Review of the TeleVue 85 - A Popular Premium apo Among Refractor Lovers!

For mounts, the easiest thing to do is use TeleVue’s Gibraltar ($1450) alt-az mount. For an equatorial mount, I’d recommend at least a mid-sized unit like the Celestron AVX ($~1000) shown in the video. If you have a Losmandy GM-8 ($2495) or better, you are in good shape.
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[@Beaver-be8vk]

You’re too humble when it comes to astrophotography. Your pictures are literally some of the best I’ve seen. They always have a clarity I don’t see in other people’s work.

[@Astronurd]

Your obviously not looking properly.

[@A0111.]

Haven't directly compared his pictures with others, but I just really like them, especially the contrast - it's just right to my taste. Some photographers tend to brighten up the background to show more nebulosity, but I find it too unnatural - space needs to be black, imo.

[@Beaver-be8vk]

@@A0111. Exactly! And then all the false colors that others introduce. Green? I mean it’s beautiful but it’s not real.

[@arnavarora4129]

@@Beaver-be8vkYEAHHH THIS IS WHAT A PICTURE IS SUPPOSED TO BE. Others just try to fake it rather than make it feel real . This was the particular reason i loved visual more than astrophotography but his pictures might just change my opinion.

[@user-ey6rc1uo3i]

You're

[@messier7849]

I bought into the TeleVue ecosystem 20 years ago when I got a used TV 102 for visual. I then bought a used Pronto with the Coronado 60 mm etalon for the Venus transit in 2012. I recently got the TV 85 with the reducer/ flattener for imaging despite being a relatively slow scope at f/7 but wow...pinpoint to the edges. Thanks for the review, Ed. A great scope for both visual and photographic astronomy.

[@KingLoopie1]

TeleVue: "Here we have a new...." Ed cuts in: "I'll take it!" 😜

[@shadalf]

What I like about the TV85 and other TV scopes is that they are targeted more to visual observers instead of the current APOs that are more focused on imaging with unnecessary features for visual only. I guess this show it is an older scope. I dreamed about one of these many years ago, but I went in another direction (mid size Zambuto dob, not a bad place to be). Maybe some day. Nice review, it felt like reading Scopereviews many years ago.

[@qdogg290]

Sounds like me.

[@alexsoma3720]

Wow, I just love your review Ed. My got-to channel for astronomy equipment and just classy entertainment. Love your style! Thank you for everything you're doing for us. Hello from Italy, clear skies 😊

[@stephenpalmer7281]

Hi Ed. Great review as always. My TV85 gets the most use of any scope in my lineup. I use it both visually and for imaging. Phenomenal scope for both and heirloom quality. Just an extremely satisfying scope to use, no regrets. Clear skies and Merry Christmas.

[@jrwestimate6953]

Thanks Ed. Another great review.

[@ronm6585]

Thanks for the review Ed.

[@astrolabsInc]

Absolutely love your videos Ed! Thank you for this long anticipated review!

[@GemmaC]

Thank you for finally reviewing my favourite telescope! My own channel has numerous deep sky shots with this scope, some decent solar Ha with a Daystar filter, and also numerous birding videos with/without the 2x Powermate, in case your viewers want to see more. You should mention its terrestrial uses!

[@MichaelEdelman1954]

I’ve had a Pronto for almost 35 years. I’d been thinking about the 85 for over a year, and this video helped me make the decision to buy one. I’m happy I did. It’s small enough to be easily portable and quick to set up, and it delivers sharp, contrasty images you’ll never see in an SCT or Newtonian.

[@engineerncook6138]

I've had a TV-85 for about 2 years and love it. I use a Baader Sky-Surfer III red dot finder ($52) and it is far superior to the Televue BB-gun sight which has a smaller window and doesn't adjust in brightness. It is mounted on Televue's Finderscope Adapter Block # FAB-1008 ($28) ( fiber reinforced plastic but it works) The Sky Surfer III can also serve as a rudimentary solar finder. I mount it on a Vixen Porta II atop a Berlebach Report 402 with the Vixen Porta adapter. Works great, a high quality, light but easy to use grab-n-go scope set-up.

[@X_Excelsior]

Great review! 👍

[@woody5109]

Great review Ed, great telescope. Winter is coming but it will be late, so enjoy the warmth.

