New William Optics Refractor - FLT98

[Matty P (Matt)]

While I was doing some research on the William Optics Megrez 90. I came across this new refractor that William Optics have just brought out. The FLT98 Triplet APO.

It doesn't need much of an explanation as it looks like a very high quality refractor. It has a carbon fibre optical tube with 2.5" 2-speed focuser and is made specifically for astrophotgraphy. How can you resist?

I'm not sure much it is going to cost down here in Oz but I am definitely considering for my next scope.

What do you think?

Have a look here,
http://www.williamoptics.com/telesco...8_features.php

[Phil]

Wow looks good be interesting to see the reviews.
Phil

[AlexN]

It will be a LOT more than the Megrez 90... thats for sure..

It will be a nice scope though, but for the money it's likely to cost, you'd want to be sure its EXACTLY what you want.

[mick pinner]

coming on Tuesday

[Matty P (Matt)]

Originally Posted by mick pinner

coming on Tuesday

Awesome Mick, I would love to see what you think of it.

Sorry but I have to ask. Where did you get it from and how much?

[Matty P (Matt)]

Originally Posted by AlexN

It will be a LOT more than the Megrez 90... thats for sure..

It will be a nice scope though, but for the money it's likely to cost, you'd want to be sure its EXACTLY what you want.

Yes, I thought it would be. I was expecting it not to be cheap but I have put it on the list of scopes to consider.

It looks like a great scope for astrophotography though.

[mick pinner]

pm sent Matty.

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

William Optics sent me an introductory email in reference to this scope today - and no-one has yet mentioned the price so I will - they're currently priced at US$1,998.00

[AlexN]

thats actually not too bad for a ~100mm fluorite triplet...

[mick pinner]

l've seen the $US prices too Chris and they are very good so l wonder why the Australian retailers that are advertising them won't list a price.

[mick pinner]

especially considering they are carbon fibre and have an upgraded focuser Alex.

[Matty P (Matt)]

I'm hoping that I someone will have one at IISAC 08, so I can have a look it.

The FLT98 is a little bit out of my price ATM but I am still considering it.

[AlexN]

indeed..

That focuser looks to be somewhere in between an R&P and a crayford in design.... The coarse section on the draw tube must provide more grip.. hence, less/no slippage. fair idea....

Whats the advantage of a 2.5" focuser?

And yes.. CF tube is all the rage... light, strong, optimal cooling properties..

[AlexN]

Matt, One word mate... Save! It would be worth the extra $ and then some... Just hold out a few months longer and save up the extra coins!!

[Matty P (Matt)]

Originally Posted by AlexN

Matt, One word mate... Save! It would be worth the extra $ and then some... Just hold out a few months longer and save up the extra coins!!

That's what I will probably end up doing.

I can picture it mounted on top of my C8 in my observaotry.

[bluescope]

I considered the FLT98 when I was choosing my FLT110 ... they are selling them in US for around US$2,000 but decided I wanted the slightly larger aperture and steel reinforced 4" focuser for an extra US$800. Plus the reputation of the 110 as an excellent imaging scope and having the TMB field flattener available as an option was appealing for use with possible future upgrade to large format CCD.

Here's a link to scopes in US ............

http://www.optcorp.com/ProductList.a...1-600-613-1229



p.s. Only quoting US dollars to tie into the link. The exchange rate was very good when I ordered my 110 and got the scope for basically the same price but in OZ dollars .... even got the TMB flattener cheaper than US.

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

Does this put Mick on the leader board for number of telescopes ever owned? (Someone should run a poll.)

[mick pinner]

l'm not even close, never will be with Houghy around. hope his missus doesn't read this.

[Miaplacidus (Brian)]

Ah, yes, Houghy. Is he up to triple figures yet?

[g__day (Matthew)]

I've always like the look of carbon fibre tubes. And the way my C9.25 CF maintain focus through large temperature changes had impressed me no end.