Great service Pro Astroz, ordered the Founder Optics FOT106 and it arrives in a couple of days in a well packed package. The scope is in immaculate conditions, very high quality scope at a reasonable price , excellent for both observation and astrophotography, can't wait until the reducer is available, great product, very friendly and helpful staff, highly recommended. Thank you Pro Astro
Excellent instrument, an APO triplet refractor telescope in Japanese technology. I hope congratulations on the purchase. Now from what I see, it seems that you have had this refractor for two years. How is your experience in observing the planets? But when observing DSO? What can you tell me about filming these celestial objects? I did some filming with a Newtonian telescope, but only on the Moon. What can you recommend for filming on the planets? I also have a triplet APO TECHNOSKY 70 mm diameter with 420 mm focal length. Thank you in advance for the answers. And I wish you clear skies and good weather.
Hello, Thank you for this review. Three questions, please: 1. what are the back-focus requirements after flattener ? 2. you reckon we can attach the ZWO EAF [on the focuser] with the standard kit ? 3. any reducer coming soon ? Thank you in advance !
Hi Pro Astroz, Thanks for the video, it is really informative. I have just order the unit and can't wait to get it in a couple of days, does this scope have a focus reducer? Cheers,
Thank you so much Thinh, we are sure you'll be delighted with the scope! Founder Optics is working on a flattener/reducer and it should become available sometime next year/in the coming months - not too sure at this stage! But it is something that is planned. That will provide great flexibility in imaging being able to image at 1x and also reduced (0.8x expected at this stage). Wishing you lots of clear nights !
It's absolutely insane to me that more manufacturers have not started adding a picatinny rail section for mounting lower profile red dot/reflex sights like this one shown. I had to 3D print myself a section to add to my WO Z61 since all I could find were dovetail mounting solutions that increased the height by 3 inches above the tube.
Not that I am aware of, but iOptron has a few black mount options, the HEM27 would be a nice pairing, especially for visual use. Shameless plug: proastroz.com/collections/ioptron-harmonic-drive-mounts-australian-authorised-distributor-proastroz/products/ioptron-hem27-harmonic-drive-mount-case-ipolar
Thanks for the video, based on few good reviews, I am saving to buy the telescope from your website, I hope to reach my saving goal soon and buy the FOT106 😊😊
Hi there, thanks for your comment. I have personally used the FOT106 both visually and for imaging, although only limited imaging as I typically use a lighter setup. Visually the scope performs exceptionally : there is no chromatic aberration visible at all, even on bright targets like the moon. The views are crisp across the field with great contrast. In terms of imaging, the optics are very sharp and the flattener does its job across the field on a full frame sensor. I have found the focal length makes it a great all-purpose scope although not particularly well suited for very large nebulae - which is to be expected on a 106mm diameter instrument - I suspect the 86 would be much better suited on these targets. Overall a great instrument I wish I had more time & energy to image with!
@@bharathraj5768 Yes, they are still in the process of building the website and finding distribution partners. Images are starting to come in, here are a few samples. First you can see a nice Rosette nebula and an interesting planetary imaging comparison done on Jupiter - check out the images in the product description here: proastroz.com/collections/founder-optics/products/founders-optics-fot106mm-f-6-imaging-apo-triplet-refractor-fpl-53-ed-apo-telescope-astrophotograph
@@bharathraj5768 There is also a US based astronomer who has done a bit of imaging with it and you can see a few of his shots here: astrocamera.net/2020/1114/index.htm There will be much better resources coming online shortly once the manufacturer gets the website polished. We will try and post an update on this video with further resources.
I just came across this review. I am confused that it is supposedly designed in Japan. This is the same scope, minus different color and a couple of bits, as the Stella Mira and Orion EON ED-X2 and its manufactured by Long Perng. The scope is very nice, but it is a Long Perng design with very minor changes along with labeling for the respective marketing company.
