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Gain Effortless Control with the Tele Vue Mount Handle
The Tele Vue Mount Handle Assembly is a simple, robust accessory designed to fundamentally improve the ergonomics of operating your Tele Vue alt-azimuth mount. By providing a secure, dedicated grip point, it enhances the precision of manual slewing and tracking, allowing for smoother, more intuitive control of your instrument.
A Steady Grip for Slewing
Tele Vue's advice is to slew the scope by grasping a fixed part of the telescope or the mount handle, not the diagonal, which could cause image shift. The handle gives you that fixed grip point on the mount, so you can move from target to target without pushing on the eyepiece end of the scope.
The Foundation of Control: The Mounting Block
The core of the assembly is a mounting block that mates perfectly with the head of your Tele Vue mount. This is not a universal-fit accessory. It is engineered specifically for the Tele-Pod, Panoramic, or Gibraltar HD4 head, ensuring a connection with zero flex or wobble. This rigidity is critical, as it translates any force you apply directly to the mount's axes without introducing play or vibration.
Smoother Slewing and Manual Tracking
When you slew a telescope by pushing on the optical tube, you inevitably introduce small vibrations that take a moment to dampen. The handle assembly provides a point of contact that is isolated from the telescope itself. This allows you to guide the mount with light, steady pressure, resulting in smoother motion and quicker settling times, which is especially beneficial when tracking planets at high magnification.
Installation and Hardware
Installation is straightforward: the handle fastens to the mount head (the cradle, on the Tele-Pod) with the supplied hardware, following the instructions packed with the handle.
A Critical Ergonomic Upgrade
While elegant in its simplicity, the handle's contribution to your observing workflow is substantial. It makes smooth manual slewing easier, encouraging more frequent use. For observers who value grab-and-go convenience, this accessory elevates an already portable mount to a new level of ease and usability.
Designed for Your Tele Vue Mount
This handle is specifically designed for Tele Vue's own alt-azimuth mounts and is not intended for other brands. This specificity is its strength, guaranteeing a perfect fit and optimal balance for the Tele-Pod, Panoramic, and Gibraltar HD4. It’s the right choice when you want to add a factory-grade ergonomic enhancement to your Tele Vue observing system.
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Will the handle fit my Tele Vue Gibraltar HD4 or HD5 mount?
The mount handle is an option for the Gibraltar HD4, and it comes with the Tele-Pod and Panoramic mounts. It is not listed for the HD5.
Does adding the handle help reduce vibrations when moving the telescope?
Yes, by giving you a place to push the mount that isn't the telescope or eyepiece, it allows for smoother manual tracking. This can reduce the initial vibration you see when you start or stop moving the scope at high power.
Can I leave the handle on when I store the mount?
Absolutely. The handle is designed to be a permanent addition to your mount. It does not interfere with the mount's function and can make it easier to place in and remove from a storage case or bag.
Is the installation difficult?
Installation is very simple. The handle attaches to the mount head (the cradle, on the Tele-Pod). All necessary hardware is included.
Can this handle be used on a non-Tele Vue mount?
It is not recommended. The mounting block and screw spacing are specifically engineered for Tele Vue mounts. Attempting to fit it to another brand's mount will likely not work and could damage the mount head.
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| Product Code |
HAN-1000 |
| Compatibility |
Tele Vue Tele-Pod, Panoramic, and Gibraltar HD4 Mount Heads |
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Mount Handle Assembly
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Tele Vue 5-Year Limited Warranty
