TEC 180FL F/7 Refractor for sale

[Arvind K]

Hi folks,  

I am putting my TEC 180FL F/7 Refractor up for sale. I am downsizing due to family and work commitments. The only regret I have had with buying this scope is that I didn't order the TEC 200 F/7. I was concerned after reading online discussion forums that even the 180 will be heavy, but I can say from experience it's been very easy to handle given the ergonomics of the handles that the scopes come with. This scope has wow'd me in every other regard.

Performance & Observing 

This is one of the best scopes I have used for planets, globular clusters, and brighter nebulae. The level of contrast on the planetary surfaces is juicy, surpassed only by imaging (which I haven't done on this scope). I have also observed widefield deep sky objects with it from CalStar and BISP last year.  

I regularly use it with my binoviewer, and sometimes with a simple 2" diagonal + eyepiece (these items are not for sale).

It won't compete with larger dobs in raw light gathering, but it will beat any Newtonian smaller than 11 inches in contrast and definition. (Reasoning: A 7" APO has an unobstructed light path. Unlike a Newtonian, it lacks a secondary mirror and spider vanes which diffract light and lower contrast. This allows it to provide tighter star images and superior MTF/contrast on subtle planetary features, often outperforming reflectors ~1.5x its aperture).  

No need to collimate or tinker - arrive at the site, mount the OTA, cool down for 30-45 mins and you're off to the races.  The fluorite lens provides faster thermal stabilization (ie, shorter cool-down period). For reference, my other air spaced triplets of smaller size or even my 180mm MakCass need much longer cool down periods.

Handling & Mounting 

The scope weighs about 40 lbs. While it is long as a 180mm f/7 refractor, the included handle and captain's wheel make it easy to carry, mount, and use regularly, provided you can manage the 40 lb weight. For comparison, the mirror box alone on a 15" dob (like an Obsession) weighs ~60 lbs. I use it on an RST 300, but any other Alt-Az or Equatorial mount that can support 40 lbs and the moment arm of a 180 f/7 will work perfectly.  

I have taken this (safely) on trips across California and Nevada as part of our CDSE outings until late last year, so this is not an unwieldy refractor. TEC is a premium scope manufacturer that makes lightweight refractors (for a given objective size).  

Condition & History 

This has been my visual-only scope; no camera or auto-focusers have ever been attached. It has been enjoyed but very well taken care of, with not a single scratch or sign of use. The lens has never been touched or cleaned, yet remains free of dust as the scope is always kept indoors when not in use. I purchased it new from TEC in 2023.  

I still have the original shipping box, which I have used to safely transport the OTA for observations, but please note I will not ship this item at this time.  

The sale includes:  

- TEC APO180FL F/7 Refractor (includes TA, sliding baffle, front cover, 2" adapter with plug)  

- Tube Rings 180FL  

- 12" Dovetail Plate  

- 12" Carrying Handle  

- 10x60 Vario Finderscope  

- Finderscope Bracket Set  

(and the original shipping box)

Pricing

Priced new: ~$20,000 + tax + shipping  

Selling for: $15,000 total  

Terms

This is available for local pickup only in Saratoga (95070). You are saving a good discount for a like-new product, with no tax and no shipping charges.  

Serious inquiries only, please. No window shopping, as I am very much short on time (reason for selling). You are welcome to inspect the item in person at the time of purchase.  

Clear skies,  

Arvind