TS Optics PhotoLine 60/360 FPL53 Apochromatic Refractor OTA
Looking for a compact telescope that fits in carry-on luggage and still delivers true apochromatic optics? The TS Optics PhotoLine 60 mm f/6 is exactly what you have been looking for. With a transport length of just 23 cm and a weight of 1.5 kg, it is the ideal instrument for travellers, hikers, and astrophotographers who need high-performance optics in the smallest possible package. The retractable dew shield reduces the tube to its minimum length - the telescope fits easily into any carry-on suitcase or backpack.
Optics Free of Chromatic Aberration
At the heart of this refractor is an air-spaced apochromatic doublet consisting of FPL53 glass from Japanese manufacturer Ohara paired with a lanthanum partner element. This combination of optical materials provides exceptional correction of chromatic aberration - color fringing around bright objects is virtually invisible, and the image is clean, contrasty, and rich in detail. The resulting optical quality matches considerably more expensive apochromats and surpasses all achromatic refractors of comparable aperture.
The f/6 focal ratio delivers a sufficiently bright image for both visual observation and astrophotography, while the relatively short 360 mm focal length makes it well suited for photographing extended deep-sky objects such as nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies.
Focuser and Mechanics
The telescope is equipped with a dual-speed rack and pinion focuser with ball bearings in the standard 2″ format. The dual-speed mechanism allows precise focusing even with heavy accessories such as CCD or CMOS cameras. The focuser offers three connection options:
- Standard 2″ receptacle with compression ring - no set screws, gentle on the protective coatings of accessories
- Reducer to 1.25″ with compression ring
- M54x0.75 thread for direct connection of cameras and correctors
The generous back focus distance of 143 mm from the 2″ receptacle (or 158 mm from the M54 thread) ensures compatibility with all common correctors, star diagonals, and other accessories without the need for extension rings.
L-Bracket and Universal Mounting
The telescope comes with a practical L-bracket and a multifunction plate, allowing it to be mounted on a photographic tripod or - with the addition of a dovetail bar - on an astronomical mount. The bracket can be rotated 180° to keep the telescope balanced even when heavy accessories such as large eyepiece heads or astrophotography cameras are attached.
Astrophotography with the PhotoLine 60 mm
For astrophotography, this telescope offers everything you need. The M54 thread allows direct connection of mirrorless cameras and dedicated astronomical cameras. For full correction of the image field, the use of a field flattener corrector is recommended:
The TS-Optics PhotoLine 1.0x Flattener TSFLAT60 corrector flattens the image field for sensors up to 41 mm in diameter - covering full-frame sensors as well, with only slightly limited corners. The focal length remains 360 mm at f/6. The corrector attaches via the M54 thread and allows 360° camera rotation for optimal image framing.
Without a corrector, the telescope is well suited for imaging bright planets and the Moon, where flat-field performance is less critical.
Visual Observation
The PhotoLine 60 mm is not purely an astrophotography instrument - as a visual telescope it delivers outstanding results, particularly when compared to spotting scopes or observation telescopes of similar dimensions. The bright, contrasty, aberration-free image is a pleasant surprise even for experienced observers.
A magnification range from approximately 10x with a wide-field eyepiece for overview views up to 150x for detailed observation of planets or the Moon covers virtually all visual needs. For visual use, the large back focus distance always requires a star diagonal or Amici prism. When using 1.25″ accessories with their shorter optical path, an extension tube (TSV135) may be needed depending on the focus position of the eyepiece.
Solar and Daytime Observation
With a Herschel wedge such as the TSHE125 or HERSCHEL-LAC1S, or alternatively a front-mounted solar filter, the telescope is fully prepared for safe solar observation. Zoom eyepieces in this context make it easy to first locate features on the solar disk and then fine-tune the magnification to match the prevailing seeing conditions. With a 45° Amici prism, the instrument becomes a spotting scope for landscapes and wildlife - its compact dimensions and high-performance apochromatic optics make it an unusual but exceptionally capable alternative to traditional spotting scopes.
Technical Specifications
- Aperture: 60 mm
- Focal length: 360 mm
- Focal ratio: f/6
- Optical design: air-spaced apochromatic doublet - FPL53 (Ohara, Japan) + lanthanum glass
- Focuser: dual-speed rack and pinion with ball bearings, 2″ standard
- Eyepiece side connections: 2″, 1.25″ and M54x0.75 thread (female)
- Back focus: 143 mm from the 2″ receptacle / 158 mm from the M54 thread
- Transport length (retracted dew shield): 230 mm
- Tube diameter: 76 mm
- Dew shield diameter: 80 mm
- Weight: 1.5 kg
