What is with AP?

[Rick Keppler]

Originally Posted by jouster

No it isn't. AP will market two scopes: a 140mm refractor and a 130mm portable refractor, this summer. Per the yahoo AP user group, the list for at least the former is significantly shorter than the current 160 list. In addition, they will release two other scopes later this year (they were not quite ready for NEAF), about which nothing is known, so no conclusions can be drawn concerning wait times.

At the time Bill wrote that response, in January or February of this year, he was absolutely correct. The dynamics have changed slightly since NEAF. The 130 f/6 list must go on forever, quite the same as the 155/160 list. As far as the new 140 list goes, if it goes in order, then there is little to no chance of getting a scope off of it on this run. It started with the few remaining names from the 130 f/8 list and has now been open for well over a month and heavily advertised through word of mouth. The statement that the 140 notification list is shorter than the 160 list is essentially meaningless. The 155/160 list is HUGE. There are 7 years worth of names on it.
Of the two new scopes to be produced, one or possibly both is/are very likely to be Maks. Maybe a 9 and an 11? The Mak list goes back to 2000 or 2001 as well and must be quite lengthy.
And, as a final reality check, all these scope announcements must be tempered by the reality that there is still only one Roland. With the CNC lathes, the mechanics production can be increased at will. We are seeing the results of that with shortened waiting times for the 900/1200 mounts and most accessories are almost always in stock. Hopefully he has found someone to help out to speed optics production up as he has inferred lately. Time will tell.

[jouster]

Originally Posted by Rick Keppler

The statement that the 140 notification list is shorter than the 160 list is essentially meaningless.

I'd disagree. On the ap-ug, Roland has said that very few people signed up at NEAF, and it's hard to believe that as many (at least as many as would turn into serius buyers if they got the chance) have signed up as there are on the 160 list. I'm probably biased since I signed up at NEAF and since the 140 will, I suspect, be less popular than the transportabel 130. As far as I'm concerned, a couple of years waitng for a 140 would be fine. It's my dream scope sizewise, but I'm far from feeling that AP is the only game in town. When I'm ready to buy, I'll evaluate my options. If an AP is feasible, that's where Id like to put my money.

I certainly agree that it would be terrific if there was another person in the mix who was as able to lighten the load on Roland.

[Rick Keppler]

Originally Posted by jouster

I'd disagree. On the ap-ug, Roland has said that very few people signed up at NEAF, and it's hard to believe that as many (at least as many as would turn into serius buyers if they got the chance) have signed up as there are on the 160 list. I'm probably biased since I signed up at NEAF and since the 140 will, I suspect, be less popular than the transportabel 130. As far as I'm concerned, a couple of years waitng for a 140 would be fine. It's my dream scope sizewise, but I'm far from feeling that AP is the only game in town. When I'm ready to buy, I'll evaluate my options. If an AP is feasible, that's where Id like to put my money.

I certainly agree that it would be terrific if there was another person in the mix who was as able to lighten the load on Roland.

I'll stick with what I said. At this point, the 140 list is probably quite huge. It was the one available entry point for a new AP scope. I signed up just a day or two after NEAF when sign-up was allowed online and well before it became common knowledge. I sincerely doubt that the 140 will be less popular than the 130, but it will be more accessible to newer sign-ups. Unfortunately I suspect the window of opportunity closed long ago for the first run. I myself would prefer a transportable 130 but I know that I have no chance of buying one new.

As far as waiting goes, why bother? There are second hand scopes availalble and some are AP's. All of my AP scopes are previously enjoyed acquisitions and adding a 130 f/6 to the group would suit me fine.

[Rick Keppler]

Originally Posted by Rick Keppler

I'll stick with what I said. At this point, the 140 list is probably quite huge. It was the one available entry point for a new AP scope. I signed up just a day or two after NEAF when sign-up was allowed online and well before it became common knowledge. I sincerely doubt that the 140 will be less popular than the 130, but it will be more accessible to newer sign-ups. Unfortunately I suspect the window of opportunity closed long ago for the first run. I myself would prefer a transportable 130 but I know that I have no chance of buying one new.

Well, it has now been a week or so into the actual notification process for the 140mm started. As Marj has said, the list is very long already. From what I can glean, to this point, they have worked through the names on the original 130 f/8.35 list and most if not all of the NEAF sign-ups. I have yet to hear of anybody who signed up on the first Monday after NEAF being notified that they can actually order a telescope. I have been notified that they acknowledge that I am on the list (my acknowledgement notification for inclusion on the 140mm list was sent from Astro-Physics on May 2nd), but I can NOT order and purchase a telescope at this time. Since this is a Wednesday and they haven't gotten to Monday or maybe just touched into it, I don't think there is any hope of reaching my name.

Back to plan #1. Keep watching the regular second hand listings and try to buy a previously enjoyed AP130 f/6.