JackGood double stars for small refractor (AT72EDII) - posted in Double Star Observing: I know that there are lots of good double star lists for binoculars and telescopes. 25” non-marring compression ring accessory holders. Gain 350, 800 secs - 30 sec subs. 818-347-2270. ZWO EAF. 00. In a small telescope, the image scale is smaller than. I know the reviews for both of these are real good, and the opinions are usually that these are a. AT72EDII - First Light - posted in Refractors : Finally got some clear skies and able to get the new AstroTech refractor out (here) *Quick note - if this belongs in Beginning AP forum I apologize. EAA with AT72EDII & ASI 482. 3d printed and designed by Spencer 3d. - posted in Refractors : User desertlens made a really helpful post recently talking about (among other things) focuser drawtube threads. Prior to then I was testing it visually using my Celestron 1. Friday we traveled from our Bortle 7ish skies to the club. I realized I never uploaded this data, so I decided to try out the new BlurXTerminator on the dataset. Holidays. Show More. Telescope is Astro-Tech AT72EDii with AT2FF field flattener, camera is Olympus OMD E-M1mkii with exposure of 30secs @ iso 800. Apetura and have. We've helped hundreds of thousands of people pick the right telescopes or accessories since 1979. Mount for EdgeHD 8 - posted in Mounts: After much frustration with my AVX and EdgeHD 8, Ive come to the conclusion that it simply cant perform with 15+ lb on it which is the OTA plus literally anything else. The stars at the right side of the frame look pretty bad. Astro-Tech - AT72ED manual. 00. Quick rundown on how to install the William Optics Flat 73A flattener on the Astro-Tech AT72EDII refractor. $419. Im a PI noob, so Im still using the trial. Two nights and 11 hours of exposure almost went to waste. I also have an AT72EDII. 2023 Scottsdale Auction Highlights. 14 bits vs 12 bits. One thing interesting about the AT102ED is that I could use a reducer/flattener to bring the telescope to F/5. Edited by Sarkikos, 13 November 2023 - 02:26 PM. At Astronomics, we have that experience - a staff total of over 160 years of experience using and selling telescopes. Page 2 of 4 - TV Pronto Compared to New AT72EDII with FPL53 Element - posted in Refractors : Anytime I read about intolerable CA in the Pronto I break out in a cold sweat with worry. The AT152EDT is an extension of the incredibly well received EDT series from Astro-Tech. I have seen the AT72EDii as an option and have heard. Reducer for AT72EDII - posted in Refractors : Hi Friends, I am planning to buy a 0. I will ship in CONUS for $400 + 3% for Paypal. Check it out; there is relatively little editing from Lightroom. More to the point, according to the SV website, this is a going out of business sale for the SV Access 80mm. So even better, mainly at the edge of the field. Still OK but the stars in the corners look bad. Astro-Tech AT72EDII is an equipment item of class Telescope or lens on AstroBin equipment database. ADM Accessories offers Telescope Accessories that mount directly to many popular telescopes like Meade, Celestron, Vixen, Losmandy, Takahashi, Orion. " This is M101, the Pinwheel Galaxy, also known as. Totals $1168, which leaves $432 for accessories. This combination is both faster and has a larger aperture than the AT72EDii, although he field of view is a bit smaller and it cannot fully fit Andromeda in frame. $74. Other. I have an AT72EDII that I have been using with the 0. It is composed of 71x120s subs taken with a 2600mc Pro, AT72EDII, . SW GTI-AZ mount in EQ mode. It’s clear that Celestron has established itself as a leader in the telescope field! Conclusion and Discussion Posted 28 April 2021 - 03:20 PM. OUR PRICE $699. Thanks, Joel. The Esprit has a focal length of 840mm, compared to the Edge 1260mm (with 0. Wanted to share a quick video of the Astro-Tech AT72EDII By the way time of this video I was on pain killers due to me messing up my back, so that's why I li. I recently got the ASI533MC Pro and took the rig out for a spin tonight and couldn’t get the. Page 1 of 2 - AT72EDII threads etc. Astro-Tech AT72EDII AstroBin's equipment database is entirely maintained by the community. Page 1 of 2 - Companion scope for an 8" SCT - posted in Cats & Casses: Looking for recommendations for a companion scope for my 8 SCT. The new AT125EDL has upgraded the ED element to FCD-100 with a Lathanum mating element. 