TeleVue Ranger Telescope Retro Review - Worth a Buy in 2024??
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- Опубліковано 28 чер 2024
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There was an ad in S&Tel for the Ranger circa 1997-1999, showing it stowed under the top tube of a bicycle - just like a frame-fit pump. I bought one. Didn’t keep it long - I also had a Barry Arnold 4.3” f/10.5 achromat (BK-7, F-2 glass).
Great video. Truly: nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.
Perhaps the best ending of a YT video I've heard- "Still watching? Then I'll see you soon."
You betcha I was still watching, Ed, and it'll be a pleasure to see you soon with another video. I own a humble 6" f8 dob with no interest in buying anything else, but your reviews are nevertheless so enjoyable (and scopereviews- read them since '09). Thank you!
Hey Ed,
Appreciate your videos.
I have a Ranger that my father in law purchased early 90s. I recently took it out, took it apart, cleaned everything, greased up the helical focuser and got everything working well. The really cool part is that I found the owners manual and it's signed (autographed) by Al Nagler!!
Mr. Nagler signs them all. I have my signed instruction sheet for my TV-85. Love it.
I have owned my TeleVue Ranger since 1998… plus two of the original star-diagonals [one of them was purchased at a later date]. In 2024 it still performs as good as the day I bought it. It is definitely a keeper.
Oh wow! I bought a 17mm TV volcano Plossl at a garage sale. It works well. Was in a big medicine bottle with padding on it. $35.
Thanks Ed. You never fail to educate and entertain. My favorite channel.
I have a TV Ranger from 1995 and for many years, it was my most used scope. Then, work commitments took me away from the hobby and it sat unused for over a decade. Now, it seems the helical focuser is stuck and I’m unable to turn it no matter how much force I apply. If anyone has pointers on how to safely disassemble the focuser for cleaning and re-lubricating, I’ll be most grateful.😢
Or just send it to Televue in New York State. They’ll fix it
I bought a used a Ranger in 2008 and still like it; not sure why I am drawn to this classic scope. I like it's sleek look without the Televue chunky tube ring. I also like the 6.8 focal ratio, medium ratio but not too short. Using parfocal eyepieces does help with the helical focused system. It did well when I set it up at a public park for the 2017 solar eclipse. People asked what kind of scope it was. I told them, "It is a Televue."
Always a joy to listen to you about our hobby 😊
Nostalgia is sweet. I miss my childhood 60mmx700mm Sears telescope but the reality today would disappoint. Nice to see you can still enjoy your Ranger.
Your reviews are always a pleasure to watch. The Ranger is not on my radar (already have an AT70ED which will have to suffice) but I have wondered about their performance in modern terms. Strangely I also have a little 2 lb. 70mm f5.7 achromat that was only $39 new to my doorstep at the time and it is ever ready to go out when I’m not too sure what the sky is like. For all the purple CA with bright objects, it puts up a pretty good view of open clusters and bright DSO’s at 26x with a 15mm Expanse EP.
Great review like always, thanks Ed!
The Ranger is a great telescope! i use it for Astronomy, Birding and (astro) Photography. I love the helical focusser. Maybe today the new telescopes have better glass but is a little color such a big issue? For me it is not! Great portable scope! Thanks for reviewing the TV Ranger.
Thank you very much, Ed! Always a pleasure to watch your videos.
I was looking for a quality refractor to compliment my Questar when this and the Pronto came out back in 1993. I went back and forth and finally ordered the Pronto, figuring I could do astrophotography with it. 31 years later, I still have the Pronto (and the Q) and I have yet to do any astrophotography with it. Maybe I should have gotten the Ranger. 😉
One nice thing about the TeleVue finder block is that it’s a standard rimfire/air rifle mount, meaning you have a huge choice of red dot sights you can mount for a finder.
Thanks for the clarification on the finder block mount. I didn't know that.
My TeleVue Ranger complements my ‘re-modded’ Meade ETX-105, when mounted on my AOK-AYO or Tele-Optic Giro. Regarding the TeleVue finder block, I once attached an air rifle ‘scope to it.
I have an old Photax/Paragon 400mm telephoto lens. I just got to purchase a Vixen compatible dovetail bar and try both at astro-imaging/photography with my Nikon DSLR’s. Tried both with digital compact cameras many years ago and the ‘processed’ images were not to shabby.
Also managed to image the 1999 solar eclipse [from BG🇧🇬] and the 2004 transit of Venus [from England🏴 GB/UK🇬🇧] using a Pentax ME-Super [35mm film] and the TeleVue Ranger. 😉
Not long after I wrote the above, I bought a used Ranger for use as a nature and travel scope. It’s better than my Vanguard 80mm spotting scope, and it’s light enough to go in carry-on luggage. (But I’m keeping the Pronto.)
Fantastic video, Ed. I love my Ranger!
Very nice review (as usual). Never had one but thought about it many times. Love my TV60 and it fills that void.
Love your channel.
Thanks for sharing.
i am really new at this your videos are great
If I didn't have a Pronto and the 76 I definitely would consider it.
A nice collector item!
So right Ed, your expectations don’t go down. Cheers-Greg
Thank you Ed for doing this!!!! I love my early serial # 1206 Pronto F/6.4 450 efl! Vintage Televue!!!!
Oooh, the rare f/6.4!
