AP130 EDFS vs TOA130

I put my name on the Notification list back in April for an AP130 f/6. I know I have a long wait ahead, but I'm sure it will be worth it. Meantime, I have a Tak FS102. I will be moving up in 2 to 3 months. I really want to get my hands on a TOA130 by Tak so that when my AP arrives, I will be able to make a comparison. Having not looked through either of the two scopes, I have two questions in mind. (1) What makes the AP130 EDFS superior to the Tak TOA130? And (2) Why does Takahashi need 6 or 7 more pounds to produce the TOA of similar apeture, when AP does it with less weight?

I know Star Parties are a wonderful way to go when it comes to comparisons, but its also very helpful to receive as much informations as possible, when one is looking at putting out a serious chunk of change.

I would love to hear everyones comments, and if possible, some input from Roland, if you can spare a moment.

Thanks,

Steve

>>I would love to hear everyones comments, and if possible, some input from Roland, if you can spare a moment.>>

OK, I'll comment. What is the point of comparing these two scopes? The 130F6 EDF was designed for imaging. It has a fast focal ratio and wide field, all in a compact package. There are other ways to accomplish that with Petzvals for instance, but it usually results in a heavier and longer tube. The 130 F6 is really too short to be a planetary scope, but it really shines as an imager, especially H-alpha work where you need highly concentrated photons because the filters are super lossy. It's also a nice little grab & go scope for its aperture, and does a decent job on the planets. It's a superb deep sky instrument because the lens is so light efficient - lots of light throughput - only 2 air-glass surfaces - very little light gets lost in the optics, etc.

If you are not into imaging, then I would look elsewhere for something longer. In fact, we will soon be introducing some scopes specifically designed for the visual astronomer with excellent imaging capabilities also included, but not as fast as the EDF series.

Roland Christen