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Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 3:30 pm
by helicon
Is this the "king" of refractors?
Just came across this model and it looks sweet! A bit pricey though.
https://optcorp.com/products/explore-sc ... -refractor
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 4:51 pm
by Greenman
Wish list time... Sorry. I meant no chance list. I confuse those...
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 5:17 pm
by Lady Fraktor
helicon wrote: ↑Thu Jun 18, 2020 3:30 pm
Is this the "king" of refractors?
No, a nice finderscope for one but definitely not king.
There are many companies making refractors up to 250mm on a regular basis and right now the APM/ LZOS 510mm is the largest triplet commercially offered.
https://www.apm-telescopes.de/en/telesc ... 0-cnc.html
My dream retirement refractor is their 203mm
f/9
https://www.apm-telescopes.de/en/telesc ... lw-ii.html
If you look at the images below the refractor, the finderscope is a Takahashi 128mm or 130mm
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 6:00 pm
by helicon
Wow Gabby that one is really sweet! Probably need an obsy with a semi-permanent mount.
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 6:07 pm
by Lady Fraktor
There are a few different reasons why I find the ES 165mm suspect on quality but I am working at the moment and will need to get offline right away.
I actually discussed these refractors on AF.net a couple of years ago after having a conversation with Roland from Astro-Physics.
I will elaborate later and see if I can find the posting as well.
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 6:31 pm
by Makuser
Hi all. And let's not forget this great new refractor dream machine:
https://www.stellarvue.com/stellarvue-s ... refractor/
Well, what the heck, it's only money. I guess I'll just keep on buying lottery tickets.
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 7:03 pm
by Juno16
Even though I am an
ES fan and am very fond of my ED102, I would go with your suggestion Marshall! Give me the Stellarvue!
Of course, I will do without both and that is quite okay. Maybe I ought to start buying lottery tickets though!
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 7:15 pm
by Unitron48
Agree, Marshall! I could live with the SVX-152!!
Dave
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2020 10:23 pm
by Bigzmey
Based on my experience with 102mm and 127mm
ES triplets I would not hesitate buying
ES again.
However, $12,000 for 6.6"
ES triplet when you can get 6"
ES triplet for under $4,000? Now we are really talking diminishing returns.
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 3:38 am
by Lady Fraktor
Bigzmey wrote: ↑Thu Jun 18, 2020 10:23 pm
However, $12,000 for 6.6" ES triplet when you can get 6" ES triplet for under $4,000? Now we are really talking diminishing returns.
You do have to remember that FCD1 is also almost 5x cheaper to make than FPL-53.
Depending on the quality it could be much more than diminishing returns.
There are also multiple quality levels of both glass and then also what scratch/ dig ratio which of course we as consumers of mass produced optics will never actually know.
You can do some testing and infer a few things about the quality but that is about it.
I would also be quite happy with the Stellarvue 152mm, I wonder how it would hold up against my modified Celestron C6-R?
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 11:51 am
by pakarinen
I have a 5 Euro bill left from a business trip to Ireland. Only need another 494,995 or so.
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 8:12 pm
by Bigzmey
Lady Fraktor wrote: ↑Fri Jun 19, 2020 3:38 am
Bigzmey wrote: ↑Thu Jun 18, 2020 10:23 pm
However, $12,000 for 6.6" ES triplet when you can get 6" ES triplet for under $4,000? Now we are really talking diminishing returns.
You do have to remember that FCD1 is also almost 5x cheaper to make than FPL-53.
Depending on the quality it could be much more than diminishing returns.
There are also multiple quality levels of both glass and then also what scratch/ dig ratio which of course we as consumers of mass produced optics will never actually know.
You can do some testing and infer a few things about the quality but that is about it.
I would also be quite happy with the Stellarvue 152mm, I wonder how it would hold up against my modified Celestron C6-R?
I knew the glass type would come out.
But even hand configured Stellarvue 152mm is better priced than 6.6"
ES triplet
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 8:59 pm
by SkyHiker
Ridiculous prices. Above 6" go for a mirror. If you really need a 6" Apo, please first try a 6" Mak Newt or the one that Walmart sells, 190 mm aperture for $1500. You may get a new perspective.
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 9:36 pm
by Bigzmey
SkyHiker wrote: ↑Fri Jun 19, 2020 8:59 pm
Ridiculous prices. Above 6" go for a mirror. If you really need a 6" Apo, please first try a 6" Mak Newt or the one that Walmart sells, 190 mm aperture for $1500. You may get a new perspective.
Agree, mirror above 6" is most sensible approach. 8" Edge HD is $1,350. But hey if someone has $$$ to burn and like refractors, why not?
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 11:31 pm
by Lady Fraktor
Bigzmey wrote: ↑Fri Jun 19, 2020 8:12 pm
I knew the glass type would come out.
[/quote]
Actually no, this is not that other site.
My response about glass types will be about blank sizes/ cost to manufacture and such.
I could care less what the glass type is as long as the design is executed well.
In my signature I have 8 refractors, 6 with BK7/ F2, 2 with OK-4 and one with FPL-53 which I did not know at the time because I did not care what it was made of.
Hardly a CN glass elitest.
PS: Mirrors belong in bathrooms
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2020 12:43 am
by OhNo
A waste if it doesn't have a camera stuffed in it Gabby!
Re: Explore Scientific FPL 165mm Triplet Refractor
Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2020 2:09 am
by Lady Fraktor
OhNo wrote: ↑Sat Jun 20, 2020 12:43 am
A waste if it doesn't have a camera stuffed in it Gabby!
My personal reply would get me banned