{"product_id":"tele-vue-tv-85-ota-white","title":"Tele Vue TV-85 OTA - White","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAperture: 85mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFocal Length: 600mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFocal Ratio: f\/7\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptical Design: Apochromatic (APO) Doublet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFocuser: 2-inch, 10:1 Dual-Speed Rack-and-Pinion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 8 lbs (OTA only)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLength: 19 inches (retracted)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManuals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Portable Observatory: The Tele Vue TV-85 APO Refractor\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tele Vue TV-85 OTA in White is an 85mm apochromatic refractor telescope engineered for observers and imagers who refuse to compromise on optical quality, even in a portable package. It combines a perfectly color-corrected, high-contrast optical system with robust, field-ready mechanics. This instrument is the definitive choice for anyone seeking a compact telescope that delivers expansive, high-fidelity views of the solar system and deep sky from any location.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned as a true \"grab-and-go\" instrument, the TV-85 excels on lightweight alt-azimuth mounts, making it an ideal companion for spontaneous observing sessions or travel to dark-sky sites. Its performance ceiling, however, is far higher than its size suggests. On a stable equatorial mount, it becomes a capable astrophotography platform, delivering the pristine star points and flat fields that Tele Vue optics are known for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe 85mm APO Doublet Objective\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the TV-85 is an 85mm, 600mm focal length (f\/7) air-spaced apochromatic doublet lens. This is not simply an ED or semi-APO design. The lens elements and their multi-coatings are specified to eliminate false color (chromatic aberration), which preserves the highest levels of sharpness and contrast. The practical result is a view free from distracting purple halos around bright stars, lunar limbs, and planets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis color fidelity means you perceive the subtle cream and tan hues in Saturn's rings and the true ruddy color of Mars's surface without a wash of unfocused blue light. On deep-sky targets, the pinpoint stars of open clusters like the Pleiades or the Double Cluster in Perseus are rendered as sharp, intense points of light against a black, velvety background. The high-contrast optics reveal faint structures in nebulae that would be lost in a less-corrected system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePrecision Focus with the 10:1 Dual-Speed Focuser\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe TV-85 features a 2-inch, 10:1 dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser, a mechanism chosen for its ability to handle heavy imaging loads without slipping. The large, coarse-focus knobs get you close to the mark quickly, but the magic happens with the fine-focus knob. This 10:1 reduction allows for minute, controlled adjustments, which are essential for snapping planetary details into perfect focus at high magnification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you are observing Jupiter's cloud bands or trying to split a tight double star, that final hair's breadth of focus travel is the difference between a soft image and a sharp, detailed view. For imagers, this precision is non-negotiable. It allows you to nail critical focus on your camera sensor, ensuring your exposures capture the finest possible detail without drift or backlash.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eContrast-Optimizing Tube and Baffling\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent objective lens can be compromised by stray light. The TV-85's optical tube is constructed from powder-coated aluminum and features a fully baffled interior. These internal knife-edge baffles are strategically placed to intercept off-axis light that enters the telescope, preventing it from reaching the eyepiece or camera sensor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inside of the tube is finished in an ultra-flat black to absorb any remaining reflections. This meticulous attention to stray light control produces a noticeably darker background sky. This enhances the visibility of faint, extended objects like the Andromeda Galaxy's dust lanes or the wispy outer regions of the Orion Nebula, making them stand out with greater clarity and dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eField-Ready Mechanics: Dew Shield and Mount\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePracticality in the field is a core tenet of the TV-85's design. The smoothly sliding dew shield extends to prevent the formation of late-night moisture on the objective lens, preserving your view through changing temperatures. It also serves as a lens hood, blocking stray light from nearby sources to further improve image contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe telescope includes a robust mounting ring, which provides a secure, non-marring grip on the optical tube. This ring is attached to a standard Vixen-style dovetail bar, ensuring out-of-the-box compatibility with a wide range of popular astronomical mounts. This lets you move the scope from a lightweight photo tripod for birding to a serious German equatorial mount for imaging with ease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA Note on Aperture and Seeing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile larger telescopes have higher theoretical resolution, the TV-85's 85mm aperture is often a significant advantage under typical observing conditions. On nights with turbulent atmospheric \"seeing,\" a larger scope can be overwhelmed, producing a blurry, swimming image. The TV-85's aperture is less susceptible to this turbulence, often delivering a steadier, sharper, and more consistently pleasing view of planets and the Moon than a larger instrument operating below its potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis makes the TV-85 a reliable workhorse. You can count on it to provide high-quality views on nights when larger, more specialized instruments must remain covered. It trades away the light-gathering power of a massive aperture for the ability to deliver its full performance potential on a more frequent basis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe TV-85 Experience: Splitting the Double Double\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCenter the star Epsilon Lyrae in a medium-power eyepiece. At first glance with the TV-85, it resolves cleanly into two bright, white stars. Now, increase the magnification to around 120x with a 5mm eyepiece. As your eye settles and the seeing steadies, the true nature of the system is revealed. Each of the two stars splits again into its own impossibly tight companion, forming a stunning quadruple system—the famous \"Double Double.