Founder Optics is now Long Perng's own brand (more on this at the end of this comment), so indeed you are correct in saying it is a Long Perng scope! They have a long history (~50 years) as an optics manufacturer in Taiwan and they have manufactured scopes for many other companies, including Orion. You will note however the scopes you have mentioned in fact use a different lens cell (in the case of Orion 104mm vs 106mm at different F ratios too). As far as we understand it (please bear in mind we are only their distributor in Australia, not the company itself!) the optical cell in the Founder Optics scopes were designed in collaboration/built to specs/overseen by Japanese optical engineers. The scopes were sold in the Japanese domestic market first - where they were received well - for a good couple years before they started becoming available internationally. As to whether Founder Optics was acquired/merged/splitted or something else with Long Perng to make that international move happen: to be honest I have no idea, but I don't think it matters too much. Thanks for your comment!
@@proastroz5759 I was down to the orion version of this scope versus the flt 91 william optics offering. I remember researching the scope and not finding much reviews regarding it. The double ED glass was a very nice design approach, but I went with the FLT 91. I think if long perng was to cone out with a version approaching or exceeding 120mm, I would purchase it, as I sure would like to get a little bit bigger scope.
@@michaeltuggle3177 To be honest you can't go wrong with either. Yes lack of review is hurting this scope, but in time it'll come. The FLT91 is built like a tank! Clear skies!
![[INTRODUCING] Founder Optics FOT106 - Beautiful New Refractor!](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RlfxWrV59sg/mqdefault.jpg)
Correction: The FOT86 is actually F/6.5 with 560mm of focal length. The FOT106 is F/6.
Great service Pro Astroz, ordered the Founder Optics FOT106 and it arrives in a couple of days in a well packed package. The scope is in immaculate conditions, very high quality scope at a reasonable price , excellent for both observation and astrophotography, can't wait until the reducer is available, great product, very friendly and helpful staff, highly recommended. Thank you Pro Astro
How are you liking it so far? What are the dimensions of the case it comes in?
I love the green and black.
Excellent instrument, an APO triplet refractor telescope in Japanese technology. I hope congratulations on the purchase.
Now from what I see, it seems that you have had this refractor for two years. How is your experience in observing the planets? But when observing DSO?
What can you tell me about filming these celestial objects? I did some filming with a Newtonian telescope, but only on the Moon.
What can you recommend for filming on the planets?
I also have a triplet APO TECHNOSKY 70 mm diameter with 420 mm focal length. Thank you in advance for the answers.
And I wish you clear skies and good weather.
Hello,
Thank you for this review. Three questions, please:
1. what are the back-focus requirements after flattener ?
2. you reckon we can attach the ZWO EAF [on the focuser] with the standard kit ?
3. any reducer coming soon ?
Thank you in advance !
Hi Pro Astroz, Thanks for the video, it is really informative. I have just order the unit and can't wait to get it in a couple of days, does this scope have a focus reducer? Cheers,
Thank you so much Thinh, we are sure you'll be delighted with the scope! Founder Optics is working on a flattener/reducer and it should become available sometime next year/in the coming months - not too sure at this stage! But it is something that is planned. That will provide great flexibility in imaging being able to image at 1x and also reduced (0.8x expected at this stage). Wishing you lots of clear nights !
It's absolutely insane to me that more manufacturers have not started adding a picatinny rail section for mounting lower profile red dot/reflex sights like this one shown. I had to 3D print myself a section to add to my WO Z61 since all I could find were dovetail mounting solutions that increased the height by 3 inches above the tube.
I agree it's a very neat and seamless solution!
Is there a black and green go-to mount to match the scope?
Not that I am aware of, but iOptron has a few black mount options, the HEM27 would be a nice pairing, especially for visual use. Shameless plug: proastroz.com/collections/ioptron-harmonic-drive-mounts-australian-authorised-distributor-proastroz/products/ioptron-hem27-harmonic-drive-mount-case-ipolar
Do you find Newton rings around a star in this scope. I do and have read it shows good Optics. Good scope though
Orion also uses 2 fpl lenses in their triplets
Thanks for the video, based on few good reviews, I am saving to buy the telescope from your website, I hope to reach my saving goal soon and buy the FOT106 😊😊
That telescope is beautiful and top of the line! but dang the price. lol one day hopefully I could get something like that
Nice review. Have you done any imaging with that? Or comments on the performance for visual? Thanks!
