Hi Vincent,
Before finally embarking on the TOA130 purchase, here are my thoughts why I considered it was the best in the market, perhaps in my sense of the word and what I would be using it for, described below:
1) Able to use it visually for planets and solar system visual at high power
2) Heavy duty focuser that would enable use with large format CCD cameras in the future
3) Rotatable focuser option would be highly encouraged which facilitates ease of framing, and also good for visual especially with a diagonal in place when viewing at objects near horizon (without it rotating, especially in public sessions, it is quite cumbersome for people of various heights).
4) Functional at THREE (two is not enough) effective focal ratios, either for wide field DSO imaging, or planetary work, and native focal ratio.
5) Relatively affordable field flattener
6) Relatively short
7) Extensive back-focus range
8) Well colour corrected for ease of imaging in tri or quad colour.
The above are the primary reasons for purchase. Of course having it light weight would be good for many people, but I find it fine if it is a little heavy, but it was important that it is not long, otherwise the balance moments on the GEM (which I use a G11) would be vexing.
I have considered TEC140, Stellarvue, TMB, FS128, APQ130 and the TOA130.
During the course of making the final decision, I found that although the TEC140 was reputed to be a great refractor and of good value for its price, and not forgetting the feathertouch focuser, it was quite long, and not as well corrected to the TOA130. The field flattener is more expensive than the TOA's as well. Nevertheless it was a close contender and I did think for a few months prior to finally deciding to get the TOA instead. Stellarvue was fine as well, but there was a waiting time at that time for their 5-inch equivalents and the field flattener was also not cheap. Same wise for TMB, but also because I was not certain (with absolute certainty) that I would get what I pay for considering the controversy involving TMB/APM and what nots. FS128 was too long and not as colour corrected and contrasty. APQ130 was beyond my budget but would remain a dream scope for years to come. I did not consider AP130EDF at all since you cannot buy it immediately with money, unless it is at a sky high price (perhaps around USD$6500 then). Not into WO stuff either. For that money, I could buy the 4-inch focuser version of TOA130 with money left for accessories. Additionally, the TOA130 was known for its sufficiently long back-focus, which could enable one to put a range of imaging accessories in the imaging train. Last of all, I had a few exchanges directly with Takahashi in Japan as well, and managed to get a good price for the scope (I am also a part-time dealer), the service was excellent and responsive. I had the priviledge to be offered some information into collimating the TOA130 as well, incase when the need arises, instead of sending back to Takahashi if it ever happens.
Another point to note: As I am using it mainly for imaging (but also would like it excel in visual sharpness/contrast), it was encouraging to see during that time more people using the TOA130 for imaging successfully then the other refractors (except for the AP130 during the film era), and after talking to some of them and what they liked about the TOA, I was finally convinced to take the plunge.
Please, no flames here! The above is just my opinion and thoughts.
TMB 130 SS
Remus,
A well reasoned purchase. However, your requirements are different from mine.
Well correction is a must but most companies have that.
Weight is an issue because this is my portable scope and I don't want to hual around extra weight if I don't have to.
I actually don't like the Takahashi focuser, even with the FT micro. But I have not used the new 4" ones yet so I don't know how it feels.
This is primarily for DSOs, if I wanted to view planets, I have other scope that will do it much better.
I'm sure the TOA is a great scope, but its strengths don't really play into what I want. But its negatives do.
BUT after some thought, I think I'll just wait for my AP140 to come up to fill this spot. Should be sometime next year. The first batch got their notification notices already for delivery in November. In the meantime, I'll just bring my SV95T or my VC200L to use.
Thanks for all the replies.
Vincent
A well reasoned purchase. However, your requirements are different from mine.
Well correction is a must but most companies have that.
Weight is an issue because this is my portable scope and I don't want to hual around extra weight if I don't have to.
I actually don't like the Takahashi focuser, even with the FT micro. But I have not used the new 4" ones yet so I don't know how it feels.
This is primarily for DSOs, if I wanted to view planets, I have other scope that will do it much better.
I'm sure the TOA is a great scope, but its strengths don't really play into what I want. But its negatives do.
BUT after some thought, I think I'll just wait for my AP140 to come up to fill this spot. Should be sometime next year. The first batch got their notification notices already for delivery in November. In the meantime, I'll just bring my SV95T or my VC200L to use.
Thanks for all the replies.
Vincent
yeah, i think it is important for others reading this thread to note that the choice of a scope is albeit a personal one and also one that is dependent on your specific needs. One's best scope may not be another's best, and so on. Looking forward to your first light report on the AP140. I am on the wait list for it and the 160 as well.
Now the Epsilon 210 is waiting for its turn of a season of imaging sessions!
Now the Epsilon 210 is waiting for its turn of a season of imaging sessions!
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universe24
- Posts: 227
- Joined: Thu Oct 02, 2003 12:26 am
That is what you have to do to get a new AP scope. Unfortunately, there is nothing else on the market that really fits what I want in a scope of that class.
The TEC 140 has issues with color correction (even Yuri himself has admitted that the TEC140 is not as well corrected as it can be).
SV had nothing in that range yet, SV5 is still wait listed and production hasn't even started. The SV145 is still in the development stage.
Takahashi has 2, but 1 is a doublet and the other is the TOA which doesn't really fit well for me.
TV has the NP127is... BUT I JUST SOLD MINE!!!! Kinda dumb to get another when that just happened!! Plus I just can't get used to the focusmate and the driver. There is no FT micro for the new IS focusers.
Don't even mention APM/TMB. I will not buy anything from Markus. I admitedly did buy the Supermonocentrics, but I had thought that these were NOT from APM.
Lastly, there is the TMB 130SS. Good price but not 100% about its performance yet. The production was moved to Taiwan from Japan. And while I'm sure Taiwan has good glass makers (TV stuff is from Taiwan afterall), I don't know how much control Mr. Back has on the overall quality.
Anyone can think of another alternative?
Vincent
The TEC 140 has issues with color correction (even Yuri himself has admitted that the TEC140 is not as well corrected as it can be).
SV had nothing in that range yet, SV5 is still wait listed and production hasn't even started. The SV145 is still in the development stage.
Takahashi has 2, but 1 is a doublet and the other is the TOA which doesn't really fit well for me.
TV has the NP127is... BUT I JUST SOLD MINE!!!! Kinda dumb to get another when that just happened!! Plus I just can't get used to the focusmate and the driver. There is no FT micro for the new IS focusers.
Don't even mention APM/TMB. I will not buy anything from Markus. I admitedly did buy the Supermonocentrics, but I had thought that these were NOT from APM.
Lastly, there is the TMB 130SS. Good price but not 100% about its performance yet. The production was moved to Taiwan from Japan. And while I'm sure Taiwan has good glass makers (TV stuff is from Taiwan afterall), I don't know how much control Mr. Back has on the overall quality.
Anyone can think of another alternative?
Vincent
