146 replies to this topic

[ssnolan]

very good to hear,

many thanks 

[BrentKnight]

Hi,

 

i have an older eq6 and wonder if you think I could mange imaging with one of these 130’s??

 

I also have a zwo 6200mc, and filters, just only this smaller mount as of now.

 

I had passed along my eq8 and hd 925, but kept the imagine related bits so I could downsize.

 

anyway - that’s my question, any concerns about the eq6.

 

thanks

I'm happy with my iOptron GEM45.  My guiding is usually under 0.75.

 

[erilot]

Glad to hear the GEM45 manages the scope well, Brent. I have a GEM45 and am strongly considering one of these scopes (130PHQ or FF130), but have been worried about overtaxing the mount. I've been debating whether to upgrade to a CEM70 first and then do the scope next year, or get the scope and see how it goes. I currently get between 0.4" and 0.7" guiding at 800mm, normally, up to 1.0" if the seeing is bad, so I'm cautiously optimistic (this is not a scope that would come out to play if the seeing is bad anyway). I guess my only real concern is wind resistance, as the mount would probably not have a lot left to fight off any of that... but that's another question and another thread.

 

Also +1 for the TeleGizmos cover -- that stays on my setup through blasting summer heat and freezing winter, and the gear stays safe and dry inside all year.

 

Eric

[Obs30]

Excellent points. I would probably first go for the scope. See if the mount can handle it. It is very likely at the upper limit of the GEM45 as you said.

I put the FF130 on an Avalon M-Uno, which is pretty sensitive to wind gusts. I still get very good images utilizing the Askar OAG.

I am actually looking more and more into harmonic drive mounts. I do not have a stationary or permanent setup. So less weight is a great idea. All the new mounts from iOptron have been harmonic drives. Personally, I also prefer mounts that show full compatibility with the ASIAIR.

[BrentKnight]

Glad to hear the GEM45 manages the scope well, Brent. I have a GEM45 and am strongly considering one of these scopes (130PHQ or FF130), but have been worried about overtaxing the mount. I've been debating whether to upgrade to a CEM70 first and then do the scope next year, or get the scope and see how it goes. I currently get between 0.4" and 0.7" guiding at 800mm, normally, up to 1.0" if the seeing is bad, so I'm cautiously optimistic (this is not a scope that would come out to play if the seeing is bad anyway). I guess my only real concern is wind resistance, as the mount would probably not have a lot left to fight off any of that... but that's another question and another thread.

 

Also +1 for the TeleGizmos cover -- that stays on my setup through blasting summer heat and freezing winter, and the gear stays safe and dry inside all year.

 

Eric

I don't use the rig if there is much wind - maybe over about 6 to 10 knots.  I think a beefier mount would be preferred, but I've been pleasantly surprised by how well the GEM45 handles the 130.  It has been holding PA very well out under the TV, and it's fairly easy to get it 3-D balanced using a bolt and some large washers attached to the saddle plate.  Tracking has been good, but it varies by directions - as good as 0.5 in some directions, and right around 1.0 in others.

 

I'd recommend getting the scope and determining for yourself if it meets your requirements.  I bought my GEM45 used and was happy to find one, so I'm sure you would be able to sell and upgrade if you were not happy with the rig.

 

 

Recent 2-hour EAA capture of IC 410 using the Askar130PHQ, ASI2600MC-Pro and GEM45.

[Dfurdon]

Ok I think I might know what the responses are here but here goes.

I'm thinking about the Askar 130. I have the ZWO FF107

I am using the AM5 with the Carbon Fiber tripod and 200 pier extension.

I’ve run my 9.25SCT with a counterweight and used about 15lbs in cloth tray of the

tripod and no issues. 
Thoughts on if I can use the 130 on my setup

[Obs30]

Ask Nico from Nebula Photos on YouTube. One of the best astrophotography channels out there. Nico has both the AM5 and the PHQ130. Nico will give you a very educated and honest answer. He is very experienced.

