Altair Wave Series 80mm F6 Super ED Triplet APO (80/480)
The Altair Astro 80mm ED Triplet APO refractor uses a 480mm focal length lens cell with Japanese FPL53 ED glass from Ohara. A rigid aluminium tube with two tube rings allows stable mounting for astro photography, and the over-engineered 3" rotating dual speed focuser can handle heavy loads, with a direct threaded connection to the optional dedicated Altair 1.0x M48 field flattener (option available in dropdown menu below).
Tube rings are provided with standard M6 hole patterns to fit most hardware mounting systems on the market, and are fully compatible with the Altair TMS Telescope Mounting System TM.
We recommend the Altair Astro 60mm Deluxe Finder Scope (see associated products below) which is a perfect fit and can double as an autoguider for imaging by adding the Altair Miniguider adapter.
As a portable wide field refractor for astro imaging or visual use, this is an extremely capable telescope in all areas. Colour correction is excellent, and contrast is very high, enabling faint and subtle details to be observed visually or in images. The optical tube assembly is perfect for the iOptron iEQ30 mount. The 3" focuser is compatible with the Altair-Rigel USB nStep motor focuser for perfect PC automated or manual focusing via the hand controller or USB port.
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Above is a full frame image of a portion of the North America Nebula in Cygnus called "The Wall", taken with the Altair 80/480 Super ED Triplet APO and dedicated Planostar field flattener by Anton Enright in Cambridge. Click on the image to view the full resolution image in a new window. This will allow you to examine the edges of the field, to assess the quality of the specially designed Altair Planostar 1.0x field flattener.
Below, another full frame image taken by Anton Enright with the same setup:
Altair Astro 80mm F6 ED Triplet APO Features:
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80mm multi coated objective lens, 480mm focal length, FPL53 ED Optics from Ohara Japan
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Highest practical magnification 150x, light grasp 131x human eye
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43cm length, approx. weight 2.85kg (without optional finder).
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1:10 ratio dual speed focuser with direct fit for optional 1.0x field flattener and 3x clamp compression ring for 2" accessories
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2" to 1.25" eyepiece adapter
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Tube rings with standard M6 30mm hole pattern (enabling the telescope to be balanced more easily for imaging, or dual-mounted as a guide scope).
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Standard Vixen-format dovetail bar included.
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FREE Protective case with foam padding (note the case is designed to protect the telescope during shipping and is therefore offered as "free". We cannot provide replacement cases if marked or damaged, however the telescope itself is of course fully insured against any damage in transit).
Accessories: We recommend the optional Altair Astro 60mm finder scope (shown in the image) or Altair MiniGuider 60 for autoguiding with this telescope. If you want to start observing and try imaging later, you can order the finder first, and the autoguider adapter later on to convert your finder into a Miniguider. (See associated products below). Please note that this telescope does not come with a finder shoe bracket as in the picture, however there are two holes on the focuser are compatible with most finder scopes.
A separate optional dedicated Planostar 1.0x field flattener for the 80/480 EDT is available for imaging. This screws directly into the focuser, and terminates in an M48 thread, which is compatible with various M48 DSLR and CCD camera adapters. (Please see the associated products tab for more info).
Availability: Please note these telescopes are made in small quantities and are extremely popular. We hope to have our next production available at some time in May 2013.
Get an online auto notification when in stock: You can register for an automatic email notification inviting you to purchase online when the telescopes are ready to ship next day. Simply click on the red button entitled "Notify when in stock" next to the ordering menu above, and enter your email address. You will be sent a notification email inviting you to order online, and your email address will be automatically deleted from our stock notification system.
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Customer feedback
Customer Reviews
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Author: Anton Enright
Thrilled with my Wave Series 80/480!
Well made telescope both optically and mechanically. It's lovely to use and has been solidly delivering results for me each time I've used it.
For imaging this scope is fantastic. The focuser is smooth and solid and the motor focus is excellent. Once the temperature has settled, it holds focus well even without locking. The all-threaded design of the field flattener gives me excellent flatness and sharp images.
I'm still astounded by the quality of the images I'm getting back from an 80mm scope, especially when compared to my f/5 6" Newtonian. -
Author: Mark Deans
Recently got the wave series 80/480 APO and this scope outperforms my 85mm 4-element APO noticeably on color correction and the field is just as flat with the plano-star flattener. It's actually also a better telescope visually. It's quite a solid scope and heavy for an 80mm, because the mechanics are slightly over-engineered for imaging stability. Altair's advice is spot-on and I'm considering a larger version now. I have mounted it using the beefier TMS system with the 60mm guide scope side by side in the 100mm rings which I will leave feedback on too as they're great. Nothing but praise for this APO. Mark -
Author: John Bunn
I'm a visual observer not an astro-photographer and this scope produces a wonderful image. The image is perfect even on the moon and bright stars with no colour fringes. I have the large "Light Wave" image erecting prism, for daytime birdwatching at the Broads and my wife has sewn a neoprene cover for the scope. I use a large Manfrotto tripod for astronomy and birdwatching with geared head. To put this in perspective, my spotter cost three times more, and the little Altair apo is visibly better, sharper and brighter. I'm impressed that a local company can come up with a product of this standard. When I visited their shop in Aylsham I could see they are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Very happy with the support and advice. Keep it up, and thanks! JB -
Author: Peter Cole
Recieved my 80mm Triplet yesterday. It took me a long while to decide what my first refractor would be, So after asking around and reading reviews, This was the scope for me.
I'm a visual astronomer, My other scope is a 12" F5.3 Newt.
What can i say, This is a beautifuly crafted optical telescope, It's not cheap in build quality like so many others, Every thing shouts craftmanship, Even down to the nylon tips on the locking screws and is simply stunning to look at.
The optics are amazing and very crisp from the views i have had so far with 40mm to 4 mm eyepieces. The focuser is silky smooth and big, I couldn't believe how big it was compaired to what i have previously been used to. Using the threaded options that this focuser has, I doubt there is an imaging camera that you can't use with it.
The supplied tube rings and dovetail are solidly built with large locking bolts, Much better than a 'L' foot mount that other makers use and then expect you to add decent rings as an addon, It's just another sign of attention to detail and quality.
So if your looking for a brilliant first scope or an imaging refractor, Get this one.
The blurb says the case it comes with is just for transport. Do not be under the impression it's cheap and nasty, Far from it. It's well made and lockable, Very solid and is perfect for transporting or just storing when your not using your scope.
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