[@eottoe2001]

Hey, Ed, your video hasn't been showing up on my feed but got two today. Thank you for your videos. Have a Merry Christmas and a good New Year.

[@Aacron]

Ed you the best. Love your content.❤

[@Naztronomy]

Watching these videos make me wish I had unlimited money. I have 7 telescopes that I've collected over the last 12 years but I want more! The comparison between this and the pronto is super interesting.

[@maryfinnel1018]

Thanks, Ed! I purchased my TV85 nearly 20 years ago, at the recommendation of your website review. High quality and portability together in one scope.

[@missouriskies]

Always enjoy your reviews, Ed. I'm a 20+ year Pronto user and probably sticking to it. It's a member of the family at this point. I was so glad that you reviewed it a few months ago. Slight color aberrations (of which the Prontos are minimal and very well-controlled) never seem to bother me in visual observation.

[@Malletman12]

Awesome! Good Luck!

[@JeffFishman]

Great video Ed. I own the pronto, 85, genesis, 8”, etc.. I enjoy visual and now AP

[@RobertKarlBerta]

I got mine about 20 years ago but equiped it with the Feather Touch focuser,. I agree that it should come with an engraved scale on the focuser as many curren scopes do. There are sources of rings that will work with it. It is a doublet with ED glass so it is very well corrected but not perfect. This will show up in photographs. That is why I got the matched .8 flat field reducer. That yields an absolutely flat field and perfect color correction. The good part about the reducer is it is optimimized for refactors from 400mm to 600mm focal lengths. It is by far the best reducer I have used in this range of focal lengths. My more current refractors include a 152mm f8 and 80mm f6 APOs from Officina Stellare. Both are fantastic scopes but that 80mm shines with the TV focal reducer yields images that are spectacular with a cropped sensor. I still use the TV 85 APO also but prefer the OS scope which is more highly corrected and outstanding optics. Frankly while the TV 85 is a very nice scope, I think that some of the competitions newer scopes have passed it. I am mainly an imager in deep sky, wide field, and solar but enjoy the sharp contrasty visuial images of a fine refractor. i do have other larger scopes but at 76 years old so not as keen as a few years ago to haul heavy gear around to star parties as I once was I have come to find I can get amazing images with a smaller aperture that a few short years ago would have required much larger aperture and far more expensive camera and other gear.

[@shkraus]

Thanks for all your videos and knowledge! I appreciate a chance to own this eye piece.

[@johnhoffer5429]

Like always Ed you do a great review !. I bought the TV- 85 green version one year ago after lugging around a 8” Meade LX 90 ACF for 20 years. Still love LX 90 but I find myself using the TV-85 more and more due to its lightweight & spectacular optics. I have it mounted on a TV Tele-pod, no electronics to mess with and no stars to line up. It’s the perfect grab and go scope. My intention is to mount it on a ZWO AM5 mount with an ZWO ASI2600 MC Pro camera in the next few days and see what happens. As far as price point in my opinion it’s worth every penny. Again thanks for the great and fair reviews you do.

[@nickademuss42]

Fantastic coverage of a scope I have drooled over many times, but built a 14" dob instead.... I do however use Televue eyepieces, nothing better.

[@JohnMark61355]

Thanks for your review. It reminded me why I have not purchased a TV telescope in a long time. All the extra items that need to be purchased, some of them proprietary, is off-putting. I realize many high quality OTA’s usually require buying extra equipment but the buyer has more choices. I am an amateur, use my refractor for visual use, so it would be difficult to convince me to buy a TV when my (e.g.) Astrotech 80mm triplet gives outstanding views. I do have a non-TV quality diagonal and some TV EP’s. At star parties, people often say they like the view through this scope more than any other.

[@exif6839]

I have bought my TeleVue NP101 a lot of years ago and till nowadays there is no competitor in terms of wide field and pinpoint stars till the edge of the field with Nagler 31. Really amazing!

[@danielgolite]

A few years ago I bought a used Televue 85. It was used a lot by the previous owner for many years but it still looks brand new. There are some good deals out there on used Televue scopes if you keep looking. What is interesting is that th ese scopes first came out about 25 years ago and are still being made, though its focused was updated.

