Astro-Tech 102ed doublet or 90 triplet

I am trying to decide between 2 Astro-tech scopes.
One is the at102ed doublet and the other is the at90 triplet.
Although smaller in size the 90mm utilized fpl-53 for the ed element and the 102 does not specify, so most likely fpl-51 or something similar.
The scope will be used for visual use only.
Priced about the same.
The 102 weighs about 9 lbs where the 90 is heavier at 13+- lbs.

victor truglio said:

I am trying to decide between 2 Astro-tech scopes.
One is the at102ed doublet and the other is the at90 triplet.
Although smaller in size the 90mm utilized fpl-53 for the ed element and the 102 does not specify, so most likely fpl-51 or something similar.
The scope will be used for visual use only.
Priced about the same.
The 102 weighs about 9 lbs where the 90 is heavier at 13+- lbs.

I have owned the AT-102ED since they were first available. It uses the Chinese H-FK61 ED glass which has an Abbe number of 82, similar FPL-51. I like it and it gets a lot of use. It a good scope for the money, compact, has a reasonable 2 speed rotating focuser and sliding dew shield... The color correction does not compare to my WO Megrez II FD but the 102 gets used much more because the added aperture helps on most targets.

I imagine the 90mm triplet provides cleaner views but only you can decide if that makes up for the loss of aperture.

Just my two cents

Jon