Review of an Internet Budget Favorite - the Astro-Tech AT72 Refractor OTA!

Рет қаралды 23,255

Жыл бұрын

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Пікірлер: 84

@GrnXnham Жыл бұрын

What are you talking about, Ed? The new version DOES come with a case. It's just a slightly cheaper cardboard case.😛

@edting Жыл бұрын

Good point! Good point!

@ericfrizzell2450 Жыл бұрын

Hi Ed! Just get a orion st-80

@gothicm3rcy426 Жыл бұрын

@@ericfrizzell2450 Hes already mentioned the st80 as a great beginner refractor, and reviewed it

@Popsm0ke Жыл бұрын

....thanks Ed , I just now subscribed to your channel. I look forward to watching your videos about the the Celestron 8sct . I'm 49 years old and I'm diving into the world of astrophotography . I've wanted to do this since I was around 10 years old. I've had this telescope for several years now but I got terribly ill back in 2017 with neurosarcoidosis and have been fighting this and am finally getting my life back . It's hard to do anything when your brain feels like it's been in a blender and your cns is scrambled . I actually did have brain surgery. Anyhow thanks for giving us informative videos.

@joshsmelcer4736 Жыл бұрын

Let’s go I have been waiting for a review on this awesome. Thanks Ed

@Sergey_Sergeev Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much, Ed!

@pstanyer1 Жыл бұрын

another great review. Perfect

@ba2724 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Ed. Good review on a fairly popular scope and its applications.

@mrsuccess2055 Жыл бұрын

Love your work ed and reviews I wish you were my astronomy teacher

@kilruf Жыл бұрын

Love my AT72EDII. Looking forward to getting into astrophotography with it.

@cosmologicaldefect1415 Жыл бұрын

Great review Ed! I got myself a AT80EDT, which I guess is a cousin to the 72ED, and I am very happy with it.

@johnhoffer5429 Жыл бұрын

Another awesome video Ed. Love the reviews and especially the sense of humour 😊 Clear skies!! Which coincidentally seem few and far in between or is it just me? I recently acquired a TeleVue 85 on the Telepod tripod. Can’t wait till it gets here. Cheers

@boetschge Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the Review! It seems like that Scope is basically the same as the WO Megrez 72, which I use with great pleasure. Keep it up and ... clesr Skies!

@atlantaastro Жыл бұрын

Been using my AT72EDII for two years now! It was my first astrophotography scope and it’s awesome!

@Astro_Ape Жыл бұрын

I just picked up a used AT70ED for a visual grab-n-go kit, mainly for 2" wide field. Not as nice as the AT72EDII but I'm quite happy with it so far. I'm currently saving for an AT102EDL & M002CS. Really looking forward to pairing a nice 4" ED doublet with my amazing 8" Dob (purchased thanks to your awesome recommendations!!)

@geldingmakr Жыл бұрын

AT72EDII got me an APOD 3/10/23. Thanks for reviewing this !!🔭✨ With a reducer flattener, it’s an amazing astrophotography rig. I have an edgehd 9.25 and still have the AT72EDII out on most clear sky nights. 😃

@gregerianne3880 Жыл бұрын

I've had my 6" dob since I began astronomy a few years ago, and I really have to second your opinion that a simple inexpensive dob is a great way to start out. Later I bought an AT60ED and due to its aperture limitation (as you mentioned), I use it mainly for imaging. I've definitely outgrown my 6" dob now, but as a starter scope it was really great and was a tremendous aid in learning the night sky and learning about telescopes in general! So that's really good advice, Ed.

@Cajundaddydave Жыл бұрын

I have owned the AT72ED version one for several years now and I like it. A nice compliment to my C8 as a grab and go scope. Good for wide field views of stars, moon and planets, and also birding and wildlife with a 45* diagonal. This is also my preferred camera lens for eclipse photography and documenting SpaceX launches during our current space race. A useful piece of kit for not too much $$.

@MountainFisher Жыл бұрын

I'm getting an AT 102mm ED and I can't wait. Looked through one at a star party and like it better than my 127 MCT. That 714 focal length is really nice for wide views.

