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!
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....
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...
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)...
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...
I'll have to put that on my "check out" list...I've been by it but never in it (yet).
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!
I used to live in Patterson NY - just over the border. Hmm.. I miss it... 
