Product Development 1. Why doesnt Astro-Physics produce 180 and 206mm refractors any longer?
Several years ago, we decided to limit the aperture of our refractors to 155mm (6.1″) or less. Although we produced some very nice 180mm and 206mm refractors in prior years, these instruments were very time-consuming, expensive and frustrating to produce. We found that it was difficult to obtain glass blanks in these diameters that meet our homogeneity specifications consistently. The specialized glasses that we use are very expensive and are not readily available. When one of these pieces must be rejected and replaced because it does not meet spec, it is very costly and delays production of all instruments. After a series of frustrating production runs, we felt that the lost hairs were not worth it. Roland has just one life to give to astronomy and these instruments were shortening it. Back to top 2. Does Astro-Physics plan to produce any larger telescopes? We have been researching alternative optical designs for larger aperture instruments. Specifically, we have been evaluating and t
