APOD

Hi guys,

Hi Dave,

Just had to post a reply when I heard AP being mentioned!! I've been an owner of 2 AP scopes for over 10 years, the 155edfs f7, and the 105 f6 traveler. When I got them there were no waiting lists!!!!!! Just the time it took for them to be manufactured. I know its totally different now with waiting lists dating back many years. AP have expanded their factory to try and improve their manufacturing capacity, and are now revamping their entire telescope line.

This is both a blessing and a curse. I was very interested in the Traveler which has since been discontinued. There is little info from Roland Christen as to how and when it will be replaced. I proceeded by picking up a Tak FSQ 106/f5 as a temporary measure ....

A 12" AP mak is certainly a mouthwaterig prospect, but its cost would be truely astronomical considering the 10" was so expensive when it was on the market, plus a mount suitable for it (AP1200), and of course a several year wait, time for a lotto win!

The price is certainly a big unknown. I think the original 10" Maks sold for around $10k from AP and over $20k on the resale market. Now, add inflation since then plus the extra 2" of aperture and we have a possible problem.

My 2 scopes have proved themselves to be the best investment in astronomy that I have ever made or ever will make in this hobby, visually or photographically they are stunning performers. They are the only purchase that I have made that has actually made money other than buying my own house!! Nuff said.

I am also a firm believer that these instruments are the ultimate. So much so that I have started to unload other equipment so as to be left with exclusively AP gems.

Hi guys,
I've heard it rumoured that when Roland retires, he may shut up shop, who knows, one can only hope that anyone who is on any notification lists will get their dream scope before he hands the reigns over. In my opinion, Roland is a one of a kind master optician/craftsman, and has produced some of the best optics of their class that the world has ever seen.
I'm sure the traveler will be replaced as it was certainly their best seller, probably with a lens design similar to the 160.
I've bought quite a few accessories from AP over the years, as a company, they are second to none as previously stated, but of course there are alternatives from other manufacturers if you can afford them!

David.

I've heard it rumoured that when Roland retires, he may shut up shop,

They doubled the size of their facilities during the past 12-24 months which is encouraging for those of us waiting for one or more goodies.

I'm sure the traveler will be replaced as it was certainly their best seller, probably with a lens design similar to the 160.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

Hi guys
Some great information from the previous posts that I was not aware of regarding “Astrophysics Inc” many thanks.
What if one does not want to wait a long time for an AP1200 mount or their high end telescopes, what are the alternatives? Is an off the shelf Celstron C-14 and a paramount ME just as good for astrophotography and visual work? I guess it would be a matter of weeks for delivery of these items rather than years!

Mike

Mike,

If your pockets are deep (or your father-in-law is "loaded"), you can pick up an AP160 on the black market. Expect to dish out around $13000 (last time I saw such a sale). In fact I remember an eBay auction for a brand new AP160 that approached $14000.

For the mount itself (AP1200GTO), there is no need to pursue an alternate route since it should be readily available from AP with minimal delay.

PS. A C14 is NOT a "replacement" for an AP160. Yes, greater aperture and great views (I have one) but NOT the same premium optics as an AP refractor.