NEW SLIM LENS in ARES 150-5 R50 EXCEEDS ALL EXPECTATIONS!

[Ales - iStar Optical]

As most of you already know, iStar has been designing and developing the R30 and R35 cross-over Anastigmatic doublets for some time now. So when our master optician Zdenek finished designing the latest 150 F5 R50 SLIM doublet, I did not think much about it and the lens was produced and marked under the current standard of R35 SLIM. For those of you not familiar with iStar lenses, the R means (REDUCTION or REDUCED) and number behind it, in this case 35, means percentage cross-over value between an Achro and an APO. Easy way to understand this is if you take a standard Achromatic Fraunhofer style doublet in for example F5 and add 35 percent to its focal length. The real life reduction of chromatic aberration of an R35 lens is comparable to an Achromat of a focal length increased by 35 percent. I hope I explained it well enough with my broken English....

But when Mike and few of his friends tested this all new Ares WFT 150-5 R35 at Everglades last month, the real life performance of the scope was absolutely staggering and I was told that all of Mikes friends were under impression that they were looking through an APO or at least Semi APO and not a version of the Improved R35 Anastigmat. This made me look harder at our data and spot diagrams and my jaw dropped. I saw a solid, near Semi APO lens data, not an average R35... so I called our master optician Zdenek immediately and asked him to confirm my observations. He called back a few minutes later and told me that he indeed had designed an R50 lens, he only marked it automatically as R35.

So soon, we will re-mark each lens according to the actual, real life performance and the greatly reduced chromatic aberration levels. Good news is that we are not going to change the price because of this change. So anyone who wants a great, super wide field, reduced chromatic aberration refractor performing at a near a Semi APO level, call or write Mike and place your order now. We have two more in stock!

best regards,

Ales

[jpb30]

that is an excellent news Ales!!!!

JP

[Ales - iStar Optical]

Aug 10, 2014 1:12:16 GMT -5 jpb30 said:

that is an excellent news Ales!!!!

JP

Dear Jean Pierre,

thank you, I agree. I called our master optician Zdenek from the hospital today and I asked him to send me spot diagrams for both, the standard Fraunhofer achromatic doublet and our new latest generation R50 Anastigmatic. As soon as he sends this, Petr will post it on our web site and I will post it right here on ISC. Zdenek will also calculate the exact value of this new Rx lens. I will share all this info with you and all others on this forum, please stay in touch, thank you,
best regards,
Ales

[jamesling1000]

Hi Ales...

This is really a big news if the new slim lens in your ARES 150-5 R35 performs like a semi APO .....

And if the 150-8 also performs like a semi APO, or close to the APM ED APO which I own one now, then is definitely going to create even a bigger breakthrough in the astronomy market....

All the best to your success in the new slim lens version.........................

Regards

James Ling

[Ales - iStar Optical]

Aug 10, 2014 22:26:55 GMT -5 jamesling1000 said:

Hi Ales...

This is really a big news if the new slim lens in your ARES 150-5 R35 performs like a semi APO .....

And if the 150-8 also performs like a semi APO, or close to the APM ED APO which I own one now, then is definitely going to create even a bigger breakthrough in the astronomy market....

All the best to your success in the new slim lens version.........................

Regards

James Ling

When I'm back from the hospital and reasonably well, I will schedule a meeting with our optician Zdenek and we will try to improve our longer FL models based on this latest F5 design. So again, this F5 the way it is now designed and produced outperforms a substantially slower models in R35 category. I will post the spot diagram comparison between this new 150 F5 R50 SLIM and classic 150 F5 Fraunhofer within next 48 hours, as soon as I receive it from Zdenek. The difference in chromatic aberration reduction is simply staggering in this 150 F5 R50 SLIM lens. So you and others, stay in touch for more data, they will be posted on our web site istar-optical.com as well as this increasingly popular iStar Scope Club.
We are working on further improving our doublets, we even came out with a way to produce the huge 10" 250mm F11 R35 in SLIM, in a new low mass design configuration, but I won't be able to produce only a single lens, we must have an order for minimum 3 units before we go ahead with the actual production.
Im working on some new scope/lens variations which some are more than promising. So I can just assure all iStar fans that we are not relaxing and enjoying success. Quite the opposite, more amazing products are now in works and will be introduced gradually over next year. And some of these will make our competitors scratch their heads hard... The fact is that we design new, revolutionary optical assemblies much faster than our small company can produce them. Sometimes I wish we would have resources of the Big Names, things would be much different on the market... well, maybe one day.
Greetings to all!
best regards,
Ales