@JMPants 3 ай бұрын

A saying that was taught to me while learning auto mechanics, "nothing important is held in by only one bolt" I imagine that thought process can be used here.

@stevehilliard7031 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Ed, a great video. For me, the 26T5 works better than the 27Pan, I have owned 3 of the 27s and every one of them has been resold. I got the 26T5 in a package deal the included a 31T5 as well and the 26T5 won out, with the 26 remaining in the stable. It just seems to work better in suburban/rural skies for me. I agree with you concerning the wish for the model to come back into production, but then mine ( and yours ) would be less desirable!

@OMMgreenshirt 7 ай бұрын

The Astro-Tech AT72 was a game changer for me. I am a visual observer and really enjoy the views I see with only a 72mm refractor. I am a Tele Vue eyepiece devotee, especially with the Panoptics. They deliver a hazy white background field of stars that is breath taking. You can spend a whole night viewing the Cynus area with no disappointments. Plus, I have learned as you have said in the past, that there is no need to go to those higher powers. You miss so much when you do. The Tele Vue 15mm and 19mm are awesome but I am looking forward to a 24mm and especially the 27mm. I will say a 13mm Nagler is also on my list! Anyway, I enjoy your videos very much and very instructive so keep doing what you do. Clear skies!

@mitrovarr Жыл бұрын

If anyone is considering one of these for purely visual use, it might be worth considering the AT80ED instead. The AT80ED is cheaper and has more aperture, but has the same good mechanics. It doesn't use the same type of expensive fancy glass as the AT72ED for correcting false color, so it has more of it, but this is more of a problem for imaging. And the correction on the AT80ED is still pretty good.

@slyfox720 8 ай бұрын

I purchased the AT80ED and I was utterly shocked how great the optics were...and I was viewing through cheap eye pieces. Build quality is top notch..

@Naztronomy Жыл бұрын

My buddy has the AT72EDII and he loves it. I have the AT60ED and with the 0.8x reducer/flattener, the FOV and speed almost rivals the Redcat51 for half the price.

@AstroWhatForum Жыл бұрын

The Apertura 72mm is a decent alternative. It's what I ended up going with as I could get the telescope, a flattener and guide scope for $780. To do the same with the AT72 will work out to be about $50 cheaper, but the Apertura also comes with a handle that the AT72 does not have, which can have accessories mounted to it, and is a nice addition

@hyperboogie Жыл бұрын

Great content as ever Ed 👍. I'd love to see a video about alt-az mounts. Perhaps some recommendations for different budgets?

@edting Жыл бұрын

I'd like to do that as well, but for some reason alt-az mounts seem to be falling out of favor. There aren't that many models out there.

@collywolly4409 Жыл бұрын

I’ve just got myself a skywatcher AZ5 alt/az mount that has slow motion controls . £179 from FLO, for my 80EDPro,worth a look if your after one.

@Smurf_Garden Жыл бұрын

I have a similar scope for many reasons. I wanted maximum wide field and that is found in smaller apertures. Got a 76mm f3.9 that I will eventually make parabolic. This is gonna take a lot of time learning how to parabolize.

@cattaraugustonawanda4426 Жыл бұрын

Interesting! I have a SVBony 80mm ED f7 SV503 which is similar and I wonder how much different. Thanks for showing different mounts and considerations.

@leonidcechmistro7351 Жыл бұрын

Great review Ed, and thank you for it, this is one of the the scopes that I’ve considered. What is your opinion about something like a William Optics ZenithStar 81mm apo?

@markihde4381 Жыл бұрын

This looks much nicer than the "Eddie Scope". 🙂

@JamesAdams-ev6fc Жыл бұрын

I would enjoy hearing a review of the AstroTech 152. I know I know… always another request!

@edting Жыл бұрын

Wow, the 152! That's a biggie. We're going to need a bigger mount.

@borzak101 Жыл бұрын

AT 72 ED II $459 from astronomics as of today, 4-9-2023.

@edting Жыл бұрын

That is a great deal!!

