Tak FS-128 OTA Value

[UniPol]

Being mindful of "10 Sure Ways How NOT to Sell me an item on IIS" and particularly "EOI", I am hoping IIS members may help value my 2001 FS-128 f/8.1 OTA, preferably within a range of $500 or so of what is considered a reasonable price with a view to selling it in the near future. I have a TOA-130 and too many other telescopes and this one doesn't get used often.

It has been said that the FS-128 would be/will be/is quite collectable owing to the fact that it has the fluorite doublet objective, who knows? Optical performance wise, it is up there with the TOA-130 but you would need pretty super eyesight to tell the difference. The TOA-130 would certainly be more suitable for astrophotography though as there are a greater range of present day accessories. The FS-128 OTA is noticeably lighter however it is a good deal longer.

I have attached some pics of the FS-128 OTA, they should indicate that it is near new cosmetic condition with only very minor signs of use. The objective performs and looks like new.

[The Mekon (John Briggs)]

OK Steve, I will have a stab at this. As an owner of a similar size APO from a top line manufacturer, I think my estimate of what I would be willing to pay may have some merit.

$3400. (presume a case comes with the scope)

This is because I would pay more for this scope than a Williams Optic 132 one of which has been advertised for some time at $200 lower.

But I also know the value offered in the Astro-Tech range now, and I feel I may be tempted by one of their 130 models.

only an estimate - I am not in the market for such a scope.

[cventer]

Astromart search history shows prices ranging from $2000 - $3500US depending on what accessories with them.

US price does not neccessarily translate here as you have to factor shipping of around $400au to land one.

The last FS-128 on astromart sold for $2000 which was a steal. See link http://www.astromart.com/classifieds...fied_id=727019


Not an answer but gives you an idea.

[Waxing_Gibbous (Peter)]

Steve,
Nice scope.
Pity I'm out of my big refractor phase!
Shipping from outside Oz is not a factor most people consider, though they should, as it can really add-up!
The Astromart history is a pretty good indication of value here as well (I missed out on that 2K model by about 6 minutes! )

Three grand should see it shift pronto, you may get more, but might have to wait a bit to sell it. More than $3500 and you are starting to get into the used TOA130 market.

I don't know about 'collectable'.
They were produced in fairly large quantities (by small maker's standards) and they show up fairly regularly.
I think its more that they will hold a larger value of their original purchase price due to their quality of construction and ease of use.
They are a joy to use. Very light and quick to cool. Outstanding sharpness and contrast.

However, as Dave points out, companies like A-T are know producing 3K scopes, that are as good or better than 10 year old Taks. Mostly in colour correction and edge sharpness.

Good luck though.
Someone will buy it and be very happy!

[jamespierce (James)]

I bought one locally here last year for a bargain price with a set of rings and a case in very good but not perfect condition (optics are perfect). That didn't include a finder, but it did include a focal reducer and canon mount. It's every bit as good as a number of other Tak APOs I've had the chance to look through (including our own, so I am quite familiar). It's half the weight of a TOA-130 and is very viable for visual astronomy on a fairly light mount like a GM8. Around $3000 is very fair.

[gregbradley]

I did an Astromart search and found 6 in the US market.

They were lowest $2995 to highest $3600 with the bulk around $3300.

But that's the US and if you bought that you would have add exchange rate (most of these were when the AUD was .75 to .93 or so), shipping and insurance (US$450), GST $600 so that makes it around AUD$5450 in the past.

Current market is different though as other models become a competitor
at a certain price point. Certainly at the low $3000's it would seem desirable to many.

It would particularly suit a visual user as it is light, fast cooldown and of course its FLUORITE (the real stuff not the pretend marketing hype fluorite which is really FPL53 or less).

In case someone has never used a real fluorite scope there are noticeable differences. Mainly in light scatter. Fluorite has near zero light scatter - point a green laser at the lens and it disappears where it goes through the fluorite lens, not so other like FPL53. Fluorite has the lowest refractive index meaning its far easier for the optical designer to get the colours to focus at the same point if they never split apart much in the first place. Fluorite also enables the optical designer to get better colour correction from faster refractor designs more easily than FPL53. But it is subtle. However when you pay so much to capture that last little bit for visual it is significant.

The best views I have had were from my FS152 scope.

Greg.

[UniPol]

Thanks for your input guys, it is now only a matter of deciding whether or not to part with the scope, cheers.