Review of the TeleVue 60 apochromatic refractor optical tube assembly - the "baby" TeleVue!

TeleVue 60 telescope, $879, optical tube only
My 2004 review is here: www.scopereviews.com/page1u.html#4
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[@ALSutton]

Ed is the perfect reviewer. I would watch Ed review tube rings or tube extensions for an hour if he did it.

[@UzairH]

Yep!, completely agree 🙂 If you like detailed product reviews of geeky technical equipment from a thoughtful hobbyist/expert, then you can also check out Sim Racing Garage (kzbin.info/door/T_50ZiRFWSm7oziV1OZloQvideos), Barry does extremely detailed analysis and breakdowns of sim racing equipment - fun IF you are into sim racing 😉

[@davidborger1808]

Agree.

[@wolfgangklein5549]

Same here

[@tensorhugh2588]

Every alternate Sunday, the thing I most look forward to is Ed's video.

[@endautrestermes]

Ed's reviews are so pinpoint and witty at the same time - always pleasant to watch, even for stuff I'll never be able to afford (at least, as a secondary telescope to run away from zombies - I feel so uncomplete)

[@ba2724]

I can't believe I live in a time where I can watch Ed Ting videos any time I want! He's the ultimate 'cloudy nights' entertainment and education I need. Thanks so much for sharing your passion with us all!

[@edting]

Thanks for your nice comments!

[@JimHendrickson]

One of the things I admire about Tele Vue isn't something that can be found on a spec sheet or test report: it is that the longevity of their products. Most of the scopes they currently sell have been around for 20 or more years. Unlike other refractor manufacturers that seem to turn over their product line and come out with new models every year, Tele Vue has kept their line-up mostly unchanged, except for minor updates and improvements, over the years. I only wish they didn't discontinue the TV-102.

[@elliotyip9844]

I gotta say this telescope with the black and gold accent, coupled with the dewshield and focuser makes it such a beauty.

[@bloodstone2000]

Nothing like Sunday morning coffee and an Ed Ting video to start the day right!

[@JohnMark61355]

Thanks for the video. I have had many TV telescopes. They are excellent of course, but other than the cool factor of owning TV scopes, there are so many scopes, almost as good, or as good, for far less money. For example, my Astrotech 70mm is well made and provides excellent views at just $300. I think I would much rather have the 70mm Astrotech than the 60mm TV at almost three times the cost. For people who have other things to buy in life other than telescopes (perish the thought), TV’s may not make that much sense if the goal is to just get quality views of the night skies.

[@oltkrasniqi6087]

Best scope reviews on this site by far

[@eightmilesupwind9030]

Excellent review. No BS, straight on point. Thanks.

[@gerardgerard5681]

This is an outstanding telescope. I live in Dark Sky the 60mm is a useful and really fun easy to use! Great scope. Highly recommend it.

[@jongroubert4203]

We just sold a used one of these at the telescope store. Nice to hear an actual review of it.

[@MrBonger88]

I love your videos. You are very knowledgeable and easy to understand. Thank you for another great review

[@nomisastro2000]

Awesome as always Ed, looking forward to seeing you review that Portaball in the background! :D

[@moonmonkey9595]

I have a small 60mm too nothing like the TV of course but still an interesting instrument and lovely views 🔭 Ed I do hope your well you seem out of breath in this video take care and clear skies

[@Roope00]

Hey Ed, I just wanted to say thank you for your informative videos. Thanks to your advice, I bought a Dobsonian as my first telescope and it's great!

[@paulwood6729]

Good video Ed. It'd be interesting to hear your thoughts on TVs NP range too.

[@aemrt5745]

Al Nagler is The GOAT. He still mans the customer service line at TeleVue. Talked to him for almost half an hour once after he answered my product questions. Awesome guy! The products are absolutely worth the price. Have a 31mm Nagler, 17.3mm and 8mm Delos, and 5mm DeLite. Views are sharp and rich in my 8in GEM Newtonian and 14in Dob. I am not yet at the point of only using TeleVue, but working on it. Have looked thru several of his large refractors at star parties, and the are a joy to look thru!

[@tommyg5095]

I have been watching Ed's videos, they are great by the way, trying to gather enough insight and knowledge to purchase my first scope, mount, tripod, a couple of quality eye pieces, and any necessities/ accessories. What I have noticed is a lack of quality "New" telescopes of which I would consider, and it looks like I should be prepared to buy used, hopefully not abused..

[@Sergey_Sergeev]

Great little scope!

[@GarnettLeary]

The simplicity of it is very appealing.

