APM Telescopes introduces new products in Germany

The German optics manufacturer APM Telescopes has introduced a series of new products for its German market, covering refractors, astrographs and binoculars. The move reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to broaden its portfolio in precision astronomy and astrophotography equipment.
Above photo credit: APM Telescopes

New refractor models broaden the range

APM Telescopes has added new apochromatic refractor models to its lineup, including a 140mm f/7 doublet SD APO and a 152mm f/7.9 ED doublet. The 140mm model uses SD FPL-53 glass, features a 2.5″ rack-and-pinion focuser with 1:10 micro-focusing, and has an overall weight of approximately 8.75 kg including tube rings. 

The 152mm f/7.9 model employs FPL 51 glass and a lanthanum element, yielding high chromatic correction and compatibility for astrophotography. It features a 3.7″ focuser and back-focus of 180 mm. 

These additions expand APM’s offerings in the mid-aperture refractor segment, targeting visual observers and astro-imagers who require high optical performance in a transportable form.
By specifying the glass types, focal ratios and focuser details, APM signals its focus on engineering transparency and performance metrics rather than purely aesthetic or marketing features.

Introduction of an astrograph variant

In addition to standard refractors, APM is offering a new astrograph version: the 152mm f/5.9 Doublet ED APO Astrograph. This model is derived from the 152mm f/7.9 discussion but is supplied with a Riccardi reducer and case, yielding an effective focal length of 900mm (f/5.9) for wide-field imaging. 

The astrograph variant includes accessories such as CNC tube rings with carrying handle, a 3″ Losmandy-style dovetail, finder bracket, and a rotatable 2.5″ focuser designed for high rigidity under load. 

By offering an imaging-optimized version, APM addresses the needs of astrophotographers seeking fast optics and large image circles, broadening beyond purely visual-centric designs.

Optical quality and testing protocol

APM emphasizes its optical quality control by stating that every optic undergoes an interferometric test at 532 nm (green light) to ensure performance. For example, the 152mm f/7.9 model description states that “every optic goes through an interferometrical test at 532 nm” to guarantee typical high quality. 

In the 140mm model description, similar language is used to highlight that the optics are tested and that the design uses FPL53 glass to achieve chromatic correction beyond typical price-categories. 

This testing protocol is notable because it suggests that APM is aligning its marketing and product documentation with measurable optical performance, rather than only user-reviews or subjective descriptors.
 

??????Photo credit: APM Telescopes

German production and distribution context

APM Telescopes operates from Germany and highlights German design and manufacture in its product literature. For instance, the company describes the 140mm SD APO as “We have succeeded in developing a telescope with high-quality optics and a solid tube at a previously unattainable price. … every optic goes through an interferometric test at 532nm.” 

The 152mm model likewise refers to “modern optical design… reliable OTA construction” with optics designed for photographic and visual use alike. 

APM representative, Markus Ludes,  stated that products are offered from German stock and shipped worldwide. 

These details indicate that APM’s new product release is anchored in its German base while serving an international astronomy market.

Accessory and binocular product expansions

Beyond telescopes, APM appears to be expanding in areas such as binoculars and other accessories. APM Telescopes ennounced that “New APM 160 mm F/7 triplet SuperED going in production” and referenced upcoming binocular models (e.g., 8×32 IF-ED binoculars) and other optical gear. 

This suggests the company is broadening its product scope beyond traditional telescope packages to include binoculars and imaging-complementary accessories.

Implications for the astronomy market

The new products from APM provide several points for astronomy hobbyists and semi-professional observers to consider. First, the availability of large aperture refractors (140mm-152mm class) with high quality optics and imaging-suitable focuser assemblies offers a bridge between compact instruments and large bespoke astrographs. Second, the incorporation of high-quality glass types (e.g., FPL 51, FPL 53, lanthanum elements) and interferometric testing may appeal to those prioritising optical excellence. Third, the explicit packaging of an astrograph variant indicates the company recognises the growing demand for astrophotography-centric instruments rather than purely visual scopes.
For buyers, this means more options at the mid-to-high end of refractor and astrograph designs from a German-based manufacturer with published specs and testing procedures. Users should still verify delivery times and stock status, as some models may be built to order and have lead-times. (For example, the astrograph 152mm f/5.9 notes availability “Estimated delivery time: 4-8 weeks” in one listing.) 

Also, when integrating such instruments into a setup, considerations such as mount capacity, back-focus requirements, field-flatteners and reducers will remain critical for imaging performance.

APM Telescopes introduces new astronomy and astrophotograpjy gear

By introducing these new refractors, astrographs and accessory-lines, APM Telescopes signals its intention to broaden both its product range and its target market. The company’s sourcing of advanced glass types, the provision of robust focuser systems with micro-adjustment, rigorous testing protocols and German design production are consistent with its positioning in the higher-end amateur astronomy segment. Observers and astrophotographers evaluating new investments may find relevant options in APM’s expanded lineup.