Astronomy tests the Officina Stellare Hiper APO 130

This high-quality scope looks great, but does it produce equally terrific images?
By | Published: August 29, 2011 | Last updated on May 18, 2023
Officina Stellare Hiper APO 130
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.
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.

Astronomy magazine subscribers can download the full review for free. Just make sure you’re registered with the website.