The Astro-Tech AT80EDT - A Fine Triplet Apo Refractor at an Attractive Price!
$849 USD as shown at the time of filming.
Amazon Affiliate Links:
Orion Starblast Telescope amzn.to/3N3GYp9
Zhumell Z114 Telescope (same as the Orion Starblast) amzn.to/363jVdH
Orion XT6 Telescope (new version as of 2022) amzn.to/3z4TBuz
Orion XT8 Telescope (new version as of 2022) amzn.to/3FN54SX
Sky-Watcher 6” Dobsonian Telescope amzn.to/3CXUZAi
Sky-Watcher 8” Dobsonian Telescope amzn.to/3wkAQmt
TeleVue 24mm Panoptic (my favorite 1.25” eyepiece) amzn.to/3NtKHwl
TeleVue 13mm Nagler Type 6 eyepiece amzn.to/3t248F4
TeleVue 7mm Nagler Type 6 eyepiece amzn.to/31xtq2q
TeleVue Everbrite 1.25” Diagonal amzn.to/3JWEveT
TeleVue 2X Barlow (Much better than the cheap throwaway barlows found in cheap scopes) amzn.to/335DAaI
Heated gloves amzn.to/2R45aiW
Heated vest amzn.to/3nVoefs
Small planisphere amzn.to/2JAGvyK
Large planisphere amzn.to/3qsiRFh
The Cambridge Star Atlas amzn.to/3mDAakC
The Stars: A New Way To See Them amzn.to/3lvEUaA
Sky & Telescope's Pocket Star Atlas amzn.to/2VrcDrb
The 21st Century Atlas of the Moon amzn.to/3bsk4Hk
Turn Left at Orion (good beginner’s book about finding stuff) amzn.to/3fYPRQQ
My tiny 8X21 binoculars are here amzn.to/39RdfyP
A decent pair of 7X35 binoculars amzn.to/3mESBoV
A decent pair of 7X50 binoculars amzn.to/3g6amLB
The Orion 8X42 binoculars are here amzn.to/37vW1UK
Camera used for filming amzn.to/38QrkLv
Camera I’m using for 4K video and some B-Roll amzn.to/3D1pOmk
The lens I use for filming (80% of the time) amzn.to/38QIN6i
The lenses used for filming the rest of the time (17-40 f/4 and 24-70 f/4) amzn.to/3cITdpV and amzn.to/3ns4cck
My tripod amzn.to/2OEDhNo
My ballhead amzn.to/3cLeLSW
The softboxes I use amzn.to/3qSDp91
Wireless mic: amzn.to/3tQcRHv
My astrophotography book contains advice on telescopes observing, and taking pictures (based on my award-winning Dartmouth thesis, June 2020) 255 pages, 258 color images: amzn.to/2Jt1O5o
Top Three Recommended Beginner’s Telescope Video: • Top 3 Beginner's Teles...
Top Beginner’s Astronomy Books: • Top Beginner's Astrono...
For Complete Beginners, Part 1: • Getting Started in Ama...
For Complete Beginners, Part 2: • For ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS...
Hundreds of other telescope reviews on my web site at:
www.scopereviews.com
Пікірлер: 106
Ed Ting is the Bob Ross of astronomy, love it.
@SolarityTechnology
2 ай бұрын
I hope not, Bob Ross is dead. Granted maybe you are right as this is a new video it is winter for him and summer for me.
@johnfgibson17
2 ай бұрын
Ed Ting is the Jerry ChessNetwork of astronomy
@mikeisss79
2 ай бұрын
But he never referred to it as a "happy little telescope." :-)
@greasygoblin3541
2 ай бұрын
Dropping the Meade Research telescope was just a “happy little accident”
I like the giant Dob at the end of fence on the right @ 5:00.
@Panicagq2
2 ай бұрын
Yeah, what is that thing, F 1.5? 😮 hehe
@wattswheelhouse
2 ай бұрын
Forget light buckets, that thing is a light silo!
@MikeLikesChannel
2 ай бұрын
Only looks at the zenith though, bummer 😂
@flyboyu777
2 ай бұрын
Ed has a very nice collection.