[Mike]

Yes, I agree that I wish we had the "resources" of the big companies but I can tell you I would never want to sell the assembly line scopes these companies put out. Hopefully, we will take our place beside the "noted" companies someday. It's a long hard road to get there though. Let's face it. The refractor crowd is one tough crowd. They are out to crucify any new company that tries to produce their beloved instruments. Well, we are hanging in there and our products are getting better and more readily accepted

[Ales - iStar Optical]

I just received a final word from our master optician Zdenek. This new doublet is now officially called 150 F/5 R50 SLIM. It is a cross over between a standard achromat and a Semi APO. Zdenek decided that this lens is not a full blooded Semi APO but at R50, it exhibits the strongest reduction of chromatic aberration from all Rx style doublets we produced so far. We will try to redesign our F8 and F12 models based on this formula and if all works out well, we will be able to further reduce the amount of chromatic aberration in all longer FL lens models.

And if you think that this is all we have to offer... wait for few more months! Some really amazing stuff is now designed, waiting for prototyping and testing.

regards,
Ales

[Viktor Z.]

Wowww, great news, Ales! I am really excited about these new lens! But I have no regrets being "stuck" at 150 f8 R30 and building another large achro! Excellent product and first scope ATM Winner at Mount Kobau Star Party 2014!!! and I had that crazy idea to sell it... no, I keep it!

[Ales - iStar Optical]

Dear Viktor,
can you please share more info and photos of the ATM scope with iStar lens which won the first place at the Mt. Kobau Star Party 2014? Me and many other are impatiently waiting! Thank you in advance,
best regards,

Ales

[jaymocha]

I think this is great news for the longer focal length tubes.  I was going to purchase the TCR 150-12 or the 204-12 R35 versions, but if you think the R50 versions will be available soon, I am certainly willing to wait.

Of course, my dream tube would be the TCR 204-12 R50 (when it's released) but I'm quite concerned about it's size on a Losmandy G11.  Has anyone tried a 204mm on a 60lb rated mount?  I'm also curious about how such a long tube will perform with even the slightest breeze... i want to connect my CCD to this beast.

[Ales - iStar Optical]

Hello Jay,

you say that you will use your new scope for both the visual and the astro photography. There is no scope which can do both well. Another key question is what exactly will you be taking images of. Planets, Moon, Deep Space, Sun? This scope will do well on photos of planets (with use of some minus violet filter). Deep space photos can be done, based on some pictures Ive seen taken with Asteria TCR 150-12 R35 or 230mm F9 specialized Ha doublet. I strongly suggest using a CCD camera with color filters and focus each color separately. Absolutely mind blowing results with pinpoint stars can also be done with use of narrowband filters. But where this scope really excels is a visual astronomy and you should know that in advance. The same goes for the smaller 150 F12 model. But if I personally would have to choose, I would always go with the larger full 8" model. At only 17.3 kilos (38 Lb) is the 204 F12 TCR extremely lightweight compared to ANY other similar aperture and FL refractor. You must only take in consideration the overall length and the fact that if you want to do visual observing, you will need a pier extension for this beast.
Good news is that we have one in US stock and we can ship this scope at any time.
Regarding the wind gusts... no problem with TCR. The wind runs through the TCR constructions like through a wire fence. A fully enclosed tube would move and vibrate during windy nights, not the TCR. This has been tested and compared, so you can stop worrying about this.

