ZS66 clones?

[GordonCopestake]

Are there any UK dealers that sell ZS66 clones? I know of the AT66's in the US but i've not seen any in the UK. Anyone know anyone selling these?

[MartinB]

There are 2 ZS66's - the apo doublet and the "semi apo". Not to be confused. If anyone has details of an apo clone I would be very interested.

[GordonCopestake]

actually there are 3 versions, the triplet, the doublet and the petzval

[russ]

Hi Gordon,

Telescope Service in Germany sell their (with Baader) Scopos range of 66 and 80 clones. In the UK the only dealer of Scopos is Ian King but at the moment he has only the 80mm. Maybe worth giving him a call to see if he can supply the 66mm even if he doesn't have it listed. The price of the Scopos 66mm Apo doublet is £279 btw, undercutting the WO by £80.

Regards

Russ

[MartinB]

I recently discussed the Scopos 66 doublet with Ian. At the moment WO have a very good offer on the ZS66 doublet including a 2" diagonal. It works out cheaper than the Scopos.

[GordonCopestake]

Perhaps some manufacturer will create a modular system where you can choose your (long perng?) tube and focuser and then buy your screw in lens cell separately. Of course they would all have to be the same f/ratio but I'm sure someone could do it. It's already started with the ZS80's and the APOgrade.

The achromats would be nice and cheap, the petzvals next, then doublets, the flourite doublets, then triplets, etc etc. But the body is the same (and cheap). DSLR's are made this way and it works well.

Upgrading would simply be a matter of selling your lens and buying a new one to screw in.

I'm sure you would only need 3 sizes: 60mm, 80mm 120mm

does this sound feasible?

[FLO]

Borg?

[GordonCopestake]

true, expensive though

[Ambermile]

It's already started with the ZS80's and the APOgrade.]

Except the apograde is not the same FL

[GordonCopestake]

close though