@ronstewtsaw Жыл бұрын

Hi Ed. It's been a while since I've watched your videos. I like the ratings at the end. Perhaps you could add a rating for beginner astrophotography.

@kasa6038 Жыл бұрын

I have thought about this one (or a similar clone) for a while as a travel scope. I would have to buy a real case for it though, preferably one with cut outs for some EPs and a diagonal. Something like what TV supplies with their small refractors.

@BlueTrane2028 Жыл бұрын

Full disclosure, I haven't watched yet. I have the AT102ED and am considering something a little lighter, I don't like how the 102 feels on my Porta, but it seems fine on my CG4. This is one of the options I'm considering, will watch when I get the chance.

@williammauney1129 Жыл бұрын

I love my Apertura 72 (copy of this one?) and I do have an AT80EDT. Have to say I use the 80 more these days but I do run the 72 on a separate mount (two targets at a time)

@rcuevasvidea Жыл бұрын

Excellent review mister. I wonder if the little brother AT60ED is so good as the AT72ED in astrophotography camp. Greetings from Central America.

@edting Жыл бұрын

I had the AT66 and it was a nice little scope.

@matthewkrause6774 Жыл бұрын

Hi Ed, Can you go over mounts a bit more in a future video, specifically around working with kids? I've followed your advice and have a 8" dob and been doing my observing with that, I do well by myself but somewhat struggle with my 6 y.o. kids bumping items out of the field of view nevermind the height problems to view out of the eyepiece. I am contemplating a small refractor as a 2nd scope and am trying to figure out the mount before I get the scope.

@bernardferraro2841 Жыл бұрын

Hi Ed love your video's I have a 10inch dob and now looking to get into astrophotography I was hoping you would do a review on either william optics or askar telescopes as I'm interested in both and would love to hear your opinions on them please ...cheers Berine....ps I'm in Australia

@jajmcg Жыл бұрын

I've been thinking of getting one of these and using it as a finder on some of my bigger SCTs. Great review Ed.

@joserobertogallegostellezr2930 Жыл бұрын

Hi! As always, I learn a lot. Thanks. There is something no one answer: For my eye, not for astrophotography, the Mark II is better than a Explore Scientific FirstLight AR102mm f/9.8? I really do not take pictures, In other words, just to watch the sky, a triplet is better than doublets? Thanks a lot

@joeimbesi99 7 ай бұрын

HI Ed..That first Astrotech 72 was made by Long Perng the second Is made by Kunming United Optics both nice IMO

@edting 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for that!

@jameskirk172 Жыл бұрын

It looks like the new version has a rotating visual back and not the entire focuser. I think some people depending on what their preferred mount is will find that a bit annoying. Me personally I tend to always reach to the lower right of any refractor in the dark to find that fine focus knob. From experience it is a bit off putting reaching there and instead it’s at an angle to the upper left or even nearly vertical! That’s still a far better R&P than that slippery crayford.

@dch2896 Жыл бұрын

Hey Ed, What do you think about the explore scientific AR102 663mm f6.5? There are endless rave reviews online. Just wondering how it stacks up compared to their ed102. Can you do a review on that?

@jamesdougan8789 Жыл бұрын

g`day ED great video. the sound was a bit low in this video it started fine then the sound got lower is there a problem or is it my connection i had to increase the volume as the video went on ended up on full volume.. just a heads up not complaining love your work ..cheers

@edting Жыл бұрын

Hmmm....I just checked the audio level on my video editor and it seems fairly consistent. Anyone else having this issue?

@raghavpoddar182 Жыл бұрын

@@edting no not really

@jamesdougan8789 Жыл бұрын

@@edting sorry for any concerns ED it must of been my end or youtube i dont know. i am no computer guy but the next youtube i played i had to turn it down again

@trumptonexcursions1938 Жыл бұрын

You need merch Ed, I’d buy a hoody

@ITProjectManagerMan 5 ай бұрын

Where did you get the short alt/az knobs? I’m currently using stereo aluminum volume knobs those knobs are a little small in diameter on my CG-4. The knobs supplied are a little too long for my needs. Hey, I love your stuff!