36 light, 5 dark frames, pre-processed in Lightroom, stacked in Sequator and final minor edits in Photoshop. It's pretty obvious that the Evostar 72ED lacks in the glass department compared to the AT units. The Doublet APO design of this refracting telescope means that users are treated to APO color correction and crisp images! Whether you want to use this telescope for visual observations or astrophotography, this 72mm refractor. . For seeing the planets, generally speaking, the more magnification the better (within the limits of this "Rule of Thumb"):The AT72EDII measure at around 4. Start following SamMobile on Google News now! Samsung has released a new software update to the Galaxy A72. The camera side of. Buy telescopes and telescope accessories at Astronomics. Page 1 of 2 - Problem Imaging/Processing - posted in Beginning Deep Sky Imaging: So Im just starting out imaging DSOs. My goals for this refractor would be: - Be able to visually observe larger objects like open star. Fits nicely in the toolbox with the EAF and is held solid when closed. Yes, but we also got a free nifty carrying case for our $699, which you can't close without taking off your guidescope. For example, the fully-multicoated Astro. 4. In the end, I decided to image with my trusty AT72EDii. And it looks like the 85mm rings use a hinge with a closing knob on one side. According to Ernest the 4. Id like to get better tracking and be able to do AP with the C8 as well. The Astro-Tech AT60GS guidescope is a 60mm aperture 240mm focal length (f/4) achromatic refractor with a helical focuser. I think the dust mainly happens during shipping. 25" diagonal as-new; Vixen NPL 25mm ep; Vixen NPL 15mm ep; Apache hard case; Total price including shipping CONUS USA and PayPal is $580. Woodland Hills Camera & Telescopes is your source for astronomy & photography equipment. Today I have received AstroTech AT72EDII scope after waiting for 4 long months. Diagonal recommendation for AT72EDII? - posted in Eyepieces: Hi All， I received my AT72EDII this week from Astronomics. So now the AT72EDII is back on the cards! I'm still in no hurry, though. That review was less than stellar and left me with some doubts. - posted in Experienced Deep Sky Imaging: Hello, I picked up a second hand Askar FRA400 with a matching 0. Page 1 of 2 - ST80 w/ 2in focuser vs AT72EDII - posted in. Page 1 of 20 - The AT72EDII is out! - posted in Refractors : Or listed on Astronomics website as wait list anyway. Choices. -iOptron CEM40. Its also about contrast robbing out of focus light, which happens whether you can see the false color or not. Other colors and types available just ask. I was messing around with it and shot some wide field shots of M51 last week with my full frame DSLR (astro-modified Canon 6D). In case anyone is wondering if this combo can work with the APS-C sized sensor in the ASI2600MM, here is an uncropped image of M101 and surrounding. The AT72EDII is an air-spaced doublet refractor with an FPL-53 element. Re: Canon 50D and Astro-Tech AT72ED. While this Astro-Tech ATRF72 0. ( 540nm ) I could see two active regions on the photosphere today. AT72EDII - posted in Refractors : I have a SW 120ED, but I do not consider it to be a G&G, or at least not a really easy one. 95. I have a Twilight Nano that will not work (I know, I know!), so I need an alternative. I've had a number of medium-capacity manual Alt-Az mounts that would certainly handle an AT80ED. 13 March 2019 - 03:41 AM. With a FR/FF, the AT80EDT goes from f6 to f4. This Astro-Tech ED refractor has:• 72mm f/6 fully multicoated FPL-53 and Lanthanum doublet refractor optics• dual-speed Rack and Pinion 2” focuser with 10:1. While the classic ED80 F7. Price is good, but at f6. choices. . The latter scope would also be suitable for imaging small planetary nebulae (some of which are very bright and can be imaged with exposures under 30 seconds). It has not been an issue in everyday use. I guess I'll be able to capture farther things with my 200mm lens. Review of the Celestron NexStar Evolution 6 Updated 10/25/21. October 25 and 26, 2021. AT72EDII + 0. This is the first brand new scope Ive purchased in over 30 years, first one was a Meade LX50 8 SCT from (interestingly enough. 