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is where the TV-85's apochromatic optics and precise focuser demonstrate their value. The stars are perfect, concentric diffraction rings with no distracting color smear, allowing you to cleanly separate the components. It's a classic test of optical quality that this portable refractor passes with ease, delivering a view that is both technically perfect and deeply satisfying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eChoosing Your Tele Vue Refractor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTele Vue offers a family of refractors, each optimized for a specific purpose. Understanding the trade-offs helps you find the right instrument for your observing style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTele Vue TV-76 vs. TV-85:\u003c\/strong\u003e The TV-76 is the ultimate in airline portability, being slightly smaller, lighter, and more compact. The TV-85, with its 85mm aperture, gathers 28% more light and offers higher resolution. This translates to brighter nebula views and the ability to use higher magnification on planets, making the TV-85 the choice for observers who want more performance while retaining grab-and-go convenience.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTele Vue TV-85 vs. NP-101is:\u003c\/strong\u003e The NP-101is is a 4-inch, Petzval-design astrograph, built from the ground up for wide-field imaging with a perfectly flat field. The TV-85 is a more versatile visual instrument that is also a capable imager, especially on solar system targets. The NP-101is is the superior choice for serious wide-field astrophotography, while the TV-85 is a more portable, all-around visual performer at a more accessible price point.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of mount do I need for the Tele Vue TV-85?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor visual use, the TV-85 performs wonderfully on a lightweight, manual alt-azimuth mount like the Tele Vue Tele-Pod. For astrophotography, a small German equatorial mount with tracking, such as one from the Sky-Watcher HEQ5 or iOptron CEM26 class, is recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan the TV-85 be used for astrophotography?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, it is an excellent imaging telescope, particularly for the Moon, planets, and smaller deep-sky objects. For imaging larger nebulae, you will need the TRF-2008 0.8x Reducer\/Flattener to ensure sharp stars across a wide field on a larger camera sensor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the TV-85 good for daytime birding or nature viewing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. When paired with a 45-degree correct-image diagonal, the TV-85 becomes a world-class spotting scope. Its apochromatic optics deliver exceptionally sharp, high-contrast, and color-accurate views of wildlife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the TV-85 compare to an 8-inch SCT?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain will gather significantly more light, making faint galaxies and nebulae appear brighter. However, the TV-85 will typically provide sharper, higher-contrast views of the Moon and planets, with a wider true field of view and no need for collimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the TV-85 come with eyepieces or a diagonal?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe TV-85 is sold as an Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) only. This allows you to choose the diagonal, eyepieces, and finder that best suit your observing goals. A 2-inch diagonal is recommended to take full advantage of its wide-field capabilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWill this telescope fit in an airplane overhead bin?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. With the dew shield retracted, the TV-85 is only 19 inches long. When packed in its included soft case, it meets most airline carry-on size requirements, making it an ideal travel telescope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTV-85 (WXO-3372)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvergreen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApochromatic Refractor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eObjective Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAir-Spaced Doublet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAperture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e85mm (3.35\")\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e600mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/7.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-inch Rack-and-Pinion, 10:1 Dual Speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrawtube Travel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.2\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight (OTA)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 lbs (3.6 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLength (Dew Shield Retracted)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e19\" (48.3 cm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLength (Dew Shield Extended)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23.5\" (59.7 cm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Recommended Magnification\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e250x\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eTele Vue TV-85 Optical Tube Assembly (White)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eTelescope Dust Cap\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eCustom-Fitted Soft Carrying Case\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Tele_Vue_TV-85_Operating_Guide.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/tele-vue-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTele Vue 5-Year Limited Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TeleVue","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51223883350301,"sku":"TV-WXO-3372","price":2167.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/Tele_Vue_TV-85_OTA_White_1.jpg?v=1777515061","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/tele-vue-tv-85-ota-white","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}