TS Optics Photoline 80/540 Lanthanum Apochromatic Refractor Telescope OTA
Looking for a compact yet powerful apochromat that handles full-frame astrophotography without compromise? The Photoline 80 mm f/7 from TS Optics is an air-spaced doublet refractor combining Japanese FPL53 glass with lanthanum, setting a new standard for imaging quality at its price point. Whether you photograph large nebulae or observe planets, this telescope will impress you.
Optics built for serious imaging
At the heart of this telescope is an air-spaced doublet objective. The first element uses FPL53 glass made by Japanese manufacturer Ohara - one of the finest ED materials available. The second element is a high-refractive-index lanthanum glass. Together, they correct chromatic aberration to virtually zero at f/7.
The result is a sharp, high-contrast image with minimal colour fringing around stars - even when using broadband filters or full-frame sensors. All optical surfaces feature multi-layer anti-reflection coatings (MC) that maximise light transmission and suppress unwanted reflections. Internal baffles and blackened lens edges prevent stray light from affecting your images.
A focuser that matches the optics
The mechanics are as good as the optics. The TS Optics Photoline apochromatic refractor comes with a 2.5″ rack-and-pinion focuser with ball bearings. The bearing is structurally separated from the drawtube adjustment, which eliminates play and keeps the focus position stable even when rotating the focuser.
The focuser rotates fully, so you can position your camera or eyepiece at any angle without re-mounting the telescope. The dual-speed 1:10 reduction ratio lets you achieve exceptionally fine, precise focus - ideal for planetary cameras or critical star focus. The drawtube has a 60 mm clear aperture, ensuring full illumination across a 24x36 mm full-frame sensor with no vignetting.
Flexible connection options for astrophotographers
The Photoline 80 offers three connection options:
- Standard 2″ output
- Reduction to 1.25″
- Internal M63x1 thread for direct screw-on connection of a camera or corrector - no compression ring needed
The back focus distance is 123 mm from the 2″ adapter, or 161 mm from the M63 thread. This gives you enough room to add a field flattener, filter drawer, or extension rings. The package includes quality CNC tube rings and a GP bar with a photographic thread, so the telescope is ready to mount immediately on an equatorial or alt-azimuth head.
Compact and travel-ready
Despite its performance, the Photoline 80 is surprisingly portable. The tube is CNC-machined aluminium. Total weight with rings is 3.10 kg, and the tube length without the dew shield is just 460 mm. The retractable dew shield (103.6 mm diameter) protects against dew and condensation. When retracted, the overall length drops to just 46 cm - making this telescope an ideal travel companion for dark-sky expeditions, mountain observatories, or remote observing sites.
About the TS Optics Photoline series
The Photoline range was created with one clear goal - to offer astronomers and astrophotographers professional-grade optics at a fair price. Every Photoline telescope features carefully selected optical glass, hand-finished objectives, and mechanical components that rival far more expensive alternatives.
Deep-sky astrophotography with full-frame sensors demands a great deal from both optics and mechanics. The Photoline 80 mm f/7 is designed exactly for this purpose. Whether you are a beginner looking for your first apochromat or an experienced observer who needs a compact and reliable travel telescope, the Photoline 80 will meet your expectations - and very likely exceed them.
Technical specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Optical design |
Apochromatic air-spaced doublet refractor |
| Objective diameter |
80 mm |
| Focal length |
540 mm |
| Focal ratio |
f/7 |
| Glass types |
FPL53 (Ohara, Japan) + lanthanum |
| Coatings |
Multi-layer anti-reflection coating (MC) |
| Focuser |
2.5″ rack-and-pinion with ball bearings, dual-speed 1:10 |
| Focuser rotation |
Full 360° |
| Drawtube clear aperture |
60 mm |
| Connection options |
2″, 1.25″ (reducer), M63x1 internal thread |
| Back focus from 2″ adapter |
123 mm |
| Back focus from M63 thread |
161 mm |
| Full-frame sensor coverage |
24x36 mm, no vignetting |
| Dew shield diameter |
103.6 mm, retractable |
| Tube length (without dew shield) |
460 mm |
| Tube length (dew shield retracted) |
460 mm / 46 cm travel length |
| Tube material |
CNC-machined aluminium |
| Weight with rings |
3.10 kg |
| Included accessories |
CNC tube rings, GP bar with photographic thread, 2″ to 1.25″ reducer |
Who is the Photoline 80 for?
Beginners in astrophotography
If you are buying your first apochromat, the Photoline 80 offers professional optical quality without the professional price tag. It is straightforward to set up and use, and it grows with your skills.
Experienced observers and astrophotographers
If you already know what you need, you will appreciate the M63 direct thread connection, the dual-speed focuser, and the full-frame coverage with no vignetting. This is a serious imaging instrument.
Travelling astronomers
At just 3.10 kg and 46 cm when packed, the Photoline 80 fits easily into a carry-on bag. Take it to a mountain observatory or a remote dark-sky site without worrying about extra luggage.