25 diagonal or using ZWO cameras directly. . Hello, I am trying to install an auto-focuser on my AT72edii, and I can't seem to remove the screws that hold the coarse focus knob. Two more options: #1 - rotate the scope 180 degrees so the focuser knobs are at the top rather than the bottom (looks ugly but works fine) #2 - pick up a set of riser blocks or equivalent spacers (even chunks of hardwood) - my AT72EDII sits on a set of Stellarvue riser blocks on a Losmandy dovetail. • dual-speed 2" Crayford focuser with 10:1 ratio fine focusing. 13 March 2019 - 03:41 AM. Pretty darn good. SVBONY 220 2" filter. Had gain at 535 and exposure 20 seconds. Our first star test on the AT72EDII prototype was simply textbook. The AT72EDII beats the ED80 for FOV and compactness being the 80 is in a 100 mm tube, also the 72 can ride on a lighter duty mount. If interested I also have available (not otherwise included with this scope) a mint condition. Tech Details. One is wide field, one is less wide field. -iOptron CEM40. The AT80 would not fit in my little camera bag, and the additional weight/length will require a beefier mount/tripod. th3_n3wb13 wrote: Check this out, the guy used his modified Canon50D and only 50mm to capture Milky Way. 8 reducer - posted in Refractors : I recently obtained an oag-l from an estate sale and thought I would give it a. 22) Fasten your seatbelt because the next four weeks are busy! Your daily pace will accelerate with errands, visits, short trips, increased. The AT72EDII is designed for use with a 2" diagonal so a 1. Page 2 of 2 - Noob lost in the rabbit hole, help accessorizing AT72EDII scope - posted in Beginners Forum (No Astrophotography): Haha yeah its easy to get carried away. Page 2 of 4 - AT72EDII - Yes, planets are small, but spectacular - posted in Refractors : Mark, Thank you for sharing your wonderful report. According to ZWO, the length form the sensor to the. Using 2” Filter Drawer: Above the 4 solutions for the ASI2600MM Pro APS-C camera to reach the 55mm back focus length. Like little comets but with the tails point inward toward the center. I ordered 2 more and they arrived on 3/18/19 and I just added one to. $2,125. Page 13 of 20 - The AT72EDII is out! - posted in Refractors : The skies here west of Puget Sound have finally cleared, so I took my new AT72EDII out for a trial. 8X Reducer/Flattner for 400-600mm Refractors. Astro-Tech AT72EDII Refractor OTA FPL-53 and Lanthanum f/6 Doublet - $519. 3'' guiding which is decent enough for me as i was able to get a single 10min exposure. Why this is, I have no idea. Page 11 of 20 - The AT72EDII is out! - posted in Refractors : @ John My experience with flatteners is that the shorter the scope FL, the longer the spacing between flattener and camera. 9 microns) The Sony IMX290/IMX291 in the ZWO ASI290 and QHY5III462 are fantastic high resolution planetary cameras offering upwards of 170 frames per second! The cameras have a peak quantum efficiency of 80% and provide an improvement in autoguiding accuracy over larger pixel planetary cameras. The new visual back was about 12mm shorter than the rotator. Astro-Tech AT72EDII Refractor OTA FPL-53 f/6 $469. Backfocus spacing is supposed. As a registered member of Cloudy Nights you are signed up already. But this review. Product Description. Then I start daydreaming about piggy-backing my AT72EDii on my C8 all mounted on the G11G and image with either (or both?). 6, 571mm, 1. But measurements show that with the EAF installed the unit wont fit into the really nice storage bag that. A beginner telescope for astrophotography at a fantastic price, the Astro-Tech AT70ED 2. Telescope is Astro-Tech AT72EDii with AT2FF field flattener, camera is Olympus OMD E-M1mkii with exposure of 30secs @ iso 800. 72mm Apochromatic Doublet Lens. But that will give me time to figure out how to complete my first rig. 25” non-marring compression ring accessory holders• Vixen dovetail plate. Oakzaa, what issue are you having with the AT72EDii, specifically when trying to focus? On mine, I couldn’t get far enough ‘in’. a 12" F/4 is a reasonable portable proposition for anyone fit and healthy with a car. This mount seems to require the scope to be mounted on the left side with the scopes objective pointing in the 1 oclock position. Would anyone recommend a good first and/or second eyepiece? Does anyone a favorite eyepiece to. 8 reducer. I even searched astrobin to look at what others got using this telescope and surprisingly I see the same theme. I am new to both this scope and to EAA. Im not sure whether to get a field flattener (no reduction) or a combo field flattener. Mike. The WO Flat73a should work. Condition is New. 25" Naglers if you prefer a wider AFoV. Page 5 of 6 - Manual Alt-Az Mounts - Show us What You Have. I still haven't done a side by side but I have had them out on consecutive. The AT72EDII does really support much higher power than one might think for an f6 scope. 