The new Astro-Tech AT130EDX from Astronomics offers 130mm f/7 fully multicoated triplet apochromatic optics using an FCD100 ED center element. Highlights also include a dual-speed 3.7″ rack-and-pinion focuser with 10:1 ratio fine focusing, 3.7″ rotatable focuser, camera angle adjuster, retractable lens shade/dew shield, dual hinged split tube rings with a Losmandy-style dovetail and Vixen-style carry handle and a 100mm removable section to assist with binoviewing.
The Astro-Tech AT130EDX’s 130mm (5.12″) aperture, 910mm focal length, and f/7 focal ratio benefits from the FCD100 ED (Extra-low Dispersion glass) center element as well the fact that one of the two mating elements is lanthanum. All three lens elements are slow polished for smooth surfaces, with less scattered light. Astronomics specs the EDX series to have a .95 or higher Strehl ratio. The triplet objective lens has the latest state-of-the-art antireflection multicoatings on all air-to-glass surfaces for high light transmission and excellent contrast.
A self-storing retractable dew shield slows the formation of dew on the lens in cold weather to extend observing time. It also improves the contrast, similar to the effect of the lens shade on a camera lens, when observing during the day or when there is excessive ambient light at night, such as from a neighbor’s backyard security light.
Contrast-enhancing knife-edge light baffles in the optical tube provide truly dark sky backgrounds and high terrestrial contrast. The edges of the lenses are blackened to reduce internal reflections and further improve image contrast.
The Astro-Tech AT130EDX offers a finely machined scope has a dual-speed 3.7″ rack-and-pinion focuser with a microfine 10:1 fine-focusing ratio. The focuser can rotate a full 360° to put a camera or eyepiece in the most comfortable observing position. In addition, a built-in camera angle adjuster lets you fine-tune the composition of your astrophotos. The supplied 2″ and 1.25″ eyepiece holders use non-marring compression rings that won’t scratch your eyepiece barrels.
The dual speed 3.7″ rack-and-pinion focuser offers two coarse focusing knobs. The right knob also has a smaller concentric knob with a 10:1 reduction gear microfine focusing ratio. This provides exceptionally precise image control during high magnification visual observing and critical imaging. The focuser also has a payload capacity of 15 pounds, so even the heaviest load will not be an issue.
The focus knobs have ribbed gripping surfaces so they are easy to operate, even while wearing gloves or mittens in cold weather. The focuser has 100mm of travel as well as a millimeter scale on the drawtube to let you return to an approximate focus when switching between visual and photographic setups. A lock knob under the focuser lets you lock in your photographic focus.
The 3.7″ focuser can be rotated a full 360° to line up a camera in either a landscape or portrait orientation (or any orientation in between), as well as put a star diagonal and eyepiece into the most comfortable observing position. Simply loosen the knob on the top of the focuser housing, rotate the focuser to whatever angle is most convenient for you, and then tighten the knob to lock the focuser at the desired angle.
In addition to the entire focuser rotating, the focuser drawtube’s 2″ eyepiece/accessory holder includes a built-in camera angle adjuster that lets you quickly make final small adjustment tweaks to the angle of your camera or star diagonal without having to disturb the heavier focuser proper.
A knob on the 2″ eyepiece/accessory holder lets you unlock the accessory holder, rotate it to the desired final angle, then lock it in place at whatever angle is most convenient for you. Many observers will find this camera angle adjuster to be even more convenient than the focuser rotation system and will use this method of adjusting the viewing angle exclusively.
The focuser’s 3.7″ drawtube terminates in a 2″ eyepiece holder that uses a non-marring compression ring to hold a 2″ star diagonal and/or accessories in place. The compression ring won’t scratch the barrel of your star diagonal and accessories as an ordinary thumbscrew can.
A supplied 1.25″ accessory adapter slips into the 2″ eyepiece holder to let you use a 1.25″ star diagonal, image erecting diagonal or photographic accessories. Like the 2″ eyepiece holder, the 1.25″ adapter also uses a non-marring compression ring to hold 1.25″ star diagonals and accessories in place. The scope has an M92x1 female thread as well as an M68x1 female on the focuser body.
The 32.4″ long optical tube and focuser (37.5″ long with lens shade extended) are finished in a durable white powder coated finish, with grey anodized trim. There are two finderscope mounting shoes that accepts Vixen-style finderscope mounting brackets. A slip-on metal dust cap is standard, as is a dust seal for the eyepiece holder.
Dual split hinged tube rings are supplied for the optical tube. The rings are lined with white felt that will not stain the white finish of the scope over time. A Losmandy-style dovetail is bolted to the bottom of the tube rings. The AT130EDX also comes with a handle on the top of the tube rings to help with carrying and mounting the optical tube.
You can learn more about the new Astro-Tech AT130EDX here.
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