Takahashi TSA-120FTF: Setup with the ED1.5x Extender

When I considered purchasing the Takahashi TSA-120 FTF OTA, I realized that the ED1.5X extender I have for the Takahashi FSQ-85EDX is also compatible with it. That was of course great news.

The TSA-120 has a triplet ED apochromatic lens with a diameter of 120 mm and F/7.5 focal ratio. At prime focus, it has a focal length of 900 mm. With the extender, the focal length is 1’350 mm with a focal ratio of F/11.3.

The weight is 6.3 kg and with that still manageable for me. The Starlight Instruments Feather Touch 3.0” rack-and-pinion focuser is the best I have ever worked with. I chose the FTF version because quite frankly although Takahashi are great telescopes, their focusers could be much better.

Below is a picture of the TSA-120FTF with Extender and a DSLR. It’s also a great telescope for visual observation.

Takahashi TSA-120 FTF OTA with the ED1.5X Extender – picture by Isabel Streit 2022
Takahashi TSA-120 FTF OTA with the ED1.5X Extender – picture by Isabel Streit 2022
TeleVue DDP-8004 Everbrite 2″ 90° Star Diagonal – picture by Isabel Streit 2022
Messier 4, TSA-120 FTF with Extender ED1.5X at 1350mm. Camera: Nikon D6. 8x300s, ISO 1’600 – picture by Isabel Streit 2022
Comet C/2017 K2 (PANSTARRS) – picture by Isabel Streit 2022
NGC 7789 – Caroline’s Rose – picture by Isabel Streit 2022

Technical Data Takahashi TSA-120 FTF OTA

CHARACTERISTICTAKAHASHI TSA-120FT REFRACTOR
Optical designED Triplet Super ApochromatD
Lens cellAir-spaced triplet. 3 lenses/3 groups. 1 S-FPL53 ED lens in the middle.
CoatingsHard multicoatings
Diameter120 mm
AT PRIME FOCUS
Focal length900 mm
Focal ratioF/7.5
Metal back distance227.5 mm
WITH TOA-35FL FIELD CORRECTOR
Focal length882 mm
Focal ratioF/7.3
Image circle diameter40 mm
Metal back distance117.5 mm
WITH TOA-35RD FOCAL REDUCER
Focal length672 mm
Focal ratioF/5.6
Image circle diameter40 mm
Metal back distance62.5 mm
WITH EXT-ED1.5X FOCAL EXTENDER
Focal length1350 mm
Focal ratioF/11.3
Image circle diameter44 mm
Metal back distance117.5 mm
Source: Takahashi Europe

Takahashi TSA-120FT refractor

CHARACTERISTICTAKAHASHI TSA-120FT REFRACTOR
Length of the optical tube
Diameter of the optical tube125 mm
Diameter of the dew shield160 mm
Weight6.7 kg
FocuserStarlight Instruments Feather Touch 3.0” rack-and-pinion focuser
Source: Takahashi Europe

Link to the System Chart

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