Founder Optics FOT 106mm triplet apochromatic refractor
Founder Optics is a well-known brand in the world of telescopes, known for their high-quality and precision instruments. Among their various offerings, the Founder Optics FOT 106mm triplet apochromatic refractor stands out as a top-of-the-line choice for amateur and professional astronomers alike. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the features and capabilities of this impressive instrument.
First and foremost, the FOT 106mm is a triplet apochromatic refractor, meaning it uses three lenses to correct for chromatic aberration, which is the distortion of colours that can occur when light passes through a lens. This type of telescope is highly regarded for its ability to produce clear, high-contrast images with excellent color accuracy, making it a popular choice for astrophotography and visual observation.
The FOT 106mm features a 106mm aperture, which is large enough to capture plenty of light for observing deep-sky objects, such as galaxies and nebulae. It also has a focal length of 636mm, which makes it ideal for observing objects at medium to high magnification. With a focal ratio of f/6, it strikes a good balance between light gathering ability and portability, making it a great option for both backyard and remote observing.
The telescope's lenses are made from high-quality, low-dispersion ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass, which helps to reduce chromatic aberration even further. Unique to the whole industry is its use of not one, but 2 APO elements: one FPL-53 and one FPL-51, offering astounding colour correction. The lenses are also fully multi-coated, which means they have multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings to maximize light transmission and minimize glare and internal reflections.
The FOT 106mm comes with a precision 2-inch dual-speed rack and pinion focuser, which provides smooth, precise focusing with minimal image shift. It also has a retractable dew shield, which helps to prevent moisture from forming on the lenses and reduces the risk of fogging.
One of the standout features of the FOT 106mm is its rugged construction. The telescope tube is made from high-quality aluminum alloy, which is both lightweight and durable and comes with heavy duty rings, dovetail and carry handle (that doubles as a mounting base for a red dot finder). The tube also has an internal baffling system, which helps to reduce stray light and improve contrast.
In terms of accessories, the FOT 106mm comes with a high-quality 2-inch 1x field flattener and M42 + M48 adapters, a heavy duty foam lined aluminium carry case and an individual optical test report. This complete package makes it ideal for astrophotography and visual observation.
Overall, the Founder Optics FOT 106mm triplet apochromatic refractor is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, precision instrument for observing and photographing the night sky. Its large aperture, high-quality lenses, and rugged construction make it a top-of-the-line choice for both amateur and professional astronomers alike.