Looking to upgrade to a 5" Apo

I have been looking at Apos in the 127-130 range and was wondering what others would think the best choices are not considering cost. If you think of something better that is not included feel free to speak up. I would have added Astro Phyics 130 or 140 to the list but having to wait a decade is a long time. Also for the most part it would be for visual use.

TSA 120 (smallest I would want to go)
TV NP127
TMB 130 SS
AT 130
TEC 140 (largest I would want to)
SV 130T
APM 130F (not sure on which focal length, 1200 or 780.

Thanks for your time.

Do you want a fast wide field instrument or a longer focal length instrument. This would help to decide which on your list would be the better for your purpose.
The TEC 140 is a great scope for a fair price, well built and very nice optics and mechanics. Made in the USA too with good service and support.
The TV NP127 is a great wide field, flat field instrument that is lighter in weight and smaller in diameter so that it is a somewhat smaller scope than some in the same size. This is also considered an US built scope and service is done on all models at Televue
APM sells nice scopes, with very good optics and well built. These scopes are not made in the USA, but are well made and have good support as well.
My $.02

I am mostly a visual observer, and if I was picking from your suggestions, I'd quickly and easily go with the TEC140.

Clear skies, Alan

For me there are only 2 in that list that I would be looking at. The TMB130SS and the TEC140, between the two I pick the 140. My logic is that when you reach this level of quality optics/mechanics/performance the only real difference is apature and apature wins

As for why I would be looking at only those two as a purchase.....solely because I have had the opportunity to look thru one of each but not the others you list.

Adam Leslie said:

I have been looking at Apos in the 127-130 range and was wondering what others would think the best choices are not considering cost. If you think of something better that is not included feel free to speak up. I would have added Astro Phyics 130 or 140 to the list but having to wait a decade is a long time. Also for the most part it would be for visual use.

TSA 120 (smallest I would want to go)
TV NP127
TMB 130 SS
AT 130
TEC 140 (largest I would want to)
SV 130T
APM 130F (not sure on which focal length, 1200 or 780.

Thanks for your time.

Adam, I just purchased the NP127is. I like it for the following reasons. Very light compared to the others. I like the wide field views. You can crank up the magnification, but you need decent eyepieces. I like the fact it is assembled here and if I haver a problem, Dave or Al Nagler are right here to fix it. The other three scopes I considered were the TMB130SS, the TEC140, and the APM/LZOS 130/780. I dumped the TEC due to weight and my mount restrictions. I dont know why I picked the most expensive one and at this point I dont want to second guess my decision. I think the Televue, the APM or the TMB would all suit you fine. I am mostly a visual observer, and spoke to Dave and Al about the NP127 as a visual scope, because my first impression was it really was for AP. After talking with them, I felt much more comfortable. I am sure that had a lot to do with my decision. Bit Morris at APM America is a real nice guy and he also would take care of you. You really cant go wrong with any of these three.

I have a Takahashi FS 128. It is a very nice scope--especially for visual. And you can pick them up used on Amart for a very reasonable price compared to some of the other choices you have on your list.