Check this link:
https://youtu.be/Yat...Yu5l3RZKF9j4lpE

If you have no Google/YouTube account or like to remain anonymous, I could ask him.

The NYX101 seems to be a better match for the 130mm-refractor-class. With the AM5, the problem might not be the weight but rather sensitivity to wind. That’s my estimation. Better to check with those people, who actually own this equipment and use it the way we would intend to.

Edited by Obs30, 24 December 2023 - 02:40 AM.

[Ar3s701]

So I got a decent bonus that gave me enough funds to purchase the 130PHQ again. Agena Astro was running a deal for the 0.7 reducer and a guide scope added in for free so I picked it up there and it shipped today.

 

I'm excited, but I know it might be a while before I can use it thanks to the rainy winters in the PNW.

[Ar3s701]

Got the telescope pretty quick. Unfortunately no clear skies in the near future. Definitely bigger and heavier than I initially thought. Currently debating on whether to sell my 80mm sextuplet or keep it around for specific projects.

 

One thing I was happy to see was there there are rotational degrees on the scope. When I was looking at pictures and reviews, the 130 for some reason didn't have them, but this one does and I'm happy about that. Now I can mark the degree for flats.

 

[BrentKnight]

Dang...wish mine had those!

[Ar3s701]

Ok, since the weather is awful until god knows when, I have time to plan my image train a bit.

 

So I have the Player One OAG Max (https://player-one-a...ct/fhd-oag-max/) which has a nice juicy prism on it, but I have an ASI290MM-mini which has a 1/3" sensor on it. Currently I use it on a guide scope and it works fine. I'm wondering if it has enough FOV to find a star when I want to shoot at the full 1000mm. Thoughts?

[Obs30]

So I got a decent bonus that gave me enough funds to purchase the 130PHQ again. Agena Astro was running a deal for the 0.7 reducer and a guide scope added in for free so I picked it up there and it shipped today.

I'm excited, but I know it might be a while before I can use it thanks to the rainy winters in the PNW.

Congratulations! Welcome to the club 😃.

[Obs30]

The ZWO FF130 also has the rotation degree markers. See my photos earlier in this thread. Very practical.

I am using the ASKAR OAG with an ASI120mm guide camera, which has the 1/3“ sensor. This OAG has a big prism as well and it is all 54 mm threads. No vignetting! I usually find guide stars with this sensor. Sometimes I have to go to 2s guiding exposures, but normally I am OK with 1 to 1.5s.

Eventually, I will get an ASI220 for the larger 1/1.8“ sensor.

Edited by Obs30, 08 January 2024 - 02:35 AM.

[Ar3s701]

Good to hear the 1/3" sensor should work. I think I'll pick up a Xena-M (1/1.2" sensor) in August for my birthday just in case.

 

Yeah I'm glad that it came with the rotation degree markers. Also glad that after having to cancel my original FF130 order due to a car crash, this one comes along with an even better deal at the right time.

[Ar3s701]

Ready to test the setup. I made a dolly because it was so heavy. Not pretty but it works. I've also determined that I really need a pier.

 

[Obs30]

Nice :-)

My old CGEM is sitting in the garage… still on its dolly. I hear you!

Have fun. This is a beautiful scope.

[Ar3s701]

Well I figured out a few things last night, but did get it to work.

1. Focusing the OAG is a real pain, but it worked great with no shadow in the main camera.
2. Depending on the rotation, of the filter wheel, it will collide with the legs before the meridian. So I ordered the pier extension today.
3. The weight of the scope added some binding in the DEC axis so I have to tune that out.

I was able to get some photons though and it has edge to edge perfect stars at the native 1000mm focal length. Here is a screenshot of a quick rough 36min integration of M33 from last night (6 x 90s each channel LRGB) with no flats.

 

[Obs30]

Perfect first light! Great picture 😃👍

I actually use my Bhatinov mask (3D printed at home) for focusing the OAG.

