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Tele Vue DeLite 15mm 62° Eyepiece - 1.25"
The Tele Vue DeLite 15mm is a medium-power focal length designed to provide the high-contrast performance of the Delos series in a significantly smaller and lighter mechanical housing. It utilizes specialized glass types and multi-coatings to achieve neutral color rendition and minimize internal reflections on bright celestial targets. In telescopes ranging from f/5 to f/10, it serves as a versatile optic for deep-sky surveying and moderate-power lunar study, maintaining a flat field across its 62° apparent field of view.
20mm Eye Relief and Ergonomic Eye Placement
The mechanical assembly features a sliding, locking eyeguard that maintains a constant 20mm eye relief, which is a critical constraint for observers who wear eyeglasses to correct for astigmatism. This system allow the observer to lock the eyeguard at a precise height to physically block stray light and eliminate the "blackouts" common in shorter-relief wide-angle designs.
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Dioptrx Compatibility: The 15mm DeLite top housing is designed to accept the Dioptrx corrector, allowing users to bypass spectacles for a more immersive and sharp visual experience.
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Binoviewer Utility: At 7.5 ounces (213g) and with a narrow upper body, this focal length is well-suited for binoviewer pairs, where weight and interpupillary clearance are primary considerations.
Application in Varied Focal Ratio Systems
In a 4-inch f/7 APO refractor, the Tele Vue DeLite 15mm produces 47× magnification and a 3.2mm exit pupil, providing sufficient contrast to resolve the core of the Hercules Cluster (M13). In an 8-inch f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain, it yields 133×, a power often used for identifying the Galilean moon transits across Jupiter under average seeing conditions.
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16.0mm Field Stop: This physical aperture produces a true field of view that frames large deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula (M42) while maintaining high star-to-background contrast.
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Parfocal Group B: The 1.25-inch barrel is parfocal with Tele Vue Plössl, Panoptic, and Nagler 1.25" eyepieces, reducing the need for refocusing when changing magnifications.
Operational Comparison
The Tele Vue DeLite 15mm occupies a position between larger 72° designs and narrower 50° high-resolution designs.
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vs. Tele Vue 14mm Delos: The DeLite 15mm is approximately 50% lighter and physically smaller, making it easier to balance on small mounts, though it yields a narrower apparent field (62° vs 72°).
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vs. Tele Vue 15mm Panoptic: The DeLite provides significantly longer eye relief (20mm vs 10mm) and an adjustable eyeguard, offering a more comfortable experience for those who wear glasses.
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Is the Tele Vue DeLite 15mm compatible with Dioptrx?
Yes, the Tele Vue DeLite 15mm features a removable eyeguard that reveals threads for the Tele Vue Dioptrx astigmatism corrector, allowing for sharp views without wearing eyeglasses.
How many elements are in the Tele Vue DeLite 15mm?
While Tele Vue does not disclose exact element counts for every focal length, the DeLite series typically utilizes a 6-element optical design optimized for 20mm eye relief and high contrast.
Is the Tele Vue DeLite 15mm good for planetary viewing?
The Tele Vue DeLite 15mm is a medium-power eyepiece that provides excellent contrast for planetary work; in many telescopes, it is often paired with a Barlow or Powermate to reach higher magnifications while retaining its 20mm eye relief.
Does the Tele Vue DeLite 15mm work well in binoviewers?
The slim profile and 7.5-ounce weight of the Tele Vue DeLite 15mm make it a preferred choice for binoviewing, as it fits comfortably between the eyes and maintains mount balance.
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| Focal Length |
15.0 mm |
| Apparent Field of View |
62° |
| Eye Relief |
20 mm |
| Field Stop Diameter |
16.0 mm |
| Barrel Size |
1.25" |
| Weight |
7.5 oz (213 g) |
| Parfocal |
Group B |
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TeleVue 5-Year Limited Warranty for Telescopes and Accessories
