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I think it is fair to say that achromatic refractors are a pretty incredible offering for the price they can be obtained. To the untrained or oblivious eye, I imagine the CA on certain objects likely goes largely unnoticed, or at least is looked straight past.
Like many “hobbies”, there is what is considered beginner equipment for what most consider very reasonable prices and then, as one progresses, they begin to look toward higher priced, “better performing” equipment. Often there is a law of diminishing return at play, possibly greater in astronomy than in almost any other hobby. I think this says as much by way of praise for the lower cost achro’s as it does the much higher cost apo’s, however, most of the praise and attention more often goes to the apo for its often marginal performance improvement. When one is prepared to spend the difference, it is in search of this often small percentage improvement. To the keen observer seeking the best views they can both find and afford, a few percent better is seen as more than marginal. The reality is, there are often so many factors working against a perfect view, that many amateur astronomers get to a stage where they want to be sure it isn’t their equipment letting their view down.
All of my refractors are apochromatic, however, I have the highest respect for how close a quality achromat can get for a mere fraction of the cost.
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