Hi there, thanks for your comment. I have personally used the FOT106 both visually and for imaging, although only limited imaging as I typically use a lighter setup. Visually the scope performs exceptionally : there is no chromatic aberration visible at all, even on bright targets like the moon. The views are crisp across the field with great contrast. In terms of imaging, the optics are very sharp and the flattener does its job across the field on a full frame sensor. I have found the focal length makes it a great all-purpose scope although not particularly well suited for very large nebulae - which is to be expected on a 106mm diameter instrument - I suspect the 86 would be much better suited on these targets. Overall a great instrument I wish I had more time & energy to image with!
@@proastroz5759 do you have any image samples? Greats specs but there in no info anywhere else other than your video
@@bharathraj5768 Yes, they are still in the process of building the website and finding distribution partners. Images are starting to come in, here are a few samples. First you can see a nice Rosette nebula and an interesting planetary imaging comparison done on Jupiter - check out the images in the product description here:
proastroz.com/collections/founder-optics/products/founders-optics-fot106mm-f-6-imaging-apo-triplet-refractor-fpl-53-ed-apo-telescope-astrophotograph
@@bharathraj5768 There is also a US based astronomer who has done a bit of imaging with it and you can see a few of his shots here:
astrocamera.net/2020/1114/index.htm
There will be much better resources coming online shortly once the manufacturer gets the website polished. We will try and post an update on this video with further resources.
Looks a very nice piece of kit.
Thats not a hybrid focuser that is rack and pinion , there is no half gear half flat surface , its ether or , anyways nice box
I just came across this review. I am confused that it is supposedly designed in Japan. This is the same scope, minus different color and a couple of bits, as the Stella Mira and Orion EON ED-X2 and its manufactured by Long Perng. The scope is very nice, but it is a Long Perng design with very minor changes along with labeling for the respective marketing company.
Founder Optics is now Long Perng's own brand (more on this at the end of this comment), so indeed you are correct in saying it is a Long Perng scope! They have a long history (~50 years) as an optics manufacturer in Taiwan and they have manufactured scopes for many other companies, including Orion. You will note however the scopes you have mentioned in fact use a different lens cell (in the case of Orion 104mm vs 106mm at different F ratios too). As far as we understand it (please bear in mind we are only their distributor in Australia, not the company itself!) the optical cell in the Founder Optics scopes were designed in collaboration/built to specs/overseen by Japanese optical engineers. The scopes were sold in the Japanese domestic market first - where they were received well - for a good couple years before they started becoming available internationally. As to whether Founder Optics was acquired/merged/splitted or something else with Long Perng to make that international move happen: to be honest I have no idea, but I don't think it matters too much. Thanks for your comment!
@@proastroz5759 I was down to the orion version of this scope versus the flt 91 william optics offering. I remember researching the scope and not finding much reviews regarding it. The double ED glass was a very nice design approach, but I went with the FLT 91. I think if long perng was to cone out with a version approaching or exceeding 120mm, I would purchase it, as I sure would like to get a little bit bigger scope.
@@michaeltuggle3177 To be honest you can't go wrong with either. Yes lack of review is hurting this scope, but in time it'll come. The FLT91 is built like a tank! Clear skies!
what alt az mount you use
That's an old Explore Scientific Twilight mount
Nice scope
Made by long perng tiawan, there scopes are made to high standards.
Correct! Founder Optics is their own in-house brand, so they are paying particular attention to these scopes.
beautiful refractor !! Congratulations !!
What's the price ?
How much?.......
Check it out here: proastroz.com/collections/founder-optics
And thanks for watching the video :)
This scope is an apokromat? Apos are the best scope!
Yes absolutely!
Scope is well-made but heavy.
This telescope comes with Mount including??