Used Apertura CarbonStar 150 Imaging Newtonian

Condition:

This is a used Apertura CarbonStar 150 in excellent condition. The optics are clean and there are very little cosmetic issues with this scope. There are some spots on the outer body that just show signs of being used, nothing that diminishes the functionality. This includes the 0.95x photographic reducing coma corrector as well as the matching dew shield, both also in excellent condition. The only thing missing from this scope is one side of the focuser is missing the knob, presumably from the previous owner attaching an auto-focuser to it. 

We do have the box for this scope so we can ship it to you!

Description:

Maximizing Your Image Potential - The Modern Imaging Newtonian Option, Apertura CarbonStar 150

When you're looking to maximize the signal getting to your camera, you need more aperture - and nothing quite provides value for aperture like a Newtonian. However with trends focusing on more complex (and expensive) reflectors and increasingly novel refractors, the excellent imaging Newtonian design has largely been left behind. With the CarbonStar 150 Apertura has launched the imaging Newtonian back into the conversation, with a host of upgrades to modernize this great optical design!

The Apertura CarbonStar 150 Imaging Newtonian is designed, first and foremost, for astrophotography, with optics that deliver a relatively large aperture and a quick focal ratio. With a 150mm (about 6") primary mirror, this Netwonian reflector comfortably offers more light gathering power than most refractors at a similar price point, and with its f/4 design, the CarbonStar is much faster than popular SCT reflectors of the same size. The mirrors forming the 600mm focal length optical design are made with enhanced aluminum coated borosilicate, complete with a silicon dioxide overcoat that provides a layer of protection. This scope packs excellent optics into a package weighing just 10.4 lbs. and measuring less than 20" in length.

Building a Better Imaging Newtonian

With their relatively larger apertures, fast optics, lightweight design, and more, there is a lot to like about the imaging Newtonian. If Newtonian telescopes provide great optical performance for value, you might wonder why current trends are seemingly focused on refractors. The article, “Modernizing An Imaging Newtonian,” explores how Apertura answers that very question. In short, the CarbonStar Imaging Newtonian is optimized for most popular imaging sensors and stray light control, constructed using modern techniques and materials, and is EAF ready.

The core idea behind updating the Apertura 6” f/4 imaging Newtonian consists of employing a new optical design that pushes boundaries, rather than playing it safe. Rather than aiming for a design that settles on good illumination over a wider area, Apertura focused on providing great illumination for some of the most popular CMOS sensors in use today. This dedicated approach resulted in an increase of about 10% more signal in the center of frame and more signal overall across a circle reaching out to micro 4/3 sized sensors. While APS-C and full-frame cameras will work with the CarbonStar 150, this telescope shines brightest with the excellent smaller sensors available today such as the IMX533 and IMX294!

More Than Just Optimized Optics

While Apertura's redesigned optics make the CarbonStar 150 Imaging Newtonian a compelling option in its own right, Apertura didn't stop there! The construction, focuser, stray light protection, and collimation concerns have been addressed and updated to create a truly compelling modern Newtonian telescope.

Heavy-Duty, Lightweight, Construction
Bold and sleek, the new look of this 6” Apertura Newtonian includes eye-catching red hardware and a carbon fiber tube. These are more than just visual upgrades however, this aesthetic design pushes the performance of this imaging Newtonian further than its predecessor. Machined from solid CNC aluminum, the rings, front bezel/spider vane, and primary mirror cell are smooth, durable, and strong. The benefits of this approach are most apparent in the secondary mirror hub. The single-piece construction provides a rock-solid base for the secondary mirror; say goodbye to concerns of twisting spider vanes! In terms of changes to the optical tube, the carbon fiber keeps the weight of the telescope down while still providing the strength seen in more common steel tubes. There is a reason Apertura chose to incorporate this material into the CarbonStar name. Carbon fiber has a low thermal expansion coefficient which helps protect against focus shift. This provides an advantage over metal tube OTAs where thermal expansion can be a concern.

Linear Bearing EAF-Ready Focuser
Whether you plan on focusing manually or electronically, using a streamlined camera-only setup, or adding heavy accessories like a filter wheel, no matter how you intend to build your imaging train the CarbonStar focuser has you covered! This focuser features a linear bearing design, which, while closely resembling the Crayford-style focuser, utilizes a flat rail running on dozens of ball bearings. These hard ball bearings provide more points of contact for a strong and fluid focusing mechanism capable of smoothly moving all types of imaging equipment. For those primarily interested in manual focus, Apertura has updated the coarse and dual speed knobs with larger texturing for better manual manipulation. Those seeking a more automated form of focus are in luck as well. Many popular electronically assisted focuser (EAF) accessories are now supported out of the box! With consideration for these popular accessories factored heavily into the redesign and a detailed installation guide included in the digital manual, Apertura has ensured that adding bracket-style electronic focusers to your CarbonStar is a quick and seamless process.

Stray Light Protection
Light pollution isn't limited just to the atmosphere: bright sources of light can also reach your optics more directly through the front of your telescope. While the lack of a front objective lens or glass corrector does shield Newtonians to some degree, they are not immune. Stray light can still reflect off the interior surfaces and reach the optics, ruining the contrast of your images. However, with the Apertura CarbonStar you can worry less about internal reflections and focus more on imaging. Nine knife-edge baffles catch and contain internal reflections before they can hit your optics, providing enhanced stray light control in challenging environments. For additional stray light protection, Apertura has also included a primary mirror cell shield which can be installed to cover the rear 'port-hole' opening and further guard against image degrading light sources.