Unfair Question

I'm ready to buy ONE scope. I'll use it primarily for planetary and lunar viewing and astrophotography. DSO is a possibility in the future. QUALITY must be tops.

Here's what's on the list right now:

AP 130mm
AP 140mm
TMB 130mm
TEC 140mm

Ooops. I forgot the Tak 130
Ignore price for purposes of this exercise. WHAT WOULD YOU BUY and why?

David Cahn said:

I'm ready to buy ONE scope. I'll use it primarily for planetary and lunar viewing and astrophotography. DSO is a possibility in the future. QUALITY must be tops.

Here's what's on the list right now:

AP 130mm
AP 140mm
TMB 130mm
TEC 140mm

Ignore price for purposes of this exercise. WHAT WOULD YOU BUY and why?

Hi David:

Do you want new or used?

New, I would buy the TEC because it has a touch more aperture than the TMB or AP 130 and it has exquisite top shelf quality. The original and new focuser are designed for photography, should you get into that. I also like the fact that the optics and mechanics are manufactured in the USA. I have one of these and love it. I will never sell it unless I go nuts and buy a bigger refractor. Even then I might not sell it. Unfortunately, the AP 140 is not presently available new and might not be for a long time.

Used, I would buy the TEC or AP 140 for the reasons above: (Aperture, US made, tip-top quality) If each were available, I'd buy the cheaper one. If each were available for the same price I'd buy the AP because they are generally in higher demand and the chance of it appreciating in value over the years seems higher. Both scopes have exquisite US figured optics and exquisite US made mechanics.

If I wanted to travel on a plane with the telescope, I would buy the 130mm AP. I'm sure you know that the current AP offering is uniquely suited to travel.

Even though I would not buy the TMB 130 when the TEC 140 is so readily available, a lot of people like that telescope and I am sure you would not be disappointed.

Jim

I went through this recently and bought the TEC140. I have no regrets, great scope, wonderful quality and available too. It is fine for photography or visual.

The TAK is also great as is the AP, any of these is a good choice. Cost, availability and weight are the things to consider when you decide. Weight is important, depending on what mount you own.
Floyd

Attached Image:

The TEC140 would be my choice. You'll get essentially perfect optics and the oil-spaced triplet design means no collimation worries. For AP they offer a readily available field flattener, and TEC's new focuser is among the best out there.

(I've owned a TEC refractor since 2008)

David Cahn said:

I'm ready to buy ONE scope. I'll use it primarily for planetary and lunar viewing and astrophotography. DSO is a possibility in the future. QUALITY must be tops.

Here's what's on the list right now:

AP 130mm
AP 140mm
TMB 130mm
TEC 140mm

Ooops. I forgot the Tak 130
Ignore price for purposes of this exercise. WHAT WOULD YOU BUY and why?

Okay, here's a twist.

I just purchased a used TV 101is. I think this is probably a good choice for routine visual and astrophotog, so my question shifts to what SECOND scope should I consider. Perhaps a big boy for aperture fever (C14). If so, is it realistic for one person that's not a body builder to lift this thing from storage to mount without slipping a disk?

Feedback thus far has been terrific! Keep it coming!!
David

And the answer is...

AP 130GT BNIB
Connected with a seller from this site. He took delivery in August.
Wish me luck!

David