[@Astronurd]

Great video Ed, I am in the process of looking for a little refractor to add to my other two scopes. I think I’ll stick to my original aim of 90-102mm

[@kevchard5214]

Ed you helped me decide on my first eye pieces and yes I now have 3 TeleVue's in 2 inch for my 10 inch dobsonion. You are correct they are not cheep but even if you are a beginner like me its worth saving up for.

[@melvl9712]

Many thanks for the review as always Ed. Love the scope reviews website as well. Lol on the Zombie Apocalypse 🧟‍♂️

[@jimsinnovations2737]

thank you kinda helps me figure out mine

[@astrodad656]

Agree with you Ed re: TV EPs as I use TV exclusively. But ..I do have 3 of the Pentax EPs that I love. (10, 7 and 5.5 mm). Nice vlog.

[@avt_astro206]

'Baby televue' that's Pretty Cute ans Compact😄. nice Review Ed!

[@marcfitkin8789]

The dumbest thing I ever did was sell my original Pronto. I love TV products and eventually got another Pronto and then a TV76. I'd love to see a retro review of the Pronto and a new review of the 76.

[@edting]

And I sold a Ranger, the scope that got me back into astronomy, twice!

[@astrodad656]

I still have my Pronto. I use it for imaging and it does totally well with a focal corrector. Color is not a problem and I don't have any chromatic aberration because I'm doing dsos. Even with my lunar shots I'm good, plus I can get a full solar image using a solar Max for hydrogen alpha imaging. Love my Pronto!

[@vaurx7643]

You should totally do a video on how much different deep space imaging is compared to looking at the planets etc i know id love to see that Also maybe a tier list or budget options for future videos? :D

[@edting]

There's a video showing recommended scopes at various price levels. It's one of the most popular videos on the channel, seek it out!

[@radod6147]

That little 60mm TAK so cute.

[@edting]

Yes. I have two of them. And the FC50 is even more cute!

[@peter7624]

Thanks Ed. I've searched high and low and you're the only telescope reviewer to mention telescopes for the zombie a pocky lips.. Perhaps you could do a review..😊

[@Beaver-be8vk]

Do some solar telescope reviews. That would be interesting as well.

[@markihde4381]

Thanks for another informative video that is entertaining and professionally done. I'm curious whether you have any plans to review a sample of Stellarvue's telescopes at some point? I'd loan you one of mine but it's a long drive from Montana to New Hampshire.

[@phakeacount2228]

Also, I really like TV eyepieces, too. How could I not? Still, I can't say that I use them almost exclusively. The wide field EPs I use with my Dobs include a 27 Pan. and a 14 Delos, which are great. But I also use a 36 Siebert Observatory (65 deg.) and 5, 7, & 10 Pentax XWs. The Delos actually replaced a 14 WX, which had some field curvature. My favorite planetary EPs to use with EQ refractors are ZAO 2s. For binoviewer pairs, I use Ploessls or orthos from TV, UO, Brandon, CZJ, as well as RKEs, Celestron Ultimas, and even a pair of 25 CZJ Huygens. Finally, my airline portable 6" strut Dob has a three-piece EP kit: 24 Pan., 11 T6, and a Celestron 2.2x Ultima Barlow. My Televue 101 has an Everbrite diagonal, but a Denk binoviewer, and it rides an AVX mount. So, I mix 'em up. :)

[@goldni4429]

The table that 60 is sitting on when you put the diagonal in is terrifyingly shaking to put a near $1000 ota on!

[@edting]

Correct. I need to get a better table.

[@astroblast9352]

I actually prefer the AT60ED to both the Televue 60 and Tak 60. I’ve had multiple Televue 60s and they are quite good. However, other than spotting scope and extreme portability, an 80mm class scope provides a lot more capabilities as a wide field grab and go.

[@normdetection]

I see this telescope more as a guide scope, I have several 50mm 60mm and 70 mm (Orion 7220) as a guide on my telescopes. That said of course it can serve as a main telescope when you don't want to take out all the astronomy equipment, it's quick to set up. Still, the price is not cheap and I'm not sure if I would pay for a 60mm of this price. Thank you Ed for making me discover this little jewel that I am sure of its high optical quality.

[@ishanr8697]

$900 guide scope? Nice if you can afford it.

[@alanprice9938]

The mention of the mount in here, made me wonder about one of the aspects of set up that I don’t hear discussed very often - the height of the tripod/leg extension. I got too hung up on keeping the legs short due to the worry about flex when extended, but all too often find myself struggling to get my head low enough to comfortably use the finder scope. This won’t get easier as I get old, I’m sure 😃, but whilst it’s a very simple aspect, I’m interested to find out how others approach it.

