Skywatcher Esprit triplet Apo 150 mm

[Amaranthus]

Has anyway seen or tried out (or own?) the large Esprit triplet? Some details here:

http://www.skywatcheraustralia.com.au/?wpsc-product=5-elements-ed150-ota-d-150mm-f-1050mm

http://www.skywatcherusa.com/ed-apo-refractors/esprit-ed-triplet-apo-refractors/esprit-150mm-ed-triplet-apo-refractor.html

http://skywatcher.com/product.php?cat=14&id=30

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/esprit-professional-refractors/skywatcher-esprit-150-ed-pro-triplet.html

It's a hefty 6" frac with lots of glass, which means a heavy OTA (14.5kg with rings), but at $A 5,600 it seems like a pretty sweet option: http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-045B2

I wonder how it would go on an AZ-EQ6 GT -- I'm judging total load would be 16.7 kg (OTA+mounting + QSI-690wsg-8 + M48 FF + ASI120MM guidecam)? (The quoted loadings for the AZ-EQ6 are 25kg for visual & 18kg for imaging, so I reckon I'd be okay).

[Amaranthus]

No feedback from any of the 'frac nuts on IIS (yes, I'm becoming one...) I'm surprised!

[cometcatcher]

I'm not surprised. The Esprit line is fairly new on the market and has yet to build a reputation. It's still a lot of money and I think people would rather go for a trusted brand. Possibly the question on a lot of minds is can China churn out top quality optics scope after scope like Japan does with it's top line optics?

[The Mekon]

For visual, should be fine. I am not into astrophotography, but should I be so, then I think my smaller scope (AT106) with an EQ6 would be what I would use. My EQ6 handles the AP130 F8 assembly (12kg) just fine, but it still moves in a fresh breeze. I would think if you bought a 15kg scope for astrophotography, you would pretty soon be looking at a bigger mount.

[casstony]

The Esprit gets a good test result over on astro-foren - well corrected optics, not as smooth as Tak but very good nonetheless.

[Amaranthus]

My default right now is something like a WO FLT132, but the extra aperture for the same cost is tempting, given the good reviews its optics has garnered.

My eye is squarely on an astrograph rather than for visual (though I'm sure I'll enjoy it for this too) for this future purchase, and something that has a FL in the 900 to 1100 range (I'll use my ED80T CF for wide field, and C8 for narrow).

[casstony]

Gerry Gibbs Camerahouse has the 150 for $5400 shipped.
http://gerrygibbscamerawarehouse.com.au/telescopes/sky-watcher-telescopes/esprit

[Camelopardalis]

I'd say that focal length is a little close to your C8 with reducer...how about 700 or so? A nice 4" apo should do a nice job there, if a little slow :confused2:

[Amaranthus]

Shorter is a possibility Dunk, although I can go to 600 mm with my 120 achro already. It just takes a bit more work to avoid CA, because of the need to refocus between each R-G-B filter change, but heck, you're supposed to refocus every hour anyway, eh? ;)

Maybe the FLT 132 or similar will turn out to be sweet spot for me: high quality unit that will last a lifetime, perfect fit for my mount, and FL = 925mm. But I'm keeping my options open, and not planning to make the purchase for 6-12 months, so I have time to weigh my options!

[Amaranthus]

Then there is always the Esprit ED120 at FL = 840mm....
http://ca.skywatcher.com/_english/01_products/02_detail.php?sid=397

Comes in at a wallet-saving $3,300 including FF...

[Camelopardalis]

Definitely no shortage if choices :)

[Spookyer]

I have been happy with my WO FLT132. Use it with the WO IV field flattener when I need to go wider.

[brian nordstrom]

;) Hey Barry , have you given any thought to iStars 152mm R30;s or R35's , awesome scopes at a great price , they also do full on APO's for a great price as well , 'google' them .
Brian.

[Amaranthus]

Brian, are there any Australian dealers? Also, they look like doublets, I'm a 'tripletist'.

[cometcatcher]

Apparently iStar make triplet APO's, but I can't seem to find them on their website.

[brian nordstrom]

:eyepop:Hey , they do ship world wide . But as Kevin says they do , do full blow'n APO's for you 'tripliest's' ;) OUT THERE .
Brian.

[Amaranthus]

Thanks Brian - could you point me to a link to their triplets? I'll be darned if I can find them on their website...

[dannat]

iStar page has fewer lenses than a couple of yrs back, no Apo lenses mentioned on the site