The R50 is available only in 150 F5 model and Im not even considering producing R50 at any time soon. That is not within next 6 to 12 months. We will look at the R50 design and we will see if it can be scaled to a longer FL, but we do have similar designs already and they are all at 35 percent reduction of CA compared to a standard achromats.

In your case, I would get a really good, large refractor for visual, like the Asteria TCR 204-12 R35 and once you save up more money, get a good astrograph which can still comfortably ride on top of the large TCR. The 204 F12 TCR will allow you to make some nice APS chip format photos of deep space, comparable to what Jean Pierre in France is able to do with his 230mm F9 Ha Refractor. If you have a good mount and good CCD camera, you will be happy with the results. But in time, once you get more serious about photography, get a specialized astrograph. Stay in touch with iStar, though. You won't regret it. We might have something for you down the road.

Regarding the mount, if you want the best deal on current market, go with the iOptron® CEM60 Equitorial Mount w/ High End Encoders priced at $3.899,- check the details right here : istar-optical.com/telescope-mounts.html you won't regret the decision of buying this excellent mount. Also, if your budget is little higher, save up for the CEM120 which is scheduled for release by this fall. This mount will also have the High-End Encoders and from what Ive heard the price will be below 7000 USD mark... amazing for a precision equatorial mount able to ride a scope or a group of scopes of up to 120Lb weight! This would be ideal for your future combo, a 204 F12 TCR with some good APO astrograph riding on top of it. This is actually my own dream to have a combo like this.

Keep me posted, if you send us some deposit, we will pack this 204 F12 TCR for you and put your name on it. Will ship it when ever you are ready. For this, contact Mike Harden with copy to me. Thank you, stay in touch,
best regards,
Ales

[jaymocha]

Hello Ales, Thank you for your reply. First I would like to say I love how you and Mike(as the owners of Istar) interact with your clients and potential clients. There are a lot of good telescope manufacturers out there, but my decision to go with Istar was 2-fold... your innovative design of the TCR line of scopes, and your interaction with your clients. So, thank you for that!

So, as far as my imaging will go, I plan to do both DSO's and solar system objects. However, my MAIN interest is in DSO's and I will be using a CCD monochrome camera with color filters and I will refocus as I shoot. I've seen what Jean Pierre does and definitely like his stuff. It was actually his photo of M42 using his 230mm beast that inspired me to purchase one of the TCR line scopes.

So I am pretty sure now that I would like to get the TCR 204-12 R35. I will contact Mike about putting down a deposit to hold it. I suppose shipping is a concern as I am currently stationed in South Korea and have an APO AP address. Technically it is still "CONUS" shipping as it will be delivered to the military mail system in CA. But I know that may still be an issue.

As far as the mount goes, I have had my heart set on a Losmandy G11 for some time now. However, I also have great respect for the iOptron line of mounts, and I have considered the CEM60. I also think that the Losmandy with it's anodized black finish would look superb with the Istar black coatings. Just my thoughts though.

I definitely like the idea of going large visual scope and later add a smaller astrograph. I will contact Mike shortly with my decision (likely the 204-12 R35) and inquire about the amount needed to secure the scope.

Quick question: do you have spot diagrams for the 204-8 and 204-12 that I can compare to the 150's and 127 that I have seen? Thanks again!
Jason

[Ales - iStar Optical]

Hello again dear Jay,
Im happy to confirm on your decision to purchase the Asteria TCR 204-12 R35 OTA including the mounting rings (clamps) and 2.0 inch focuser.

At this point you can either choose the standard white 2" WO rack and pinion focuser or upgrade for one of the following

WO 3.5" white, rack and pinion style
MoonLite 2.5" black Crayford style
Starlight Feathertouch 2.5" black, rack and pinion style.

We will supply the correct reduction ring so you can easily attach the focuser of your choice. Personally I find the large 3.5" WO rack and pinion with digital readout, in white finish to be the best deal for money. The only drawback is that you will have a black TCR OTA and white focuser. Personally I don't care about these things, especially if one uses a white mount, but the decision is up to you. Just let Mike know whenever you decide, thank you.

