TS Optics RC 154/1370 Ritchey-Chretien Pro OTA Telescope
The TS Optics RC 154/1370 is built on the same optical principle that powers most of the world's large professional observatories. The Ritchey-Chretien design - both mirrors shaped as rotating hyperboloids - was for many years available only to scientific institutions, well beyond the reach of amateur astronomers. TS Optics changed that with its RC telescope range, bringing the same optical principles to enthusiasts who want more than an average instrument. The result is a telescope with minimised optical aberrations, a wide corrected field of view, and image quality that stands comparison with top-level equipment.
Outstanding performance in astrophotography
The TS Optics RC 154/1370 is designed primarily for astrophotography with digital cameras and DSLRs. Sensors up to 30 mm in diameter can be used without a field corrector - a practical advantage that saves both time and money on accessories. Stars are noticeably sharper across the entire field of view than in a Schmidt-Cassegrain design, and this difference is most visible in the corners of images, where competing optical systems often fall short. The f/9 focal ratio and 1370 mm focal length provide the foundation for detailed shots of planets, galaxies and nebulae at 0.76″ resolution. The telescope also performs well for visual observation, where the large corrected field of view delivers a comfortable, sharp image.
Focuser and backfocus - easy to set up
Achieving focus on this 6-inch RC telescope is straightforward. The backfocus from the 2″ focuser connection is 159 mm, which gives plenty of room for most standard accessories. The package includes three M90 extension rings (1 x 50 mm and 2 x 25 mm). These simply screw in between the focuser and the tube, allowing you to set the correct distance for 1.25″ and 2″ star diagonals, correctors, reducers and astrophotography cameras. The M90x1 thread provides a firm, precise connection with no unwanted play.
Fast cool-down and high-quality mirror coatings
The open tube design, combined with active ventilation of the primary mirror, significantly reduces the time needed for the telescope to reach thermal equilibrium with the surrounding air. In practice, this means less waiting and more time for actual observation. The 99% dielectric reflective coating on both mirrors maximises light transmission and does not oxidise, so the optical properties remain stable over time. Internal baffles inside the tube suppress stray light and increase the contrast of the final image.
Two-speed Crayford focuser for precise control
The dual-speed Crayford focuser accepts 2″ accessories and features a compression ring for secure attachment. It allows fine, precise focusing without any unwanted shift - a quality that anyone will appreciate who has ever lost a star's position just before taking an exposure due to a coarse focuser. The combination of precise focuser and corrected optics makes this telescope a reliable tool for long-exposure astrophotography sessions.
Key specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Optical design |
Ritchey-Chretien (RC) |
| Aperture |
154 mm |
| Focal length |
1370 mm |
| Focal ratio |
f/9 |
| Resolution |
0.76″ |
| Mirror coating |
99% dielectric reflective coating |
| Focuser |
Dual-speed Crayford, 2″ with compression ring |
| Focuser connection thread |
M90x1 |
| Backfocus (from 2″ connection) |
159 mm |
| Included extension rings |
3 x M90 (1 x 50 mm, 2 x 25 mm) |
| Tube design |
Open tube with active primary mirror ventilation |
| Sensor coverage without corrector |
Up to 30 mm diameter |
What is included in the box
- TS Optics RC 154/1370 OTA telescope
- Dual-speed Crayford focuser (2″) with compression ring
- M90 extension ring 50 mm (x1)
- M90 extension rings 25 mm (x2)
Who is this telescope for
The TS Optics RC 154/1370 suits intermediate and advanced amateur astronomers who are serious about astrophotography. If you want to photograph galaxies, nebulae or planets with sharp, well-corrected images across the full frame, this telescope gives you a professional optical design at an accessible price. It is equally suitable for visual observation when image sharpness and contrast matter to you.