Takahashi TOA130 compared to 150?

[Sondwave]

Originally Posted by BT Technologies

I would have to agree with this statement. Both the 130 and the TOA-150 provide outstanding views with superb contrast and resolution of intricate details.

The 150 demands a heavy-duty mount such as a Takahashi NJP or EM-400 where you can easily get away with a EM-200 for the TOA-130. Portability wise the TOA-130 wins hands down IMO due to the lighter weight of the OTA but I still would consider the TOA-150 to be portable enough for occasional star party use but is best suited for the home observatory.

Brian you hit the nail on the head. I own both scopes. Purchased the 130 while waiting for the 150 in Aug of 06'. Transporting the 130 was easy to me though I read posts in other forums where 5" owners all complained the 130 was heavy. Heavy? At 22 lbs I dont consider it heavy. I guess these owners lack power to lift a 22lb scope. I use my 130 on the Atlas EQ-G and it is a perfect fit! And color correction is 100%! Now the 150 is ready for me in Dec 07' - a little early when I was originally told possibly spring of 07" for delivery. So before my inner brain said wait, I purchased the 150. Great visual images! The extra inch aperture makes a difference. But need optimum skies for the 150 to really out perform the brands. Oh yeh - I mounted the 150 on my Atlas too. It ran very well! Now sadly I have decided to sell the 130. It hurts but I really cant justify owning both scopes. The 150 is heavier than the 130 by 14 lbs (without the extras on it) but still transporting it is still easy. I purchased one of those hard golf bag transporter with the wheels. I added extra foam padding, lifting handles.The scope fits in it nice and snug. A 90.00 case as compared to the 400.00 case being offered. I consider the 150 a great scope for a 6" APO refractor. Outside of difference in aperture and maybe contrast, both scopes are the same. So now I am looking for a buyer for the 130 but in the mean time I am a happy camper! Oh and the saddle plate you sold me work great for both scopes!