TS-Optics PHOTOLINE 130 mm f/7 EDT Triplet Apo - 3.7" Focuser - with optical test The TS 130 mm f/7 Photoline apochromat is optimized for astrophotography and observation and convinces with a color-pure image.

As far as large refractor telescopes go, anything with a focal length exceeding 900mm, the TS130 pushes boundaries in various ways. Designed and sold by the Munich-based retailer and manufacturer, Teleskop Service, the Photoline series are available in several sizes, ranging from 60mm to 140mm focal lengths.

*The 3.7" RAP focuser - ball bearing mounted*

With a 130mm diameter and a native focal length of 910mm, this telescope strikes a balance between performance and practicality. Compared to its rivals, it offers several advantages: a slightly more affordable price, Japanese-made S-FPL53 glass, a robust 3.7-inch rack-and-pinion focuser ideal for full-frame sensors, and reliable customer service from Teleskop Service.

The 3.7 inch focuser is one of the key highlights of this telescope. It is impressively sturdy, capable of supporting up to 8kg of combined accessories. It produces next to no vignetting across the field of view of full frame sensors.

Optical Performance

The performance of a telescope depends on several factors, including the quality of the field flatteners and the condition of your camera's sensor. Assuming the use of a full-frame sensor, such as the ZWO ASI6200 (which we have used while testing the TS130), with no sensor tilt and a perfectly performing field flattener/reducer capable of full-frame correction, the TS130 delivers exceptional results.

Teleskop Service conducts thorough optical testing on the TS130, including autocollimation, star tests (extrafocal, intrafocal, and focal), Ronchi tests, and protocols to ensure a fully tested telescope. The stars are tight and free from pinching. While minor chromatic aberration is present, the star shapes are flawless. Chromatic aberration is minimal but still present—albeit negligible in most practical scenarios.

*A cropped image of a star field. As shown in this photo, the* ***TS130*** *does an excellent job to render the light.*

Interface

As far as accessories, TS130 covers the basics, but that is about it. Whilst there are plenty of accessories available With a Vixen style dovetail bar, retractable dew shield, field rotator and finder shoe that will have you covered, in terms of adding extra parts to the telescope, TS130 might need a little extra help. With purchasing a few optional accessories such as a carrying bag and more hot shoe plates to mount your powerbox, ASI Air etc this telescope is good to go.

Field Correctors

As of May 2025, TS130 comes with two recommended field correctors. Testing both with a full frame camera, results are very impressive indeed.

The TSFLAT3 field corrector that leaves the focal lenght unchanged, performs impressively with sharp stars 99% all the way to the corners. The included M48 spacer with 2" filter thread, leaves a 55mm backfocus. The flattener fits directly to the large 3.7" focuser which is very satisfying. That results in almost completely vignette-free subs and round stars right to the corners.

With the TSRED379 reducer, the focal length is reduced to 719mm, the focal ratio increases to f/5.53. This also performs very well, with minor vignetting around the edges. So a slight cropping might be required to address vignetting and elongated stars near the corners. You would also rely more on taking high quality flat frames to address the vignetting. Of course you would have a much easier time if you are using a APS-C sensor or smaller

The recommended backfocus for both field correctors is 55mm.

Pros and Cons of TS130 Apochromatic Telescope

Things we love about this telescope:

Excellent optical performance.
Solid and sturdy focuser.
A wide range of accessories available on Teleskop Service website.
Optical test by Teleskop-Service before shipping.

Things that could be imporved:

No carrying case included (sold separately).
The field rotator doesn’t have degree markings.
Only one finder base to mount your accessories.

Key stats:

Lens diameter: 130mm
Focal length: 910mm
Focal ratio: f /7
Lens type: SFPL-53 triplet apochromat, airspaced
Coating: fully multi-coated
Focuser: 3.7" RAP Photoline rack and pinion focuser with dual speed transmission
Payload of focuser: approx. 8 kg
OTA weight: 10.3 kg
Dew shield: retractable, diameter 169mm
Tube diameter: 140mm
Connection threads at the accessory side: Female M92x1 and M68x1 ZEISS level threads, 2" and 1.25" receptacles
Connection thread tube rear side to Focuser: M136x1 female, mm deep