Year of the Comet
Comet C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS)

PANSTARRS information

Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON)

ISON information

Products & Reviews

Farpoint's small refracting telescope delivers big results

This new 4-inch telescope combines superb optical quality, easy portability, and lots of accessories.
By Phil Harrington
Published: January 25, 2011
farpoint-102ed-triplet
Observers in the first decade of the 21st century have seen an explosion in the popularity of short-focal-length apochromatic refractors (APOs), and with good reason. These super-portable scopes deliver sharp images of the Moon, planets, double stars, and bright deep-sky objects. Such instruments are great for grab-and-go stargazing. While portable short-focus APOs first caught on some 3 decades ago, most were beyond the budget of the average hobbyist.

Two of the newest entries in this burgeoning market come from Farpoint Astronomical Research. Best known for their astroimaging accessories, collimation tools, and dew-control systems, Farpoint recently introduced 3.15-inch (80 millimeters) f/7 and 4-inch (102mm) f/6.47 apochromatic refractors that are sure to attract the attention of amateurs
Subscriber-Only Content Subscriber Only Access
You are currently not logged in. This article is only available to Astronomy magazine subscribers.
Already a subscriber to Astronomy magazine?
If you are already a subscriber to Astronomy magazine you must log into your account to view this article. If you do not have an account you will need to regsiter for one. Registration is FREE and only takes a couple minutes.
Login   Register
Non-subscribers, Subscribe TODAY and save!
Subscribe
Get instant access to subscriber content on Astronomy.com!
  • Access our interactive Atlas of the Stars
  • Get full access to StarDome PLUS
  • Columnist articles
  • Search and view our equipment review archive
  • Receive full access to our Ask Astro answers
  • BONUS web extras not included in the magazine
  • Much more!
SEARCH SITE
Subscriber Only Access
Subscriber Only Content
Look for this icon. This denotes premium subscriber content. Learn more »
Become a Member of Astronomy.com
Register today for access to more valuable resource information.
Interact in our forums, comment on articles, receive our newsletter and much more!
Not a member?
Subscriber and Member Login
Password
Remember me