Larger refractor suggestions needed - Forums

Topic starter

Frequent contributor

Feb 22, 2025

Hi,

I'm looking to buy a larger refractor in the 140-160mm range. It would be purely for imaging. The scopes I am considering are the Askar 140 which seems to be getting good reviews. The new Askar 160, which I have not found any reviews of, and the Askar 151 PHQ. The PHQ is the most expensive, which I am assuming is due to the Petzval design. When I review the spot diagrams(not something I can fully interpret, TBH) provided by the manufacturer, the 151 seems much better in the centre. Still, it drops off towards the edges, whereas the 140 and 160 seem more consistent across the frame, albeit with larger star sizes in the centre.

Any advice or suggestions? Better options with other manufacturers?

Thanks

Scott

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Anderl

Feb 22, 2025

Hey Scott,

Esprit 150, tec 140/160, toa 150 (can be preordered rn).
Depending on the budget i would go for the esprit or the toa.

cs
andi

Gordon Zurowski

Feb 22, 2025

If you are looking at the Esprit 150 for similar pricing I would suggest looking at Stellarvue also as you sort through your options. The Stellarvue 152 has more focal length than the Esprit for roughly the same price. The 140 is a little less focal length for less money. Personally I have a SVX130T and it is a lovely scope. But any of these scopes weigh a lot so make sure your mount can handle it. As well as yourself as it is an awkward weight to get on a mount.
Best regards,
Gordon

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Razvy

Feb 22, 2025 · Edited: Feb 22, 2025

I don't think you're going to beat the Askar triplet APO's on price/value… Like the APO 160 is $3500 and the TEC 160 is $13,000… Is the TEC ten THOUSAND dollars better than the Askar? Maybe… But will YOU personally be able to process images to the point where you'll be able to make that difference actually visible? I know I certainly wouldn't be able to at this point in my career so the Askar APO is a clear choice.

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ScottF

Topic starter

Frequent contributor

Feb 22, 2025

I don't think you're going to beat the Askar triplet APO's on price/value... Like the APO 160 is $3500 and the TEC 160 is $13,000... Is the TEC ten THOUSAND dollars better than the Askar? Maybe... But will YOU personally be able to process images to the point where you'll be able to make that difference actually visible? I know I certainly wouldn't be able to at this point in my career so the Askar APO is a clear choice.

That is my thinking as well. I'm on month #2 without a clear night, and seeing is routinely bad, so spending big money on a premium scope doesn't seem like a great idea.

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Stephen Duffy

Feb 22, 2025

The Stellarvue scopes in this size are great! But a premium price compared to the Askar.
As for spot size, it has become less important now that BlurXterminator is available for Pixinsight.

John Hudson

Feb 23, 2025

what mount do you have? i also want a scope in this range.

Dark Matters Astrophotography

Feb 23, 2025

We just deployed an SVX180T-2 scope from Vic at StellarVue and the results with the new SVX3FF are excellent. We also did a setup on site for a customer in Vermont of a SVX140 Raptor with the same flattener and it too produces great data.

If there is a SVX scope in the range of size and cost you are looking at, I would certainly put it on the list for consideration.

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John Stone

Feb 23, 2025 · Edited: Feb 23, 2025

Dark Matters Astrophotography:
We just deployed an SVX180T-2 scope from Vic at StellarVue and the results with the new SVX3FF are excellent. We also did a setup on site for a customer in Vermont of a SVX140 Raptor with the same flattener and it too produces great data.

If there is a SVX scope in the range of size and cost you are looking at, I would certainly put it on the list for consideration.

Are there any spot diagrams published for this flattener? Something similar to the 1 micron spots spec'ed by Takahashi 645 flattener on a TOA?

https://takahashiamerica.com/products/tak-toa-645-flattener-0-99x-for-toa-130

Dark Matters Astrophotography

Feb 23, 2025 · Edited: Feb 23, 2025

John Stone:
Dark Matters Astrophotography:
We just deployed an SVX180T-2 scope from Vic at StellarVue and the results with the new SVX3FF are excellent. We also did a setup on site for a customer in Vermont of a SVX140 Raptor with the same flattener and it too produces great data.

If there is a SVX scope in the range of size and cost you are looking at, I would certainly put it on the list for consideration.