I will make sure that your scope will be checked and carefully re-packed at the Arizona location. I know that the packaging got little chowed up during the shipment from Florida to Arizona via UPS, but if you don't buy your scope sooner than some 3 months from now, it will give me time to have the new PE Foam End Cap made locally in Arizona and replace it. If you buy sooner, I will tell who ever is going to pack this scope to use extra bubble wrap.

Remember that depending on your location, you might consider extending the dew shield on this TCR by some 200mm. The current TCR dew shields are still the massive, made of 3mm Austrian made AlMgSi alloy tubes. This will be redesigned next year for a super lightweight, longer dew shield. Current dew shields can be used without any problem under dry to semi dry climate with limited dew fall (California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, etc...). If you intend to use this scope in a humid environment, simply create a dew shield extension out of rubber foam or get one of those fabric ones sold for some 25 bucks from China. Both will do the trick.

Im glad to hear that you will use a monochrome camera and focus each color separately. You will easily achieve similar results to the M42 image taken by Jean Pierre. After all, this scope is only 30mm smaller on diameter compared to JPs.

The amount of a pre-payment for a scope like this should be in 500 USD. If you want to pay less, talk to Mike. He will also let you know about forms of payments and how to proceed.

Regarding the mount, Im not sure how much the fully computerized GoTo Losmandy G11 cost these days. But do yourself a favor. Wait for month or two until iOptron comes out with their 120 model. This mount can handle the large 8" F12 Asteria without ANY problem even with the fast astrograph piggy back mounted on the TCR / large CCD camera, good longer 80 to 100mm guide scope and decent view finder. I know that Im getting one for my own TCR / sttrograph set-up as soon as they become available. I believe that Losmandy can handle only about half of the 120 payload at similar price... so before you buy the mount, do some side by side comparison. You want your mount to handle the huge scope comfortably. Mounts handling 50 to 60Lb will do but they will be maxed out so you can not really add anything on this scope. The new iOptron will handle all this with ease with weight to spare.

Let me know where will you be using your scope. Are you coming back to US at any time soon? Once you decide to move back to States, consider Southern Arizona, the Mecca of amateur astronomers... and a new iStar store will be opened there at some point next year. I hope for spring or early summer.

Have a great one, talk to you soon,
cheers,
Ales

[jaymocha]

Ales, outstanding!

It just so happens that I have a MoonLite 2" focuser that I purchased for my Celestron XLT 150R. I am hoping that it will work with the proper reduction ring. And my MoonLite is the same color red as the red on the TCR scopes. I think it will look awesome! However, it is not a 2.5" focuser. I hope that will not be an issue.

My intent is to take the scope in October. As far as my location, I intend to stay in Korea for at least the next few years. It is a bit humid here during the summer time so I will probably purchase one of the new dew shields next year when they come out. (I'm getting married to a Korean girl in September, going on honeymoon in France in late Sept-early Oct, and then completing the order for the telescope when I return).

When I do return to the States in a few years, Arizona sounds like a great place. Basically I think it will depend on where I can get a job.

I will wait a while for the mount. I have looked closely at several mounts and I am considering about four different mounts rated for 100lbs or more. The CEM120, the Losmandy Titan, CGE Pro (only 90lbs though) and the Orion HDX110. I will have to think hard on this one!

For the most part, I will be using my scope in the enormously huge city of Seoul (25 million people). Light pollution is a problem. However, my fiance and I are looking for some good dark sites to go to when we look at DSO's.

Thanks again for all your help Ales! It is appreciated.

Respectfully,
Jason

[jaymocha]

This is the focuser I own. (Red one)

www.focuser.com/cgi-bin/dman.cgi?page=productdetail&plugin=dstore.cgi&product=CF

It is the 2" version and I believe it is the Synta flange that I own. If this won't fit, then I will go with the MoonLite 2.5" black focuser for the scope.

Jason