I own the AT115EDT and was thinking of getting one of these because sometimes I just don’t want to hoist that heavy thing up and out. If it’s ANYTHING like the 115 it’s a absolute work of art. Just have to somehow convince the wife that this scope fills a need my other 7 scopes don’t. 😆 Wish me luck.
@edting
2 ай бұрын
This thing is much, much smaller than the 115 if that helps.
Astro-Tech makes beautiful refractors at shockingly good quality, truly.
@davidsussman7476
2 ай бұрын
And shockingly low prices! Their products did undergo a price increase, but even so, the prices are great. Before the increase , their 102ED sold for $540! Now, it’s one hundred dollars higher, but it’s still dirt cheap.
@whatmattersmost6725
2 ай бұрын
Just to be clear Astro-Tech / Astronomics does not make these scopes, they have input but are made in China. I agree with you good quality for the money! I have the 125EDL, 102ELD and ordered the 80EDT.
Ah finally a review of this beauty 🙂 Haha I get the same thing when I go to a dark sight. People see me with my imaging rig and think something special is going on 🙂 Last time I was there a bunch of college kids were stuck trying to figure out a 10" Dob that they rented. I happily showed them how to assemble it and even showed them how to use Stellarium on their phone to find objects. Once I got them going I showed them M31 and other objects including Jupiter. They had so much fun and I was happy I was there to get them going and add new young astronomers to our hobby 🙂. Thank for the review, I knew this scope was something special for the price.
I have the Astrotech AT102ED F/7 on an Alt-Az mount. It's my "Quick Look" telescope and a HUGE improvement over the older Sky Watcher 102mm F/5 achromat that I used to use. These Astro-techs are a good value for the money. Better get your AT80EDT now! After Ed's review, the price will soar!😆
I have an AT102ED and the features & quality are the same as the AT80EDT. Very nice scope. No complaints with my Astro Tech.
Even after a couple of decades of following your reviews, I still enjoy what you do, Ed. I agree, Astrotech are a steal for the price. I'm apparently an accidental collector of the brand: 72mm ED; 80mm ED (the el-cheapo model); 90MM CF EDT, and the latest, the 130MM triplet APO. They get better with each new release, especially the hardware. Optics have always been at least excellent.
Only $849 USD! That is great value for a scope as good as this.
@3VAudioVideo
2 ай бұрын
$100 off now!
9:10 - But I love my little Astro-Tech AT72ED. It's a good scope, nice quality build!
I just purchased a dobson reflection telescope for a 89 bucks. I took it out for the 2nd time and had a blast. I'm pretty sure I seen the international space station arturus. I got a celestron tabletop 76mm diameter by 300mm focal length and so far I like it pretty good. It's not as nice as the one's you have and show,but for me it's a good start and start learning. I'm just getting started and I'm trying to learn the night sky with a planosphere
My AT80EDT just arrived 2 days ago, and I can say that it is one of the best scopes that I own. It is a little heavier than I thought it would be, but that's O.K. The views are better than my 102mm f/6.5 doublet and my 114mm reflector. I'll even go out on a limb and say that the views were even better than my 130mm reflector. The views held together at 120x and 160x using Televue Delite eyepieces with no CA. It's definitely a keeper.
I'm a big fan of Astronomics (Astro-Tech's) EDL series. Have a look at one if you get the chance Ed. I have the AT102EDL and AT125EDL, both of which have been DPAC tested with fantastic results: slight turned edge on 102, small center zone in 125, very good CA and aberration control with smooth polish, very good results overall and both would pass the .95 Strehl guarantee. They preform well over their price point. For a visual instrument they're absolutely fantastic IMO.
@whatmattersmost6725
2 ай бұрын
I as well have those 2 scopes, I think they are the best choice for the money! The AT150 looks interesting..