[Cbaxter]

Hi,

I am considering this scope or the TS Optics CF-APO 130mm. I mostly do astrophotography but recently have started doing about 50/50 visual and AP. I want the eyepiece views to be very sharp and high quality under very high magnifications on double stars and planets. The CF-APO 130 has a minimum Strehl guarantee and comes with an interferometer report. I have owned a CF-APO (102) before and it's optics were among the very best I have ever owned or looked through. I know that if I go with the CF-APO 130 the optics will be top-tier and have an IF test and star test to prove it. But! I really like the idea of a Petzval design for the native flat field for astrophotography. I really like the idea of not having to fuss with flattener back spacing. From the owners of the 130PHQ/FF130, what are your options on the visual performance of this scope? What eyepieces have you used with it and specifically, how was high magnification performance on things like the planets or double stars? Basically, I'm hoping that I can be convinced to get the 130PHQ.😂 Right now TS Optics has the CF-APO 130 on sale for $500 below its usual price which puts it about $2760 USD. That's a significant discount on that scope and puts it about $740 USD less than the 130PHQ/FF130. Convince me to put out the extra $ for the 130PHQ/FF130.😁 Thanks in advance for anyone who comments, very much appreciated.

Edited by Cbaxter, 16 January 2024 - 01:10 PM.

[Ar3s701]

Perfect first light! Great picture

I actually use my Bhatinov mask (3D printed at home) for focusing the OAG.

I need to print a new mask for it as well. I'm still getting used to an OAG. Luckily the 1/3" sensor seems to pick up enough stars at 2s exposures. I've been guiding between 0.8" - 1.0" total RMS which isn't terrible considering the weight of the system, but I think I can get it better. Currently trying to find a happy medium point for focusing the OAG because the focus between LRGB and SHO is enough to annoy me. I'm too used to setting the guide scope and forgetting it. But I think it is just a learning curve that I'll get over.

 

 

Hi,

I am considering this scope or the TS Optics CF-APO 130mm. I mostly do astrophotography but recently have started doing about 50/50 visual and AP. I want the eyepiece views to be very sharp and high quality under very high magnifications on double stars and planets. The CF-APO 130 has a minimum Strehl guarantee and comes with an interferometer report. I have owned a CF-APO (102) before and it's optics were among the very best I have ever owned or looked through. I know that if I go with the CF-APO 130 the optics will be top-tier and have an IF test and star test to prove it. But! I really like the idea of a Petzval design for the native flat field for astrophotography. I really like the idea of not having to fuss with flattener back spacing. From the owners of the 130PHQ/FF130, what are your options on the visual performance of this scope? What eyepieces have you used with it and specifically, how was high magnification performance on things like the planets or double stars? Basically, I'm hoping that I can be convinced to get the 130PHQ. Right now TS Optics has the CF-APO 130 on sale for $500 below its usual price which puts it about $2760 USD. That's a significant discount on that scope and puts it about $740 USD less than the 130PHQ/FF130. Convince me to put out the extra $ for the 130PHQ/FF130. Thanks in advance for anyone who comments, very much appreciated.

I was in the exact same boat as you and fighting between the 130 CF, the Photoline 130-DEL, and the 130PHQ. I had all of them in my cart multiple times almost pressing the buy button. Here is what my comparison was looking like:

 

Photoline 130-DEL vs CF-130

• Both really good options
• Both have 3.7" RAP focuser which is enough to put whatever you want on the end
• 130-DEL has FPL-53 and the CF-130 has FPL55 which are very similar in quality
• I thought the CF had 2 ED elements but I can't find anything to back that up anymore (https://www.cloudyni...30-mm-f7-fpl55/)
• CF130 comes with a certificate which is nice because you are guaranteed good optics
• Both have the same f/7 and 910mm focal length
• CF-130 is +$375
• Would need to buy 1x and 8x flattener

