APQ JENA Company Profile
- Profile
- About us
- Norbert Strömich
- Imprint
- Privacy policy
- Terms and Conditions
- Right of Withdrawal
Innovations
Our aim is to offer our customers products with exceptional performance and distinctive features while maintaining the highest possible quality.
Capabilities
To set new standards in the development of optical systems and instruments, we work with internationally recognized experts who have many years of experience in optical and mechanical design.
Collaboration
For optical and mechanical manufacturing, we work with leading precision-instrument manufacturers.
Our manufacturing model combines small-batch production, one-off builds, and custom work using both conventional processes and modern CNC technology.
A final system correction by a master optician with decades of experience ensures the required high image quality.
The starting point
In 1995, the development and manufacture of amateur astronomical telescopes in Jena was discontinued; in 2007, production of professional astronomical equipment also ended. This brought more than 100 years of astronomical tradition to a close.
I worked for Carl Zeiss Jena for more than 13 years, most recently as Product and Sales Manager for amateur astronomical instruments. In this role, I initiated the further development and production of fluorite triplet apochromats that were among the finest of their time and led their market introduction.
Since 2011, joint projects with Carl Zeiss have drawn me increasingly back into astronomy. For many amateur astronomers worldwide, the fluorite triplet apochromats formerly manufactured by Carl Zeiss Jena remain a benchmark for optical image quality as well as mechanical and structural design, even by today's standards.
Launching the project
The first question was fundamental: Can such apochromats still be manufactured in Germany today? The next step was to find suppliers capable of providing the CaF₂ required for fluorite triplet apochromats with the required properties and quality at commercially viable prices.
This question determined all subsequent decisions. A negative answer would have ended the project before it began. Almost equally important was securing a reliable supply of the selected mating optical glasses.
Once these questions had been answered, the next priority was assembling the right technical expertise. Jena is not only a historic center of precision optical instrument manufacturing; the city and region also offer a strong pool of emerging talent from institutions such as Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena, Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Ilmenau University of Technology.
I considered it particularly important to involve former employees of Carl Zeiss Jena's Astronomy Department and related fields who were interested in the startup project. This served two purposes:
The new company benefits from the extensive experience, skills and knowledge of these former specialists.
It also helps ensure that their specialized knowledge and experience are passed on to a younger generation and are not lost.
Among the colleagues I was able to bring on board, I would particularly like to mention Uwe Laux and Frank Dionies; without them, neither the new optical design nor the new compensation cell would have been possible.
Once this preliminary work was complete – with suppliers for CaF₂ and optical glasses secured and suitable specialists on board – I could turn to the next tasks. The most important question was: what optical design should the new objectives use?
The initial choice seemed obvious: the new objectives should once again be triplet apochromats with a CaF₂ element in the center, protected by the two outer glass elements. After all, well-known telescope manufacturers offer this type of triplet apochromat, using either FK glass or fluorite for the center element.
I initially pursued this approach and requested quotes from several optical manufacturers for astronomical objectives in different apertures, but the process proved very time-consuming.
Many telescope manufacturers produce good triplet apochromats, some of them to a very high standard. The more I examined the subject, however, the clearer it became that the classic apochromatic triplet design offers only limited scope for further improvement.
However, all fluorophosphate and CaF₂ triplet apochromats exhibit wavelength-dependent longitudinal chromatic aberration and spherochromatism (chromatic variation of spherical aberration), which degrades the polychromatic point spread function (PSF) at larger apertures and faster focal ratios.
As a result, triplet apochromats satisfy the apochromatic condition only over a relatively narrow visual spectral range (usually 436 nm – 656 nm or 480 nm – 707 nm). However, they cannot deliver diffraction-limited imaging across, for example, the 365 nm to 1014 nm spectral range relevant to CCD and CMOS astronomy.
I therefore concluded that APQ JENA should not become simply another manufacturer of triplet apochromats competing with established telescope companies. At the same time, manufacturing in Germany remained a central objective.
