TS-Optics PHOTOLINE 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet Apo - 2.5" RAP Focuser - with optical test

A perfect travelling apochromat - for observation and astrophotography

Under the lead management of Teleskop-Service, this high-quality Photoline triplet apo with FPL53 element from Ohara (Japan) came to life as optimal travelling apochromat.

Even at higher magnification, the image has no annoying chromatic error, with excellent correction at the same time. It is one of the best and fastest 80 mm apos we have seen. The fast focal ratio of f/6 not only keeps the refractor very short, it also provides short exposure times for astrophotography.

Astrophotographic results obtained with this telescope on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this telescope model: Link to Astrobin

Best mechanics ensure an excellent image quality over years and success in astrophotography

Even the best optics can be used successfully only if the mechanics is right. Here, savings were often made in the wrong place. This is not the case for the Photoline 80 mm f/6 apo.

The advantages and features at a glimpse:

Rack-and-pinion focuser, plain bearing mounted. The support is decoupled from the drawtube drive.

Oversized drawtube with 60 mm clear aperture for full illumination even if full-frame sensors are used.

1:10 dual speed system for ultra-precise focusing

High-quality, sturdy CNC tube with internal baffling and very good internal blackening - no annoying stray light

M63x1 female thread on the draw tube, to get to the thread, 3 grub screws must be loosened

M68x1 female thread on the connection adapter, to get to the thread, 3 grub screws must be loosened.

Retractable dew shield - only 37.5 cm transportation length

Modern and multi-coated 3-element lens with FPL53 as APO element

High-quality CNC rings and GP style dovetail bar with photo thread connection

Each ring has 3 M6 threads (female) on top side, one of them in the middle, two in 30 mm distance at the side

Finder shoe is mounted

Visual use - spotting scope and astronomical travel telescope

The TLAPO804 can be configured with a star diagonal mirror, eyepiece and finder to form a lightweight telescope for travel, and a long-focus wide-angle eyepiece can be used instead of the finder.

If a 45° Amici prism is used instead of the star diagonal mirror, you get a spotting scope for landscape or bird watching. We recommend a zoom eyepiece, as it is more convenient and its field stop will usually not be larger than the clear aperture of the Amici prism, thus avoiding vignetting.

A tested combination of Amici prism and eyepiece on the one hand and tripod with tripod head on the other hand consists of the items TSA245 and HypZ as well as FGX3 and TSLH-20, which are all linked in the accessory recommendations. However, eyepieces with more focal length or true field of view can also be used, because the vignetting does not start abruptly.

Astrophotography with the TLAPO804:

The Photoline 80 mm f/6 apo is suitable for astrophotography without restrictions, but, as with any fast refractor, the field has to be corrected for keeping the stars nicely round even at the edge. For this, we offer the following options which are linked in the accessories section.

TSFlat25DEL - universal 2.5" field corrector without focal length change: The corrector is suitable for all sensors up to full frame format. The corrector will be screwed directly to the M68x1 connection thread. The working distance from the M48 connection thread to the camera sensor is 65 mm. If you are using a camera with 55 mm flange focal distance, such as an SLR with T-ring, you will also need a 10 mm M48 extension # TSVF210.

TSREDJM63S - 0.8x corrector for 80 mm f/6 triplet apos: The corrector offers a very good correction of the image field even up to full format, whereby we recommend a FLAT here. The working distance from the innermost position of the corrector to the sensor is 59.6 mm. If you have a flange focal distance of 55 mm, for example, then simply turn the helical out by 4.6 mm. The M68A-M63i adapter is required for adaptation.

No corrector: If you do not want to use a corrector, because for example the moon or (with front filter) the sun is the object, then you need, if also no star diagonal is to be used, in addition to the adapter to T2 or M48 still appropriate extension tubes. For ZWO planetary cameras like the ASI178MM you need for example:

TSFA2 (Adapter 2" to T2)

2x TST2V40 (give together 80 mm extension)

Alternative to TSFA2 and the two TST2V40: TSV280 (2" extension with 80 mm optical path)

Solar observation with the TLAPO80

The telescope is also suitable for solar observation. When using a front filter, the instructions for visual use or astrophotography apply, while when using a Herschel wedge for photography, it should be noted that 2" types may leave too little back focus. Omitting adapters when connecting the camera often helps here and replacing the regular adapter from M68 to 2" with a TSM68-2 adds approx. 8 mm to the supplied back focus.

The video in the "Reviews" section of the TSHE125, which was taken with this telescope, shows that a Herschel wedge is worthwhile.

