New Scope purchased at NEAF

[wavelandscott]

All,

I was hoping to wait to share this news until I had a chance to enjoy first light with my new telescope but since the rain, clouds and my work schedule have conspired against my using this scope, I figured I might as well spill the beans (so to speak).

I am now the proud owner of an APM 130/780 refractor. It has been successfully and happily added to our household's expanding stable of telescopes. While I still love the views through my larger reflector, I am finding it hard to get it out at the end of my long commute back home and it seems like it is being relegated to weekends only.

I've wanted a good sized refractor that would still qualify as "grab and go" but was not satisfied with the light grab of the ED80 (which is still a nice scope). The APM will be used for visual use and is particularly "bino friendly" with about as much size in a grab and go (it can be made airline carry-on ready) telescope as I could get.



Attached is a picture from an APM advertisment showing my (or one just like it) new scope...it sure is pretty!

I can't wait to get it out under the stars...

Now, I've just got to figure out how many new eyepieces I need to maximize the use of this new scope...don't tell my wife!

[astropolak]

Congratulations Scott !!! She looks very nice, sure a big step forward from your smaller refractor..., do not forget to test your binoviewer in this one and let us know....

Joe

[iceman]

That's a very nice looking scope, Scott!

What are you mounting it on?

[h0ughy]

one can never have enough......

[Omaroo]

Looks nice Scott - enjoy!

Didn't realise just how close you are to my favourite pub in the USA - Rosy Tomorrows, just up the road from you in Danbury. :) I used to live in Patterson NY - just over the border. Hmm.. I miss it... :(

[Paddy]

Very nice!

[Lester]

Good luck with it. Looks very nice.

[TrevorW]

Lucky bugger just getting along too NEAF,

how can I talk the missus into it next year

Oh darls I just what to go away for a weekend

where

America

No way, yeah right what for not without me

NEAF

Don't swear at me you lazy son of a ......

[dpastern]

Congrats, looks pretty damn nice to my eyes.

Dave

[wavelandscott]

At present it is going on an Alt/AZ Mount (Vixen clone) made by GSO...I got one at Bintel...we will see how it goes mounted and used that way for a while.

It will likely go on something with Go-to capabilities (someday)...

[wavelandscott]

I'll have to put that on my "check out" list...I've been by it but never in it (yet).

[wavelandscott]

Thanks all, I will let everyone know once I get a chance to give it first light!

[Screwdriverone]

Ooooh, that's purty Scott!

Can't wait for the first light report, she looks the goods alright.

Congrats and good luck with the weather.

Cheers

Chris

[wavelandscott]

Well the clouds and rain continue in Connecticut with the only really nice evening being missed by me because I was in Washington DC...

I did get a chance to have a first light sort of on last Sunday evening.

WOW!...that is my biggest impression. It is a fabulous instrument!

The build quality and feel are on a different level from anything else I have used (astro gear wise)...this APM scope is just in a different category.

I've had an ED80 for a few years and I have been pleased with it and have considered it a good scope...this APM (forget about difference in size) is just plain and simple better in every category and I don't just mean the optics.

Not to knock the ED80, it works well and is an enjoyable scope...the APM scope is just a better scope in every aspect...of course for the price it should be but that is besides my point.

I was not able to do much more than pan around the night sky in my backyard before other commitments and clouds pulled me back into the house.

I can not describe how wonderful the views were...

I've waited for several days to even post this as I wanted to be able to process my experience and say something meaningful and intelligent (a stretch for me at the best of times)...

I can't, I just want to look through it and enjoy the view...WOW!