What makes the Fluorite Quadruplet Polychromats so special?
The key advantage for users is an optical design optimized to minimize aberrations across the broad UBVRI spectral range (365 nm – 1014 nm) of modern electronic sensors (CCD, CMOS).
Unlike most apochromats, the Strehl ratio does not fall toward or below the diffraction limit at the edges of the visual spectrum.
The polychromatic image quality is not artificially altered or made to appear more favorable through calculation, because this would not improve the optical correction itself. Instead, the optical system is optimized from 365 nm to 1014 nm using a wavelength table with an equal weighting factor of 1 for each wavelength. The result is a four-element polychromatic base system in which the CaF₂ element is protected between two elements made of special optical glasses.
Uwe Laux developed this new optical design, which became the basis of the new Fluorite Quadruplet Polychromats. A patent application for the new optical system and design was filed with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) under the title Polychromatisches Objektiv und Verfahren zum Entwurf eines polychromatischen Objektivs, file number 10 2016 123 732.9.
Following the decision to introduce the APQ 150/1200 Fluorite Quadruplet Polychromat, I commissioned the mechanical design and construction of the optical tube assembly (OTA), fabrication of the lens group and production of the mechanical components. Developing and producing two prototypes of the oil-spaced APQ 150/1200 Fluorite Quadruplet Polychromat with an asphere, 150 mm clear aperture and 1200 mm focal length was an exceptionally demanding undertaking.
Specific technical challenges caused delays relative to the original schedule. Once the relevant processes were under control and the first two prototypes of the APQ 150/1200 Fluorite Quadruplet Polychromat had been completed, I was able to announce on the website that we were accepting orders.
The APQ 150/1200 Fluorite Quadruplet Polychromat is a universal planetary refractor designed for the highest possible image quality. The polychromatic objective forms the base optical system; depending on the observing application, it can be combined with a Field Corrector (Flattener), Focal Reducer Corrector (Reducer) or Barlow System. Diffraction-limited correction is maintained from 365 nm to 1014 nm, allowing the UBVRI spectral range of modern CCD and CMOS sensors to be fully utilized.
In the medium term, we plan to offer a series of Fluorite Quadruplet Polychromat Refractors covering apertures from 100 mm to 250 mm. The 130 mm through 200 mm Polychromats are planned in two versions with different focusers. The standard configurations use the Feather Touch FTF3545 from Starlight Instruments; a premium focuser with a newly developed focusing drive is planned as an option.
The four-element architecture of the premium refractors – with or without an asphere, fully oil-spaced or with air spaces – provides considerable design flexibility for visual and photographic applications across different apertures and focal ratios. The UBVRI Fluorite Quadruplet Polychromats from APQ JENA are designed specifically as astronomical optical systems.
Manufacturing at APQ JENA
APQ JENA is reviving Jena's tradition of astronomical optics and instrument engineering after a 25-year interruption. We are establishing in-house capabilities for optical and mechanical production, assembly, metrology and testing.
Norbert Strömich – Founder and owner of APQ JENA
Astronomy, telescopes, optics and astronomical instrument technology have fascinated me since my youth – as have the scientists, designers, engineers and specialists behind new inventions and developments.
APQ JENA was founded to continue Jena's astronomical tradition at one of the historic centers of precision optical instrument manufacturing.
CV
Studied mechanical engineering at the Chemnitz University of Technology
Degree: Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.) in Mechanical Engineering
Expertise
Optical design
3D CAD
Memberships
German Society for Applied Optics DGaO
Association of Amateur Astronomers VdS
Professional experience
1980 – 1994: Product Manager at Carl Zeiss Jena, including in the Astronomical Instruments business unit
Since 1994: Self-employed
Since 2014: APQ JENA
Trademarks and patents
Word mark APQ – file number 30 2014 050 952
Patent application Polychromatisches Objektiv und Verfahren zum Entwurf eines polychromatischen Objektivs – file number DE 10 2016 123 732.9
Patent application Thermisch kompensierte optische Fassungsbaugruppe – file number DE 10 2017 008 286.3
Information pursuant to Section 5 DDG
- Responsible person
- Norbert Strömich
- Company name
- APQ JENA
- Address
- Löbstedter Straße 74
D-07749 Jena
Germany - Phone
- +49 171 7127287
- Internet
- apq.de
- VAT ID No.
