For the Astronomy Now review, click here 152ED_AN.pdf

The APM 152-1200 Doublet is a mould breaker in the 6” Refractor category. APM have painstakingly engineered an optical and tube solution to bring you APM quality at an unheard of price. The new 152-1200ED features a Doublet lens cell using FPL-51 ED glass complimented by a Lanthanum coated element to maximise performance. Our innovative combination of materials and design has resulted in optical performance far beyond the normal for a telescope of this price. As with all APM telescopes consistency is assured and each telescope goes through an interferometrical test at the 532nm (green) wavelength before shipping.

With a generous 1200mm focal length, the 152-1200ED is an impressive all rounder. From intricate double star observing to high contrast detailed planetary views, this new scope will introduce a whole new group of Astronomy enthusiasts to APM quality. A classic scope in the making? We think so.

The new 152-1200ED is also supplied with extensive accessories. Inside the quality Aluminium transport case you will find not only a fantastic value telescope but also a newly designed 2.5” focuser, CNC tube rings incorporating a carrying handle, 330mm Losmondy style dovetail and finder bracket. All you need to do is add an eyepiece, diagonal and mount.

In terms of mount requirements you will be pleasantly surprised to find you won’t need to invest in a mount with the high load capacity normally required for a refractor of this size. The tube weight of our new refractor is only 7.5kg! That’s nearly half the weight of our LZOS Triplet 152-1200.

Traditional APM quality has been applied in all areas. The scope is available with either a 2.5” or 3.7" focuser of Rack and Pinion type, with 1:10 fine focusing. They both remains rigid under high loads making them suitable for imaging. Obviously the 3.7" is capable of dealing with higher loads and also features a separate rotator that does not move the whole focuser. The attention to detail extends to areas like the 2” and 1.25” eyepiece adapters. These use the new 'Fastlock' clamp, far superior to the common brass compression rings found on lesser designs. Of course, if you would like to use a Starlight Instruments Feather Touch (model FTF3035B-A) then this can also be supplied as an option.

Imaging accessories for the 152-1200 include basic and APM field flatteners which maintains focal length. There is also a dedicated Massimo Riccardi designed APM Reducer. This changes focal length by a factor of x0.75, resulting in a 900mm focal length and fast f5.9 aperture.

With the new 152-1200ED we believe APM have created an Apochromatic Refractor of incomparable performance and value in its category.

Overview

Doublet ED Apochromatic Refractor

FK-51 ED + Lanthanum H-LAF53 Elements

Fully Broadband Multicoated

Lightweight Aluminium Tube

APM 2.5" Focuser

Retractable Dew-Shield

CNC Tube Rings with Losmondy Style Dovetail

2” and 1 ¼” Eyepiece Adapters

Aluminium Case

Specifications

Length  1075mm (1210mm Observing)

Max Diameter  186mm

Tube Weight  16.5Ibs / 7.5kg

Aperture  152mm

Focal Length  1200mm

Focal Ratio  f7.9

Back Focus  180mm

Resolution  0.76” Arc Seconds

Limit Value  12.7 Magnitude

Max Mag  300x

The new Tecnosky 152/1216 offers exceptional value by using the proven triplet format and combining it with FPL-51 Glass and Lanthanum coated elements. Thanks to these low / high-dispersion glasses, the color correction is excellent even on very bright objects.

The 152 also boasts a new, thermally stable cell and a lighter and more compact tube. Total weight is only 14kg. The tube internals are perfectly matted and feature knife edge baffles to eliminate reflections. At the end of the tube there is a 3.7" focuser which offers a maximum capacity of 7kg. The focuser can rotate with respect to the tube but it also has a second rotator at the focuser end and 3 different threads for correctors and other accessories. (M100x1, M92x1, M68x1 and M63x1). Unscrewing the extension between the tube and the focuser also allows large binoviewers to be used without the need for glass path correctors. Also featured on the focuser are self-centering 1.25" and 2" eyepiece clamps. The 2" features a twist lock system for rapid swapping of accessories.

The telescope is compatible with various correctors. For pure correction either the 2.5" Flattener or the APM-Riccardi Model 2 can be used. For reduction, combined with removal of the extension tube, we recommend the APM-Riccardi M63 or M82 Reducers. Together with motor focus kits from either Lunatico or Optec, this 152 is an excellent value imaging telescope.