[@phakeacount2228]

Neato. In 2004, I thought about getting a TV85 for a Coronado 60mm solar filter I had acquired. I ended up finding a second-hand TV101 for about the same price. It's good for pretty much everything and is limited only by its aperture. I use a Rigel finder using a pair of mini-bungies to hold the finder base onto the tube. I use either an AVX or a TV Gibraltar mount.

[@mikemoran5439]

Definitely need to check out that DeLite!

[@Beanerds]

Would love one of these , I had and loved a Pronto years ago and stupidly sold it !! DIRRR !

[@MarkRosengarten]

I have a green tube version of this scope and it is my main scope. I also have an 8 inch SCT but, I repeat, this scope is my main scope. I have adapted it for hydrogen Alpha viewing with a Lunt 60 filter and that’s how I mostly use it but it’s phenomenal for night sky as well. I had a TV76 that I loved for several years but this is kind of the scope I’ve always wanted to have and I’m not ever getting rid of it. I did upgrade the focus with a Feathertouch and it’s phenomenal. I have the Sol Searcher to help me get the sun where it needs to be for quick observing. I do want to get the focal reducer/flattener but it’s not available anywhere just now.

[@fingernailplays5602]

Hey Ed, I always love watching your videos and I really enjoy the few buy this not that videos you’ve made could you maybe make one for Orion telescopes?

[@CONDUCTORE77]

Great video. I’ve used TV eyepieces plenty of times but never even looked through one of their refractors. I tend to be spoiled however with my Takahashi APO refractors and not sure an amateur can get much finer images than what I already have.

[@clivecanzy61]

I’d love a high quality eyepiece like that! Thanks for giving us a chance to win one,love your channel keep up the great work,Clive in the UK.

[@A0111.]

Make sure to post your message under the right video, otherwise no chance to win

[@palmereldrich]

10:27 Your skills have leapt ahead Ed❤❤

[@cigarnationwarriors]

I’m keeping my TV76. A great wide field APO. It came complete in 2006. Now everything is ala cart from TeleVue making their units more expensive.

[@gunsmokeray]

Thanks for the review. For $2200 they should include a way to mount it. My 127 APO came with a diagonal and vixen plate and finder and the optical quality is superb for less money. Thanks for your insight.

[@oscarr.g.509]

I'm starting to think TeleVue should consider patenting those eyepiece and accessory fitting sounds, there's something soo satisfying about them :D

[@messier7849]

Imaging M31 tonight with mine.

[@louisfourie3823]

Hi Ed. Another great video. Please do a review of the TV101 if possible. I own one which I bought long ago and would love to hear your thoughts on it.

[@MrAstroshot]

Yes that would be good to see.

[@theoldar]

Old dude here (53 years in the hobby). 85mm will never be "mid-sized" to me. That's a pea-shooter no matter how good the image is!

[@David_Brinkerhoff93]

I guess you are fortunate to be immune to refractor magic. I'm forever enslaved and my wallet hates me.

[@theoldar]

@@David_Brinkerhoff93 I have owned a few (of course), but I have been a deep sky guy since I got my Edmund 6" reflector in 1974. What a HUGE scope, and with a clock drive! Before that I had the standard kid's Tasco 😉.

[@jacopocom]

Bravo

[@yannfournereau6038]

I had a TV76, sold it, I regretted it, then I happily acquired a TV85, I'm not going to part with it any time soon... One question though, is the TF2008 focal reducer useful for an Apsc sensor?

[@kaboom4679]

TV makes some outstanding products . As for the finder , it's a fairly saturated market and while TV could easily build one for the middle price point , the bigger question would be if it would be worth it . It would have to be functionally superior to other finders in that price point , otherwise they will likely only sell to TV diehards .

[@mikeisss79]

I remember wanting to get a Pronto early on thinking it would surely be an upgrade over my Synta made ED80. Then I learned how old the Pronto was and that the TV-85 would be a better choice. Then I saw the price difference and I was sad. It would be interesting to see how this would fare in a premium 3" shootout, say FC-76 VS ED81S vs TV-85 and such. Great review as always 🙂

[@edting]

That's not a bad idea. I'm also playing with an Astro-Tech AT80EDT right now.