(pursuant to Section 27a UStG) - DE227962434
We are neither willing nor obliged to participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer conciliation body.
Content, illustrations, technical documents and other works created by APQ JENA on this website are protected by the applicable copyright and other intellectual property laws. Reproduction, modification, distribution or other use beyond what is permitted by law requires the prior consent of the respective rights holder.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
Privacy Policy
The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other data protection provisions is:
- Company name
- APQ JENA
- Contact person
- Norbert Strömich
- Address
- Löbstedter Straße 74
D-07749 Jena
Germany - Phone
- +49 171 7127287
We process personal data only where a legal basis applies. Depending on the processing activity, the relevant legal bases include Article 6(1)(b) GDPR for the performance of a contract or pre-contractual measures taken at your request, Article 6(1)(c) GDPR for compliance with legal obligations, Article 6(1)(f) GDPR for legitimate interests and - where required - Article 6(1)(a) GDPR on the basis of consent.
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Häßlerstraße 8, 99096 Erfurt, Germany
Postal address: Postfach 90 04 55, 99107 Erfurt, Germany
Phone: +49 361 57-3112900
Email: poststelle@datenschutz.thueringen.de
www.tlfdi.de
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Last updated: August 19, 2026
General Terms and Conditions for Consumers
1. These General Terms and Conditions apply to contracts between:
- Company name
- APQ JENA
- Contact person
- Norbert Strömich
- Address
- Löbstedter Straße 74
D-07749 Jena
Germany - Phone
- +49 171 7127287
(hereinafter "APQ JENA"), and consumers within the meaning of Section 13 of the German Civil Code (BGB) for the purchase and delivery of technical equipment and accessories.
2. Individual agreements made with the customer take precedence over these Terms and Conditions.
1. Product presentations and information on our website do not constitute a binding contractual offer.
2. Individual offers issued by APQ JENA are valid for the period stated in the offer. Unless otherwise stated in the offer, the customer's order constitutes a binding offer to enter into a contract. APQ JENA may accept this offer within two weeks by sending an order confirmation in text form. The contract is concluded when the order confirmation is received.
3. Technical specifications, optional equipment and other individual requirements form part of the contract insofar as they are expressly recorded in the offer or order confirmation.
1. Prices quoted to consumers include statutory VAT. Packaging, delivery and shipping costs and any other applicable costs are shown in the specific offer or otherwise disclosed before the contract is concluded.
2. Unless otherwise agreed in the individual offer, a deposit of 50 % of the purchase price is due within ten calendar days of the invoice date. The remaining 50 % becomes due after notification that the goods are completed or ready for shipment and must be credited to the specified account no later than seven calendar days before the intended shipping date.
3. For orders expressly agreed as individual special projects, advance payment of up to 100 % may be agreed in the specific offer or order confirmation. Such advance payment applies only if it is expressly agreed for the particular order and accepted by the customer.
4. Payments must be made to the account stated in the invoice, offer or order confirmation. A cash discount may only be deducted if expressly agreed.
5. For deliveries to countries outside the European Union, import duties, customs duties or comparable public charges may be imposed in the destination country. Unless expressly agreed otherwise, these are borne by the recipient.
6. The statutory provisions apply in the event of late payment.
1. Delivery dates or periods are stated in the individual offer or order confirmation. A delivery date is binding only if it is expressly designated as binding.
2. Unless otherwise agreed, an agreed delivery period begins once the agreed deposit has been received and the customer has provided all information, approvals and specifications required for performance in full.
