ASTRO-PHYSICS HISTORY
130mm f8.35 STARFIRE EDT REFRACTOR

The 130mm f8.35 StarFire EDT is not available to purchase and we do not have any plans to produce additional scopes with these exact specifications. This information is presented for present owners and those who are curious about its history.

In 1999, we offered a special production of the highly acclaimed 130mm f8.35 StarFire EDT refractor.  Observers who enjoy the advantages of a long-focus refractor featuring exceptional color correction and image quality have eagerly sought after them. In 2002, we decided to offer these fine refractors once again.

This StarFire features the same optical and mechanical design of the 130mm f6 StarFire EDF adapted for a longer focal length. We struggled whether it should be called an EDF or EDT, since the same design is used for both. However, we decided that the EDT designation should remain to signify a longer focal length and prevent confusion.

Eric Jamison, highly respected lunar, planetary and deep-sky observer, provided the following comments:

“As Jupiter and Saturn approached opposition I was impressed by the amount of detail visible. Jupiter's moons are all resolved as disks, and it is possible to determine which one is one based on its size and the subtle color differences between them. For example, Io appears white/light yellow/light orange in color, Callisto light gray in color, Europa white, and Ganymede light-medium yellow. On Jupiter itself South Polar Region (SPR) appears tan brown in color, has a "cap" to it, and is slightly darker then the rest of the SPR. A dark condensation or spot was noted in South Tropical Zone (STZ), and in South Polar Region. The Great Red Spot (GRS) appears light red or light pink, with the South Equatorial Belt (SEB) following Great Red Spot/Red Spot Hollow (GRS/RSH) gray. Ovals BE and FA visible south of the GRS/RSH. The Equatorial Zone appears dusky, with the Equatorial Belt visible. The North Equatorial Belt (NEB) appears brown, with dark columns and white plumes visible along NEB south. A rift is visible in NEB center (NEBc). The North Polar Region appears aqua-marine in color."

The 130EDT is also ideal for astrophotography with 35mm and medium format cameras and CCD Imaging.  The wide-field coverage in the 6x7 photographic format will record gorgeous images of a wide variety of objects such as the Andromeda galaxy and Lagoon and Trifid Nebulas.  The negative contains so much finely resolved detail that you can enlarge a small portion to feature one particular aspect of the object, i.e. the gulf of Mexico portion of the North American Nebula.  One of the finest solar eclipse photographs of the corona ever taken was photographed with the original 130EDT StarFire refractor in July 1991.  This photo appeared on the cover of October 1991 issues of Sky & Telescope and Sterne und Weltraum magazines. Enjoy this photo and many others in our Gallery.

The 130mm StarFire EDT is a refractor with unsurpassed image quality, yet it is so handy and versatile that you will use it often.

Specifications:
Color Correction: Less than .01% focus variation from 405nm to 706nm (r to h wavelengths). Color Correction
Clear aperture: 130mm (5.12")
Focal length: 1085mm (43") which is f 8.35
Coatings Multi-layer, overall transmission greater than 97% in peak visual wavelengths
Resolution: 0.87 arc seconds
Magnification range: 20x to 500x
Tube assembly: White, 5.5" aluminum tube, baffled, flat black interior, push-pull lens cell, engraved retaining ring
Focuser type: 2.7" ID Astro-Physics rack & pinion focuser, 4.15" travel; 2" and 1.25" adapters; 2.5" extension

Telescope Length: 1041mm (41") with dewcap fully retracted

Weight with dewcap:

16 lbs. (7.3kg)

Carrying case type:

Wood case with grey vinyl covering and foam lined interior

Case outside dimensions:

43" x 9" x 9" (109cm x 23cm x 23cm)

Weight of empty case:

16 lbs. (7.3kg)


Photographic Field

35mm Photographic field at prime focus

1.3 x 1.8 degrees @ f8.35

35mm Photographic field with Telecompressor

1.7 x 2.4 degrees @f6.3

35mm Photographic field with 2x Barlow

0.6 x 0.9 degrees @ f16.7

6x7cm Photographic field at prime focus

3.2 x 3.7 degrees @ f8.35 (vignetted)


Reviews and Related Articles

MacRobert, Alan, “The Rille in the Alpine Valley," Sky & Telescope, October 1994, pp. 72-73, (Chuck Gulker’s observations with 130 f8 StarFire EDT).

Support

We have prepared some pertinent support documents relating to this scope and many of our other products on our Technical Support page. Please check there first to find the information that you need.

Upgrades and Spare Parts

Check out our Astro-Physics.com website to find accessories, replacement parts or learn about possible upgrades for your scope.

Copyright © 2004-2019 Astro-Physics Inc. All rights reserved.
Last modified: March 11, 2019

Astro-Physics, Inc.
11250 Forest Hills Road, Rockford, IL  61115, U.S.A.
Phone: 815-282-1513   Fax: 815-282-9847