8 Reducer and Field Flattener question - posted in Refractors : Hello. helicon Co-Administrator Articles: 554 Posts: 11818 Joined: Mon May 06, 2019 1:35 pm 4 Location: Washington TSS Awards Badges. In addition to the upgraded glass, the AT72EDII has an upgraded focuser, with a fine focus and a diagonal rotator (the same focuser as their EDT line), and unlike the AT72ED, the AT72EDII comes with split tube rings. The 60ED and 72EDII also use FLP-53 glass, whereas the new 7OED, like the 80ED, does not. 00. Key Features. 2）With OAG-L: This method is quite similar to Solution #2 → 2), so we do not go into details here. (model year 2018 and newer) The dedicated fully-multicoated Astro-Tech AT80EDRF converts the 560mm. AT60ED vs. Page 1 of 20 - The AT72EDII is out! - posted in Refractors : Or listed on Astronomics website as wait list anyway. The original AT72 has not been in stock or on our website for many months. 8x FR/FR. I also paired it with the Orion 2" dialectic diagonal, and I can't achieve infinity focus. 8X Reducer/Flattner for 400-600mm Refractors. Page 1 of 2 - Tilt, backspacing, or something else? - posted in Beginning Deep Sky Imaging: I recent had first light with an AT72EDII with . . 1. Bortle 8 - First light with Askar FRA400. Brands / Companies 932 ; Cameras 3319 ; Sensors 465 ; Telescopes & lenses 3756 . 7mm), mounted on a Manfrotto 3021BN. My 115EDT by comparison is front heavy, but the tube rings can be adjusted. However two of these are outlying and may or may not belong to the group. We feel this is truly a lifetime instrument. Since I also have an AT130EDT, my first reaction when I opened the box was, what a small scope. But. My previous wide field scope did not get much use because of the lack of clear skies and I was just not happy with the performance. 8X reducer/field flattener is designed for prime focus astrophotography with your AT80ED refractor. Vostok 1 topic starter Posts: 107 Joined: 07 Mar 2016 Posted 18 April 2022 - 07:49 AM I am starting to plan out a beginner imaging rig based around the AT72EDii (already have in hand). Same glass from what I can tell but this one is an APO. Or, go ahead and get the upgrade done. Corrector plate featuring Metallic High-Transmission Coatings™ (MHTC™) virtually eliminates chromatic aberrations. 4) work methodically to adjust the screws on your camera's tilt plate, and repeat the above procedure. I will be using 1. First light with AT72EDII - posted in Refractors : My AT72EDII arrived Thursday. Notice I had to raise the AT72EDII in order to clear the focus lock screw with a longer. The Apache 4800 case is a little bigger than the 3800, so I'm going to purchase the 4800 to see if I can carry a few more accessories. The FPL-53 lens makes a huge difference in correcting chromatic aberration, rendering sharper images with much more realistic colors--closer in hue to those that I have gotten from the Epsilon-200. Once they are gone, they are gone. I'm visual only also, but I appreciate the increase in color correction usually. 00. All. 8x Reducer/Flattener) - Astro-Tech 0. M31. 8 FR/FF, and L-Enhance filter. Still, the AT72EDII is a pretty good value. 8 Focal Ratio. My C8 used to be my most heavily used EAA scope, but now I prefer the ease of using my 130EDT f/7 triplet refractor vs my two SCTs. Thanks. Voyager 2 mount - lightweight and really stable when configured correctly. Usually, that box has a crooked shape, which is showing the tilt. Page 1 of 2 - AT72EDII vs TSAPO72F6 - posted in Refractors : Hi,Are there any real difference between a AT72EDII and a TSAPO72F6 ?They are supposed to be same according to many resources online, including here on CN. I do some visual with a C8 and some AP using an AT72EDII. I use my AT60ED with eye pieces up through 40mm in order to reach the max 7. Description: More of "Galaxy Season. Use the Sky-Watcher Evostar ED APO 72mm f/5. How to mount AT72EDII to Sky Watcher Star Adventurer - posted in Equipment (No astrophotography): Hello. I have been looking for a beginner astrophotography telescope for a few months (as an upgrade from a Rokinon 135mm F/2 telephoto lens to a longer focal length), and when the time to choose finally came, I went