120mm apochromatic lens FPL-53 f/7.5
The AIRY APO120 apochromatic refractor uses a wonderful doublet apochromatic lens with FPL-53 element fully multi-coated to provide high performance for any type of use. The perfect chromatic aberration correction makes the images rich of natural colors, contrasted and with lots of detail. The AIRY APO120 apochromatic is the final instrument for the amateur who seeks the maximum performance from a apochromatic designed for astrophotography but which, thanks to the large diameter, can also be used in visual. The perfect chromatic aberration correction makes it perfect not only for cooled CCD cameras (even with narrow-band filters), but also for DSLR cameras with color sensors.
The medium focal length (900mm) makes it ideal for those who want to record deepsky-objects with greater detail than the smaller instruments: for example, for galaxies like M33, star clusters like M13 or nebulae like M27 that will show finer details thanks to large diameter optics and higher focal length.
In order to maximize the quality of this apochromatic refractor coupled with cameras with more than 15mm diagonal sensors (such as DSLRs), we recommend the use of field flattener which makes pinpoint stars up to image edges. There are also the focal reducers (0.8x and 0.6x) to further increase the field of view and decrease the focal ratio (making the telescope "faster").
Giant 2,7" Hybrid-Drive focuser
One of the strengths of the AIRY APO120 refractor is its wonderful Hybrid-Drive 2,7" (with adapter to use 50,8mm or 31,8mm accessories). The mechanical building precision eliminates the problem typical of normal Crayford focusers that, during the long exposures required by astrophotography, can have camera slippage moving the sensor out of focus. For this reason the Airy ED100 telescopes uses the new Hybrid-Drive 2,7" focuser that adds, under the focuser tube, a rack and pinion thereby maintaining in position even heavy cameras (capacity of up 8 Kg). Below the focuser there's also a locking screw: closing it, you will be sure that your camera will not move any more!
The Hybrid-Drive 2,7" focuser presents the connection for 50.8mm and 31.8mm accessories (comes with a handy 50,8mm and 31.8mm reducers). It also features a convenient 1:11 fine focus gear, particularly useful when you need to focus at high magnification.
The focuser has a very long ride (95mm) to allow the use of both photographic instruments (cameras with accessories) and visual (eye and diagonal). For visual use, we recommend our 50.8mm XP dielectric diagonal for the observation of the sky or our XP 45° erect image prism for the one of terrestrial objects (use as a spotting scope).
Precision mechanical construction and 360° quality
You will be amazed of the mechanical quality of our AIRY APO120: full aluminum intubation made with precision CNC machine is rugged yet lightweight. All the components are treated at the highest levels to provide an instrument with which it is a real pleasure to photograph or watch the sky!
The aluminum front dew shield can be closed to make the telescope easier transportable. The front cap is completely aluminum made. The focuser can be rotated freely through 360 degrees (without changing the focus point) to position the camera with the right angle and perfectly frame the object you want to record.
Below the optical tube there's a metal plate which allows installation on photographic tripods (perfect for use as a terrestrial spotting scope). This plate has the shape of a Vixen dovetail bar then the telescope can also be installed directly on mounts with this connection. For long exposure astrophotography use we suggest our 122mm PLUS system support rings.
The AIRY APO120 refractor is an optical and mechanical jewel; to carry it or to keep it protected at the best, it comes with a beautiful hard aluminum made case.
PLUS system support rings
Forget about the uncomfortable and weak support rings that are often found in cheap telescopes! Our AIRY APO120 apochromatic refractor comes standard with beautiful aluminum anodized support rings, made with high precision CNC machines, which are part of the PLUS (Prima Luce Universal System) system. This lets you maximum freedom in adapting the telescope to your requests, and at the same time, it has all the threaded holes, holes and slots suitable for connecting all the PLUS compatible elements, always with simple M6 screws.
For example, you can choose to install either a Losmandy or Vixen plate type, or you can use the holes in the upper part of the rings to install a telescope in parallel (through the guide rings PLUS compatible) or another dovetail plat equals to one located below the telescope (to position where you want guide rings or to allow the sliding Vixen + Losmandy dovetail clamp).
It not only matters which telescope you buy but also where you buy it. Our additional services:
- We are a leading telescope dealer and know the devices we sell. Our customer service team will gladly help you after your purchase if you have problems with assembly or operation.
- We provide a copy of the 80-page Telescope ABC beginners handbook with every telescope.
- We also provide an edition of the exciting astronomy magazine, “Sterne und Weltraum” with each telescope.
