If you're still convinced that Kunming generously offers rebranders FPL-53 or FPL-51 versions at the same price, and all of the rebranders but TS are too foolish to specify the FPL-53 version, why not shop here: Again, when something appears to be far, far too good to be true (FPL-53 blanks are 4x the price of like quality FPL-51 blanks yet the alleged FPL-53 scope is the same price as the FPL-51 scopes of otherwise identical specs and tube designs), it probably is. If Kunming really offered the option of FPL-53 (which would require a totally different OG design, by the way the two glass types cannot be swapped in an otherwise identical design) at a wholesale price that allowed an MSRP that was the same as the less desirable FPL-51 MSRP, then why wouldn't all of the other rebranders also be selling the FPL-53 version for the price of the FPL-51 versions? Where did you come up with that? Your claim is not apparent at all from what you quote.Īnd it begs the question. I don't see any signs of deceit here KUO apparently offered the option. The lens is not cemented, the lenses are separated from each other by air gaps. The multi-coated lens is mounted in a temperature-compensated version. From the manufacturer, there are simpler, cheaper FPL-51 lenses. We have deliberately opted for this telescope for the quality FPL-53 as a material for the Apo-member to provide the best optical quality. Quoted from the TS website description of the 130 f7 triplet in question: I agree Lance, but If it isn't FPL-53 than the newer AT130 might be an easier option for some.Īlso, I'm in that 140mm group also, so when you find the answer, let me know! they'll send to Herr Rohr, or someone like that, for test.Įnjoy your shopping and if you do get a hold of them, please post. As a side note, and assuming you can actually get a hold of them, I believe they may offer a test service for additional cost, i.e. If for no other reason than piece of mind.

That said, I would definitely still try to contact TS about it.

Heck, if it turned out to be FPL-51 or the CDGM equivalent, it is still a good price. TS is a very large dealer and the dollar is very strong against the Euro right now so those both help make the price very attractive. This could well be the greatest telescope deal out there. Other than the terrific price, I haven't seen anyone on any of the threads discussing this telescope that has any real information to suggest that it is other than as advertised. They also note that they 'deliberately selected the high quality version' (the scope looks to be a Kunming product and it may well be that they offer more than one glass combination). TS is very specific that the ED element is 'Ohara FPL-53' glass and state so several times. Generally when retailers try to pull the wool over customers eyes, they do so through vague statements and wishy-washy marketing phrases they generally don't outright lie. Regarding the glass, I would try to contact TS again. He didn't have any comparative or test data or detailed observational data, but he was very happy with his scope.

He said he was able to push it to very high magnifications on planets. I corresponded with a gentleman in Switzerland who had one and said he loved it. Until I decided to go with a 140mm, this scope was my top pick.

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