@edting 5 ай бұрын

I used to get them from Radio Shack but now I go to Mouser or Digi Key.

@astroblast9352 Жыл бұрын

I'm a bit surprised by the color correction comments. I think if you compared very bright objects you would see a good difference between those two. Also wondering if the sample of your AT72EDII wasn't the best. Seems like most check out fairly well. But may show sample to sample differences. Mine seems decent but not close to Takahashi.

@gothicm3rcy426 Жыл бұрын

my grab and go is a william optics z81, absolutely glorious scope. Any chance of reviewing it?. I notice you dont have any ytube reviews of WO scopes

@TR6Telos Жыл бұрын

I am the 3rd to comment , do I get a Bronze prize? Imagine 30 years ago getting something like this at this price, no chance. Love the review, as all. Thanks ED

@PhilPassmore Жыл бұрын

Perhaps the interchangeable lens-cap question is to find out if an existing solar filter would fit?

@edting Жыл бұрын

Yeah, good point.

@yqh8247 Жыл бұрын

72ED should have much better spherical aberration than 1/2 wavelength at green and red.Did you do the star test without green filter which would avoid the spherochromatism spoiling the diffraction ring?🕵‍♂

@gary122 Жыл бұрын

I want one but I live in Australia...☹ no postage overseas.

@entropytango5348 Жыл бұрын

No Astrotech here in Australia. But it does seem similar to the Skywatcher 72mm, is it?

@edting Жыл бұрын

Yes, this scope is available under many different nameplates worldwide. Try SVBony, William Megrez, and others. You need a score card these days.

@woody5109 Жыл бұрын

Hopefully you attended the NEAF show and a video is in the making? I hope at least one of you KZfaq guys made one…

@edting Жыл бұрын

I couldn't make NEAF this year. Maybe next year!

@cigarnationwarriors Жыл бұрын

Ed, another entertaining and informative video. Btw, how about reviewing Oberwerk Binoculars. I have the 12X50 SE and the 20X75 ED Deluxe. Phenomenal tools for backyard Astronomy.

@frxdnt Жыл бұрын

Hey Ed, how you doin'?, I will propose a telescope to review: an 60mm F15 refractor on an equatorial mount, my brother got one of this and it wasn't too bad, it wasn't good tho, what do you think?

@edting Жыл бұрын

Ouch, sounds like a typical junk scope.

@3dfxvoodoocards6 9 ай бұрын

For the same price aren't achromat refractors with 102/1000 mm (350$) or even 127/1200 mm (475$) better ?

@edting 9 ай бұрын

It's a classic case of quantity vs quality. If you are new at this, you may initially prefer the brighter views in the achromat. As your eye gets more discerning, you will learn to appreciate the cleaner views through an apo. Once you learn to recognize false color for example, there's chance you may never be able to tolerate it again.

@hangerbird Жыл бұрын

Great review. Recommending a reflector, is understandable; but learning how to align/collimate the mirror on a reflector - as beginner, is a bit intimidating.

@kasa6038 Жыл бұрын

You should think of collimating a mirror like tuning a guitar. After playing for a month, you can tune it in 1-2 minutes. After collimating a mirror a few times, you can do a touch up in a few minutes. As he said, an 8 inch Dob is a much more versatile scope than a

@robertrogers7610 11 ай бұрын

One of the support arms had come Loose from its cradle I hit it w my palm it seemed that That was wjy it clicked and stopped. It was hanging up and locking the Motor gear Ok now

@priyanshu0206 Жыл бұрын

Where do you live ?😊

@MarkMphonoman Жыл бұрын

I have the 72edll. A really nice little scope. Sharp glass, good focuser. Smooth. But you must recognize its limitations. My targets are the Moon and planets. That’s about it.

@ultrametric9317 Жыл бұрын

1/2 wave - that's disappointing. I guess I'm spoiled. A classic 3" f/16 achromat will be far better than that. And you can get those with a mount made for the scope.