A 152mm Apochromatic Refractor has always been desired by every amateur astronomer: Amazing views of the Moon, planets, double stars and deep sky objects. The Tecnosky 152/1216 is also great for Astrophotography offering high resolution and relatively wide fields of view, especially when used with a reducer. In short it is a great all round telescope which until now has attracted a premium price.

Included with the telescope is a finder base, CNC rings, a Losmandy mounting plate and a top mounted Vixen/GP type that may be used for accessories.

Technical characteristics:

Apochromatic Lanthanum Triplet / FPL-51 152/1216
F8 Focal Ratio
Retractable lens hood
3.7" Rack and Pinion focuser with 1:10 micro focusing
Weight 14kg

The 100/800 features TMB designed optics manufactured by the famous LZOS optical company. LZOS is a world renowned optical company and has supplied glass and optics for major astronomical observatories and optical companies such as Carl Zeiss. The optical performance of this refractor is as near to perfect as its possible to be. Each scope is supplied with an optical test report gauranteeing performance of at least 95% Strehl. Natuarlly each scope is collimated and tested before supply ensuring you get the very best performance.

Given the cost of such a Refractor you may think a Reflector would be a more sensible choice. However only with a Refractor such as this will you experience the overall image quality and contrast range that an Apochromatic Refractor can provide. You will experience truly stunning views and images and be amazed that this scope only has a 4" objective.

For imaging use, we offer compatible flatteners or reducers and motor focus kits from Lunatico and Optec. Please contact us for more details

Description

Optical tube c/w LZOS Test Report

2.5" Rack and Pinion, 360 Degree Rotating Focuser

CNC Tube rings with handle

Vixen / GP format Mounting Plate

Flight Case

This is a rare high strehl version with minimum strehl of 0.98. This level of performance is exceptionally high and represents an almost perfect optic.

The 100/800 features TMB designed optics manufactured by the famous LZOS optical company. LZOS is a world renowned optical company and has supplied glass and optics for major astronomical observatories and optical companies such as Carl Zeiss. The optical performance of this refractor is as near to perfect as its possible to be. Each scope is supplied with an optical test report gauranteeing performance of at least 98% Strehl. Naturally each scope is collimated and tested before supply ensuring you get the very best performance.

Given the cost of such a Refractor you may think a Reflector would be a more sensible choice. However only with a Refractor such as this will you experience the overall image quality and contrast range that an Apochromatic Refractor can provide. You will experience truly stunning views and images and be amazed that this scope only has a 4" objective.

For imaging use, we offer compatible flatteners or reducers and motor focus kits from Lunatico and Optec. Please contact us for more details

Description

Optical tube c/w LZOS Test Report

2.5" Rack and Pinion, 360 Degree Rotating Focuser

CNC Tube rings with handle

Vixen / GP format Mounting Plate

Flight Case

The 115/805 features TMB designed optics manufactured by the famous LZOS optical company. LZOS is a world renowned optical company and has supplied glass and optics for major astronomical observatories and optical companies such as Carl Zeiss. The optical performance of this refractor is as near to perfect as its possible to be. Each scope is supplied with an optical test report gauranteeing performance of at least 95% Strehl. Natuarlly each scope is collimated and tested before supply ensuring you get the very best performance.

The 115 manages to offer an excellent compromise for both observers and imagers. For observers it provides good resolving power and light gathering with a native focal length that allows for a wide choice of comfortable eyepieces. In this regard we highly recommend the range of APM 100 Degree XWA Eyepieces. For Planetary observing at high magnifications the normal limit of 230x magnification can easily be exceeded as the outstanding LZOS optics will remain aberration and false colur free.

For imaging use, we offer compatible flatteners or reducers and motor focus kits from Lunatico and Optec. Please contact us for more details. When used with the APM Model 1 Flattener, sensors up to 60mm diagonal can be accomodated. If combined with the APM Riccardi Reducers the scope becomes a 525mm F5.25 wide field imager.

Description

Optical tube c/w LZOS Test Report

2.5" Rack and Pinion, 360 Degree Rotating Focuser

CNC Tube rings with handle

Vixen / GP format Mounting Plate

Flight Case

The APM 152/1200 is a benchmark observing and imaging telescope. It has an F8 focal ratio, and has long been considered the ultimate performer in the 6" class. The lens cell is an original Thomas M Back design and offers extremely sharp and high contrast views of the sky. As with all LZOS optics, the lens is guaranteed to be a minimum 95% Strehl. When used for imaging where the lens is refocused for different wavelengths, you can expect this level of perfornace at each wavelength. This telescope is offered with a special build aluminium tube which is internally baffled and supplied with a 3.7" Rack and Pinion focuser. Imaging accessories for the 152/1200 include the optimised APM Model 1 Flattener and Massimo Riccardi designed APM Reducer. The latter changes focal length by a factor of x0.75, resulting in a 900mm focal length and fast F5.9 focal ratio.

