 

Having said that, I agree with payner that if it’s in good condition and priced right, your FS-102 will sell very quickly if you list it on AM or CN.

[weis14]

Congrats to all of you who got notified!  My name for the 130GTX came up in 2017 and I didn't hesitate to buy it.  It was a great scope and would still be around except that I sold it as part of my plan to move up to a 6" APO.  Roland's craftsmanship is amazing and I'm confident you will all love the scopes.

[ichdien]

As others have said, there's no down side to saying yes to the offer except, possibly, a temporarily depleted bank account.  On the other hand, when I was offered a new 130 in 2010, having placed my name on the list in 2001, I said no and have no regrets.  I had a TEC 140 at the time and wasn't interested in smaller aperture.  It may have helped that I already owned a Traveler.

[Jeff Gardner]

I’m happy for the astronutz who will have the opportunity to order a AP 130GTX! I had a chance back in 2008 in the middle of the stock market crash and passed. I already had a Traveler so I was content although I sure didn’t pass on a new Stowaway in 2018 after waiting 19 years!

[M44]

My experience with AP 130 GT and GTX is this. 

 

In 2011, when I just bought brand new TSA 120, I got notification for GT. I said 'Yes' and got it in April, I think. If you have never seen an AP scope in person, you would be pleasantly surprised, like I was.  Every one who has any moderate interest in observing should experience AP scope Optics and mechanics. 

 

I sold it after a couple of years later when sold all my astro gear for the down payment of my current home, so no regrets. But when I sold it, I immediately joined the notification list again in 2013 and I got a call from AP for the GTX in 2018 but this time I had TOA 130 :-). I declined it and rejoined the list, we never know when we want a scope in future, hopefully I will be ready for it next time,  but I doubt it, I have a beautiful FS-128 and waiting for Agema SD 150. 

 

Hopefully who got notification for this spring delivery are able to take the opportunity. I should say now or never. 

 

A pic is attached showing TEC 110 FL, TSA 120 and 130 GT.

Edited by M44, 05 February 2022 - 11:45 PM.

[pathint]

 

I also became a proud owner of a 130GTX this year… by a different method. I traded the Stowaway I got from lottery drawing last year for an unused 130GTX. Now I’m all set :-)

Edited by pathint, 05 February 2022 - 11:40 PM.

[turtle86]

Sounds like Astro-Physics is pivoting from the Stowaway to the GTX, at least for the near future.  I put my name on the GTX list in 2015, but got a GT after that.  I don't expect to get a GTX notification anytime soon, if ever, but if I did, not sure what I'd do.