The performance of this Astro-Tech 106mm FPL-53 ED (Extra-low Dispersion glass) triplet apochromatic refractor is superb, in keeping with Astro-Tech's well-deserved reputation for producing optically and mechanically excellent small optics. All of the lenses in the air-spaced triplet optics of the AT106 are fabricated from Ohara glass (Ohara is Japan's premier manufacturer of specialized optical glass), including the first-quality FPL-53 center element. The result of using the best possible glass is the finest possible control of spurious color. The AT106 images are free of all vestiges of the annoying faint color halos around bright objects visible in lesser scopes - despite the Astro-Tech's fast focal ratio, and even at very high magnifications.
Those exceptional optics come in a finely-machined with a newly-designed dual speed 2.7" Crayford focuser with a microfine 10:1 fine-focusing ratio. The focuser can rotate a full 360Degree to put your camera or eyepiece in the most comfortable observing position. The supplied 2" and 1.25" eyepiece holders use non-marring brass compression rings that won't scratch your eyepiece barrels. The Astro-Tech AT106 has a retractable lens shade and comes in a locking aluminum-frame carrying case. If this Astro-Tech AT106 was simply a 106mm ED doublet system, it would still be fairly priced. But - a 106mm fast focal ratio triplet using true FPL-53 glass and a dual-speed 2.7" rack and pinion focuser at this price is a steal!
Features
- Collimatable apochromatic triplet refractor optics - 106mm (4.17") aperture, 690mm focal length, f/6.5 focal ratio three-lens optical system using the finest quality FPL-53 ED (Extra-low Dispersion glass) element to reduce spurious color halos and fringing to vanishingly low levels. All three lens elements are made from the finest quality Ohara glass. Ohara is well-known as Japan's premier manufacturer of specialized optical glass. The lens cell is fully collimatable for peak performance.
- Fully multicoated optics - 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. This can easily be seen by looking into the objective lens of the scope. Virtually no reflection of your face will be seen. It's a sure sign that the high transmission coatings are doing their job, by letting virtually all the light enter the scope, rather than reflecting some light back to your eye.
- Internal light baffles - Contrast-enhancing knife-edge light baffles in the lens shade and 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.
- Dew shield - A self-storing retractable dew shield slows the formation of dew on the lens in cold weather to extend your undisturbed 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 a neighbor's backyard security light. The tube measures a compact 24" long with the dew shield retracted, and only 27.5" long with it extended. A lock knob under the dew shield locks it firmly in place when fully extended.
- Dual speed microfine 2.7" Crayford focuser with 2" eyepiece holder and 1.25" eyepiece adapter, both with compression rings: The precision-made focuser has dual-speed focusing. There are two coarse focusing knobs. The right knob also has a smaller concentric knob with 10:1 reduction gear microfine focusing ratio. This provides exceptionally precise image control during high magnification visual observing and critical 35mm or CCD imaging. The focus knobs have ribbed gripping surfaces so they are easy to operate, even while wearing gloves or mittens in cold weather. The 2.7" focuser drawtube terminates in a built-in camera angle adjuster as standard equipment. It is not an optional extra-cost accessory, as it is with some other scopes. The camera angle adjuster lets you rotate the focuser 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. A knob on the camera angle adjuster lets you lock the focuser at whatever angle is most convenient for you. The 80mm (3.15") travel 2.7" diameter focuser drawtube has a scale marked in 1mm increments so you can note individual focuser positions for easy return to the correct focus when switching between visual use and photography. The focuser has adjustable tension to accommodate varying equipment loads. A separate lock knob on top of the focuser lets you lock in your photographic focus. The 2.7" drawtube has a 2" eyepiece holder that uses a non-marring soft brass compression ring to hold a 2" star diagonal and accessories in place. The compression ring won't scratch the barrel of your star diagonal and accessories as an ordinary thumbscrew can. A standard equipment 1.25" accessory adapter slips into the 2" eyepiece holder to let you use a 1.25" star diagonal or image erecting diagonal. Like the 2" eyepiece holder, the 1.25" adapter also uses a non-marring soft brass compression ring to hold 1.25" star diagonals and accessories in place. If you are partial to 1.25" eyepieces and need an outstanding diagonal for this scope, consider the Astro-Tech 1.25" dielectric diagonal #AT1D. It was named a Sky and and Telescope Hot Product for 2007. For 2" eyepiece use, an Astro-Tech guaranteed 1/10th wave peak-to-valley accuracy 2" quartz star diagonal #AT2DQ is recommended to deliver all of the scope's exceptional optical performance to your eye.
- Tube finish - The optical tube and lens shade are finished in a durable high gloss automotive-style white paint, the same as that used on scopes double the price of the AT106. The focuser and trim are anodized gun metal grey.
- Tube rings - No tube rings are supplied for the 114mm o. d. optical tube, as some observers may already have rings for this popular tube size. If rings are needed, however, optional 114mm Astro-Tech #AT114R hinged tube rings are readily available.
- Other supplied accessories: A slip-on metal dust cap is standard. There is no finderscope provided, but a threaded hole on the upper left side of the optical tube permits the installation of an optional multiple reticle red dot finder #ATF. The finder mounting hole is sealed with a slotted-head threaded insert to prevent the entrance of dust into the scope when no finder is installed.
- Shipping/storage case: The scope comes in a foam-fitted aluminum-frame locking hard case with carry handle. Astro-Tech is one of the very few manufacturers to provide a case at no charge for protection during shipping and as a storage convenience when the scope is not in use. Unfortunately, FedEx, UPS, and the Postal Service are very good at treating packages roughly. Occasionally, your scope can arrive in perfect condition, but with the walls of the shipping case dented in transit from rough handling, or the aluminum frame sprung, rendering the appearance of the case less than pristine. Damage to the shipping case in such instances is not covered by warranty.
Features
- 106mm f/6.5 fully multicoated air-spaced triplet apochromatic optics using an FPL-53 ED element and all Ohara glass
- Collimatable lens cell
- Dual-speed 2.7" rack-and-pinion focuser with 10:1 ratio fine focusing
- Both 2" and 1.25" brass compression ring eyepiece holders
- Retractable lens shade/dew shield with aluminum dew cap
- Long-lasting white paint finish with anodized grey trim
- OTA Weight: 11 lbs.
- Aluminum-frame foam-fitted hard case
- Two-year warranty
