The TeleVue-76 uses the same diameter cell as the older Pronto, yet is fitted with a larger 76mm objective. Both the TeleVue-76 and Pronto have 480mm focal lengths and provide the same set of magnifications. Despite the similarities, the TeleVue-76 is a major upgrade in performance when compared to the Pronto.

The views through the TeleVue-76 are what you would expect from a high-quality APO: Beautiful wide fields with crisp, pinpoint stars. The scope takes magnification well and reveals significant detail on the moon, sun, and planets. Even with three inches of aperture, the scope can reveal a surprising number of deep sky objects. All of the Messier and bright NGC objects are observable. The scope also provides exquisite views of open clusters due to its pinpoint resolution of stars. With a 35mm Panoptic, the TeleVue-76 will display the entire Belt of Orion in one view. With such low powers, the TeleVue-76 can provide unique observing opportunities such as viewing both halves of the Veil Nebula in one field, or the entire Andromeda Galaxy.

As with all TeleVue products, the construction, materials, and attention to detail are superlative. The TeleVue-76 is one of the highest quality small telescopes available. The scope is solidly constructed, yet very portable and easy to use.

The TeleVue-76, as with other APO refractors, is a very versatile and powerful instrument. It is also a lot of fun to use, go out and get one right away!

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:50 PM

I purchased my TV-76 1-1/2 years ago from ATWB, as a compact alternative to other scopes in in our family, including a TV Genesis SDF, an 8 SCT and an 8 Newt.  Initially, I thought we would just bring it out when the bigger scopes were too inconvenient to set up, but it soon became the first scope we reach for.  

The crisp, clear view through the TV-76 has to be seen to be believed and I no longer refer to it as the little scope.  Whether using the 35 Panoptic, 8mm Radian, or the Nagler 3~6 Zoom, the TV-76 produces a lot of WOWs at star parties.  With a solar filter and 8mm Radian EP, it is our primary solar observing scope, yet on a decent night it can easily split the Double-Double with the 3mm Radian EP.  My first digital photo of the Moon through the TV-76 and a 25mm EP was spectacular, with only a tiny bit of color fringing at the edges.

I have since made a custom dovetail mounting plate which stays attached to the TV-76s clamshell, allowing it to be immediately mounted on either a TV Panoramic mount or motorized equatorial mount, making this compact scope even more user friendly.

I did a lot of research on the Net before settling on the TV-76 and was surprised by all the positive reviews from reputable sources.  Ive since confirmed for myself that they were all right.

Randy Holst

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:46 PM

All I can say is..WOW! This little performer really comes through. Placed a 30mm Wide Scan by Apogee on it and the skies have a pinpoint sparkle. M42 was absolutely breathtaking and the full moon was simply amazing. No chromatic abberation noted at all even with all that light. Jupiter was razor sharp with 4 perfect points of light in a row (moons). Star test was perfectly spherical to prove perfect collimation. This is one scope to not pass up. Built like a tank, easy to travel with and amazing optics. Al Nagler...YOU ARE DA MAN!!!

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:39 PM

The TV-76 Complete is great for wide-field astronomy as well as terrestrial use.  I got mine with the Panoramic mount and SkyTour, a superb and highly portable setup:  Highly recommended.  TV-76 optics are the best available in this aperture.  Ideal as a first telescope or as an additional scope for those who need something more portable.  TeleVue refractors are extremely well built, youll be over-the-top with this beautiful telescope.  Recommend the following eyepieces to go with the TV-76:  Tele-Vue Panoptic-35, Nagler Type 6 13MM, Nagler Type 6 7MM, 2X Barlow.  Clear skies!

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:38 PM

First day out with new scope. Started with a lecture at Padilla Bay Interpretive Center and field trip with William Clark, author of the two major hawk field guides used by most of us. Very interesting stuff from a guy who follows hawks around the globe.

Field trip: Four of the five N American falcon species (missed the gyr), red tails, Harlans hawks, eagles of all ages, Coopers hawk, harriers,-everything the flats can offer. The visual image the 76 gives is stupendous. A fabulous birding scope, though atypical in several ways (90 degree viewing angle rather than 45 or straight), heavier than most and not waterproof. But for image and color, absolutely amazing. Also, for birding, it needs Tele Vue to produce a field case like the Ranger and other birding scopes offer.

From a distance of 300 feet I could distinguish the brown iris and dark pupil of a Harlans hawk, see  every feathers texture. The best birding scope I have ever looked through.

And, the proof of the pudding- unlike my Ranger, photos taken through the 76 with my Coolpix 995 no longer have a blue halo around them. Near perfect color.

Incredible.
Jerry

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:37 PM