186 replies to this topic

[Dean J.]

It'll be interesting to see what Roland Christen meant by "a couple of scopes" that will be shown at NEAF.  Maybe its not a refractor.  He has made some super nice reflectors as well.

I was looking for something else on the AP-UG and ran across this post from a few weeks ago -

 

https://ap-ug.groups.../message/107486

 

I guess both scopes that will be shown at NEAF will be refractors.

[Orion68]

A 50-70 mm refractor from Astro-Physics could be attractive to many of us baby boomers who appreciate a superb scope in a smaller package. I would definitely be interested.

[chuckles]

Based on the focal length of test images and the fact that Roland noted these will be fast, I think a smaller refractor is not in the cards. Possibly a 130, but I think these will be larger scopes. There are a million decent small scopes, and the margins on those can't be as good as the bigger ones. From a business perspective it makes little sense to produce one, unless they plan to crank out a couple thousand. But, AP isn't a volume shop. If you want a nice small imaging scope, get an FCT65. 

 

As an aside, I wonder what AP thinks about all our speculating. Do they find us amusing or annoying? I think the latter, but I hope they appreciate how excited we all are to see a new AP scope. Even if we may never be offered one, they are still what dreams are made of!

[Bigal1817]

The 155 with a closed list is a fantastic guess, I’m on board with that prediction. It’s a unique way for the company to repay loyalty to so many that helped Astro-Physics to become the brand and company it is today. So what of the other telescope?

It makes sense to me that Astro-Physics wouldn’t create two telescopes that are only available to older lists. Instead the 2nd telescope might become available via lottery, like the 110gtx. To be clear, this is purely a guess. But it’s fun! Does A-P find this amusing or annoying? Case by case. Direct attempts to uncover information from the company or its employees via the user group are likely annoying. Open conversation on CN is mostly harmless, how could it not be flattering?

Edited by Bigal1817, 20 February 2025 - 03:24 PM.

[chuckles]

I think both your points make sense. I hope you’re right about a lottery for at least one scope. On speculation, yeah they have better things to do than deal with inquiries and prying. Plus that takes the fun out of it. It’s like searching closets for Christmas presents!

[turtle86]

I think both your points make sense. I hope you’re right about a lottery for at least one scope. On speculation, yeah they have better things to do than deal with inquiries and prying. Plus that takes the fun out of it. It’s like searching closets for Christmas presents!

 

Also hoping for a lottery for at least one of the scopes!  

[turtle86]

Based on the focal length of test images and the fact that Roland noted these will be fast, I think a smaller refractor is not in the cards. Possibly a 130, but I think these will be larger scopes. There are a million decent small scopes, and the margins on those can't be as good as the bigger ones. From a business perspective it makes little sense to produce one, unless they plan to crank out a couple thousand. But, AP isn't a volume shop. If you want a nice small imaging scope, get an FCT65. 

 

As an aside, I wonder what AP thinks about all our speculating. Do they find us amusing or annoying? I think the latter, but I hope they appreciate how excited we all are to see a new AP scope. Even if we may never be offered one, they are still what dreams are made of!

 

Not seeing a smaller scope either.  They're still making Stowaways and 110 GTX's.  As for 130's, I don't see how they could improve on the 130 GTX.  So, I'm thinking larger too, along the lines of a 155mm f/6, and in a nod to Yuri maybe even something slower that is optimized for observing.  

[Dean J.]

...  As for 130's, I don't see how they could improve on the 130 GTX...

If Roland has a new design for the 6" aperture size using the new glass that is available to him, then maybe that same design can be scaled to the 130 size as well.  Roland has mentioned the term "superachromat" with regard to his new design, which would bring four colors into focus at a common focal plane.  The current 130 design is an apochromat which brings red, green and blue into focus at a single focus point.  So, a 130 superachromat design would be an improvement on the current 130GTX with regards to imaging in my opinion.

[Starhawk]

You would fing yourself sidelining other equipment because of it.  They are remarkably capable instruments.  I did pass on an AP130 GTX, but it was because I already have an AP130 EDFGT, and the kids said there is enough between them.  
 

—Rich

 

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.

[Starhawk]

I talked to Roland about this general subject.  The AP92s take 100% as long as AP130s to finish, match, and build up lens sets, but sell for much less.  He’s already building those for that role.  So, he ceded the really small space to others.  I suggest looking at the Astronomics in-house Astro-Tech small scopes, or the Takahashi, William Optics, or Televue small scopes (remember to ask for your CN discount if you talk to Astronomics).  The more mainstream commercial units are better than they’ve ever been, as well. So, there really isn’t any risk in them. And keep in mind the classic 80ED prescription is still available from Skywatcher and there is nothing wrong with those. 
 

-Rich

 

 

A 50-70 mm refractor from Astro-Physics could be attractive to many of us baby boomers who appreciate a superb scope in a smaller package. I would definitely be interested.

Edited by Starhawk, 08 March 2025 - 02:31 PM.

[saemark30]

Makes a lot of sense for Roland to concentrate on larger refractor sizes 130mm +.

 

Takahashi has 60mm to 102mm covered with impeccable quality and excellent availablity.

[HydrogenAlpha]

Has anyone on the 130GTX list received notification that their name has come up lately?  If I’m not mistaken, it’s been a long time since anyone has received a new 130GTX.

I had a friend recently get notified, but he turned it down. He didn't know I was waiting on one as well, else I would have bought it. 

 

I'm on the list since 2017, not sure when anyone who got notified recently went on the list, but I'm curious. I'm just patiently waiting for my turn.