-
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 carrying and operating your Tele Vue alt-azimuth mount. By providing a secure, dedicated grip point, it transforms the experience of moving your scope and enhances the precision of manual tracking, allowing for smoother, more intuitive control of your instrument.
A Secure Grip for Safer Transport
Moving a telescope, even a portable one, can be an awkward task. The Tele Vue Mount Handle Assembly provides a perfectly balanced, comfortable grip, allowing you to lift and carry your entire telescope and mount combination with one hand. This seemingly small addition makes the transition from indoors to your observing site significantly easier and safer, reducing the risk of accidental bumps or drops.
The Foundation of Control: The Mounting Block
The core of the assembly is a precisely machined 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 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 and secure, using two included stainless steel captive screws. These screws thread directly into the side of the mount head, creating a solid, reliable attachment that will not loosen over time. The use of stainless steel ensures long-term resistance to corrosion, even in damp observing conditions.
A Critical Ergonomic Upgrade
While elegant in its simplicity, the handle's contribution to your observing workflow is substantial. It removes the hesitation and awkwardness from moving your setup, 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 series. It’s the right choice when you want to add a factory-grade ergonomic enhancement to your Tele Vue observing system.
-
Will the handle fit my Tele Vue Gibraltar HD4 or HD5 mount?
Yes, the Mount Handle Assembly is fully compatible with all versions of the Gibraltar HD4 and HD5 mounts, as well as the Tele-Pod and Panoramic mounts.
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 side of the mount head using two included screws that thread into pre-existing holes. 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.
-
| Product Code |
HAN-1000 |
| Compatibility |
Tele Vue Tele-Pod, Panoramic, and Gibraltar Mount Heads |
| Material |
Machined Aluminum Block, Stainless Steel Hardware |
| Attachment Method |
Two captive screws (included) |
-
-
Mount Handle Assembly
× 1
-
Mounting Screws
× 2 (Captive)
-
Tele Vue 5-Year Limited Warranty