Are there any spot diagrams published for this flattener? Something similar to the 1 micron spots spec'ed by Takahashi 645 flattener on a TOA?

https://takahashiamerica.com/products/tak-toa-645-flattener-0-99x-for-toa-130

I am not sure if Vic has published any. A quick check of their site does not turn any spot diagrams up. One could reach out though and I am sure Vic would help.

I have used the 645 flattener on a TOA150 and a TOA130 and it works exceptionally well. For those interested in Takahashi scopes, it is a great choice.

Alex Nicholas

Feb 23, 2025

I thought the same about the 130phq vs the 120APO. I went with the 120apo as i had a preference for consistency across the field rather than a sharper central portion with quality falling off towards the edges.

Couldn't be happier with my 120 apo…

Robert Žibreg

Feb 23, 2025

PHQ line is great. I would avoid APO line from Askar. What's your price range?

Dale Penkala

Feb 23, 2025

I’m going to agree with @Anderl with an Esprit 150. I have both the 100 & 120 and I’m extremely pleased with them. My 100 actually replaced an Stellarvue Raptor which went back a multitude of times so because of that experience I’ve been pretty loyal to the Esprit line of scopes. Plus I think there price point is pretty good as well.

Monty Chandler

Feb 23, 2025

The Esprit 150 would be my choice in refractors. Of course, I have the Esprit 120 and absolutely love it!

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ScottF

Topic starter

Frequent contributor

Feb 23, 2025

Robert Žibreg:
PHQ line is great. I would avoid APO line from Askar. What's your price range?

The price of the askars I mentioned. I don't think my skies would justify a premium scope.

ScottF

Topic starter

Frequent contributor

Feb 23, 2025

John Hudson:
what mount do you have? i also want a scope in this range.

I have a few. Due to my lack of clear skies, I decided to shoot at least two setups per night. So, I have an AM5, WD20, CQ350, and an AP Mach 2 in my ROR observatory.

Robert Žibreg

Feb 23, 2025

Robert Žibreg:
PHQ line is great. I would avoid APO line from Askar. What's your price range?

The price of the askars I mentioned. I don't think my skies would justify a premium scope.

PHQ then. You can also check out new skywatcher line that's coming out

Anderl

Feb 23, 2025

Robert Žibreg:
Robert Žibreg:
PHQ line is great. I would avoid APO line from Askar. What's your price range?

The price of the askars I mentioned. I don't think my skies would justify a premium scope.

PHQ then. You can also check out new skywatcher line that's coming out

I wondered about the esprit sell offs.
Is there any information about their upcoming products?

Scott Badger

Feb 23, 2025

The Astroworld tv episode a couple weeks ago had Chris Montemayor from takahashi on as a guest and a really good discussion of spot size, focal length, glass types etc. At the time, he also had 2 toa 150’s unspoken for and ready to ship…..

Cheers,
Scott

Robert Žibreg

Feb 23, 2025

Anderl:
Robert Žibreg:
Robert Žibreg:
PHQ line is great. I would avoid APO line from Askar. What's your price range?

The price of the askars I mentioned. I don't think my skies would justify a premium scope.

PHQ then. You can also check out new skywatcher line that's coming out

I wondered about the esprit sell offs.
Is there any information about their upcoming products?

I've seen only this one so far https://www.astroshop.eu/skywatcher-telescope-ap-100-500-esprit-100ed-professional-ota/p,24162#specifications

John Stone

Feb 23, 2025

Is there any hint anywhere about a 150 version of this new scope?

Robert Žibreg

Feb 23, 2025

There should be one, yes. No info yet

Dale Penkala

Feb 23, 2025

Robert Žibreg:
Anderl:
Robert Žibreg:
Robert Žibreg:
PHQ line is great. I would avoid APO line from Askar. What's your price range?

The price of the askars I mentioned. I don't think my skies would justify a premium scope.

PHQ then. You can also check out new skywatcher line that's coming out

I wondered about the esprit sell offs.
Is there any information about their upcoming products?

I've seen only this one so far https://www.astroshop.eu/skywatcher-telescope-ap-100-500-esprit-100ed-professional-ota/p,24162#specifications

This is interesting, I have not heard this so I’m kinda excited to see if there is any truth to this!