I love my AT80EDT. Been getting great results with it. Paired with my AM5
@keithspoelker6384
Ай бұрын
jster - how do you like that set-up? I'm looking to upgrade my mount to the AM5 to carry my 9.25 SCT. I think the little 80 on the AM will be a wonderful, but light, imaging system
Ed didn’t mention the price (?), but I guessed $800-$900. It’s $750, which made me think, “Hey, not bad!” (Remember, too, that CN members can use a discount code that might lower it to $700-$725). I own the ES Essentials 80mm triplet, which I bought “used” but never actually used for $350. It’s really nice, and at f/5 it’s adorably compact.
I just got an at130edt and though I don't have much time with it, the star tests came out fine. Decent focuser, decent rings and build quality. So, it should do what I want it to do! 👍👍
Own both the 80mm and 115mm and they are as described. Great optics and mechanical finish. Also own the reducer/flattener which expands the options for photography. Always enjoy your reviews Ed. Thanks.
Ugh, I hate that question: "Is there anything special going on tonight?" For whatever reason, this really grinds my gears. What's the best answer to this question to be slightly welcoming and not pissed off?
@aaronmoore3050
Ай бұрын
The corrwct answer is: "At this very moment, Ra commands the solar bark through the underworld to confront the serpent Apep."
Beautiful images Ed!
As I already own a William Optics 81GT I don't think I really need to buy one of these but if I didn't have a scope in this class I would certainly consider it. I do have the 115 Apo and have been very happy with that.
That is a beautiful telescope.
Honestly as someone with a homemade 127 refractor I can tell you there is no replacement for displacement. If you are going to go the expensive route then get the most versatile scope you can find and do your research to find the best at the price.
I just ordered mine. My 3rd refractor. I like my MAK's, SCT, and my DOB, but there is something about viewing through a small refractor that is so pleasing.
I've had one of these since 2018 and it's the primary scope I use for imaging. Combined with a WO field flattener(which is also a .8x reducer) it's pretty much exactly what a person would want for imaging. I've also attached a conventional camera to the back for terrestrial daytime imaging and the results are extremely sharp, great contrast and color. Better than any lens I could buy for my camera. Back then it was common for the scopes to arrive with mildly pinched optics (mine was as well, wasn't hard to fix but some may be uncomfortable) and of course any triplet can be sensitive to collimation. I haven't had any issues with that. Focuser and mounting rings are excellent. If you're entirely visual you might consider an ED or EDL doublet from AT instead (cheaper, lighter, reaches temperature faster) but for imaging this is a real winner.
I just bought one of these (carbon fiber version in f/7) last week. Happy to see Ed approves of the Astro-Tech 80mm line. I'm happy with the scope I got, definitely a beautiful piece of equipment too.
I have the AT-70ED and it's a great scope too! Thanks for the review!
@Astro_Ape
2 ай бұрын
I've also got the AT70ED. It's a fun little scope that's surprisingly capable. Works great with 2" wide fields and narrowband filters. It shows some false color and field curvature, but for the price it's hard to complain! My favorite combo with this scope is a 30mm APM UFF with 2" DGM NPB filter in a dielectric diagonal. Only gives 14x, but covers a massive 5°TFOV with a big 5mm exit pupil that's perfect for the UHC filter. You'll be able to fit the whole North American nebula (plus Pelican) or the entire Vale. Makes a great sweeper scope for the summer Milky Way. Nowadays, I mainly use it in a dual scope setup on a SkyTee-2, the AT70ED as a wide field scope and an AT125EDL as the main scope.
This is my therapy. Thanks Ed!
Those pictures look lovely! Great review.
Very nice looking optical tube. Nice pics.
Can't wait to see your review about the new Askar 71F.
@edting
2 ай бұрын
I’d like to see that model myself.
I've been using an Astro Tech AT-65Q Quad APO for years now and just love the images I get with it. Thanks Ed
My first refractor. I love it.
Thanks for doing a review of this excellent telescope. It does better on fainter objects than its 80mm aperture led me to expect. I've actually seen the California Nebula through mine AT80EDT using a hydrogen beta filter, which is not typically recommended for a telescope of this aperture. It was very dim, but clearly visible through this telescope.
First light 🎉
I hope you get to review an AstroTech EDL ED doublet refractor one day. I have the 125EDL and it is such a lovely telescope.