[@johnrobison1413]

Wish I had exercised some common sense and reviewed Mr. Ting’s video’s last year. Especially the ‘Buy this-not that’ video. After a 40 some year interrupted interest in hobby astronomy last October a cataract operation gave me the blessing of a new clear view of the night sky. I’ve already wasted time and money (and this retiree don’t got a lot of discretionary income). I made a snap decision in November to get a Celestron Omni 102 from Costco. Should have saved up and just got an 8 inch dob. Since then I did get an Orion short tube 80 OTA which I think will serve very well for a last minute choice when the sky clears unexpectedly. I do want to wind up with 2 scopes a larger one for planned excursions and the little 80mm for grab and go.

[@Weldologist]

The Televue 60 is the only scope for the apocalypse!

[@palmereldrich]

60mm is a perfect G&G and ultimate finderscope for a rig. MAXIMUM value in a nothing package i.e. long scenic hikes are crowned with amplified views if desired. Ed, how is the field curvature? I am considering the 62Evolux tube. Wondering if its obtrusive as the flattener is pricey and i dont want it for AP ? Thanks !!! Great channel subscribed long ago !!

[@korax9728]

Hello Sir! Thank you once more for an excellent review. I was wondering if you could make a video about eyepieces like which do you think have the best value for money and which ones fit best for each OTA. Also, what do you think abuout vinoviewers? I'd love to hear from you.

[@rodneyjohnson4794]

DEFINITELY want to get a head start on the zombies!

[@lornaz1975]

I see a Portaball in our future, perhaps a fork mounted Meade SCT as well.

[@gregoryvassiliou4739]

It would be awesome if you got a hold of the TV 85 or any of their bigger refractors to review. I’ve been looking at getting the TV 85 for quite some time.

[@phakeacount2228]

Nice Portaball in the background.

[@ericfrizzell2450]

Hi Ed I would like you too make video review of the best dept store scopes

[@Muesli711]

Hi Ed, where on the Bortle Scale are the night skies of your observing site @6:10?

[@MM0IMC]

I see that you have the same guide camera as me, the ZWO ASI 120MM mini. Do you use a UV/IR cut filter with it on the moon and planets?

[@Rafastro]

Do you know if we can put it on guide rings? It has such a big flare , that I don’t know….

[@joshuariddensdale2126]

I've been looking at Orion's 130mm and 134mm reflectors. But they have much lower focal ratios than my current 114mm scope. My current one is 1000mm length, for a ratio of f8. The ones I'm looking at are only f4 or f5 (600mm length). Do you think I'm better off sticking with the one I have?

[@zOldDude]

Dear Ed - the white scope on your right (beginning of video) looks like a 7" Intes-Micro Mak (is it? or perhaps it's a TEC?). When are you going to review it? 😟

[@rubenmborgesmusic]

Hey Ed. I had used a cheap 70mm (,x 400mm) achromatic refractor telescope in the beginning of my astronomy hobby. It was good enough to make out that there were moons inline with Jupiter (I was pretty impressed at the time) but Jupiter was just a bright white ball. I didn't realize how bad that telescope really was until I looked at Jupiter through a larger (153mm×1200mm) dobsonian telescope and could make out the stripes and colours of Jupiter and could make out Saturn and its rings rather well. Now I'm just wondering if a 60mm (or 70mm) apochromatic refractor would be able to resolve those kinds details (was it just the lens technology?) or do those kinds of details come down to the longer focal length and larger apertures size? I'll be imaging nebula and galaxies for the most part but I'm curious if the right kind of refractor would be able to resolve those kinds of detail on its own with long enough exposure and a goto/tracking mount.

[@kermitzforg]

I own a Televue 76 (mm) and a Obsession 22 (inches) and I can tell you that a bigger aperture will give you greater resolution of details....nonetheless though the Televue has such good optics that I'm constantly pleased with what it can do even with the limited aperture and will blow away any bargain refractor by such a large margin. One of the things that folks don't think about is that the finer refractors like the Televues not only have great optics but the focuser is also so beefy and precise. A good focuser can make the difference between a sharp focus that holds even with heavy eyepieces. Also I can fit the Televue in such a small case and take it with me everywhere...its truly grab and go and gets used more because of that. In fact if you really want to go big just pair the Televue with a night vision device and a HAlpha filter and you'll be able to see stuff that only the big scopes can see and it will be super portable! In fact I can see the horsehead with my Televue paired with night vision even with the moon in the sky! That's not something you can normally see even with large scopes unless you have ideal conditions.

