APO140FL F/9.6 – NEW MODEL

Price : $7,500

The Pearl has been revealed. Our newly released update to the classic APO140FL will feature key design changes to optimize color correction and will be known as a “super” planetary telescope. This model will excel in crisp planetary and lunar images for both visual observation and astrophotography.

It will use an air-spaced doublet design and longer focal ratio to delve deeper into the skies and will shine in the night with its beautiful white color. It will also feature the FeatherTouch 2535 HD Focuser, allowing the space for the stylish and functional Captain’s Wheel to be installed along the focuser flange.

Clear Aperture	140mm
Focal Length	1345mm
Focal Ratio	9.6
Resolution	0.86 arc sec
Back Focus Distance	250mm
Rear wheel (handle) OD	TBD
Dew Shield Diameter	176mm / 6.9″
Tube Diameter	150 mm / 5.9″
Working Tube Length	1430mm / 56″
Transport Tube Length	1120mm / 44″
Glass Weight	2.5lbs
Airspace Gap	1.5mm
OTA Weight (Estimate)	7.7kg / 17lbs
Shipping Crate	TBD

Testing and Quality Assurance

TEC Telescopes go through rigorous testing to ensure top quality performance. Newtonian Rings are used throughout the glass production process and we then use an interferometer to correct any remaining imperfections. Every telescope is then tested vigorously to reach the most optimum Strehl ratio possible. Rest assured that your telescope has been optimized to be as optically perfect as possible. If the objective does not reach Yuri’s expectations, the telescope will not be shipped. As a strict policy, TEC will not release telescope test reports.

While the objectives are fine-tuned under interferometrical control to meet the highest optical standards, cosmetic imperfections may exist in the objective and the tube assembly. Please rest assured that any imperfection in the telescope has been determined not to affect the optical performance.

DESCRIPTION

Our dedicated Planetary Refractor, the APO140FL F/9.6 will open the night sky to those willing to observe.

The APO140FL F/9.6 will feature an air-spaced apochromatic-doublet objective with a Fluorite (CaF₂) rear element that results in a lighter objective. The APO140FL F/9.6 objective will be about 2.5 lbs., while the APO140FL F/7 objective weighs about 5 lbs., allowing the objective to come to temperature more quickly than the APO140FL F/7 version.
Starting 2025, this objective will feature anti-reflective and hydrophobic coatings, allowing for easier cleaning and maintenance of the front lens.
The objective will be housed in an aluminum cell, providing for excellent thermoregulation properties while remaining lightweight and strong.
The optical assembly will sit in a lightweight aluminum tube that utilizes with sharp-edged baffles throughout the interior.
And forget about collimation – after the scope leaves TEC, no further adjustment will be required.
Each APO140FL F/9.6 will come equipped with a Starlight Instruments FTF#2545 Feather Touch Focuser that was designed in collaboration with TEC. This midsize Starlight Instruments rotating focuser has coarse and fine focusing 9:1 Planetary Reduction Assembly.
The 2” locking metal collet is insensitive to temperature fluctuations and holds loads with high precision and concentricity.
The APO140FL F/9.6 doublet should be mounted with either a TEC 12″ Dovetail Plate or a 14″ Losmandy Universal Dovetail Plate and handle that attach to brackets which connect directly to the telescope flanges. Larger plates could be used to give a longer balancing range for the telescope. If necessary, 140FL Tube Rings can be added to accommodate shorter dovetail plates as well.
Able to accommodate a wide variety of eyepieces.
Perfect for on-the-go observing, this model will be light enough to fit a wide range of mounts.
TEC recommends the Track the Stars Panther 160 Mount, 10Micron GM1000 HPS, 10Micron AZ1000 HPS and the Astro-Physics Mach2GTO Mounts.

In classic refractor fashion, the TEC APO140FL F/9.6 is a no compromise, no frills design that lets the wonders of nature speak for themselves. The TEC APO140FL F/9.6 costs $7,500, including an initial $2,500 refundable deposit. Please know that ALL PRICES AND AVAILABILITY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE; the price initially quoted for a telescope purchase may not be reflected in the final invoice. Wait times may also be longer than initially quoted. Rest assured that we are working diligently to complete and ship every telescope on order.

Recommended Accessories

12″ TEC Dovetail Plate and Carrying Handle with Holder Brackets.
14″ Losmandy Universal Dovetail Plate and Carrying Handle with Holder Brackets.
Optional 140FL Tube Rings
10×60 Baader Vario Finderscope with a TEC Finder Bracket and Base for Telescope mounting.
7×50 Vixen Finderscope with a TEC Finder Bracket and Base for Telescope mounting.
100mm Extender for eyepiece connection.
Gutekunst Compact Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector (ADC) with the ADC Adapter Set.