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Astro-Tech AT130EDX f/7 FCD100 ED Triplet APO

SKU AT130EDX

Manufacturer Part # AT130EDX

Original price $3,695.00 - Original price $3,695.00
Original price
$3,695.00
$3,695.00 - $3,695.00
Current price $3,695.00
Availability:
In Stock

Astro-Tech AT130EDX f/7 FCD100 ED Triplet Apochromatic Refractor

The Astro-Tech AT130EDX is the pinnacle of our refractor line—a 130mm f/7 apochromatic triplet built for serious astronomers who want premium performance without the premium price tag. It brings together exceptional optics, robust mechanics, and practical field features that reflect decades of observing experience.

This isn’t a compromise instrument. It’s a telescope designed to satisfy the visual observer, the deep-sky imaginer, and the astro-imager alike. And at $3,695, it delivers what used to cost double.


The Next Evolution of Astro-Tech

The AT130EDX represents the latest generation of our optical engineering, designed around fully multicoated 130mm f/7 triplet optics using Ohara FCD100 extra-low dispersion glass as the center element. One of the mating elements is lanthanum, which helps minimize chromatic aberration and enhance contrast.

This combination yields an image that is clean, sharp, and color-free—even on the brightest stars. The optical system is slow-polished for a Strehl ratio of 0.95 or higher, giving you essentially a perfect optic. You'll notice the difference immediately, whether you're resolving fine lunar detail, splitting tight double stars, or capturing faint galaxies on a full-frame sensor.


Mechanical Features Designed for Real Observers

The AT130EDX includes a precision 3.7" dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser, with a microfine 10:1 focusing ratio. The focuser is fully rotatable (360°), with a built-in camera angle adjuster so you can fine-tune your image composition without disturbing your setup. It supports up to 15 pounds of gear with smooth, backlash-free movement—ideal for imaging loads or heavy binoviewer setups.

The focuser drawtube features millimeter markings for repeatable focus and includes a lock knob for long-exposure astrophotography. Both 2" and 1.25" eyepiece holders use non-marring brass compression rings that secure accessories without damage.

For astrophotographers looking to automate focus, the focuser includes tapped holes along the underside of the housing to accommodate most popular motorized focus systems—including the ZWO EAF (Electronic Automatic Focuser). Installation is straightforward, and once mounted, the EAF allows precise, repeatable focusing through your imaging software without introducing flex or backlash. It’s a simple upgrade that unlocks the full imaging potential of the AT130EDX.

100mm removable tube section is built into the optical tube to allow straight-through binoviewing without a Barlow or optical corrector. Simply remove the section, attach your binoviewers, and observe in comfort with both eyes—no adapters needed.


Other Premium Touches

Everything about the AT130EDX was designed with long nights and real-world use in mind. From the little details to the big structural choices, this telescope reflects the experience of thousands of observers and imagers who’ve told us what matters most.

The retractable dew shield slides smoothly and locks firmly in place, extending your observing time on humid nights by slowing the onset of dew. It also helps suppress ambient light from neighboring streetlights or backyard floodlights—improving contrast for both nighttime and daytime use.

Inside the 140mm optical tube, knife-edge baffles and blackened lens edges work together to minimize internal reflections. These details help ensure the darkest possible sky background and allow faint galaxies and nebulae to stand out in stark relief. Bright stars stay tight and clean, free of the haze or glow that can come from scattered light.

The focuser body is threaded with both M92x1 and M68x1 female threads, giving you direct, rigid connections to reducers, flatteners, or off-axis guiders—perfect for full-frame imaging. You won’t need aftermarket adapters or workaround solutions to build a stable, threaded imaging train.

Two Vixen-style finder shoes are machined into the OTA to allow easy mounting of a guide scope and red dot finder at the same time—no rotation required. You can leave both in place without having to re-align between sessions, saving valuable setup time.

The included split-hinged tube rings are lined with white felt that won’t mark or discolor the white powder coat finish. Each ring is machined to precision and offers generous clamping force without flexure. The Losmandy-style dovetail plate is bolted securely to the bottom of the rings for compatibility with heavy-duty mounts, while the top-mounted Vixen-style carry handle makes transport and setup safer and more convenient—especially in the dark.

And because we know how travel and storage can wear down even the most careful observers, the AT130EDX ships in a fitted hard case, foam-lined to protect your investment in transit or when not in use. It’s one more touch that separates the EDX from lesser scopes in its class.


Optical Specifications

  • Aperture: 130mm (5.12")

  • Focal Length: 910mm

  • Focal Ratio: f/7

  • Resolution: 0.89 arc seconds

  • Visual Limiting Magnitude: 13.1

  • Highest Useful Magnification: 260x

  • OTA Weight: 20.75 lbs

  • Weight with Rings, Handle & Dovetail: 24.55 lbs

  • Telescope Type: Apochromatic Triplet Refractor

  • Warranty: 1 Year Limited


Observing Tip

Don’t overlook the removable tube section. Binoviewers often require added optical path length to reach focus—but with the AT130EDX, you can remove the 100mm rear section and use binoviewers natively, without extra glass in the light path. This gives you brighter, higher-contrast views and makes for a more balanced setup at the eyepiece.


Cloudy Nights Community Feedback

Early owners have shared glowing impressions of the AT130EDX on Cloudy Nights:

“The build is absolutely refined—just smooth in every action, from focuser rotation to optical clarity.”

“The color correction is outstanding… clean, tight star images and excellent contrast.”

“This is the best Astro-Tech scope I’ve used—and I’ve had three.”

Whether visual or imaging, the AT130EDX consistently earns praise for both its optical quality and mechanical execution.


Final Thoughts

The AT130EDX is the highest expression of what Astro-Tech stands for—top-tier performance at a price that puts it within reach of serious observers. If you’ve been waiting for a premium 130mm apo that truly delivers, this is the one.

Tech Details: 

Aperture

130mm

Focal Length

910mm

Focal Ratio

f/7

Highest Useful Magnification

260x

Weight

20.75 lbs. OTA  24.55 lbs with tube rings, dovetail, and handle

Resolution

0.89 arc second

Telescope Type

Refractor

Visual Limiting Magnitude

13.1

Warranty

1 year

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