TS-Optics vs Askar

• 910mm vs 1000mm focal length at 1x
• 728mm vs 700mm focal length with 0.8 reducer and 0.7 reducer
• f/7 vs f/7.7 at 1x
• f/5.6 vs f/5.4 at 0.8 and 0.7 (Askar)
• At native 1000mm, Askar does not require specific backspacing
• TS-Optics requires flattener or reducer vs Askar's built in 1x and optional 0.7x
• FPL53/55 vs ???? Super APO - Askar doesn't tell anyone what glass they use, but the scope has Super APO printed on it which should be in the class of FPL53 or FPL55.
• TS-Optics ships from Germany (might have additional fees) vs Askar readily available in the US
• Agena Astro had a deal going on for the 0.7 reducer + a guide scope for free
• Apples to Apples cost before taxes and shipping
  • Photoline CF APO 130 + 0.8 Reducer +1.0 Flattener = $3,511.52
  • Photoline 130-DEF + 0.79 Reducer + 1.0 Falltener = $3,057.58
  • Askar 130PHQ + 0.7 Reducer + 32mm f/4 guide scope = $3,499.00 (https://agenaastro.c...aph-130phq.html)

 

I also read that some tests on the Askar showed that it has a really good Strehl (0.97 i think) and that the only downside was that the 0.7 reducer's backspacing isn't actually 55mm but more like 58mm so you need spacers.

 

The nail in the coffin for me was that I could get the scope super fast and the reducer for free. I bought 2 years of protection and everything totaled out to about $4k. So use the info how you see fit. All I have to say is that I get really nice edge to edge round stars with an APS-C sensor.

Edited by Ar3s701, 16 January 2024 - 04:07 PM.

[Cbaxter]

I need to print a new mask for it as well. I'm still getting used to an OAG. Luckily the 1/3" sensor seems to pick up enough stars at 2s exposures. I've been guiding between 0.8" - 1.0" total RMS which isn't terrible considering the weight of the system, but I think I can get it better. Currently trying to find a happy medium point for focusing the OAG because the focus between LRGB and SHO is enough to annoy me. I'm too used to setting the guide scope and forgetting it. But I think it is just a learning curve that I'll get over.


I was in the exact same boat as you and fighting between the 130 CF, the Photoline 130-DEL, and the 130PHQ. I had all of them in my cart multiple times almost pressing the buy button. Here is what my comparison was looking like:

Photoline 130-DEL vs CF-130

• Both really good options
• Both have 3.7" RAP focuser which is enough to put whatever you want on the end
• 130-DEL has FPL-53 and the CF-130 has FPL55 which are very similar in quality
• I thought the CF had 2 ED elements but I can't find anything to back that up anymore (https://www.cloudyni...30-mm-f7-fpl55/)
• CF130 comes with a certificate which is nice because you are guaranteed good optics
• Both have the same f/7 and 910mm focal length
• CF-130 is +$375
• Would need to buy 1x and 8x flattener

TS-Optics vs Askar

• 910mm vs 1000mm focal length at 1x
• 728mm vs 700mm focal length with 0.8 reducer and 0.7 reducer
• f/7 vs f/7.7 at 1x
• f/5.6 vs f/5.4 at 0.8 and 0.7 (Askar)
• At native 1000mm, Askar does not require specific backspacing
• TS-Optics requires flattener or reducer vs Askar's built in 1x and optional 0.7x
• FPL53/55 vs ???? Super APO - Askar doesn't tell anyone what glass they use, but the scope has Super APO printed on it which should be in the class of FPL53 or FPL55.
• TS-Optics ships from Germany (might have additional fees) vs Askar readily available in the US
• Agena Astro had a deal going on for the 0.7 reducer + a guide scope for free
• Apples to Apples cost before taxes and shipping
• Photoline CF APO 130 + 0.8 Reducer +1.0 Flattener = $3,511.52
• Photoline 130-DEF + 0.79 Reducer + 1.0 Falltener = $3,057.58
• Askar 130PHQ + 0.7 Reducer + 32mm f/4 guide scope = $3,499.00 (https://agenaastro.c...aph-130phq.html)

I also read that some tests on the Askar showed that it has a really good Strehl (0.97 i think) and that the only downside was that the 0.7 reducer's backspacing isn't actually 55mm but more like 58mm so you need spacers.

