APM 152/1200 ED 1:10 OTA apochromatic refractor
If you are looking for a refractor that truly exceeds the expectations of its price class, the APM 152/1200 ED apochromatic refractor will not just impress you - it will amaze you. This substantial 6″ doublet combines proven optical materials with precision mechanical construction, delivering results that were once the exclusive domain of significantly more expensive instruments. Whether you are a deep-sky visual observer, a planetary detail enthusiast, or a dedicated astrophotographer, the APM 152/1200 ED has something remarkable to offer.
Optics - ED doublet with apochromatic correction
The objective lens is built around a combination of two optical glasses with exceptional properties. The front element uses Japanese OHARA FPL 51 glass - one of the most widely used ED (Extra-low Dispersion) materials in apochromatic optics, valued for its low dispersion coefficient and excellent light transmission. The second element is made from lanthanum glass, whose high refractive index and specific dispersion characteristics balance the combination so that residual chromatic aberration is suppressed to an absolute minimum.
The result is an ED doublet apochromat that in practice performs on a par with far more complex triplet designs - both at the centre of the field and toward its edges. Sharp star diffraction rings, high-contrast star patterns, and a near-total absence of colour fringing around bright objects are qualities the APM 152/1200 ED delivers with ease.
Interferometric quality testing
To ensure consistent quality, every telescope produced undergoes interferometric testing at a wavelength of 523 nm (green) - the standard method for objectively verifying the quality of the optical wavefront. You are therefore purchasing an instrument with documented optical performance, not merely manufacturer-declared specifications.
Focal length and practical performance
The focal length of 1200 mm at f/7.9 creates an ideal balance between field of view and magnification. With a 31 mm Nagler eyepiece you will enjoy sweeping wide-field views of star clusters and nebulae, while a 5-6 mm eyepiece takes you beyond 200x magnification - where a 6″ apochromat without central obstruction fully realises its potential. Expect sharp renderings of planetary atmospheres, clean splitting of close double stars with separations below 1″, and high-contrast views of lunar surface detail. The unobstructed 152 mm aperture, free from a secondary mirror, maximises contrast transfer - a tangible advantage over reflector designs, especially at high magnification.
Focuser - 2.5″ rack-and-pinion with 1:10 reduction
The 2.5″ rack-and-pinion focuser is one of the most important elements of the instrument. The 1:10 focusing reduction allows exceptionally fine and precise focus adjustment - essential when working with a heavy camera or high-mass eyepieces. There is no focus drift after releasing the knob, and no vibration. The rack-and-pinion mechanism also handles lateral load better than tube-type focusers, which you will appreciate particularly when using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or planetary camera.
Eyepiece adapter and clamping system
Included in the accessories is a 2″ to 1.25″ reducer with a well-designed clamping mechanism. Rather than the usual simple brass ring with a single screw, it provides uniform clamping of the eyepiece around its full circumference - minimising the risk of tilt and improving optical axis centration.
Supplied accessories and transport
- 2″ to 1.25″ eyepiece adapter with full-circumference clamping ring
- Robust aluminium carry case for safe transport and storage
The aluminium carry case ensures that this sensitive optical instrument is well protected during both transport and long-term storage.
APM telescopes - individually tested, consistently excellent
APM telescopes are respected among astronomers for combining outstanding optical quality with careful mechanical construction. Every instrument undergoes individual inspection and interferometric testing - this is not a matter of statistical compliance with a standard, but verification of each individual unit. APM has a long-standing commitment to developing and manufacturing high-performance astronomical optics for demanding visual observers and astrophotographers alike. The 152/1200 ED represents this philosophy in the 6″ refractor category.
If you are looking for a telescope where you know exactly what you are getting - both in the box and at the eyepiece - APM is a choice you will not regret.
Key specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Optical design |
Apochromatic ED doublet |
| Aperture |
152 mm (6″) |
| Focal length |
1200 mm |
| Focal ratio |
f/7.9 |
| Lens elements |
2 (doublet) - OHARA FPL 51 + lanthanum glass |
| Focuser diameter |
2.5″ |
| Focuser type |
Rack-and-pinion with 1:10 reduction |
| Quality control |
Interferometric test at 523 nm per unit |
| Included accessories |
2″ to 1.25″ adapter, aluminium carry case |