with the Evostar 72ED. Well, according to this retailer, the William Optics Redcat 51 has an "aperture of 51mm, a focal length of 250mm and a fast f/4. Page 1 of 2 - First eyepiece for a AT72EDii refractor - posted in Eyepieces: I just placed an order for a AT72EDii refractor (430mm f/6) - very excited. Yet Another BackFocus Question - posted in Beginning Deep Sky Imaging: I apologize if my searching skills have failed me and this question has been answered before. That handle, using two bolts, lists as 125mm (don't know if that's total or center to center of the bolt holes) and would interfere with retracting the dew shield. I am going to be purchasing a reducer/flattener as well (Astro-Tech . $19. How. I can usually point the scope and get on or near the star but I may have to pan left and right or up and down a little. The Astro-Tech ATRF72 reducer/flattener threads on the 72EDII focusers. 25" adapter. Sky-Watcher EVOSTAR 72mm vs Astro-Tech 72ED II - posted in Refractors : I am looking for a small refractor for both visual and beginning AP. Tech Details. 8X reducer/field flattener is designed for prime focus astrophotography with the Astro-Tech AT72EDII, it will work with other variants of the same optical tube. That's almost $700,00 more. Ok. This money can be saved to spend in other important parts of your rig, such as a good mount, a camera or some filters. The Astro-Tech 2" Field flatterer is what you need. Voyager 2 mount - lightweight and really stable when configured correctly. In anticipation of scope, I read forums for accessories needed to attach Canon 77D DSLR. AT60ED. Great optics, 2” rack and pinion focuser, well made, and it fits nicely in an Apache 3800 hard case with room to spare for a diagonal, eyepieces, finder, and filters. Astro-Tech AT72EDII Refractor OTA FPL-53 and Lanthanum f/6 Doublet - $519. 5 to f/7 range that use a 2" focuser. AT70ED or AT72EDII? - posted in Refractors : Im refractor shopping, mostly for AP. Im thinking something in the 50-80mm range for a refractor and the further under $1000 the better. Reviews. m16, 79 frames of 16s . . Here is a downsized LRGB image of the region around M87, the Virgo galaxy,. This thread seems to be common among some 2. I know the AT72EDII has much better glass than the AT70ED, but is it $200 better? (Plus, there are AT70s in stock, so no waiting). Posted 13 September 2019 - 08:44 PM. The handle will help making set up much easier as you have a solid part to. For the time being it's just the DSLR. 00. Tech Details. I have the AT72EDII and the SV80A which is similar to the AT80ED but has FPL53 glass. Acquisition Data: -Winter 2023. . And it was the perfect size to see the Pleiades in a 25mm eyepieces. I am good with my big equipment. Pending edit 1; Mounts 621 ; Filters 2238 ; Accessories 1413 ; Software 386 ; Contributors 50 ;Eqm35, antila-apl-t, canon 600d, At72edii, svbony 120mm guidescope and sv165. The Astro-Tech 72mm is an excellent choice for wide-field astrophotography and observational astronomy but proves its versatility by also making a premium spotting. 5 hours total + Flats/Darks/Bias with BYEOS . net. This is not an exaggeration. A dedicated flattener is £80. It did make acquiring that first star easier, especially with a 1-1/4" eyepiece. I have been imaging on a Star Adventurer (SA) for less than a year. Attached is a photo from couple nights ago of Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) shot with Nikon D750, Astro-Tech AT72EDII on the SkyHunter mount. . 3. The Sky-Watcher Evostar 72ED from Sky-Watcher uses a crown. The same can be said of the 1. Please just get a AT72EDII or Apertura 72EDR. The ATR8 is more universal with only threads on the camera end. Back Focus Spacing issues with ZWO Cameras - posted in Experienced Deep Sky Imaging: Not sure if this is the right place to post this but Im having some problems working out the best way to attach ZWO ASI Cameras, specifically 183MM Pro and 183MC Pro to my Astrotech AT72EDII with the AT 0. New Scope - AT72EDII - M31 Andromeda Galaxy - A7R IV - posted in DSLR, Mirrorless & General-Purpose Digital Camera DSO Imaging: I recently bought a telescope, the AstroTech AT72EDII, with matched reducer/flattener -- both of which were used for this image. I've had the AT72EDII well over 200x looking at the Moon, but you have to use a short focal length eyepiece and either a good Barlow or a Focal Extender like a TeleVue PowerMate. 