Astronomy tests the Officina Stellare Hiper APO 130

This high-quality scope looks great, but does it produce equally terrific images?

By Mike Reynolds

Published: August 29, 2011

Officina Stellare’s Hiper APO 130 is a 5.1-inch apochromatic refractor that incorporates high-quality machine work around a zero-expansion carbon-fiber tube.

Photo by Astronomy: James Forbes

Today’s amateur astronomer has numerous options when it comes to excellent imaging telescopes. The apochromatic refractor, or APO, has become a favorite because its optical design overcomes typical false-color issues associated with APOs, yet it provides the pinpoint images we all desire.

A telescope manufacturer that many North American customers may not be aware of, Officina Stellare of Thiene, Italy, designs and manufactures several high-quality telescopes. The company’s Hiper APO series, a true three-lens APO, includes 3.15-inch (80 millimeters), 4.1-inch (105mm), 4.5-inch (115mm), 5.1-inch (130mm), 5.9-inch (150mm), and 7.2-inch (180mm) models.

For this review, I tested the company’s Hiper APO 130. This unit begins as a stock f/6 APO, although the company also supplies a Borg EDF4 focal reducer, which, when installed, produces an effective focal ratio of f/3.75. With the focal reducer in place, the scope can produce a field of view measuring 24mm by 36mm, edge to edge, which is ideal for astroimaging. An included extension tube allows for visual observing.

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AVTAR ROOPRA from WISCONSIN said:

I've lost track of how many times I thought there was a typo in the price of something reviewed by Astronomy. I agree with the people above. Most of us don't have the budget of a University research department to spend on our muse. Please review stuff that 99% of readers can relate to.

GARY LEE from FLORIDA said:

We don't want so much of this high end stuff. It's time you got down to earth! Only thing I can figure is that Astronomy.com is getting paid to do the reviews so you can just take what is said with a grain of salt anyway.

GARFIELD DANCLAR from NEW YORK said:

I agree with Vee. It would be nice to review some devices that match the pocket of most amateur astronomers. To be bombarded with reviews on only pricy equipment could discourage beginners.

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