[@MountainFisher]

I have a 102 carbon fiber Explore Scientific triplet I use visually and the only filters I use is the Baader Neodymium Moon and Skyglow IR cut filter ( 2" screwed onto the diagonal) to view the Moon during the day, works great for sunset Mercury too (23/12/02). You were talking about an OIII filter, I was wondering, could I use that for visual Ed with a 102mm aperture? I've been told it's for photography or larger apertures unless viewing bright nebulae like M42. I bet that TeleVue-85 would be excellent for double stars or unusual single stars like the Garnet Star, Mu Cephei.

[@palmereldrich]

IMO Overpriced Underequiped Overvalued Great optics but...$$$$$ My 62 Evolux has R&P 11:1 scaled focuser 70mm travel And with 30XW A flatfield Total apo Moon outstanding 5+6 trapezium stars😮

[@gregerianne3880]

Looks like a great scope, Ed! Someone graciously loaned me a TV NP-101 (pre 'is') since it was just sitting in their closet. 🙁 I had a very brief chance to do a little visual observing with it between clouds last week and, man! As someone who's never looked through a premium, a.k.a non-mass produced, scope I was really blown away by the NP-101. I know it's not designed for imaging, but I'm very anxious to try it out with a camera. Well, I guess you get what you pay for, right? TV products are expensive, but premium is premium and that's true of TV products. (I own several TV eyepieces as well and they are the absolute best.)

[@grandmasteryoda9893]

they may be good, tv is not worth the price

[@gregerianne3880]

@@grandmasteryoda9893 Are you talking about TV scopes, eyepieces, or both? What type of premium scope IS worth the price, in your opinion? I'm asking because I'm genuinely curious (since this is the first premium scope I've ever had a chance to use).

[@grandmasteryoda9893]

@@gregerianne3880 i aiming for the TV APOs. they just crazy expesive. i get what you mean with "is worth the price". there is very litle no preformense value in apo vs a newt. when i mean TV are overpriced i mean compared to diffrent apos on the marked. you can apo just as good or better for less money. i point preformense value in apo marked and TV dont do well there

[@JamesAdams-ev6fc]

Great review, I want this telescope. Ed, I wonder if you have considered an interview with David Nagler? He is a very sharp guy, it might be interesting. Maybe at NEAF 2024??

[@edting]

I've thought about that. It would be an "Ed Visits..." series.

[@salomonwachholz8254]

Thanks, Dad.

[@johnnimmo4114]

Ed May I enquire in what is your opinion is on the best size/type of TV eyepieces that would compliment this amazing scope Clear skies!!

[@aa5tb]

Thanks for another great review Ed. As a side note, for some reason the video quality of this video is way below that of most of your videos. Shot in low-res maybe? It may just be something on my end. Thanks again!

[@user-ji7jy6dr8l]

Careful with that heavy metal “manhole cover” objective cover! With the dew shield retracted, one slip of the fingers and that heavy cover can swing down and it’s edge can impact the objective surface -easily damaging the objective lens! This is known to happen. It’s a design-flaw of an otherwise very nice little telescope. I have a TV85 myself, and will not again use this heavy threaded objective cap. Not as sexy, but far safer to use a simple and safe plastic lens cap, and thereby avoid the possibility of a very regrettable mishap altogether.

[@edting]

Good point. Yes, with the dew shield retracted, the metal cover is *right there* next to the objective lens.

[@colingeorge7638]

@edting how do you think Tele Vue-85 compares to other premium 3-4 inch refractors like the Takahashi FC76 or FC100? I’m considering upgrading scopes to one of these three.

[@chamithathukorala1985]

Can i know sir, what is the different between this lens and sigma 60-600 telephoto lens I think telephoto len can reach 600mm and with some aliexpress help we can attach eyepiece to sigma lens Sigma lens can use day and night and its front element is 105mm

[@wildfury77]

I was about to buy one of these to replace a WO Megrez 72 as my grab and go scope….but then have my head turned by the Tak FC-100DC which is even lighter than the Televue, 4 inches and a similar price. Ed in the unlikely event you see this comment what are your thoughts?

[@ronboe6325]

I've had my Pronto over 20 years now (yikes!) and it does not compare favorably to the 85. At all. :) Having test driven a couple TV85's the only thing holding me back was the price (ended up recently with an Astro Tech 115 after looking through a buddies for several years - for me it hits a sweet spot between size, ease of use and cost). Perhaps I should sell some other scopes and add the 85 to my fleet as the larger stuff just does not get hauled out. Now back when I picked up the Pronto I seem to recall the 85 came with a clam shell and diagonal - do I recall correctly?

