Astro-Physics NEAF Announcement

[Hans Tucker]

I see Astro-Physics has announced two new refractors and a new Mount at NEAF 2025.

https://www.astro-physics.com/telescopes/

https://www.astro-physics.com/1150

[wavelandscott]

I guess I really do not need money for retirement after all…

[AG Hybrid]

...and you can get yours, maybe, by 2035.

[Peter Ward]

I must admit, the prospect of owning a 190mm F6 AP is *very* seductive..

But as others have already suggested will likely cost a motza, particularly since the $AUD aka Pacific Peso
is in free fall just now....thanks to the Washington Cirque du 'ole.

[anj026]

Even the 110GTX is going to be over $13k AUD if you are fortunate enough to get the call. Over 16k with the reducer and flattener, rings etc. These new scopes will be very exclusive.

I look forward to hearing more details about the superachromat design and what type of glasses are used. Also how long before other manufacturers use this design.

[Leo.G]

Come on Ozlotto!
I'm too blind and stupid to use equipment of anything near this quality, back to my Skywatcher Achromat for me.
Still, 'Tis nice to dream!

[gregbradley]

110 with accessories exchange rate shipping insurance and GST it’s
More than that.
The glass formula is proprietary and comes from research dating back to the 1800s.

Sounds like an awesome scope. The 190 is about the largest aperture available.

[Leo.G]

Greg you'd likely have an idea, what sort of weight would something like the 190 be at a rough stab in the dark?
I'm guessing if you have the money for something like that you have the money for an equally suitable mount and housing?

[wavelandscott]

On the AP website they list the specifications…weight is approximately 15.42 kg (34 lbs) with dew shield…

[Leo.G]

Thanks Scott, I missed that!
That's not much heavier than my old Skywatcher 154 Achromat, that's actually quite impressive.

[gregbradley]

I had a TEC180 and I originally had it on a Tak NJP mount where it was somewhat erratic.

A Paramount ME handled it easily though. It's not only the weight with refractors it's also the moment arm being a longish tube with momentum.

I would estimate an AP Mach 2, CEM120, Paramount MX+. 10 Micron category mounts would be needed. Skywatcher 8 would also probably do it.
There are much cheaper options these days for fairly heavy and reasonably accurate mounts.

An AP 190 would be worth more in the future than it will be brand new.
I can't imagine Roland making too many of them. The 155 is likely to be more popular.

Greg.

[gregbradley]

These new scopes are called super achromat. I hadn't come across that term before.

Achromat I associate with longer focal length doublets with chromatic aberration.

Super achromat means 4 colours crossing (ie at the same focus). It's an ultimate type lens.

Roland has been posting sample images for a while from one of these scopes. I thought they looked very tight
with tiny stars.

Greg.