Cloud Break Optics

NP101is

NP101is - Main image
$3200.25 $4267 In stock

Category: Refractor Telescope

Description

For 30 years, Tele Vue has pushed the boundaries of APO refractors, as well as eyepieces, to the recognized pinnacle of performance.  TeleVue was determined to make the NP series optically, mechanically, and functionally as perfect as possible for imaging up to 50mm diagonal chips without penalty to its near ideal visual operation. How? By applying the developments created for the Tele Vue-60is to the new NP101is and then going beyond.

The NP101is (540mm, f/5.4, 4") maintains the optical specifications of the NP101, yet has a redesigned 4-element optical system. The larger rear lens group absolutely minimizes vignetting in formats up to 50mm diagonal. For these large chips an optional field corrector was developed so the corners of the newly brightened edges would virtually be as perfect as the center of the field.

Next, to take full advantage of the larger lenses, Tele Vue developed a larger focuser and draw tube having a 3" front aperture and 2.4" rear aperture. This eliminates any restriction of the larger diameter converging light cone. Tele Vue builds and tests the rack and pinion focuser to hold 12 lbs. of weight, yet still permit extremely fine focusing control via a 10:1 dual-speed pinion assembly. This new draw tube also permits quick change from visual to imaging operation and allows full camera rotation without focus change. In addition, it has the capability to correct for any residual focal plane tilt and accepts a "position stop" for our digital micrometer to allow repeatable focus measurement to 0.0001".

To maintain squareness to the optical axis while changing camera orientation, the draw tube has four lock screws that tighten against a taper on the "imaging insert" ring. This insert is threaded to accept Tele Vue's new Imaging System accessories including large diameter extension tubes, optical accessories, and camera and CCD attachments, all with mating threads.

The Focusmate 10:1 planetary ball type reduction focuser provides extremely sensitive focus adjustment, measurable with the optional Digital Micrometer Kit to better than 1/10,000". Also, the optional Focusmate Driver permits electronic motor control of the focusing process. The Focusmate Driver has direction push-buttons and adjustable speed. A tap on the button permits vibration-free focusing in steps as small as approximately 0.0005". 

Specifications

Type APO (Nagler-Petzval) Refractor
(Elements/Groups: 4/2)
Objective (mm) 101
Focal Length (mm) 540
Focal Ratio (f/#) 5.4
Length OTA (inch) 25.5
Length with diagonal (inch) 28.5
Weight OTA/Std. Config (lbs) 10.7 / 10.7
Drawtube/Focuser 2.4-inch, Focusmate dual-speed rack/pinion
Maximum Visual Field (deg.) 4.9 (with 2-inch 55mm Plössl)
Maximum Recommended Power (x) 250

Included Accessories

  • Enlarged focuser with 3" entrance aperture and 2.4" exit aperture
  • Focuser body has brass clamp ring with 2-lock knobs
  • Accessory end-ring with tilt capability and 4-lock knobs
  • Imaging insert threaded for Imaging System components.
  • 2" accessory insert for visual or other 2" accessories
  • Focusmate dual-speed focuser 10:1
  • Sliding metal dew shield
  • Screw-on metal lens cover
  • Hard-shell carry case
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Customer Reviews (4.4 / 5 · 5 reviews)

Matthew ★★★★★

The star images through this scope are razor sharp with almost no color fringing, even on bright Jupiter. It's noticeably heavier than my old 80mm, but the build quality feels solid and precise.

Scarlett ★★★★★

I finally set it up last night and the focus knob is buttery smooth, making fine-tuning Jupiter's bands effortless. Even at high magnification, the image stayed crisp and free of false color.

David ★★★★★

After three decades of chasing perfect star shapes, this scope finally delivers pin-sharp pinpoints across the entire field, even at the edges. The build quality is absolutely rock solid, and I've spent every clear night since it arrived just staring at the moon's terminator.