@Astro_Ape
2 ай бұрын
I'm holding out hope for Ed to do an EDL review too! I own the 102 & 125, they're fantastic scopes for visual.
@johnfgibson17
2 ай бұрын
I have the AT80EDL. It's a gem.
Love your videos Ed. And your audio room is fantastic. I would love to see you review a Hubble optics ultra lite product if you can get your hands on one. Thanks for all you do for astronomy and audiophiles.
Thanks a lot Ed.
Thanks Ed!
Looks like it now comes with a nice soft nylon case. Foam still looks hard. But price dropped by $100!
@edting
2 ай бұрын
$100 off is a tremendous deal.
At $419 that is a real deal.
Great scope review. If I was in the refractor market it definitely would be on the consideration list. What I really would like to have are Ed's viewing conditions. Compared to where I live they rate a Wow!!
Ed,I noticed it too that Svbony is also Chinese & it is evident to see that their scopes look identical to the astro tech one
You made my buy one !
Nice indeed! Thank you kindly for the review sir Ed++
For the moment I'm dsi with an astro-modified dslr using lenses purchased for purpose. This is the scope I'll buy if I decide to go that route.
I really don't get why people would recommend starting astrophotography with SW80ED when these 80/480 triplets (sold under lots of different brandings) are just better for the same price.
Ive been looking at one of these for a long time to pair with my Celestron C8 Evo. Ive been trying out deep sky since the planets are all on the far side of the sun. The narrow fov of the C8 is kinda limiting and only having an alt-az mount doesnt help either but Ive been able to get some pretty good photos of a couple galaxies and the Orion nebula.
Hi Ed, another great video; let Mike know that I have a new/never used dedicated flattener made specifically for that scope (AstroTech ATREDT8) in the box with the documents. I bought it mistakenly for the “wrong” scope. I’d let it go for a bargain if he needs one.
Ed Ting is must see TV
One of the fundamental problems of the AT80EDT is that it's more expensive than the AT102ED if use will be exclusively visual. The AT102ED is probably the best deal for a visual scope, and frequently goes on sale for $599.
What I'm wondering is how this compares to the Vixen ED81S. The Vixen is quite a bit more expensive while also being a doublet. I'd wager that mechanically, the AT is superior to the Vixen as well. I know the ED81S does have better glass, and I'm wondering if that coupled with the fact that it's from Japan is the reason for the Vixen being almost double the cost. On a side note, I remember when you replied to one of my comments a while ago stating that you were playing with one of these. Months later the video is released. It gives me an idea as to how long it really takes to produce one of these videos. Much appreciation for taking your time to inform and entertain us :-)
Mine is a 60mm
Wait... it's winter... in June? Which hemisphere are you in, Ed? :)
@edting
2 ай бұрын
Yes, it can take a long time to produce these videos once the footage gets shot. Processing all those astrophotos is a time consuming task too.
Why is it that some 3-minute videos on YT seem like a Half Hour, but Ting's 10-15 minute videos fly-by in less than 5 minutes?
@edting
Ай бұрын
Thanks for the nice comments. I try hard not to waste your time. It's in the editing. I try to edit out anything that doesn't need to be there. One person who watched me work once said I could assemble decent videos just with the material I throw away.
@ronmcmartin4513
Ай бұрын
@@edting--So we should Blame you!🙂 I still say you should buy a small (8-inch/$150) subwoofer for your audio system. For ambience, not rattling the walls. The reasoning I gave, "Why buy a Televue eyepiece, when I already have this plastic one that still works fine."
Hello Ed A Bit off Topic, but; How about a review on Diagonals. I'm the person you asked about the ES EXOS100. Thinking of getting a Baader, not sure if I should go Mirror or Prism. Can I incoperate a Filter drawer into the image train. Intend on using a Refractor Thanks Frank R
7:40 omg! please don't connect that XP laptop to the internet! or use it to sign into any accounts!
@edting
2 ай бұрын
Not to worry! Half the functions on that Dell 300m laptop (including the wifi) broke years ago.
I’m surprised you don’t give a star test to see if the airy disc is good.
