Apogee 80mm f7 - Apogee Inc.

Hi,

I have some questions in reference to a recent purchase, the Apogee 80mm
f7 560mm refractor - the black anodized scope, 2 " focuser, with the
handle on top, and tripod adapter that sells at http://www.apogeeinc.com
for $399. I bought this one used for $150 off astromart, and am waiting
for the scope to arrive.

Prior to posting here, I sent an email 3+ weeks ago to Apogee Inc. asking
them a couple of similar questions which met with zero responses from
them. Having never ordered from Apogee Inc. I guess my questions about
their product didn't meet with much favor since I wasn't a paying
customer. At that time I was mainly seeking specific dimensions of the
scope so that I could purchase a Pelican case to store this scope in once
received. Not much to find in Google on this scope either. Anyway...

My questions mostly revolve around origin of the scope (i.e., Made in
???), quality of optics & coatings, and any other experience from current
or previous owners. Also, is Apogee Inc. not known as a customer oriented
company? To be clear, I'm not expecting super great things from this
scope, but my focus is to enjoy wide field views and the "looking through
a space window effect" more than anything.

Your help, knowledge, scanned literature or any contribution here will be
greatly appreciated. Remove "BOGUS" from my email if you email me
directly.

Thanks In Advance!

In article ,
Rob Clark wrote:

Hi,

I have some questions in reference to a recent purchase, the Apogee 80mm
f7 560mm refractor - the black anodized scope, 2 " focuser, with the
handle on top, and tripod adapter that sells at http://www.apogeeinc.com
for $399. I bought this one used for $150 off astromart, and am waiting
for the scope to arrive.

Prior to posting here, I sent an email 3+ weeks ago to Apogee Inc. asking
them a couple of similar questions which met with zero responses from
them. Having never ordered from Apogee Inc. I guess my questions about
their product didn't meet with much favor since I wasn't a paying
customer. At that time I was mainly seeking specific dimensions of the
scope so that I could purchase a Pelican case to store this scope in once
received. Not much to find in Google on this scope either. Anyway...

My questions mostly revolve around origin of the scope (i.e., Made in
???), quality of optics & coatings, and any other experience from current
or previous owners. Also, is Apogee Inc. not known as a customer oriented
company? To be clear, I'm not expecting super great things from this
scope, but my focus is to enjoy wide field views and the "looking through
a space window effect" more than anything.

It's not a bad little scope--you got a good deal. I had one for a week
or so on spec. It performed as well as you would expect for a good
achromat--some colour, but not excessive, and good spherical correction.
The coatings are plain mag-fluoride, which is probably better than cheap
multicoatings. You should star-test yours for pinched optics and make
sure the baffles aren't impinging too much on the light path, both
correctable.
I think the machining is done in the US, perhaps by Apogee themselves.
The optics I don't know, maybe Russian?
The company is (was) a father-and-son business, and they're pretty busy
I gather. I did get good service from them for a scope that needed
optical work. I currently have their 80mm pre-Megrez scope and a 4"
Widestar, both of which I'm happy with.
Doug

Thanks for the info Doug. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.
Just received the scope today, star test tonight if the skies stay clear.

Regards,
Rob

On Wed, 08 Oct 2003 15:08:43 -0400, Doug Hoy wrote: