Takahashi FS-60CB 60mm (f/5.9) Fluorite Refractor Optical Tube Assembly

Experienced observers sometimes report that the scope’s high contrast/diffraction-limited optics can be used at magnifications of over 100x per inch of aperture on suitably bright objects (the Moon and planets) on nights of exceptional seeing. Of course, we can’t guarantee you’ll be able to reach this kind of magnification level with any sort of regularity with this Takahashi (it would take the equivalent of a 1.5mm eyepiece and would produce a very dim 0.25mm exit pupil), but the possibility of very high magnification is there.

The smooth Takahashi rack and pinion focuser has large ribbed focusing knobs that are easy to grip and operate in cold weather, even when wearing gloves. The optical tube has a flat boss above the focusing knobs, with two mounting bolts to hold an optional finderscope, such as the straight-through Takahashi 5 x 25mm with its very wide 9° field. The supplied 1.25” eyepiece holder uses a non-marring nylon split compression ring system to hold your star diagonal or eyepiece in place. This system won’t scratch the barrel of your eyepiece or star diagonal, as an ordinary brass or steel thumbscrew can. A simple twist of the ribbed ring at the end of the focuser drawtube tightens the internal compression ring to hold your diagonal firmly in place; while a twist in the opposite direction lets you remove it with ease.

The Takahashi optical tube itself weighs less than three lbs. It measures only 17” long with dew shield in place. The optical tube is 80mm in diameter and an optional tube holder is available to fit the scope on a Takahashi mount (such as the altazimuth #TGS01 or the very compact #TGUL Teegul Sky Patrol equatorial).

The 60mm Takahashi FS-60C. Expensive for a 60mm optical tube? Yes. Worth it? Emphatically yes.

Specifications

Manufacturer Part No	TFK6004
Telescope Aperture	3" and Under
Aperture	60mm
Backfocus Distance	162.00mm
Diameter	80mm
Finderscope	5x25 9°
Focal Length	355/255mm w/reducer or 370mm w/flattener
Focal Ratio	F/5.9 - F/4.4 w/reducer
Image circle	Ø44mm w/reducer
Light Gathering Power	73x
Limiting Stellar Magnitude	10.7
Optical Coatings	Fully Multi-Coated
Optical Design	60mm Flourite doublet
Optical Tube Length	400mm
Optical Tube Weight	2.9lbs

Telescope Specifications 

FS-60CB Visual System Chart

FS-60CB Extender-Q System Chart

FS-60CB Extender C2X System Chart

Based on Astronomy magazine’s telescope "report cards", scopes of this size and type generally perform as follows . . .

Terrestrial Observation:	Yes
Lunar Observation:	Great
Planetary Observation:	Very Good
Binary and Star Cluster Observation:	Very Good
Galaxy and Nebula Observation:	Fair
Photography:	Yes
Terrestrial Photography:	Yes
Lunar Photography:	Yes
Planetary Photography:	Yes
Star Cluster / Nebula / Galaxy Photography:	Yes