New Tele Vue -102

Tele Vue has introduced a new 4" telescope, the Tele Vue - 102. This is a 102mm (4") f/8.6
apochromatic refractor.

The new model, an apochromatic doublet, looks similar to the current ivory Tele Vue - 101. In
addition to excellent performance, it is designed to provide exceptional value. High power
planetary performance will be superb, and a maximum 3º true field is available using Tele
Vue's 55mm Plossl eyepiece (not included).

The telescope is supplied as a complete package.
The TV-102 is available in Ivory & Black.

The Tele Vue - 102 Complete Package includes 2" Everbright diagonal, 2"-1¼" reducing
adapter, mount ring, 20mm Plossl eyepiece and carrying case.

Specifications:
Telescope type - 2-element apochromat refractor using special dispersion glasses
Clear aperture - 102mm (4 inches)
Aperture gain - 208 (compared to a 7mm exit pupil)
Focal length - 880mm (34.6 inches)
Focal ratio - f/8.6
Resolution (visual) - 1.1 arc-sec (Dawes limit for a 4" aperture)
Resolution (photo) - 163 line pairs per mm
Magnification - 10x to 250x using Tele Vue eyepieces and Barlows
Focuser - 2 inch, rack and pinion type

** Specifications subject to change without notice **

WXC-4086 - Tele Vue TV-102 Complete Package - £1879.00
BXC-4086 - Tele Vue TV-102 Renaissance - £2268.00

All + £10.00 shipping & insurance.

Following is a few comments from well known telescope reviewer Ed Ting
(www.scopereviews.com).

“This is Tele Vue's newest refractor, and one of its best designs ever. I was immediately won
over by its sharp images, the simplicity of its design, its well-constructed mechanics, and the
attractive price.
The focuser is the same super-smooth unit found on all Tele Vue scopes. The foam-lined
case
is almost a work of art.
You might expect the AP and Celestron baffling systems to work better than the Tele Vue's
but this wasn't the case. Contrast, sky blackness, and glare were well-controlled in all three
scopes. I couldn't tell any difference between them. Maybe there's something to be said for
simplicity.
All four members of Nu Scorpii were glimpsed at 350x in patches of good seeing, even the
0.9
arc-second pair.
Like all great telescopes, the TV-102 soaks up high power with poise and composure. The
slight chromatic aberration came into view only at stupid-high powers, and only when viewed
immediately after the same stupid-high power view on Vega through the Traveler. In fact, this
high power false colour test was the only measure in which the expensive AP could be said
to
have readily beaten the TV-102. In virtually all other side by side tests, I could not tell the
difference.
$2000+ for an optical tube is a lot of money for a telescope, but in the premium refractor
world, it's a bargain.
The new Tele Vue-102 combines great optics and solid mechanical construction in an
attractive package. It takes its place as one of the great 4" refractors available today. It's a
solid value as well. If you're in the market for a premium apochromat in this size, the TV-102
is
enthusiastically recommended.”

See the Sky & Telescope review of the TV-102 in the February 2001 issue
(www.skypub.com) and September 2006 issue of Sky at Night.

A Personal View.

“Kieron
Just a quick email to let you know that I am very happy with the Televue 102 refractor you
sold
me. Astronomical viewing has been very limited but I got some beautiful lunar views in the
first
couple of days with sharp images at magnifications up to 220x and Altair gave me a clear
Airy
diffraction at magnification of around 165x upwards. I've not yet had a chance of any
planetary
views.

Working during the day I have had no trouble resolving two printed lines with centres 0.2mm
apart at a distance of over 40 metres, giving resolution at 1.0 seconds! With regard to useful
magnification, my wife could not resolve these at 110x was a bit dubious at 165x but had no
trouble at 220x.”

Dr.John Wykes, Derby, United Kingdom.

"Thanks Kieron, I will probably go for the 2.5x Powermate on the 'walk before I can run' line!
The detail on both the Moon and Saturn with the TV102 just defies belief, I shudder as to
what a TV127 can do! Sincerely the best astro product I have bought, ever. If you want to
quote me on that please feel free!"
Matthew Bell

The Astronomy Shop

1 Tone Hill. Wellington

Somerset TA21 0AU

United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)1823 665510