This is part 1 of a 3 part series reviewing the TV-85 doublet refractor. All items reviewed are available from First Light Optics via the links below.
This video shows the opening and my initial impressions of the OTA and Berlebach tripod. Part 2 of the video will be using the telescope with the supplied diagonal, eyepiece and tripod, and Part 3 will be imaging with the focal reducer.
TV-85
https://www.firstlightoptics.com/tele-vue-telescopes/tele-vue-85mm-f7-apo-doublet-refractor/ref/simpastro
Diagonal
https://www.firstlightoptics.com/diagonals/tele-vue-everbrite-90-diagonals/ref/simpastro
Berlebach Tripod
https://www.firstlightoptics.com/tele-vue-mounts/tele-vue-panoramic-mount-with-ash-tripod/ref/simpastro
Field Flattener/reducer
https://www.firstlightoptics.com/tele-vue/tele-vue-08x-reducer-flattener-trf-2008-for-tv-76-tv-85-and-400-600mm-focal-length-refractors/ref/simpastro
Eyepiece
https://www.firstlightoptics.com/tele-vue-eyepieces/tele-vue-delite-62-degree-eyepieces/ref/simpastro
Clamshell
https://www.firstlightoptics.com/tele-vue-telescopes/tele-vue-3-satin-clamshell-style-mounting-ring/ref/simpastro
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Really awesome first impression. Can’t wait to see how you got on with the field test. So one thing I did notice, there is no dovetail? I guess it’s just like Taks that you pay extra for the clamshell and then use your own dovetail.
Also is the bag water/weather proof?
Can’t wait for parts 2&3! Hopefully FLO forgot to include clouds. Last time I got s delivery with sticker like that, it brought three months worth of them.
I’ve never considered a Televue scope before. It’s certainly lovely and dark in side the tube, so I expect it will have excellent contrast. The soft case looks a bit worrying to me though, I would have preferred to see the foam uniformly hugging the scope all the way around, the wall thickness looks very thin on the side with the handles, but I guess this is a minor thing. The build of the scope itself looks excellent.