Tecnosky FPL-53 ED Doublet

[johninderby]

Have been mulling over the idea of getting one of the Tecnosky 125 f/7.8 ED doublets APOs as it looks like a good compromise in size and weight vs performance for visual lunar / planetary use.

Would have to sell a couple of other scopes to pay for it though.

Surprisingly only 1.5kg heavier than the StellaMira 80 f/10 so it could replace it as it would be light enough to sit on my lightweight alt-az mount and Report tripod and still be grab’n’go although would be more stable on the AZ100. Would also replace the StellaLyra CC6”

So do I or don’t I ?  Perhaps grab one before the inevitable price increases hit? 🤔

 

Edited February 25, 2021 by johninderby

[dweller25]

That looks like a great scope John, possibly a little better than the SW 120ED, similar performance to an FS128 perhaps ?

Edited February 12, 2021 by dweller25

[johninderby]

It is indeed an interesting scope and at £1,399.00 a great buy I think. Had considered the ED120 but think the 125 would be a little bit better.  

https://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/tecnosky-125975-f78-fpl-53-ed-doublet-apo-refractor.html

Edited February 12, 2021 by johninderby

[GazOC]

Asuming the prices were similar, I think for the sake of an extra 5mm that isn't going to be noticeable at the eyepiece I'd probably go for the tried and tested (and lighter) ED120. 

[johninderby]

Just want to try something different. 🙂

Edited February 12, 2021 by johninderby

[GazOC]

I guess you need to find some user reviews of the scope or a clone? At least then you'll know it performs as the specs suggest it should and it'll remove the gamble of taking it over the ED120.

[JeremyS]

Looks a very attractive package, John, not to mention price. I think you’d be very happy with it. And you only live once!

[JamesF]

Very similar to this one, but a little cheaper after VAT etc.?

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p10133_TS-Optics-Doublet-SD-APO-125mm-f-7-8---FPL-53---Lanthan-objective.html

James

[johninderby]

Hows your German? And does a bit of imaging later in the review.

 

Edited February 12, 2021 by johninderby
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[JamesF]

3 minutes ago, johninderby said:

Hows your German?

Pretty much lacking any kind of practice since I took my O Level in 1983 unfortunately :)

James

[johninderby]

Click on settings on the vid and select subtitles and then auto translate to English, Works surprisingly well.

Edited February 12, 2021 by johninderby

[Stu]

They looks very interesting scopes @johninderby, and I’ve been tempted a few times by the TS version. Would be very interested to hear your views on it if temptation turns to buying!

[johninderby]

I’ll decide tomorrow. 🤔

Emailed Widescreen about it this morning but no reply but Astrograph stocks it at the same price. Not dealt with them before but they seem well thought of on SGL

 

 

Edited February 12, 2021 by johninderby

[Robindonne]

4 hours ago, johninderby said:

I’ll decide tomorrow. 🤔

Emailed Widescreen about it this morning but no reply but Astrograph stocks it at the same price. Not dealt with them before but they seem well thought of on SGL

 

 

Serious? This is a coincidence. I didnt see this thread. Did we get to the technosky last week by some sort of commercial/or other thread? I somehow ended on their website and was curious too.  Ill follow your post and the reviews you receive from other users.  Although its something different. 

Edited February 13, 2021 by Robindonne

[johninderby]

A positive review.

https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://www.mystarrynights.at/tst/TS%20125-975%20APO/&prev=search&pto=aue

 

All in all, the 125 mm ED refractor was convincing in terms of both visual observation and astrophotography. It is a pure, fine look. The price is reasonable for the service offered. The redesign has done the 2 5 "RPA focuser good. It's better to work with. If I have fun with the test, it's always a good sign. And honestly, if I also really appreciate the 102 mm Tripler APO, detto the one 115 mm triplet APO, also the 130 mm triplet APO, the 125 series asserts itself as a two-lenser in this series. Thermally it has something ahead of the 130, and in terms of light output in visual observation it is almost the same. In addition, the 125 mm ED refractor is Lighter than the 130 triplet, so a handy mount like the EQ5 is sufficient for purely visual purposes, especially if you can give it a better tripod. The 130 triplet has not lost its raison d'etre, but the 125 ED is tough competition , at a significantly lower price.

Edited February 13, 2021 by johninderby

[Robindonne]

John before you decide.  I visited last three days orso, you know since that moment😣, some local shops.  One of the items i had in mind was an esprit. It was priced on the edge before all went up.   I ended in Germany but I think uk has its own rebranded similar version.   
 

so i ended up at Technosky but also here: http://apm-telescopes-englisch.shopgate.com/item/38393132

Im too inexperienced and looking for a first triplet/apo.  
what are your thoughts on that ts photoline?   

[johninderby]

Bit more info. Also supposed to be the same optics as in the WO Zenithstar 126

[johninderby]

From what I have read the doublet has advantages such as quicker cool down than the triplet and visually very close in performance but would expect the triplet to have the edge for AP. The triplet would require a stronger  mount.

Think it comes down to how much AP ypu would use it for.

Edited February 13, 2021 by johninderby

[Robindonne]

5 minutes ago, johninderby said:

From what I have read the doublet has advantages such as quicker cool down than the triplet and visually very close in performance but would expect the triplet to have the edge for AP. The triplet would require a stronger  mount.

Think it comes down to how much AP ypu would use it for.

Thats probably very true. So no big no’s for this particular 130 triplet.   Then we have to hurry like you mentioned.  Before other brands also do a non-spaceX launch with their prices.  Go up and never return

[JeremyS]

15 hours ago, johninderby said:

I’ll decide tomorrow. 🤔

Emailed Widescreen about it this morning but no reply but Astrograph stocks it at the same price. Not dealt with them before but they seem well thought of on SGL

 

 

[John]

11 hours ago, johninderby said:

Bit more info. Also supposed to be the same optics as in the WO Zenithstar 126

I'd love to be able to understand these charts !

This is the one for the LZOS 130 F/9 triplet for comparison:

The 125 ED doublet scope does look really tempting though

I recall when the Altair 125 ED doublet came out it caused quite a stir. The Tecnosky is less expensive though but I wonder if otherwise they are the same scope ?

I've spoken with Rupert as Astrograph on a couple of things (he used to stock the T-Rex mount and still carries the LZOS / APM refractors) and he seems a really helpful and knowledgeable chap.

If you get one, I will really look forward to reading your views on it

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 13, 2021 by John

[johninderby]

The only difference between the Altair and Technosky version is the focuser. The Tecnosky has a 2.5” R&P and the Altair has a 3.7”. The 2.5” is more than adequate for visual and lighter anyway.

One scope just sold this morning so just awaiting payment so will shortly be putting in the order with Astrograh.😁

Edited February 13, 2021 by johninderby

[Deadlake]

16 hours ago, johninderby said:

I’ll decide tomorrow. 🤔

Emailed Widescreen about it this morning but no reply but Astrograph stocks it at the same price. Not dealt with them before but they seem well thought of on SGL

 

 

I’ve dealt with Astrograph. Marcus Ludes at APM recommend him, and @GavStar as well.  If you ask Rupert he would star test the scope before shipping...

Note: Chinese New Year for another week.

Edited February 13, 2021 by Deadlake

[johninderby]

Just sent a message for confirmation that it is in stock. 👍🏻

 

[Stu]

3 minutes ago, johninderby said:

Just sent a message for confirmation that it is in stock. 👍🏻

 

Should be good! Which scopes are you selling John?