Quote:
Originally Posted by glend
Yes, there are a number of Triplet clones in that size, under different brand names. I believe there are some differences in the objective material used, not all of them are using FPL-53, and where that is used you will of course get an unspecified lesser quality second and third element, and hence maybe this explains some of the price point variances. I have the TS Photoline 115mm f6,96 Triplet and cannot fault it as an imaging scope. It uses FPL-51 & Lanthanum glass (not a coating) element pairing, which Teleskop-Express claim equates to a FPL-53 single elelment (in a triplet) correction . The R&P focuser carries my cameras and filter wheel without any dramas. Focuser rotates as well, and has motor focus options frtom TS. The 3" Photoline reducer/corrector (0,79x) works well across the entire TS Photoline range, it reduces the 115mm to f5,53, and I also use it on my TS80. I have the TS Flattener as well but mostly i use the reducer corrector for the speed advantages. I will be bringing the 115 and the 80 to Astrofest if anyone wants to have a look. One of the reasons I purchased from Teleskop-Express was their pre-dispatch testing and collimation check, and the way they triple box these refractors, with the two internal shipping boxes suspended in a foam bead pack, with the scope itself riding in the same expanded EVA used in the optional hard case. I made my own hard case and simply moved the shipping foam to that. Photo attached.
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Thanks Glen.
Its amazing value. Roland Christen predicted the Chinese scopes would eventually sap the high end market. I would really have to justify why I would pay 4X as much for a small gain.
I am really after around 105-115mm, around 630mm focal length and adjustable with reducers/flatteners and be able ideally to handle a Proline 16803 but if not then the Microline 16 which is APSh sized (26 x 22mm). It needs a 34.5mm corrected circle.
TS seem the people to use as they have the best range of scopes and accessories needed to make all this work. As you say the testing they do before they ship is reassuring given its a mass produced mostly Chinese product.
They have a few Q models that seem interesting that might even handle a 16803 sensor - well only the 86mm one. Starting to get too small though.
The M82 Riccardi reducer seems to have a slightly larger corrected circle. The 16803 needs 52mm and I'd say a 3 inch focuser minimum.
This use of Lanthanum is interesting. Roland Christen has said its not just having an FPL53 element but what it is mated with that makes it APO.
What do you think of this one?:
https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop...--focuser.html
It seems very flexible and plenty of backfocus. A bit unclear what the corrected circle is though. I imagine its about 40mm.
The other one is the 100APOQ. 3 inch focuser, 49mm corrected circle (it may work with the Proline or just a small amount of cropping).
But if the focuser isn't great and the flattener is built in then that would be limiting.
The other option is just go for the CFF it has a 55mm corrected circle but its a 9 month lead time and twice the price.
Pentax 125mm SDP F4.9 with reducer may be nice if I could find one. I wonder if there is a Japanese 2nd hand telescope site? Its similar to a 130mm FSQ.
Greg.