TEC APO160 f/7 Fluorite Apochromatic Telescope

The TEC APO160FL F/7 is a 160 mm apochromatic refractor designed for both visual observation and astrophotography. With a 1120 mm focal length and f/7 focal ratio, it provides more aperture and image scale than the APO140FL F/7 while retaining the same general optical configuration and dual-purpose approach.

The objective is an oil-spaced apochromatic triplet with a central calcium-fluorite (CaF₂) element. TEC states that the optical design provides colour correction optimised for visual use and imaging. Multi-layer coatings are applied to all objective surfaces to maximise light transmission.

The objective is housed in an aluminium cell, while the optical assembly sits in a lightweight aluminium tube with an anti-reflective interior treatment and sharp-edged internal baffles. TEC states that the telescope does not require collimation adjustment after leaving the factory.

Focusing is handled by a Starlight Instruments FTF3545 Feather Touch focuser developed in collaboration with TEC. It provides coarse and fine focusing through a 9:1 planetary reduction assembly, together with a rotating focuser and a 2-inch locking metal collet. The focuser provides 114 mm of focusing travel and is designed to hold eyepieces or imaging equipment with precise positioning and concentricity.

For astrophotography, TEC offers an optional 0.9× focal reducer-corrector. This converts the telescope from f/7 to f/6.2 and provides 115 mm of back focus, giving a faster imaging configuration with a wider field.

The telescope uses a 162 mm diameter aluminium tube. The retractable dew shield reduces the overall length for transport, while the current TEC specifications give a retracted tube length of 991 mm and 1194 mm with the dew shield extended. With the focuser fully extended, TEC specifies an additional 114 mm of length.

The APO160FL F/7 weighs 12.3 kg as a telescope and 14 kg including rings, plate and handle according to TEC’s current specifications. Its increased aperture and physical size mean that TEC lists larger equatorial and alt-azimuth mounts among its recommended mounting options.

The APO160FL F/7 is therefore a high-aperture apochromatic refractor for observers and imagers looking for a telescope that combines detailed visual performance with serious astrophotography capability.