[@cory9170]

@@kermitzforg The night vision suggestion is a good one, with the following important caveats: (1) The TNV/PVS-14, which is the night vision device that Tele Vue exclusively recommends for use with its scopes, is more expensive than the TV-60, Telepod mount, diagonal, and a couple good Tele Vue eyepieces combined! And (2) The TNV/PVS-14 is essentially a device of national security, meaning if you're not a US citizen residing on US soil, you can forget about purchasing/using it. The rules are so strict in fact, you can apparently be charged and imprisoned for simply allowing a non-US citizen to look through it! www.televue.com/engine/TV3b_page.asp?id=36

[@ameykhandwala11]

Is the celestron astromaster 130eq good for beginner for astrophotography and viewing ?? Or is the dobsonian best ??

[@minalkhandwala1371]

I had the same question?? Can you please tell ...

[@edting]

Avoid all AstroMaster and PowerSeeker models, please. Junk.

[@ameykhandwala11]

So dobsonian are best ?

[@MrLink-dk7yn]

Hello Amey, I would like to expand here. Ed's previous review video talks about the powerseeker 127 and explains why it's a bad idea. The scope you mention is imo, better than the one in the review but I wouldn't buy one for myself. It's barely acceptable for visual use but not for astrophotography. Take a peek into Ed's reviews and you'll get a sense of what's good. He has many reviews targeted for beginners and if you're looking for recommendations, Ed is your guy.

[@MrLink-dk7yn]

Oh and I forgot to mention, Dobsonian telescopes are designed for visual use. Their appeal lies on their cost per aperture ratio and Ed do recommends them. But if you are also seeking to do astrophotography, you may want to skip the dobsonian design and look for a smaller telescope but with a decent mount. Having said that, if the person using this is a beginner, many would say to start even simpler. Many recommend doing binocular astronomy first. One good reason for this is that it will give the person time to see if watching the night sky is actually the right hobby to pursue before committing to a full blown astronomy setup. Take your time and ponder the wise words of people like Ed.

[@ishanr8697]

How would this compare to a good pair of 50mm binoculars?

[@cabbagecky]

Hey Ed. Have had any experience with a skywatcher 10 inch collapsible dob? Looking to upgrade from my 5 inch reflector. Thank you

[@edting]

I did a written review for Scopereviews a few years back. Check it out. I didn't find any obvious issues but I also didn't see the advantages of the collapsible design. If you stop and think about it, it doesn't really do anything for you.

[@TJSpartan008]

Hey Ed, I'd love to see you review some eyepieces as well. TeleVue, Explore Scientific, Celestron, Baader, what have you. You give a lot of really good info on OTAs, the kind of info I'd like to see about eyepieces too. What do you think?

[@edting]

This has been a common request. I have some ideas on how to approach the subject but I won't do the video until I am sure I can get it right.

[@cthulhuspawn96]

I've watched your videos for a good while, I'm curious if the AstroMaster 76EQ is a good scope for starting out for deeper sky objects? I have a Celestron Travel Scope now but I have the 76EQ on the way because I want a lot more views and to go deeper in the sky, was curious if it's a good scope or not! There's not a lot of reviews on the scope so I thought I'd ask the professional!

[@edting]

Stay away from all AstroMaster and PowerSeeker models please.

[@gerardflowers8748]

Quick question - Have you had a chance to review the JMI NGT Newtonians from 80s and 90s? Scopereviews Newtonian matrix had these as CAT 5s. Thanks

[@edting]

Just avoid the briefly available 6" version, which was a disaster.

[@jongoldsby]

That counter weight was up to the hilt :)

[@darrell9546]

Thanks, Ed. Is that a Portaball behind you to your left? Have you talked about it?

[@edting]

Working on that!

[@gabrielrobles5288]

There is one thing I have never understood about this travel scopes, for such a small aperture and so little magnification, wouldnt it be better to just use a pair of binoculars? You will get more light in and a wider FOV.

[@edting]

Binoculars are useful and you should have them, but they aren't even close to the quality of a fine refractor. In the right hands, an observer can accomplish an amazing variety of tasks with a good small scope.

[@soupsock9743]

hey ed, in case you take q & a requests in your comments, is there any chance you could tell me what its like upgrading from a 60x900mm refractor to a 304x1520mm dob? thanks

[@edting]

Cheap 60mm refractors are the prototypical junk scopes. If you get a Dob, the 8" is usually the sweet spot. 12" is too big.

