Takahashi fs102 fluorite refractor

[Astromelb]

FOR SALE - TAKAHASHI FS102 FLUORITE REFRACTOR - SOLD
I have just recently purchased a Carl Zeiss Jena (CZJ) AQ, there were 2 prototypes made, this was to have been the replacement to the APQ, widely regarded as the best telescope ever crafted by mankind. However at the point of approval for going into production the telescope division of CZJ was closed.

I have a range of telescopes I need to move on, as they simply never get used, and with the advent of the AQ won't ever see light in my hands, which is a little tragic.

I have a barely ever used this Takahashi FS102, this is the best thing that Takahashi ever made, and for those that really know this brand their new models do not compare. This is the last of their Fluorites, and as most of you will know ......... Fluorites beat everything :)

The system comes with a brand new set of Parallax tube rings, plus an original Takahashi 7X50 finder.

Performance is as you would expect from Takahashi, very highly capable. But - this unit is the best Takahashi that I have ever owned, and is better than the FS152 and FS128 that I owned previously. It breaks my heart to see it go, but sitting in a box and never being used isn't really what this system deserves.

You are welcome to your own opinions but I regard the FS102 as easily the best thing they have ever made. I picked this unit up personally from the final production batch at Takahashi in Tokyo when I visited them four years ago.

It's condition is excellent, and it's performance rivals the exotica telescopes that I own. I am selling as it's simply never going to get used by me.

Price $ 2,500 plus shipment nationally by courier. Pickup in Melbourne welcome.

Thanks for looking.

[roddz]

PMed to buy
Rodd

[LewisM]

Now it is sold...WOW, we need a field rep on the CZ :)

I love the rare and exotic - got myself a Vixen DED108SS just recently. It's INCREDIBLE.

I echo your fluorite sentiment - my Vixen FL102S is simply incredible. Walk all over ED.

[PeterHA]

There is hope for all Fluorite fans...Takahashi has released the FC-100D!
Maybe a new FC-128 in near future???

And what design is the CZJ AQ, nothing in the net about it???

[Astromelb]

Carl Zeiss Jena (CZJ) ceased their telescope production in 1995.

Although there are regular rumours about them starting up again I assure you this is not going to be the case anytime soon.

There is no one that makes anything that is anywhere near their capability today. Even in the nearly 20 years since their closure no one has equalled ......... yet alone surpassed .......... their capability and design excellence.

The world's best refractors are - APM or Officina Stellare using LZOS's OK4 glass, which is simply sensational. Plus TEC using a mix of glass types including a range of ED's. Then when you go lower down the scale you get AP & Tak. Then below that WO & TV.

The issue with refractors is that you need to be very careful about what you read, and what you believe. As there is such a lot of trash that is written on the internet about the different Strehl performance and glass types such as ED and Fluorite and their capabilities. It is disappointing that the more research you do the worse the data gets. Those that are truly specialist in this area have grown more than bemused, they are these days a little cross.

There was even one supplier here in Australia claiming that his triplet refractors have a Strehl of 0.998, which is ridiculous ......... as this breaches the laws of physics. He has changed his webpage - I just checked. Does he know what he is doing - you be the judge.

My personal CZJ's ..... my apologies if I gave you the wrong impression - they are not on offer, and are not going to be on offer anytime within the next (likely) 30 odd years. My comments were in no way a marketing blurb to achieve any form of sales interest.

If you want a CZJ you will need to achieve some fairly extensive personal links into both Europe and the US. Personally - my links to achieve my goals took decades upon decades to achieve. The amount of time and work to achieve my personal holy grail .... actually owning one of the 2 pcs of CZJ AQ ever made, was the culmination of a life's work in astronomy & specialist optical physics.

I recommend you stay with current production gear, it's going to save you megabucks anyway. But make sure the people you talk to actually understand and know what they are talking about.

Clear skies :)