3. If performance is delayed because the customer fails to provide required cooperation for which the customer is responsible, agreed performance and delivery periods are extended appropriately. The customer's statutory rights in the event of delay remain unaffected.
4. For consumers, the risk of accidental loss or deterioration passes in accordance with the statutory provisions; in the case of shipment, in particular, generally only when the goods are handed over to the consumer or a receiving third party designated by the consumer.
The delivered goods remain the property of APQ JENA until the purchase price owed for those goods has been paid in full.
Ownership rights, copyright and other intellectual property rights in drawings, calculations, optical designs, construction documents and other documents provided by APQ JENA remain with APQ JENA or the respective rights holder. Such documents may be used only for the purpose provided for by the contract and may not be made available to third parties beyond what is required for that purpose without our prior consent. Mandatory statutory rights of the customer remain unaffected.
1. The statutory rights in respect of defects apply, including the statutory provisions governing consumer sales. These Terms and Conditions do not shorten statutory rights.
2. Any guarantee going beyond statutory defect rights exists only if APQ JENA expressly designates it as a guarantee and states its terms.
APQ JENA is liable in accordance with the statutory provisions. Mandatory statutory claims remain fully unaffected, in particular claims relating to injury to life, body or health, claims under product liability law, and claims based on intent, gross negligence or fraudulent conduct.
Consumers generally have a statutory right of withdrawal for distance contracts. Details are set out in our Withdrawal Instructions. The right of withdrawal does not apply in particular to contracts for goods made to customer specifications where the statutory requirements of Section 312g(2) no. 1 BGB are met.
We are neither willing nor obliged to participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer conciliation body.
1. German law applies to the exclusion of the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG). For consumers habitually resident in another country, mandatory consumer protection provisions of that country remain unaffected insofar as they cannot be derogated from under the applicable conflict-of-laws rules.
2. If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is or becomes invalid, the remaining provisions remain unaffected. The statutory provisions apply in place of the invalid provision.
Last updated: August 19, 2026
Withdrawal Instructions
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within fourteen days without giving any reason.
The withdrawal period is fourteen days from the day on which you or a third party named by you, who is not the carrier, receives the goods. If a contract covers several goods ordered as part of one order and delivered separately, the period begins when the last item is received. If goods are delivered in several partial shipments or pieces, the period begins when the last partial shipment or piece is received.
To exercise your right of withdrawal, you must inform us:
- Company name
- APQ JENA
- Name
- Norbert Strömich
- Address
- Löbstedter Straße 74
D-07749 Jena
Germany - Phone
- +49 171 7127287
by means of a clear statement (for example, a letter sent by mail or an email) of your decision to withdraw from this contract. You may use our model withdrawal form, but this is not mandatory.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning the exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.
If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse all payments received from you, including delivery costs (except for additional costs resulting from your choice of a type of delivery other than the least expensive standard delivery offered by us), without undue delay and in any event no later than fourteen days from the day on which we receive your notice of withdrawal. We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the original transaction, unless expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of the reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back or until you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever occurs first.
You must send back or hand over the goods to APQ JENA, Löbstedter Straße 74, D-07749 Jena, Germany, without undue delay and in any event no later than fourteen days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the fourteen-day period has expired.
You bear the direct cost of returning goods that can normally be returned by parcel post. For goods that cannot normally be returned by mail, the direct return costs to be borne by you, or an estimate of those costs where required by law, will be disclosed before the contract is concluded in the specific offer or contractual information.
You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from handling beyond what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Under Section 312g(2) no. 1 BGB, the right of withdrawal does not apply to contracts for the supply of goods that are not prefabricated and for the production of which an individual choice or decision by the consumer is decisive, or which are clearly tailored to the consumer's personal needs.
The fact that a standard product is manufactured only after an order is placed or has a longer delivery time does not, by itself, automatically exclude the right of withdrawal.
Last updated: August 19, 2026