I have a quick question for the people in the comments or Ed if he sees this. I am currently looking to buy a dobsonian from the Orion tx series, but they seem to be out of stock in Europe. Will this come back anytime soon?
@edting
2 ай бұрын
Try looking under the Sky-Watcher, Bresser, Konus, Apertura, etc labels. They are all the same basic product.
@jona5003
2 ай бұрын
@@edting I will do so, thank you for the quick response!
İm looking for a telescope for deep space astrophotograpy and i found celestron omni xlt 127mm, should i buy it?
Astronomics is coming out with a number of interesting apos of late. Well worth a look. I keep spying the AP400 mount in the background of your studio. Mine just came home from a 20-year stay in Australia. I used it for the eclipse. Worked great in Oz in March for the last time and great for the eclipse. Have you reviewed it, or will you? I know the AP400 works great and I’m sure they are hard to find on the used market anyway. But it’s an example of a desirable small mount from Astro-Physics and they don’t make small mounts anymore! Cheers!
@edting
2 ай бұрын
Yes, that's an AP400 mount. There's a story behind it. The mount came out of an estate. The widow probably doesn't realize the field tripod is a part of the mount. We've asked for permission to look in the attic/garage/barn for it, promising it won't take more than a few minutes. We haven't heard back. I have the invoice from the owner and there is more AP stuff on there. The imagination reels as to what might be going on here. So if anyone has an old AP field tripod (a converted Zone VI with their mounting collar?) let me know.
Ed between a AT72ED II and WO Z73 which will be your choice and why? Thank you.
@edting
Ай бұрын
If it's the Zenithstar 73 you're referring to, the William Optics will be a higher quality scope than the AT72. It also costs much more. Be sure and get a steady mount for either of them.
In buying a 10" Dobson, Costco sells the Explore Scientific truss for $600, but Celestron wants $1100 for their 10" StarSense Explorer. Is there a $500 difference for the StarSense application, or is the Celestron 10" Dob that much better ?
@edting
6 күн бұрын
Do not buy that Costco Explore 10" Dob!! It is a hunk of junk. They didn't get anything right. There is a reason they are blowing them out. $600 is not even the best price. I've seen them for less than $200 on Amazon from time to time.
@tedbohrer6799
6 күн бұрын
@@edting Wow. Ok, Ed, and thanks. I can keep a 10" Dob near where I'd use it, so it would probably work for me. I watch your reviews and recommendations about the 8" v 10". This is for visual use only, so no heavy camera gear will be on it. There are other Dobs without the StarSense app, but it sounds like a good idea for someone new. Yes?
How well does it do without a flattener?
Seestar S50. How do you like them apples?
@edting
Ай бұрын
Seestar = novelty item.
Greetings Ed, I think it would be nice for everyone if you would make Reviews of you Takahashis and your Stowaway. I know you Made one of your 50mm one and have Reviews of the Tak 100mm and the 76mm in written Format. But Most people know you through your Videos and are Interested in what those telescopes deliver. Also there Are no good reviews of them on KZread. Bad grammar, i know. English is not my native Language.
About optics, question. With a Celestron 127 Mak, I can afford to replace one optic piece. Should it be the Televue Everbrite diagonal you linked, or a Barlow or an eyepiece first?
@edting
Ай бұрын
Don't get the barlow. A longer effective focal length is the last thing you want. I'd start with the eyepiece, then get a good diagonal.
@tedbohrer6799
Ай бұрын
@@edting OK, thank you, Ed. I will buy one of those nice Televue eyepieces you use a lot. The focal length of the 127 Mak is 1500mm. Since I want to use it later on a better scope, should I buy the 2" version in about 28mm?
It's wintertime??
@edting
2 ай бұрын
Yup, that's how long it can take to produce a 10 minute video. Especially when there are ten astro images to process.
Throw out the stinking case, ship it in a box! Offer a case that can hold the scope kitted out for a reasonable price. Who wants to rebuild every time they leave home!
@1:50: I wiped my monitor.
Slow telescope
Is it just me or hasn´t the attractive price being told?
@scoutisabelle
2 ай бұрын
He puts the price in the video description under the video.