This is how we hand over the apo to the amateur:

Every single APO is checked in our technical department before it is put into storage, in order to guarantee a consistently high product quality.

The mechanics are tested and the focuser is optimally adjusted.

The lens is cosmetically checked and cleaned. We also check that all counter screws are correctly tightened. These often loosen during transportation.

The optics are collimated and the result is checked on the optical bench. The telescope is given a serial number.

An optical test is carried out, which is enclosed with the telescope (star images and ronchi image on the optical bench in autocollimation).

Only then are the telescopes handed over to the warehouse and prepared for dispatch.

Technical Information

Teleskop-Service has collected a lot of helpful information about refractors and provided it in English as a PDF file: refractors.pdf

Astrophotographic results obtained with this telescope on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this telescope model: Link to Astrobin

Rosette Nebula with TL Apo 80/480mmField flattening with TS 2" Flattener© by Wolfi Ransburg

... more infos and max. resolution (in Germany)Only 125 min of integration time have been enough to capture this Nebula. Observation site: Munich east. Atmosphere: slightly foggy.FST: approx. 4m5.

 Telescope: TL APO 80/480mm-- Field flattening with TS 2" Flattener-- RGB channels by Baader RGB filter set-- CCD camera: ATIK 4000

Beweis für die Farbreinheit des Triplet APOs:Herr Werner Mehl hat mit einer Bahtinov Maske die Schärfeeinstellung am TS Triplet Apo 80/480mm fotografiert. Obwohl die Durchlassbereiche der einzelnen Filter im sichtbaren Spektrum verteilt sind, war ein Nachfokussieren zwischen den einzelnen Filtern nicht nötig. Die Schärfeeinstellung konnte unverändert so belassen werden. Das ist ein wirklicher Beweis dass der Apo exakt die gleiche Schärfeebene von Blau bis Rot hat. Wir kennen vergleichbare Ergebnisse nur von deutlich teureren russischen APOs.Herzlichen Dank für diese aufschlussreiche Dokumentation.



 

Photographs by our customer Adrien Witczak

Adrien Witczak (https://www.flickr.com/photos/adrienw) from Auby (France) has photographed a part of the nebulae around Gamma Cygni, also known as IC 1318:

Object: Part of the Gamma Cygni Nebula
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet Apo (TLAPO804)
Imaging Corrector: TS-Optics REFRACTOR 0.79x 2" ED Reducer Corrector (TSRed279)
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5
Filter: IDAS LPS D1 Filter
Imaging Camera: ZWO ASI294MC Pro
Guiding Scope: Skywatcher 9x50 mm
Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI120MM Mini
Software: PixInSight / Photoshop
Sky Brightening: Bortle 4

Congratulations for this beautiful image!


Adrien Witczak has also photographed Markarian´s Chain:

Object: Markarian´s Chain
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet Apo (TLAPO804)
Imaging Corrector: TS-Optics REFRACTOR 0.79x 2" ED Reducer Corrector (TSRed279)
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5
Nebula Filter: IDAS LPS D1 Filter
Imaging Camera: Canon 1000D at 400 ASA
Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI120 MC
Control: ASI AIR PRO (new model)
Exposure Times: 60x 180 s (3 h retained from total of 6 h)
Software: PixInSight / Photoshop
Sky Brightening: Bortle 4

Congratulations also for this fascinating image!

Images by our customer Florent Julien

Florent Julien from Toulouse (France) took several images with this telescope:

Object: Andromeda Galaxy (M 31)
Photographer: Florent Julien (Toulouse, France)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet Apo TLAPO804
Imaging Camera: Canon 6D (astromodified)
Exposure Time: 120* 2 min at ISO1600
Guiding Scope: Kepler 60/240
Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI120MM Mini
Mount: Skywatcher EQ6-R PRO
Control: ZWO ASIAIR PLUS


Object: Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405)
Photographer: Florent Julien (Toulouse, France)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet Apo TLAPO804
Imaging Camera: Canon 6D (astromodified)
Exposure Time: 160* 3 min at ISO1600
Guiding Scope: Kepler 60/240
Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI120MM Mini
Mount: Skywatcher EQ6-R PRO
Control: ZWO ASIAIR PLUS


Object: Orion Nebula (M 42)
Photographer: Florent Julien (Toulouse, France)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet Apo TLAPO804
Imaging Camera: Canon 6D (astromodified)
Exposure Time: 45* 120 s at ISO1600 + 60* 30 s at ISO800
Guiding Scope: Kepler 60/240
Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI120MM Mini
Mount: Skywatcher EQ6-R PRO
Control: ZWO ASIAIR PLUS


Object: Cone Nebula (NGC 2264)
Photographer: Florent Julien (Toulouse, France)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet Apo TLAPO804
Imaging Camera: Canon 6D (astromodified)
Exposure Time: 125* 3 min at ISO1600
Guiding Scope: Kepler 60/240
Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI120MM Mini
Mount: Skywatcher EQ6-R PRO
Control: ZWO ASIAIR PLUS

Many thanks to Florent Julien from France for these great images!