00. But for running outside for a quick look or throwing something in the back of the car. I think your 25mm Dual ED eyepiece shows a field of about 3. Both should be in our repertoire from our Bortle 9. Suggestions for electronic focuser for AT72EDII - posted in Equipment (No astrophotography): Last night was a bit of a struggle so now I have SGP I was wondering what (if any) electronic focuser would fit/work with an Astro Tech AT72EDII that is SGP/Ascom compliant. Scopes like the AT72EDII can hit higher magnifications than "regular" ED scopes using FPL-51, FCD-1 or FK-61 glass (e. Pronto is old semi-apo with a good lens. We don't expect the scopes until October. The lenses are made by Ohara. The AT90CFT 90mm f/6 triplet apo is a very compact refractor for the serious observer and traveler. Perhaps an AT72EDII or the equivalent Skywatcher. 8X reducer/field flattener is designed for prime focus astrophotography with quality f/6 focal ratio apo refractors such as the Astro-Tech AT72ED and AT130 apo, it will also work well with Astro-Tech and other brand refractors in the f/5. 5mm). Description: It's "Galaxy Season" for amateur astronomers. 25” eyepieces for now (I like the weight reduction) so my widest eyepiece in that format is my. Page 1 of 2 - Suggested new accessory for AT72EDII (and other AT models) - posted in Refractors : Brief summary: I am suggesting that Astronomics make available for purchase a *second* Vixen dovetail bar for attachment to the TOPS of the AT72EDIIs rings and identical to the one supplied with the scope as a bottom bar. After discovering that the AT72EDII seems to have the same M63 focuser drawtube thread as the Z73 I was thinking hard about going with a WO Flat73a instead (wider field, possibly better performance but hard to be sure) but in the end decided to stay with a 2" barrel flattener/reducer instead. AT72EDii has an optional handle with a guide rail. It required replacing the stock dovetail with the slotted AstroTech and moving the rings closer together. Im well aware that a 6 mirror scope catches light fast and there is a bigger clarity and it does have its advantages, but also some cons. Gathering Light Since 1997 "Ed, I stayed up half the night reading your web site! Bravo!" -M, 11/10. I have been imaging on a Star Adventurer (SA) for less than a year. Efficient heat and more space to decorate. Product Description. 8X reducer/field flattener is designed for prime focus astrophotography with quality f/6 focal ratio apo refractors such as the Astro-Tech AT72ED and AT130 apo, it will also work well with Astro-Tech and other brand refractors in the f/5. What Doug says. We've helped hundreds of thousands of people pick the right telescopes or accessories since 1979. The main thing is the sky background. $2,490. Sky-Watcher’s Evostar apochromatic doublet refractors are the perfect blend of superior extra-low dispersion glass and affordability. 8x focal reducer and my 60D camera. The AT80 would not fit in my little camera bag, and the additional weight/length will require a beefier mount/tripod. Dec 1, 2022. It has dual mounting rings with nylon-tipped collimation screws (three per ring). WO Zenithstar 61 APO $478. This Sky-Watcher Evostar 72ED apochromatic refractor has: • 72mm f/5. 00. (Televue TRF-2008 0. I plan to use a Canon 6D Mark II and a ZWO ASI294MC Pro. Astro-Tech AT60ED 60mm f/6 FPL-53 ED Doublet $369. Find cameras, lenses, studio. Page 2 of 2 - ST80 w/ 2in focuser vs AT72EDII - posted in Refractors : My AT72EDII is optically excellent from low power to high power, with excellent contrast. Hopefully my atrf72 will ship. The AT72EDII was a bit better. 95. What would you recommend for a mount? Id like a goto EQ mount that is not heavy. It they are a bit loose, a little more felt would do just fine. The AT72EDII feels more similar to the ST80 in size (it's more compact with dew shield retracted but the ST80 is only about 3lbs with the stock focuser) while the AT80ED. I presently own an Astro-Tech AT72EDII refractor - similar telescopes can be found in the $500 range. AT72EDII - First Light - posted in Refractors : Finally got some clear skies and able to get the new AstroTech refractor out (here) *Quick note - if this belongs in Beginning AP forum I apologize. AT72EDII + ASI2600MM - posted in Refractors : While waiting for the SVX140T to arrive, Im imaging with my AT72EDII + ASI2600MM along with the Aptura 1x adjustable flattener. I use my AT72EDii visually and for EAA.