[@clearnightsky]

Was that a TV 60's user manual signed by Al Nagler? :)

[@justinvernal]

When is the ed ting signature comeing out.im first in line👌🇺🇸

[@JuanHV2000]

Hi ED!!! i Just bougth an 8 inch dob. What eyepieeces and brands do you recommend ?

[@edting]

Don't get anything for a while. There's plenty to keep you busy for a long time. You don't need fancy eyepieces, or a barlow, and (please) don't buy any of those silly useless filters. Right now the equipment is not your bottleneck.

[@FlyingJJD]

Please review the TV76 and the NP101!!

[@edting]

I am playing with a TeleVue 85 right now.

[@k.h.1587]

3.5mm pentax xw has entered the chat

[@shepshape2585]

Ed (or anyone with an opinion for that matter): The wife and I want to buy our first telescope. We're thinking a go to scope because while they might be a little more difficult to learn how to use, we're wanting to use it some of the time for astrophotography. We also need something that's pretty portable. We don't have an unlimited budget, but we can afford to spend a decent amount of cash on the right set up. Also need advice on the right mount. Probably wanting to go with an equatorial.

[@edting]

Stick with the standard recommendations. The problem with cheap (sub $1500) goto systems (ETX, SLT, etc) is they have issues with pointing accuracy and long term reliability.

[@shepshape2585]

@@edting Ed, thank you for the reply. Could I bother you to offer a specific recommendation? Scope and mount? I really value your opinion and I'd prefer to get it right the first time. Thank you very much.

[@dff19707]

“It just may save your life.” Hahahahaha!!!

[@astrophotonics9470]

Nice but ill stick with my Tak FS60

[@cthulhuspawn96]

I know I asked a question before but I'm curious about another telescope, a Meade DS-114AT with the AutoStar, is it a good choice?

[@edting]

Meade DS series are junk.

[@cthulhuspawn96]

@@edting okay last question, what about a NexStar 130 SLT? that would be a good choice right?

[@edting]

Avoid all cheap (less than $1500 - $2000) goto systems. You are asking for trouble. The ETXs are also in this category.

[@PafMedic]

I Really Enjoyed This,And It May Just Save Your Life😁Think About It,Clear Skies❤️🙏🏻✨🌏🔭

[@hunter133official]

What is that Truss-tube Dob in the back and how much does it cost

[@edting]

That's a 12.5" Portaball. There's a review elsewhere on this channel.

[@hunter133official]

@@edting Oh wow, I'll go check that review out.

[@Robin-Visser]

When your name is ED you have to love telescopes

[@vmstanford]

Hi Ed, Can you review a TeleVue 85?

[@edting]

There's a review on Scopereviews. These TeleVue refractors are all very similar in performance. Pick the one that suits your needs and budget.

[@vmstanford]

@@edting I just looked your review on Scopereviews. Thank you for the pointer. I have an old Meade ETX 125, and a collection of TeleVue eye peaces to go with it. It has been in its case for some years, and I am getting it out and rekindling my interest in the hobby. The ETX-125 optics seem quite good, but it has a pretty long focal length. So I am thinking about a fast wide field refractor that is decently portable and gives good image quality. Maybe a TeleVue 85 or maybe an Orion ED80T CF Triplet Apo, or similar. I am also thinking about a Televue Everbright diagonal to get the most out my ETX 125, and any new scope. I really enjoy the crisp rationality and encyclopedic knowledge you bring to your KZbin channel. Thank you for your videos.

[@sbkarajan]

How about ASTRO-TECH AT152EDT and Esprit 150? ASTRO-TECH AT152EDT is 152 mm, f8, triplet.... only $4,395.... Esprit 150 is 150 mm, f7, triplet... $8,250.... Frankly, if I did not know the price, ASTRO-TECH looks more premium, but I have not seen either in person.... I am in the market for 6" refractor... these are my finalists, and wondering if you have access to these and review?

[@MrLink-dk7yn]

new camera Ed? Looks good in my monitor =)

[@edting]

Ha! You are the first person in almost a million views to notice. I'm now in 4K.

[@MrLink-dk7yn]

😀👍

[@mojojojo7923]

I say you do a giveaway!

[@UzairH]

I always love when an Ed Ting video drops since I have been following him since the scopereviews.com days way back in the late '90s. It is a warm feeling getting to see and hear the man behind the dozens of articles on telescopes and observing I read as a teenage amateur astronomer. Thanks Ed for these wonderful reviews and general observing videos!