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Pretty telescope.

[@KaidenBainAstro]

Hello Ed, I recently watched your video on the ES 127ED, however I am curious if you feel the same way about the 102ED of the same series. Thanks in advance.

[@edting]

Yes, all the refractors from that series are very similar. You just pick the one that suits your needs and budget.

[@diego_villena]

How does the 85 compare to your Megrez 90?

[@lornaz1975]

For two years now I have been debating whether to get the TV 85 or the Vixen 81s. I ended up going with the Vixen due to the slightly longer focal length. Not sure how the two compare to each other. That would be an interesting video if you were to do it.

[@MichaelHrivnak]

I also went with the Vixen and love it. By all accounts (including Ed's review) it has impeccable quality, but is a lot more affordable. A side-by-side comparison is long overdue.

[@lornaz1975]

@@MichaelHrivnak Agree and agree!

[@jtepsr]

i owe one of these for a long time but never did astrophotography with it, i have to buy a mount. i also owned the 101, should have never sold it

[@davidaucoin4990]

Ed, what is the location of the outside spot you used for this review? I am interested in going up there to do some imaging. Thank you!

[@edting]

It's the fields at Joppa Hill, Bedford NH. Excellent horizons. It's dusty though. The parking lot is dirt.

[@brucegelman5582]

This scope ticks all bases.Keep in mind its relatively portable and if your a birder there is little to nothing that compares to the TV 85.

[@worldwide1376]

Thanks, Ed. I guess I'm not alone in that I used to own a TeleVue 85 about 15 years ago and sold it and have regretted it to this day. But, you, did it twice :-). I'm looking to get something is this class of scopes and am torn between getting another TV85 or a Stellarvue SVX090T. Different lens design, 5mm more on the SV, which is likely not going to matter much. Maybe quicker cool down time on the TV given it's a douplet vs. triplet design that's on the SV. Both companies seem to be known for excellent QC, both scopes closely priced. TeleVue offers 5 year warranty, Stellarvue - 2. But both are so well made, the warranty is likely nothing more than sense of security. Boy, this is a tough one for me. Any words of wisdom on which way to go? Cheers. -Norm

[@edting]

Tough call, you should be fine with either (or both, haha!). Also check out the Tak FC76.

[@ColeDedhand]

Even though you are reviewing the TV85 here, my biggest takeaway is that I need to get an 18.2mm DeLite eyepiece.

[@edting]

That is not a bad takeaway!

[@David_Brinkerhoff93]

You got the inferior version. Green is the better version.

[@edting]

You could make that case!

[@mattpike7268]

What is the purpose of this telescope? Is it just for astrophotography, or is it worthwhile for an observer? Great video 👍

[@davidalbert9387]

It is probably a better scope for observing than astrophotography in my opinion.

[@amritseecharan848]

I like Tele vue, but I always though for the price of their scopes, some bare accessories should be standard. Even if it's just the bracket or the finder, it's badly in need of Something

[@ianfry5967]

Nice scope , but way over priced here in Australia 4000 dollars

[@dirkfierce2525]

Curious if anyone has tried that field flattener on refractors longer that 600mm? (which is the maximum the manufacturer recommends)

[@edting]

It works fine in my FS102 (820mm). I did it as an experiment since I already have the dedicated field flattener for the FS102.

[@PetraKann]

What are the 3 most important discoveries you've made using your astronomical equipment?

[@Astronurd]

Is this a doublet or a triplet?

[@freeman10000]

Doublet.

[@stephenc2738]

I own a Televue 85, it’s versatile, very portable and I just won’t part with it.

[@iswara108enricochiarucci5]

Televue time.... 😂

[@ultrametric9317]

God I was so hoping the Televue cult could be avoided here.

[@stevejohnson174]

That case stinks. I see no reason why a fine instrument like that would come in something like that. I'd swap it out for a hardshell with latches that has padding on all sides.

[@ericbarnett6771]

It may be right for me but not for my wallet.

[@grandmasteryoda9893]

i just wish TV just droped the prices. in perfromense value they realy sucks. i can get 90 mm triplet apo with flattner for for less money. even they are well made, they very overpriced