APM Telescopes 152 F8 Doublet APO Refractor with 2.5" Focuser

For the Astronomy Now review, click here 152ED_AN.pdf

The APM 152-1200 Doublet is a mould breaker in the 6” Refractor category. APM have painstakingly engineered an optical and tube solution to bring you APM quality at an unheard of price. The new 152-1200ED features a Doublet lens cell using FPL-51 ED glass complimented by a Lanthanum coated element to maximise performance. Our innovative combination of materials and design has resulted in optical performance far beyond the normal for a telescope of this price. As with all APM telescopes consistency is assured and each telescope goes through an interferometrical test at the 532nm (green) wavelength before shipping.

With a generous 1200mm focal length, the 152-1200ED is an impressive all rounder. From intricate double star observing to high contrast detailed planetary views, this new scope will introduce a whole new group of Astronomy enthusiasts to APM quality. A classic scope in the making? We think so.

The new 152-1200ED is also supplied with extensive accessories. Inside the quality Aluminium transport case you will find not only a fantastic value telescope but also a newly designed 2.5” focuser, CNC tube rings incorporating a carrying handle, 330mm Losmondy style dovetail and finder bracket. All you need to do is add an eyepiece, diagonal and mount.

In terms of mount requirements you will be pleasantly surprised to find you won’t need to invest in a mount with the high load capacity normally required for a refractor of this size. The tube weight of our new refractor is only 7.5kg! That’s nearly half the weight of our LZOS Triplet 152-1200.

Traditional APM quality has been applied in all areas. The scope is available with either a 2.5” or 3.7" focuser of Rack and Pinion type, with 1:10 fine focusing. They both remains rigid under high loads making them suitable for imaging. Obviously the 3.7" is capable of dealing with higher loads and also features a separate rotator that does not move the whole focuser. The attention to detail extends to areas like the 2” and 1.25” eyepiece adapters. These use the new 'Fastlock' clamp, far superior to the common brass compression rings found on lesser designs. Of course, if you would like to use a Starlight Instruments Feather Touch (model FTF3035B-A) then this can also be supplied as an option.

Imaging accessories for the 152-1200 include basic and APM field flatteners which maintains focal length. There is also a dedicated Massimo Riccardi designed APM Reducer. This changes focal length by a factor of x0.75, resulting in a 900mm focal length and fast f5.9 aperture.

With the new 152-1200ED we believe APM have created an Apochromatic Refractor of incomparable performance and value in its category.

Overview

Doublet ED Apochromatic Refractor

FK-51 ED + Lanthanum H-LAF53 Elements

Fully Broadband Multicoated

Lightweight Aluminium Tube

APM 2.5" Focuser

Retractable Dew-Shield

CNC Tube Rings with Losmondy Style Dovetail

2” and 1 ¼” Eyepiece Adapters

Aluminium Case

Specifications

Length  1075mm (1210mm Observing)

Max Diameter  186mm

Tube Weight  16.5Ibs / 7.5kg

Aperture  152mm

Focal Length  1200mm

Focal Ratio  f7.9

Back Focus  180mm

Resolution  0.76” Arc Seconds

Limit Value  12.7 Magnitude

Max Mag  300x