The nail in the coffin for me was that I could get the scope super fast and the reducer for free. I bought 2 years of protection and everything totaled out to about $4k. So use the info how you see fit. All I have to say is that I get really nice edge to edge round stars with an APS-C sensor.

Great information. Thank you. I see Agena still has that special going on with 3x in stock. Have you used the 130phq visually at all?

Edited by Cbaxter, 16 January 2024 - 04:43 PM.

[Ar3s701]

Great information. Thank you. I see Agena still has that special going on with 3x in stock. Have you used the 130phq visually at all?

I honestly haven't done anything visually at all for a long time. It's just less interesting to me. I like taking pretty pictures of space clouds.

 

However, if I do want to look at planets or something, I have a 10" LX200 that does the job pretty well.

[Obs30]

I am considering this scope or the TS Optics CF-APO 130mm. I mostly do astrophotography but recently have started doing about 50/50 visual and AP. I want the eyepiece views to be very sharp and high quality under very high magnifications on double stars and planets. The CF-APO 130 has a minimum Strehl guarantee and comes with an interferometer report.

…

So funny, I have been in the exact same spot last year… comparing all the different TS-Apos with Askar/Sharpstar/ZWO.  Living in central Europe, shipping costs were not really a point of concern for me. Especially the big CF-apos had caught my eye as well. Very comforting to see I have not been the only one with this struggle.

 

I started off astronomy exclusively visually…. First a small ED refractor, then the small Newton, then the BIG Newton/Dobson and finally I wanted big aperture on an equatorial mount. So I bought the GSO-RC10 … yes,… for visual for deep sky. I bought it over 10 years ago, before there were any affordable astro cameras around.

 

With the pandemic and lockdown I ordered a “planet-killer Newtonian”, small obstruction, carbon tube, you name it, … which was cancelled because of supply chain issues. So I used the money and ordered the ASIAIR and my first astro camera, the ASI294-color for EAA.

 

Long story short, I love EAA, but wanted to get back into the “planet killer” business… this time with an apo. CF vs.  PHQ vs. Stellarvue vs. TAK vs …

 

I finally settled on the FF130 (reads PHQ), because of the same reasons as the others in this thread: VERY affordable, no fiddling around with flattener and spacers, special introduction offer by my local Swiss dealer (much cheaper than TS at the time) including the 0.7 reducer. I picked it up myself in the store. I still like that Adrenalin rush of going into a store and picking up big toys ;-)

 

I have been using the FF130 both visually and for astrophotography. It shows outstanding performance in both applications. Jupiter was stunning this year. I mostly use Pentax XL/XW eyepieces. I did not use it extensively visually, and this is my first big apo, so I cannot make a side-by-side comparison with other apos. But what I saw pleased me a lot.

 

I hope that helps.

Edited by Obs30, 20 January 2024 - 06:37 AM.

[Obs30]

Keep in mind that the native focal ratio of the PHQ 130 / FF130 is 7.7. With the extra low dispersion glasses (FCD100, FPL5x, FK51, …) you will very likely get a polychromatic Strehl ratio of way above 0.9, likely above 0.95. This is considered perfect in optics. Add to this the beveling to reduce stray light and all the modern multi-level antireflex coatings, then you cannot go really wrong with any of these scopes visually.

 

If you have a TAK, an APQ, Stellarvue, ASKAR, TS-CF and any other high end apo refractor right next to each other with perfect seeing, you might see very minor differences at or above a level that most people consider perfect to begin with.

 

Some reading:

https://www.telescop...romatic_psf.htm

[Vittas]

Hello.
I received my 130.
I did a test and a few photos,
I got a lot of problems: astigmatism, sthrel 0.6((coma?
What to do in this case?

A seller in China writes to the manufacturer. No answer yet.

 

thanks

Edited by Vittas, 27 January 2024 - 11:00 AM.