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A Rock-Solid Foundation for Your 4-Inch Refractor
The Tele Vue 4" Ring Mount provides an uncompromisingly stable platform for your premium 4-inch refractor, ensuring your instrument is perfectly balanced and securely attached to its mount. Finished in satin, this mounting ring is designed for Tele Vue's 4-inch optical tubes such as the NP101is. It is the correct choice for observers and imagers who need a rigid, reliable connection that eliminates flexure and preserves optical alignment.
The Hinged Clamshell Ring Design
Unlike simple, solid rings that require you to slide the telescope through, the Tele Vue 4" Ring Mount features a hinged, clamshell design. This allows you to open the ring, place your optical tube assembly into it, and then securely clamp it shut with the bat-handle screws. The benefit is a much safer and easier installation process, especially in the dark or when wearing gloves, eliminating the risk of scratching your OTA's finish.
This design also ensures an even, distributed pressure around the circumference of the tube. This is critical for high-magnification planetary viewing or long-exposure astrophotography, where any mechanical stress on the optical tube could induce astigmatism or other aberrations. The rigidity of the system ensures that once locked down, your telescope stays precisely where you put it, with no shift during focusing or tracking.
Precision Felt Lining for a Secure Grip
The interior of each ring is lined with a high-quality felt material. This serves a dual purpose: it protects the telescope's delicate finish from scuffs and scratches, and it provides a high-friction surface for a slip-free grip. The felt compresses slightly to conform to your optical tube, dampening minor vibrations and ensuring the telescope cannot rotate within the rings once the clamps are tightened.
This protective layer is essential for maintaining the resale value and pristine condition of a premium instrument. It allows you to achieve a firm, secure hold without having to overtighten the locking knobs, reducing the risk of tube compression or mechanical stress. The result is peace of mind, knowing your investment is both secure and protected.
Versatile Mounting Base and Accessory Platform
The base of the ring has three 1/4"-20 tapped holes for attachment, and the RS4-8004 is recommended for all Tele Vue alt-azimuth mounts, as it allows greater balancing opportunities than the dual-ring MRS-4011. For German equatorial mounts, Tele Vue makes various adapter plates for popular models.
Furthermore, the top of the ring features machined accessory grooves with #10-32 threaded holes. This transforms the rings from a simple mounting device into an accessory hub. The grooves accept the Tele Vue Starbeam, the Sol-Searcher and the Piggy-Cam piggyback camera adapter.
Balance and Use
Balance is set by loosening the bat-handle screws, sliding the tube fore or aft, and retightening. The single ring is fine for visual and photographic use.
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Will the Tele Vue 4" Ring Mount fit my non-Tele Vue telescope?
These rings are designed for optical tubes with a true 4-inch (101.6mm) outer diameter. If your telescope from another brand has this exact diameter, it should fit securely. Measure your tube's diameter carefully before purchasing.
How do I attach these rings to a Vixen or Losmandy dovetail?
The base has three 1/4"-20 tapped holes. Tele Vue makes various adapter plates for popular German equatorial mounts; ask us which plate suits your mount.
Can I slide the telescope for balancing with these rings?
Yes. Loosen the bat-handle screws slightly and carefully slide the optical tube forward or backward to achieve perfect balance. The felt lining provides enough friction to prevent the tube from slipping unexpectedly during adjustment.
What accessories can I mount on top of the rings?
The two machined grooves on top of the ring accept Tele Vue's Starbeam, Piggy-Cam and Sol-Searcher, and their #10-32 threaded holes take other accessories.
Are these rings better than the sliding bar that comes with some Tele Vue scopes?
The sliding bar is designed for fast balancing on Tele Vue's alt-azimuth mounts. The RS4-8004 is a single ring that is fine for visual and photographic use and recommended for all Tele Vue alt-az mounts. For critical photography and CCD imaging, use the dual-ring MRS-4011.
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| Model |
RS4-8004 |
| Compatible OTA Diameter |
4" (101.6mm) |
| Finish |
Satin |
| Lining |
Felt |
| Accessory Mounting |
Accessory grooves with #10-32 threaded holes |
| Compatibility |
Tele Vue NP101is (4" tube) |
| Mounting Holes |
Three 1/4"-20 tapped holes |
| Ring Inner Diameter |
101.6 mm |
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Tele Vue 4" Ring Mount Assembly
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- Tele Vue 5-Year Limited Warranty
