Astro-Physics Traveler

[agulotta]

Hi, 

I came across an Astro-Physics Traveler EDT 150mm f6 refractor. I am having trouble finding information about it. I even contacted the manufacturer and they just told us how to locate the serial number. I am interested in selling it but have no idea of its value or if it has all the pieces. We have other telescope equipment and pieces, so I don’t know exactly what goes with what. I’d appreciate any info that could be shared. All I know from my research is that it is a rare find and someone who would appreciate it needs to get ahold of it. Thank you in advance!

[Geoff Barnes]

Welcome agulotta,

I think you will find it is a 105mm telescope and of the highest possible quality. I think you may well have a queue outside your door any time now!

http://www.company7.com/astrophy/refractors/105trav.html 

[AstroSylv1]

Hi there, I used to have one, indeed excellent scope, almost regret selling it. In Europe, it goes for somewhere between 2500 and 3000 euro, but in the US, of in excellent condition, you could sell it for 4000-5000 USD depending on accessories and generation (hence the serial number). Already the paint can give you a hint : shiny polished black paint (older) or pebble feeling (latest).

if you have the original case, rings, dovetail plate, etc, it is the minimum required.

Post some photos here, we can help you with that.

[John]

Welcome to the forum agulotta.

No problem about getting some information on the scope here but please note that we only allow buying and selling on this forum through the classifieds section.

Thanks

[agulotta]

Sounds good. Thank you everyone. I will get a few pictures of what we have and post them in a little bit. And, I will post to classifieds if attempting to sell. Right now just want to know what we have. Thank you for allowing me to get some more information! 

[agulotta]

Hi again - so here are some pics that I took of it.  I am not even sure if this is all the parts that go with it.  It has a smooth finish and it had these other pieces I took pictures of in the same bag (which I'm not even sure was meant for it).  Thanks again in advance for any assistance you may have on this beauty.

[John]

What do you need to know ?

It's an AP Traveller 105mm triplet refractor. One of the most coveted and sought after telescopes ever made. The lack of accessories is not an issue - anyone interested in this scope will have their own preferences anyway. Premium scopes are not usually supplied with lots of accessories.

Here is a lot more information on this scope from a respected company in the USA who used to market them:

http://www.company7.com/astrophy/refractors/105trav.html

This quote from them is not overblown in my view:

"Since 1991, the standard against which all other 4" Apos are measured"

And here is a review from the UK's Roger Vine:

http://scopeviews.co.uk/APTravelerV2.0.htm

 

 

 

 

[GazOC]

Would that be the FPL 52 version?

[John]

29 minutes ago, GazOC said:

Would that be the FPL 52 version?

It depends exactly when it was made I think Gaz. I guess AP / Roland Christen would be able to say if the serial number of the scope was put to them.

 

[william123]

Condition is extremely important when selling high-end refractors such as the Astro-Physics Traveler.  Are there any scuffs or scratches or other blemishes anywhere on the telescope or lens?  

If I were you, I would clean the telescope very carefully with a water-damp cloth, but DO NOT TOUCH THE LENS.  Any dust or other marks on the lens should be left alone for the buyer to deal with.

 

Edited July 12, 2019 by william123

[AstroSylv1]

Looks like a super early version, number being 10576 (105 is on all of them, then EDT or EDF version, then serial number). Looks rather good condition, you can tell by the bag (genuine also), usually this bags wear off quickly at the handle. If there is no scratch, paint missing, shocks or whatever, it sure is a great looking one, early though. The most desired ones are the latest ones, but you could still ending up selling it for 4500 USD to American astronomers, and maybe 2800 euro to European astronomers (somehow, our friends in America are willing to put more money for this made in USA scope, when Europeans tend to pay less since it competes with Takahashi or other top brands.) The last one I saw was sold at the AP dealer in France for 2800euro, second hand, and it took them months to sell it. But on American websites, they barely stay 1 day, even at 5000USD. But shipping this may be risky...

[agulotta]

Thank you to everyone for such wonderful feedback.  It doesn't seem to have any of the condition issues mentioned.  I appreciate all of the feedback on it from people who know and appreciate this equipment.  This has all been incredibly helpful to us!!!!!  Definitely worried about shipping.  Will likely end up doing something pick up close-ish to us just in case.  Again, thank you all for the feedback!

[John]

5 minutes ago, agulotta said:

Thank you to everyone for such wonderful feedback.  It doesn't seem to have any of the condition issues mentioned.  I appreciate all of the feedback on it from people who know and appreciate this equipment.  This has all been incredibly helpful to us!!!!!  Definitely worried about shipping.  Will likely end up doing something pick up close-ish to us just in case.  Again, thank you all for the feedback!

The one thing that a prospective owner will want to know is that the objective lens is in collimation. This might require a star test by a potential buyer so I agree that seeing the scope would be very sensible. Getting these things collimated is a specialised task and rarely one that a new owner would want to undertake.

 

[Geoff Barnes]

2 hours ago, John said:

Definitely worried about shipping.

Yes, collection would be preferred to shipping.

Your location may be a factor in how easily you can get a buyer, what country are you in agulotta?

[agulotta]

Thank you for the info. We are in the US. Wisconsin, between Milwaukee and Chicago. I appreciate your help and the great advice shared about the lens concerns (no idea how to address those) so will look into it. 

[nicoscy]

agulotta,

Your best bet is to place an ad on Cloudynights.com but you need to be a member there for 30 days to do so, or get a paid account on Astromart.com (costs $15) and sell it there.

FYI last one listed and sold on AM, was listed for $5,200. Always depends on condition and possible accessories. It may be worth sending back to Astro-Physics so that they can clean it up, collimate it and this will then ensure that you can ask for top dollar.

 

[Stardust1]

I second the advice here. Astromart.com and Cloudynights.com are the places to sell the Traveler in US.

If there might be any issue with collimation, I wouldn't worry about it. As https://astro-physics.com/ can fix it from my understanding at a reasonable cost. If you have any doubt you can send it to Astro-physics for a check up.

Good luck!

[agulotta]

Thank you again for the helpful info!

[Scott42]

There is no need to contact Astro-Physics - these Travelers are all the same except for the outside finish - this is the "anodized" version or smooth.  This scope looks to be in outstanding condition!   If I was going to post it on Astromart I would include the accessories and ask $5,500.  I would let it sit for 2 weeks before considering any price reduction.   Many people prefer the anodized version but it's difficult to find one in this condition.  Also it would be very unusual for this scope to be suffering from any kind of misalignment or other problem requiring service.

If you're going to ship it, the scope should be in the black case with 1-2 inches of foam around the case in a sturdy box.

The metal rod and the heavy weight in your picture are not part of the telescope - they're parts from the separately-sold mount (telescope base).  This telescope was typically sold with the Astro-Physics 400 mount.  It's a black metal machine about 1 foot in height.  The metal rod is the counterweight shaft from the 400 mount - it screws into the mount.  If you have the complete mount it will be worth another $2500-$3500 depending on which version of the 400 mount you have.   The mount was also sold with a large wooden tripod.