
( Brand: Astro-tech ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: AT66ED ), ( Model: ASTRO-TECH AT66ED ), ( Type: Refractor ), ( Mount Type: Unmounted ), ( Features: Dew Shield, Lens Cover ), ( Aperture: 66mm )
The Astro-Tech AT66ED apochromatic refractor telescope telephoto lens is an exceptional piece of optics engineered for both astronomical observation and terrestrial photography. This versatile instrument boasts a 66mm objective lens made of extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, minimizing chromatic aberrations for superior image quality.
The telephoto capability of the AT66ED is achieved through its 2X Barlow lens, which doubles the effective focal length while maintaining the optical quality of the system. With a focal length of 1320mm (660mm for the objective lens), this lens allows you to capture a larger field of view and bring distant objects closer.
The lens barrel is constructed from high-quality aluminum, keeping the weight manageable while providing rigidity and durability. The lens features a 2-inch (50.8mm) focus tube, accommodating a wide range of eyepieces and accessories. The focuser is a Crayford-style design, renowned for its smooth and accurate focusing action.
The AT66ED comes with a 1.25-inch (31.8mm) adapter, allowing use with a variety of 1.25-inch eyepieces and accessories. The lens also includes a dew shield to protect the objective lens from moisture and condensation, ensuring optimal performance in various weather conditions.
This telescope lens offers excellent image clarity and contrast, making it an excellent choice for astrophotography, lunar and planetary observation, and even terrestrial photography. Its versatility, combined with its exceptional optical quality, makes the Astro-Tech AT66ED apochromatic refractor telescope telephoto lens an essential addition to any serious optics enthusiast's collection.
The Astro-Tech AT66ED apochromatic refractor telescope and a telephoto lens are two distinctly different types of optical equipment, each designed for specific purposes. Let's discuss the pros and cons of each and provide a conclusion on whether it would be beneficial to combine them.
Astro-Tech AT66ED Refractor Telescope: Pros:1. High-quality optics: This telescope features an ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass element that reduces chromatic aberration, providing sharper and clearer images.
2. Wide field of view: With a 66mm objective lens, this telescope offers a larger field of view than many other refractor telescopes, making it suitable for observing larger areas of the night sky.
3. Portability: Refractor telescopes are generally more portable than other types of telescopes due to their compact size and lack of moving parts.
Cons:1. Limited magnification: Refractor telescopes have a limited magnification capability due to diffraction limits, which can make observing faint details challenging.
2. Light gathering ability: A 66mm objective lens gathers less light than larger telescopes, making it less suitable for observing faint objects or very dim areas of the sky.
3. Expensive: High-quality refractor telescopes like the AT66ED can be quite expensive.
Telephoto Lens: Pros:1. Versatility: Telephoto lenses are suitable for various types of photography, including landscape, wildlife, and astrophotography.
2. Magnification: Telephoto lenses offer greater magnification than the human eye, allowing for closer observation and detail in images.
3. Interchangeable: Telephoto lenses can be used with different camera bodies and other lenses, making them a versatile addition to a photography kit.
Cons:1. Size and weight: Telephoto lenses can be quite large and heavy, making them less portable than other types of lenses or telescopes.
2. Cost: High-quality telephoto lenses can be quite expensive, especially those with advanced features and long focal lengths.
3. Difficulty in use: Astrophotography with a telephoto lens requires a stable mount and tracking system to account for Earth's rotation, making it more challenging than using a dedicated telescope.
Conclusion:Combining an Astro-Tech AT66ED refractor telescope and a telephoto lens for astronomy might not be the most practical choice due to their distinct purposes and limitations. While the refractor telescope offers a larger field of view and high-quality optics for visual observation, the telephoto lens provides greater magnification for photography. However, the use of a telephoto lens for astrophotography requires a stable mount and tracking system, which would add complexity and cost to the setup.
If you're primarily interested in visual observation, the Astro-Tech AT66ED refractor telescope would be a better choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for astrophotography capabilities, investing in a dedicated telescope and a high-quality camera lens would be more beneficial.
I have no experience with this equipment. Any questions asked, I will answer as best can. I am selling them as a favor for his widow she has no interest in keeping any of the items. Hence virtually all the equipment is in excellent condition and many cases has been only slightly used.
My friend did portrait work, Technical work and custom macro scientific. Included are a 45 degree view finder, various filters, camera adaptor for Nikon bodies, 2 eyepieces and polarize. See photos for details. I've tested all the equipment as best I could with a friends Nikon bodies and appear in fine working order.
With 66mm of clear aperture and a focal ratio f/6 EFL 400mm, the AT66 is very small light. My friend took excellent care of all his equipment and was meticulous as to keeping it clean stored properly. At only 3.9 pounds and with a fully retracted tube length of just under 12 inches, it is easily mounted on reasonably sturdy photo tripod or lightweight alt-azimuth equatorial mount. This and listings for Nikon lenses film digital are from a friend who recently passed away.
The items are listed with a low reasonable starting price. We shared most photo and outdoor interests. This listing is for an Astro-Tech AT66ED Refractor Telescope Telephoto lens and various accessories. Usually signature required for safety and to avoid porch pirates.