This special build of the 152/1200 is supplied as standard with an aluminium alloy tube including rings, handle and Losmandy format dovetail. It is fitted with a large capacity 3.7" focuser capable of handling heavy loads. The focuser is compatible with all APM correctors such as the APM Model 1 Flattener and APM M82 Large Reducer. It is also compatible with motor focus units such as the Lunatico Seletek.

Optics:  APM-LZOS Telescopes LZOS 152/1200mm  Triplet Super ED Apo incl. Test Report ( minimum 0.95 strehl )

Tube: Aluminium

Dew Shield : Retractable

Standard Backfocus: 180 mm.  Increases to 220mm after removal of adapters

Scope of Delivery

Optical tube c/w LZOS Test Report

APM 3.7" Rack and Pinion Focuser

Tube Rings with Handle

Losmandy Dovetail

Lens Stock inbound! Please contact us for details

The APM-LZOS 152mm Triplet is probably the best 6” refractive optic in the world. Featuring a superb 152mm lens cell crafted for us by APM-LZOS. Each lens cell has been produced in its entirety at LZOS from provision of rare earth minerals, to glass production, coating and final assembley and testing. LZOS expertise extends to a thermally optimised lens cell and military grade broadband coating. LZOS lenses are manufactured to a minimum performance level of 0.95 strehl at 532nm which is documented. Typically an LZOS optic will exceed this and offer similar performance across the visible spectrum.

To extract the best from this superb objective it is offered here with a custom built tube specified by Astrograph. A tube is often overlooked when considering optical performance but it plays an important part. The 'AG' tube offers the following benefits;

- It is constructed from a Phenolic compound. In simple terms this is known as hard paper. It is commonly used to make missile casings! The benefit of a phenolic tube is that its thermal characteristics are much better matched to a lens cell than a metal like aluminium. As such focus shift is very minimal resulting in more consistant performance when used for imaging. A second benefit of this material is that it is much more resiliant to dew. It does not get cold like a metal tube and so dew takes a lot longer to form.

- Our tube is oversized. Rather than make the tube as small as it could be to accept the lens, we use a larger diamter tube to give it room to 'breathe'. This significantly reduces tube currents thereby improving apparent seeing.

- Fully baffled. Knife edge baffles are important to stop internal reflections reducing contrast. Out tube features a baffle system that is optimised for use with the Starlight FT3545 focuser and extends all the way to the end of the dew shield. In addition th walls of the tube and dew shield are flocked to minimise all reflections and maximise contrast. This results in an inky black background that objects stand out from.

- Rear facing collimation adjustment. We have introduced an external collimation system to allow the alignment of the lens to be easily adjusted without adding the bulk of a front facing system. We can thus keep the dew shield proportional in size to the main tube

- CNC tube rings and Losmandy DUP14 Saddle Plate. The CNC machined tube rings mount to the supplied 14" Losmandy dovetail to offer a very rigid and stable mounting for the tube.

- 220mm of back focus. To allow use with large Binoviewers like the Baader MkV (without glass path correctors) or photographic reducers, the scope has a generous 220mm of back focus.

- Luxurious paint finish. In keeping with a product of this quality the tube is hand finished with features a deep gloss finish. It is simply beautiful.

- Starlight Instruments FT3545 Focuser. A legendary optic deserves a legendary focuser. The Starlight FT3545 3.5" focuser is silky smooth and able to deal with the heaviest of visual or imaging loads. It will remain perfectly collimated at all times.

- An ABS case with foam cut internals is also  supplied with this scope.

Delivery of the APM-LZOS 152 with AG tube is dictated by lens availability. We keep tubes in stock and order lens cells on demand. After matching to the tube we carefully collimate and test each build to ensure it delivers the outstanding performance expected.

