Astro Physics 130GT vs 130GTX a comparison

[@cesarecannavo1134]

So great is the AP175.. Good video. Thanks and greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@starastronomer]

Thank you Cesare Cannavò!

[@logieberra]

I just got notified for the 130GTX!

[@starastronomer]

Logieberra Great news! Do you know what date you got on the list? I got on the list April 29-2008 and received it on Dec. 19-2016. That's 3157 days or 8yrs, 7 months, 21 days. Yes, I kept track of it. What is AP giving you as an anticipated ship date? You will love the scope. I think 130mm is an excellent size for portability and resolution. Will you be doing photography with it? I am just visual at the moment.

[@rockandroll5798]

I'll never understand the Astro Physics business model, having to wait years for a telescope to be built. You can have a custom Rolls Royce in under four months.

[@logieberra]

starastronomer - I applied on April 26, 2012 so it’s been 8yrs and 2 months I guess? They are shipping in Oct :)

[@logieberra]

starastronomer - may I ask a favour? I am thinking of using my Tak TOA flattener and reducers on this scope (I.e. not APs ones). Can I see a video or pics of the focuser end where something like that might be added/adapter made to thread them on? What’s your email? Thank you! It will save me thousands if I can use them...

[@logieberra]

starastronomer sent! Delete ::)

[@JoeJaguar]

how good tho is the colour correction being only a f6.3, I know its a triplet so colour is very very good but it could have been perfect at f/7.5 to 8.anyway my question is how good is it at f.6.3? I guess its more of the travel part.

[@phil19hall71]

Nice scopes! I have a question - I have a 130GTX and am curious on what looks to be a handle assembly you added - if that is what that is what parts did you use to do that?

[@starastronomer]

PL HL Yes, it is a handle that I mounted on an AP dovetail. This link will show you the handle on top of the cradles from Explore Scientific: explorescientificusa.com/search?q=carry*%20handle*&type=article,page,product

[@JimHendrickson]

Very nice technical comparison. I didn't realize AP moved away from the 3-part separated tube, though it seemed a bit counterproductive that they included space for the covers in the case for the assembled tube, since you're not using them and it just makes a larger/heaver unit to transport. I'm glad they moved away from that. I'm curious about the larger rings though. You didn't give measurements on those, and the GTX ones are significantly larger. Is the tube diameter the same for both scopes? Those focusers are quite impressive. One thing I noticed is that everyone seems to think the main purpose of the brass inserts is to prevent scratches, but I find them more useful in that they provide a greater bearing surface so you don't have to clamp down the [damn] screws so tight, which tends to strip the threads over time.

[@starastronomer]

Glad you like Jim. As to the tube rings, the GTX has a larger tube diameter than the older design GT telescope. AP's workmanship is something to behold...just spectacular. Everything is butter smooth. Yes, the brass does spread the "load" of the tiny screw head for better clamping pressure. My friend bought the 130GT off me after the review. The 130 offers such a sweet spot in aperture, overall physical size, and portability; a true winner. If I had to choose between my 175 or the 130 it would be the 130 for these reasons. But, that 175 is a performer!!!

[@mar504]

Why not just use a tape measure?

[@starastronomer]

I wanted to get better measurements.