Takahashi Epsilon E-160ED 160mm ED Astrograph OTA

The Takahashi Epsilon160ED f/3.3 Hyperbolic Flat-Field Astrograph Telescope is a fast astrograph that’s perfect for a variety of imaging setups. The multi-megapixel digital 35 mm cameras, standard CCD or CMOS cameras, or even film cameras are an option! The superfast focal ratio of f/3.3 not only means shorter exposure times but picking up details normally invisible to slower focal ratio telescopes, such as faint extended nebulosity and details in galactic structure. 

The Epsilon series of astrographs are specifically designed for exceptional astrophotography. Takahashi’s proprietary optical design features a hyperbolic, concave primary mirror with a 2 element corrector lens to eliminate spherical aberration and coma. Compared to the conventional Schmidt camera design, the chromatic aberration is reduced by half, even out to large viewing angles.

Epsilon-160ED

This E-160ED reflecting telescope has an aperture of 160 mm and a focal length of 530 mm and provides a well-corrected flat field for full-frame imaging sensors.

What makes the Tak Epsilon 160 Astrograph even more special is the extra-low dispersion(ED) two-element corrector housed in a rotating focuser assembly. No one knows optics like Takahashi and the ED design provides incomparable contrast and sharpness – combined with extreme accuracy. Not only is it a suitable visual instrument, but it’s one capable of producing 10-micron stellar images across the entire super-flat field. The speed means your exposure times become a fraction of what they would once require to capture the image and that means even less chance of tracking errors or random chance affecting your astrophotography.

Thorough aberration correction is realized by optimizing the interaction of the hyperbolic mirror and the corrector. By using ED glass in the corrector, a spot image within 3 μm has been achieved at the periphery of a full-frame imaging sensor. The E-160ED combines the ease of handling of the E-130D with the high performance of the E-180ED.

The eccentric oblique mirror and the spider vane design are used to suppress the scattering of light similar to the current epsilon models. The method of holding the primary mirror uses the same system as E-180ED. The optical axis adjustment screw of the primary mirror has a structure in which push screws are arranged on both sides of the pull screw. The central cover can be removed to allow for rapid temperature acclimation.

Solid Construction

Super solid, heavy-duty construction means transportable gear that won’t lose its collimation. Its mechanical design quality, perfectly matched with its optics, give you set-up flexibility that’s hard to match in other astrophotography oriented telescopes. Now you can make your initial collimation and install your photographic equipment in advance – saving your precious dark time to concentrate on the essentials – to set your imaging process. This fast control of your telescope put the Takahashi Epsilon-160ED Astrograph ahead of its class and makes your experience a much more pleasurable one.

The low profile Crayford focuser has a rotary connector system for framing. It allows you the option of use when it comes to the ED corrector assembly and it can be removed if desired.

The Takahashi Epsilon-160ED Hyperbolic Flat-Field Astrograph telescope design isn’t as strenuous on the user. Because it’s not a high-resolution reflector, it is far less sensitive to collimation issues. Unlike the Cassegrain-style, it isn’t necessary to perform star collimation at every set-up. The primary mirror cell is supplied with three dual-action collimation screws that either push or pull. To keep the flexure of the primary mirror under control during temperature change, there are also three screws with counter-nut adjustments to regulate the pressure on the primary mirror. What’s more, you’ll find there are reference marks on both mirror assemblies to ensure perfect alignment of the optical axis. Thanks to Takahashi, this simple system and its collimation eyepiece created for the Epsilon-160ED, means that critical adjustments are quick, slick, and easy.

Specifications: 

• Optical Design: Hyperbolic Newtonian.
• Effective aperture: 160 mm.
• Oblique mirror minor diameter: 63 mm.
• Correction lens: 2 elements in 2 groups (1 of which is ED glass).
• Focal length: 530 mm (21-inches).
• Focal ratio: 1: 3.3.
• Image circle: φ44 mm (angle of view: 4.8°).
• Lens barrel diameter: 204 mm.
• Tube length: 580 mm (22.8-inches).
• Mass: 6.9 kg.
• Image Note: Viewfinder: 6 x 30 or 7 x 50, Sold separately.

NOTE: The corrector for the E-160ED cannot be used with the older E-160 OTA. Price includes OTA only. Mount, tripod, finder, and camera sold separately.

Important Note: Takahashi America requires that their telescope optical tube assemblies be shipped via 2nd Day Air or faster in order for the full warranty to be in force. Please make sure you choose the appropriate shipping method in your shopping cart or, if you speak to an OPT associate, request 2nd Day Air or faster. If you are purchasing a telescope and mount package or any accessories to accompany an OTA, please contact OPT for a shipping quote, since only the OTA is required to ship second-day air but all other products can be shipped separately via any other available shipping method. Thank you!

• The E-160ED is reflecting telescope an astrograph design Optical Tube Assembly.
• A focal length of 530 mm and focal ratio of only f/3.3 allowing for shorter, more efficient exposure times!
• The ED glass used in the corrector creates an achieved spot image within 3 μm.
• An eccentric oblique mirror and spider-vane design are used to reduce light scatter.
• Super solid, heavy-duty construction means transportable gear that won’t lose its collimation.
• See full note below for Takahashi OTAs must be shipped via 2nd Day Air or faster in order for the full warranty to be in force.