Images by our customer Anders H. Langhoff

Anders H. Langhoff from Denmark took two images with this telescope, and for him it was the first image of the respective object in each case:

Object: Soul Nebula (IC 1848), two-part mosaic
Photographer: Anders H. Langhoff (Skanderborg, Denmark)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet-Apo TLAPO804
Imaging camera: ZWO ASI533MC Pro
Exposure time: 8 h in total for each panel
Mount: Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro


Object: Fossile Footprint Nebula (NGC 1491)
Photographer: Anders H. Langhoff (Skanderborg, Denmark)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet-Apo TLAPO804
Imaging camera: ZWO ASI533MC Pro
Exposure time: 13 h in total
Mount: Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro

Many thanks to Anders Langhoff from Denmark for these very pleasing images!

Images by our customer "Mau_Bard"

Astrobin user "Mau_Bard" from Vienna (Austria) took an image of the Lion Nebula (Sh2-132) with this telescope:

Object: Lion Nebula (Sh2-132
Photographer: "Mau_Bard" (Vienna, Austria)
Imaging Date: 2022-11-14
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet-Apo (TLAPO804)
Motor Focus: Primaluce Lab SESTO SENSO 2 (PL-SESTOSENSO2)
Imaging Corrector: TS-Optics TSCFRed80 (TSCFRED80)
Filter: Optolong L-eNhance EOS APS-C (L-ENHANCE-EOS)
Imaging Camera: Canon EOS 77D (link to alternatives)
Guiding Scope: Lacerta GuideScope 50mm (link to alternatives)
Guiding Camera: ZWO ASI178MM (ASI178MM)
Exposure Times: 102x 480 s (13 h 36 min)

Congratulations on this beautiful image!

More images from our customer Anders H. Langhoff

Anders H. Langhoff from Denmark has taken three new images with this telescope:

Object: Elepant´s Trunk Nebula (IC 1396)
Photographer: Anders H. Langhoff (Skanderborg, Denmark)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet Apo (TLAPO804)
Imaging corrector: TS-Optics 0.8x Corrector for TS 80 mm f/6 CF-Apo and Triplet APO (TSCFRED80)
Imaging camera: TS-Optics ToupTek MONO Astro Camera 2600MP (TS2600MP)
Exposure time: 16 h total
Mount: Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro (EQ6-R)


Object: Pleiades (M 45)
Photographer: Anders H. Langhoff (Skanderborg, Denmark)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet Apo (TLAPO804)
Imaging corrector: TS-Optics 0.8x Corrector for TS 80 mm f/6 CF-Apo and Triplet APO (TSCFRED80)
Imaging camera: TS-Optics ToupTek MONO Astro Camera 2600MP (TS2600MP)
Exposure time: 19 h total
Mount: Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro (EQ6-R)


Objects: The Lobster Claw and Bubble Nebula (LBN540/SH2-157 and SH2-162)
Photographer: Anders H. Langhoff (Skanderborg, Denmark)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet Apo (TLAPO804)
Imaging corrector: TS-Optics 0.8x Corrector for TS 80 mm f/6 CF-Apo and Triplet APO (TSCFRED80)
Imaging camera: TS-Optics ToupTek MONO Astro Camera 2600MP (TS2600MP)
Exposure time: 8 h total
Mount: Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro (EQ6-R)

Many thanks to Anders Langhoff from Denmark for these beautiful images!

