telescopecomparison · 2-way
Astro-Tech AT8RC vs TS-Optics PHOTOLINE 130 f/7 APO
TS-Optics
PHOTOLINE 130 f/7 APO
Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.
Key differences
+78% focal length
+56% aperture
Slower by 1.0 f-stops
Specifications
| Specification | Astro-Tech AT8RC | TS-Optics PHOTOLINE 130 f/7 APO |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | RC | refractor |
| Optical design | Ritchey-Chrétien | Apo triplet FPL-53 |
| Aperture | 203mm | 130mm |
| Focal length | 1624mm | 910mm |
| Native f/ratio | f/8.0 | f/7.0 |
| Image circle | 42mm | 52mm |
| Full-frame support | Yes | Yes |
| Physical | ||
| Weight | 10.0kg | 8.3kg |
Advantages of Astro-Tech AT8RC
- Tighter framing — 1624mm vs 910mm focal length
- 56% more light-gathering aperture
Advantages of TS-Optics PHOTOLINE 130 f/7 APO
- Wider field — 910mm vs 1624mm focal length
- Faster optics at f/7 vs f/8
- Larger image circle (52mm) — supports bigger sensors
- Lighter (8.3kg vs 10kg) — easier to travel with
Best for — Astro-Tech AT8RC
- Small galaxies, planetary nebulae, lunar & planetary detail
- High-resolution long-exposure work
- Faint-object imaging under dark skies
- Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Best for — TS-Optics PHOTOLINE 130 f/7 APO
- Medium-sized galaxies and planetary nebulae
- Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Astro-Tech AT8RC — typical FOV & scale
- With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 1.27° × 0.85°Scale: 0.48"/px
- With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.83° × 0.55°Scale: 0.48"/px
- With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.40° × 0.40°Scale: 0.48"/px
TS-Optics PHOTOLINE 130 f/7 APO — typical FOV & scale
- With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 2.27° × 1.51°Scale: 0.85"/px
- With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 1.48° × 0.99°Scale: 0.85"/px
- With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.71° × 0.71°Scale: 0.85"/px
Astro-Tech AT8RC — recommended user
Best suited for experienced imagers chasing detail running a backyard imaging setup.
TS-Optics PHOTOLINE 130 f/7 APO — recommended user
Best suited for intermediate imagers building a versatile kit running a backyard imaging setup.