Astro Tech Scope

[ZeroID]

There is an Astro Tech 80mm f7 Doublet APO(?) over here for sale. Only 2 years old, excellent condition and with extras, rings and bits. Even a hard case container.
I'm sorely tempted at the starting price and a bit more if it climbs at auction.
Whats the general opinion of this scope or brand ?

[Wavytone]

Brett,

I'd have to ask "why ?"

You already have an 80mm f/5 achromat and a 10" f/5 Newtonian, so it isn't going to do anything that you don't already have amply covered. 80mm scopes are best for rich wide-field, low magnification stuff and another small apo isn't going to do any better.

[bojan]

Second to that.

I had similar dilemmas.. RC or not RC (and I have 10" F5.6 Newt (Coulter Optics from '80ies last century), on dob) for my EQ6..
Decided to use what I already have. Less clutter around and more money in pocket (useful for stuff i don't have yet)

[ZeroID]

Mmmmm, the AT is an ED ( sorry, forgot to mention ) and my Achro shows CA as soon as I get any degree of magnification in the image was the thinking. Also F7 will get me in bit closer image wise.
I'm having difficulty with the 10" f5 photographically. It is big on the mount and supersensitive to collimation and coma. I've actually switched to the 114 f8 Newt at present due to the longer f and lighter weight.
I see all these excellent images from 80-100mm ED APO scopes and thought it might be a good option to try. F7 is still pretty widefeild. I'd probably sell the f5 Achro to offset.
Cheapest (new) APO over here is $1395 (80mm), the 100mm is $1995. This is at $650 start bid.
I may look at bringing an APO in from Bintel, it's at just over half the new price here. Even paying shipping it's a win.

Am I going down the worng track photographically to go small APO ?

I understand your comment re clutter Bojan. I've been minimising my setup and connections to the mount as well. As much as to make it easier to manage and not get lost in all the hardware as anything. Especially in the dark !!

[bojan]

Hmm..
CA can be dealt with software..
Coma is manageable with coma corrector (something I will need for my newt)

[MortonH]

Many people here are using the Skywatcher/Orion ED80 with great results photographically. You can often get a used one for less than $500.

[Octane]

Can't go wrong with an ED80 and a flattener for bang for buck astrophotography!

H

[ZeroID]

Not in NZ you can't ..
Prices are in the 'stupid' region. I'd buy new instead from Aust. Cheaper.

My 80 f5 Achro also doesn't do 2" at the focusser which is a nuisance.

[Kunama]

Brent, I think there are some reviews of the AstroTech on CN.
Edit:
Just saw the scope, you guys sure pay top dollar down there, but looks to be a good kit with the Losmandy bits included.

[ZeroID]

Thanks Matt, yeah, they seem to acquire $$ as they cross the ditch. The penalty of a smaller market I guess. And that is just a start bid point on that one so could go a lot higher.
I can find specs on the AT but no reveiws of that particular model. I'm looking at another possible offer as well on a 4". Geez, I dunno, lots of $$ everywhere.

[silv]

to me, an 80ED seems to be the natural next step up from your achro.

I decided not to bid on this particular auction after finding out that I'd get a brand new one for the same price
and would have 2 years warranty with my new purchase.
http://www.astronomytechnologies.com/product.asp?id=15316&c=11388
(plus shipping from US, right, okay, add NZD 100 for that)

(I know, you don't want another story about the ridiculous prices in NZ.
But here goes, anyway:

iOptron ships their SmartEQPro (https://www.ioptron.com/index.cfm?select=productdetails&phid=6650b0b6-9767-494d-b9e6-9e82c223c1a6) to my doorstep for NZD 785 (US$650).
A local dealer in ChCh wants NZD 1799 for the same product (http://langwoodsphotography.com/eshop/iOptron-SmartEQ-Pro-3200-Mount.html) - probably even "plus shipping". :lol:

[George Ionas]

Brent, If you a looking for a 4inch scope then go with the 4" scope, it will be much better visually and for imaging. If the price of the 4" scope is close to what you are willing to pay then go for it.

George

[brian nordstrom]

:mad2: Mate , thats just a blatent rip off !!!. I bet they dont sell many at that price !
Brian.

[brian nordstrom]

:) Hi Brent , have you given any thought to Gary Beals Lunt 102mm ED he has for sale ? , he lives in Cambridge , and for a grand , its a sweet buy .
I see its on Trade Me as well .
Brian.