ED glasses are fast becoming ubiquitous in astronomical equipment, particularly in banishing the remnants of chromatic aberration of the classic refractor. Many APO (apochromatic) telescopes are small in aperture, so although the images are perfectly honed, definition and light grasp remain limited. It is nice therefore to see an affordable APO with some meat on its bones.
With an aperture of 115mm (4.5″) at f/7, this ‘scope aspires to have enough glass for probing the depths, while also having the breadth to prise the light apart for resolution. Bolted on to the air-spaced triplet optics is a beefy three-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser, strong enough for precise control of even heavy visual or imaging equipment.
Measuring less than 28″ long (dew tube retracted) this is a significant but eminently portable instrument — boasting a mass of only 15.2lb.
This kit includes a Vixen-style dovetail mounting rail on two heavy duty-rings, all enclosed in its own hard carry case.
Objective lens design: air-spaced, fully multi-coated, 3-element with FK-61 extra-low dispersion (“ED”) glass
Aperture: 115mm (4.5″)
Focal length: 805mm
Focal ratio: f/7
Optical tube length: 705mm (dewshield retracted)
Optical tube weight: 15.2lb (6.9kg)
Focuser: 3″ dual-speed (11:1) Crayford
Additional included accessories: tube rings, Vixen-style dovetail, foam-lined hard carry case.
Price: £1799
For more information: scsastro.co.uk
