8" F/6 Achro.

[delorme]

Alex, There is a lot of us out there that would like a 8" achro but the requiremnts for a 8" F8/8 mount stops us.
Many of us already have a Atlas or a CGEM on which {if we build the tube
ourselves}a 8" F/6 would fit within the weight and lenght requirments
of the CGEM and Atlas Mounts.
For example your 8"f8/8 len weights aprox. 10.75lbs . A 4' tub 10" diameter, .064 wall thickness from Hasting weights aprox. 7lbs. Tub rings 10lbs. Prostar flocking {to keep the weight down} aprox 5lbs.
Accessries such as focuser,diagonal and eyepiece 2.25lbs. Total 35lbs.
I once had a Astro Tech 10" F./4 reflector that was 4' long ,12" in diameter, and weight in at about 30lbs including tube rings.
My CGEM,carefully balanced handled it without any problems.
For a lot of us color around the planets is not such a crucial factor.
But for those who do not want the color there is the Raycorr.
I believe there is a demand and I know there is no supply.
Take a survey and see if there is a demand . Thanks for listening and
I eagerly await your reply. De Lorme Broussard

[Ales - iStar Optical]

Hello De Lorme,
this is why we are now producing the TCR versions of 204 F8 R35 SLIM and 204 F12 R35 SLIM, these scopes will have weight reduced by some 50 percent. First TCR scope will be displayed at NEAF in OPT booth. Dont forget to check it out. The optional dew shield and rear lens tube extension will follow by end of this year.
Raycorr Pro-6 V are in works and we expect working prototypes this spring or early summer, in worse case. We are aware of the situation on market and we are taking steps to provide customers with the product of their choice.
best regards,
Ales

[delorme]

Alex, The cost of your R35 are a $1,000 more than a regular 8" doublet achro lens. Alex make what we can afford.
The weight is a critical factor. If it's over 35lbs it will not work. To me there are a lot of us who cannot afford the
R35 len{telescope} or upgrade to a better mount. Make the 6"F/8-8F/6" achro lens and the Raycorr.
Possibly sell as a package. You must think what we can afford. This to me is the most important factor of which
is most often over looked. Buiness price themselves right out of the market because they do not consider this fact.
I read that the R35 are very good but so is a 6" apo. Neither of which I can afford. So when I saw you coming out with the Raycorr I thought this was a great idea because of it's versitality on so many scopes and LOW cost
compared to the other alternatives. The 8"F/6 lens is the same way because it will fit within the weight and lenght guide lines of a Atlas or CGEM mount. The other alternative is a 14" Orion goto dob of which I do not want to do.
So, please take a step back and sell to us what will work with the mount we have in the price range we can afford.
Clear Skies, De Lorme
of a

[delorme]

Hi Alex, I saw on OPT that your selling the Phoenix 8" F/6.
Many of us would buy the Phoenix but the weight{45lbs.} just kills it.
Is there a way this late in the game that you can get the weight under 40lbs?
If not would you sell the 8"F/6 lens by itself?
De Lorme

[Ales - iStar Optical]

Hello,
you are forgetting two heavy scope parts, the counter cell and rear plate. Also the CNC machined baffles weight something. Dont forget that you are looking at 8" refractor. We will redesign the counter cells to make them less heavy, possibly also redesign the rear plates but I dont think that we can lower the weight by more than some 3Lb. Another choice would be to go with TCR style scope, this would definitely end up to be in 35Lb or less including rings.
Yes, we can sell lens alone, please look it up right here istar-optical.com/istar_032.htm
Thank you and please stay in touch,
best regards,
Ales

[delorme]

Hi Alex, I need to know the outside cell deminsions on the 6"R35,6"R30,and the 8"F/6 achro.
Thanks for the help and Clear Skies, De Lorme