Images by our customer Enol Matilla

Astrobin user Enol Matilla from Asturias (Spain) imaged two different types of nebulae with this telescope:

Object: Medusa Nebula (Abell 21)

Photographer: Enol Matilla (Asturias, Spain)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet Apo (TLAPO804)
Field corrector: StellaMira 2" Field Flattener (link to Hotech SCA-FFT58 as alternative)
Filter wheel: ZWO EFW 8x1.25" (ZWOEFW8x1.25)
Filters: Astronomik 6 nm H-Alpha (8h00f3), Astronomik 6 nm O-III (8h00f3)
Imaging camera: Atik 460Ex mono (ATIK460EXm)
Off axis guider: ZWO OAG (ZWOOAG)
Guiding camera: Starlight Xpress LodestarC (LodestarC)
Exposure time: 19 h 20 min in total
Mount: iOptron CEM40 (C401A1)


Object: LBN 782 (blue nebula) in the Taurus molecular cloud

Photographer: Enol Matilla (Asturias, Spain)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 Triplet Apo (TLAPO804)
Field corrector: StellaMira 2" Field Flattener (link to Hotech SCA-FFT58 as alternative)
Filter wheel: ZWO EFW 8x1.25" (ZWOEFW8x1.25)
Filters: ZWO L-RGB (ZWOnewLRGB)
Imaging camera: Atik 460Ex mono (ATIK460EXm)
Off axis guider: ZWO OAG (ZWOOAG)
Guiding camera: Starlight Xpress LodestarC (LodestarC)
Exposure time: 19 h 30 min in total
Mount: iOptron CEM40 (C401A1)

Congratulations on this beautiful images!

Images by our customer Kemal Öz

Astrobin user Kemal Öz from Ankara (Turkey) has photographed several nebulae with this telescope:

Object: Elephant`s Trunk Nebula (IC 1396A)

Photographer: Kemal Öz (Ankara, Turkey)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 triplet apo (TLAPO804)
Field corrector: TS-Optics REFRACTOR 0.8x Corrector (TSCFRED80)
Filter: IDAS NB2 (NB2-52 or NB2-48)
Imaging camera: Astrolumina QHY183 C (Alccd183c)
Exposure time: 2 h 57 min in total
Mount: iOptron HEM27 (HEM27)


Object: Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237)

Photographer: Kemal Öz (Ankara, Turkey)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 triplet apo (TLAPO804)
Field corrector: TS-Optics REFRACTOR 0.8x Corrector (TSCFRED80)
Filter: Antlia Alp-T (ALP-T-2)
Imaging camera: TS-Optics ToupTek IMX 571 (TS2600CP)
Exposure time: 10 h 27 min in total
Mount: iOptron HEM27 (HEM27)


Object: Horsehead Nebula (B33 in front of IC 434)

Photographer: Kemal Öz (Ankara, Turkey)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 triplet apo (TLAPO804)
Field corrector: TS-Optics REFRACTOR 0.8x Corrector (TSCFRED80)
Filter: IDAS NB2 (NB2-52 or NB2-48)
Imaging camera: Astrolumina QHY183 C (Alccd183c)
Exposure time: 2 h 57 min in total
Mount: iOptron HEM27 (HEM27)

Congratulations on these great photos!

Images by our customer Kai Nimmrichter

Kai Nimmrichter from Saarland has only been practicing astrophotography since spring 2023, but already has good results to show (partly using a spike mask):

Object: Rosette Nebula (NGC 2237)

Photographer: Kai Nimmrichter (Saarland, Germany)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 triplet apo (TLAPO804)
Field corrector: TS-Optics REFRACTOR 0.8x Corrector (TSCFRED80)
Imaging camera: ZWO ASI294MC Pro (ASI294MCpro)
Mount: Sky-Watcher EQM-35 PRO (EQM-35)


Object: Andromeda Galaxy (M 31)

Photographer: Kai Nimmrichter (Saarland, Germany)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 triplet apo (TLAPO804)
Field corrector: TS-Optics REFRACTOR 0.8x Corrector (TSCFRED80)
Imaging camera: ZWO ASI294MC Pro (ASI294MCpro)
Mount: Sky-Watcher EQM-35 PRO (EQM-35)


Object: Heart Nebula (IC 1805)

Photographer: Kai Nimmrichter (Saarland, Germany)
Telescope: TS-Optics Photoline 80 mm f/6 FPL53 triplet apo (TLAPO804)
Field corrector: TS-Optics REFRACTOR 0.8x Corrector (TSCFRED80)
Imaging camera: ZWO ASI294MC Pro (ASI294MCpro)
Mount: Sky-Watcher EQM-35 PRO (EQM-35)

Congratulations on these nice photos!

Question:
How do I access the M68 and M63 connection threads?

Answer from Teleskop-Service:
To access the M68x1 internal thread, the 2" adapter must be unscrewed. The 2" adapter is secured by three small grub screws, which must be loosened first. To access the M63x1 internal thread, the M68x1 adapter must also be unscrewed from the extension tube. This adapter is also secured by three small grub screws. The adapter can only be unscrewed once these have been loosened

Safety informations: PDF Download