Overview

Triplet Super ED Apochromatic Refractor

LZOS OK-4 Super ED / OK-1 Elements. Multicoated

Astrograph Specified Phenolic Tube. Internally flocked with baffles optimised for FT3545

Starlight Instruments FT3545 Focuser with 2" visual back

Retractable Dew-Shield with internal flocking and baffle

CNC Tube Rings with Central, Losmandy and Astro Physics hole patterns with 1/4" UNC threads

14" Losmandy Dovertail

ABS Case with custom cut internals

LZOS Optical Test Report

Specifications

Aperture 152mm

Focal Length 1200mm

Focal Ratio f7.9

Resolution 0.76” Arc Seconds

Limit Value 12.7 Magnitude

Max Magnification 300x

We have TEC140's on back order. Please contact us for lead times. 30% Deposit required

The TEC140FL F/7 is a classic apochromtic telescope. It offers excellent light gathering capacity with compact size while offering outstanding optical quality. Its F7 focal ratio also makes it well suited for imaging applications. When used with a front mounted D-ERF it is also well suited to solar observing and imaging. As such the TEC140FL is the ideal scope for all applications. A true classic. 

The TEC140FL is an Aplanatic Oiled Triplet refractor using CaF2 Fluorite Crystal for the middle element. The colour correction is optimised for visual and imaging applications with focus shift of less than 0..2% from 436nm to 1000nm. Calculated strehl for the e-line (546nm) is 0.99. Testing of lenses has shown that the average actual strehl is very close to this with RMS wavefront error of less than 1/50 wave.

The oiled design has only two air to glass surfaces which offers the possibility of a higher contrast image due to reduced light scatter and glare compared to some air spaced designs.

The telescope is supplied with tube rings as standard from us and includes the excellent Starlight Instruments 3.5" Feathertouch focuser which can cope with almost any camera load. The focuser may also be motorised for more demanding imaging applications.

As an option at the time of order, you may add a TEC supplied 9" Losmandy plate and matching carrying handle at additional cost.

TEC Imaging accessories for the 140 include the FRC 0.9x Focal Reducer.

TEC140FL is currently subject to a lead time of typically 12-18 month for all new orders if we do not have an order with TEC already. A 30% deposit is required with order. Please contact us for details.

* A small delivery charge may be required depending on delivery location

A development of the highly popular TEC140, the TEC160FL F/7 allows the observer to delve deeper into the beauty of space. The TEC APO160FL F/7 features an oil-spaced apochromatic-triplet objective with a Fluorite (CaF2) middle element, resulting in color correction that is optimized for visual use and imaging. This oil-spaced triplet design in combination with multi-layer coatings on all surfaces of the objective ensure maximumlight transmission.

The triplet objective is housed in an aluminum cell, providing excellent thermoregulation properties while remaining lightweight and strong. The optical assembly sits in a lightweight aluminum tube that features an anti-reflective coating and sharp-edged baffles throughout the interior. A collimation flange is provided for optimal adjustment of the lens. At Astrograph we check and adjust all telescopes before supply to customers, and in the case of the TEC160FL, will hand deliver it to you*. The outstanding optics, combined with careful collimation will deliver deep contrast and rich, natural colour.

The crisp all white assembly projects the elegant, handcrafted quality that TEC is known for. Each APO160FL F/7 comes equipped with a Starlight Instruments FTF-3545 3.5" Feather Touch Focuser that was designed in collaboration with TEC. This is Starlight Instruments’ largest rotating focuser with coarse and fine focusing 9:1 Planetary Reduction Assembly. The 2” locking metal collet is insensitive to temperature fluctuations and holds loads with high precision and concentricity.

The TEC160FL is also available for purchase as a Binocular Telescope. This requires the purchase of 2 APO160FL F/7. Please contact us for details and a quotation.

Able to accommodate a wide variety of eyepieces and mounts, the TEC APO160FL F/7 is a no compromise, no frills design that lets the wonders of nature speak for themselves.

Specifications

A lead time of 10-12 Months is applicable on this scope. A deposit of 30% is required with order

*A delivery charge may be applicable depending on location

NOTE: Orders for TEC Telescopes are subject to a lead time of up to 10-12 months if we have no stock. All orders placed require a 30% deposit with order.

The TEC 180 is probably the largest size of refractor that can be counted as portable. It will fit into most cars and can be lifted onto a mount by one person. A further develiopment of the 160, the 180 continues the use of Calcium Fluorite Crystal in an oil filled triplet design resulting in outstanding light transmission and colour correction

The telescope is supplied as standard with the excellent TEC / Starlight 3.5" focuser which can cope with camera loads up to 5.5kg. The focuser may also be motorised for more demanding imaging applications.

Due to the limited production of such scopes, a lead time following order should be expected. Please contact us to learn more.