Since the Pronto and Ranger shared objectives, did the early Rangers ever feature the F 6.4 lens? I've never heard of it.
The Rangers were all f/6.8s!
@edting good to know,thanks Ed!
Nostalgia is a thing of the past. I've used a Pronto and loved the optics and build quality but better cheaper options exist now.
Could you list a few? Thanks in advance. Just starting out in this.
"Nostalgia is a thing of the past" could be another Yogi Berra line!
Try the Astro-Tech AT72. There's a review on this channel.
@@edting Thank you.
What matters most is what it does for you. I really liked the Pronto but at the time it was VERY expensive in the UK It had very well-corrected optics for a doublet (admittedlt using ED glass) . These days I use a SKYMAX127 and an SvBONY SV503 80ED refractor with the associated field flattener. I've also owned a Stellarvue refractor.... now passed on. You REALLY *MUST* to try stuff before buying. It's vital! @@hectorbart
I’m saving up for the Stellarvue SVX102T
Thanks for another great video. If someone was thinking of a Ranger versus a decent 70mm binocular, what would be your advice? Laying in a lawn chair with my 70mm binos the views are wonderful. I suspect better than the ranger if you keep the binos steady (I just use a stick to lean against). They can be heavy and tiring, which is a down side.
They're two separate experiences. If you want a Ranger they are getting hard to find. A Ranger will have far better optics than the typical Chinese-sourced binos, plus you need a mount for the binos, and they are frustrating to use when aimed up at the zenith.
Thanks for reviewing this, Ed! I never did get the Pronto I wanted so badly when they were on their introductory price back in the dark ages, so I briefly considered one of these Rangers at their introductory price and passed on it because of the focuser. Could not afford them since I was newly unemployed. But, passing on the Ranger which would really stretch my budget is something I regret. Now we have cheap triplets and I still pass on them because I like the mostly color free mirrors! Keep on bringing us this stuff so I can see what else I missed... BTW, we still have 1 of those local astronomy shops her in the Denver area. About 15 miles from me is Mile High Astronomy. New and used gear! 😊
Mr. Ting, your reviews are the best. I know you don't want to buy another telescope right now but I think it would be a great service to all beginner astro-enthusiasts to review a ZWO Seestar S50. These get a lot of heat for being either "too easy to use" or "not good enough". However, they are starting to become more and more popular. I would love to hear *YOUR* 👉 expert opinion on one of these at a price point of $499. Regards, 🌞🌚 🔭
Thanks for the nice words. I'm working on a SeeStar review now. It's a tough review to do because I don't think the device is very good but its low price is putting them in the hands of a lot of people.
I am a Tv-85 kind of guy. 😁👍
Hey Ed could you do me a favor and do a review on the orion observer 114mm?
I would like to but I can't find one locally and I don't feel like buying another telescope right now...
@@edting Well if you do I would love to see a video! thanks ed
Hi Ed, Can you do a comparison between celestron c11 Edge hd vs c11 base model. 🥺🥺🥺 Please ❤❤❤
It's going to be pretty much the same as the 9.25 base vs the 9.35 Edge. There's a video.
There's one for sale near me, a brass one with the brass in rough shape.. on a panoramic mount... guy wants $3800..... now Im not a Televue refractor guy, but something tells me he's maybe just a little optimistic
i did find a 8" classic celestron for sale for $550 will you consider a good price
We need way more information. Is it a reflector OTA or a Dob or an SCT? If it's an SCT which version and which mount is it on?
Can celestron astro master 130EQ be a good alternative for Orion 134mm, because Orion 134mm was costing more 5 times of it's original price under the name of taxes(1147$). Also what about National geographic 130mm EQ telescope.
Avoid AstroMasters and PowerSeekers. They are variations of the same junk. See my review of the PowerSeeker 127. If you are in the US, the Orion Observer 134 is $209 this morning on Orion's web site.
@@edting I am from India and there is so much taxes on imported products so can you you prefer any other around this price. Celestron and pie Matrix are much available in India. What's your opinion about National geographic 130mm EQ
Ed, I am from India and there is so much taxes on imported products and due to these taxes Orion 134mm EQ is costing 209 + 900 bucks so it's like a junk at that price so can prefer any other telescope (celestron or pie Matrix) which are much more available in India also what's your opinion about National geographic 130mm EQ telescope. My budget is only 250 bucks.
Yeah, that's tough. I've had this situation come up before. African countries also feel the need to impose big tariffs. For the most part please avoid any telescope with a "National Geographic" label on it. That Nat Geo 130mm might be adequate but be prepared to deal with that wobbly mount. If you get it try not to pay too much.
how much??
@@edting
First🔭
Many people would regard a 70mm short refractor as a finder scope.
Was looking at a used one of these on EBay a couple weeks ago. The bids went way too very high quickly. I didn't buy it.
I think I was one of those bidders.
Me too :)
Hard pass. Goofy focuser = no thanks. On the other hand, I picked up that diagonal used a year or so ago, by far one of my favourites!
if televue just dropd the price on the telescopes i will have got one. i just cant for the hec find out why the telescope are so insanely over priced.
Ok with that logic a Rolls Royce should cost the same as a Honda?
@@johnhoffer5429 its not even close to be that compared. I can buy better optic just as well build for less.
@@johnhoffer5429 not even close. televue is not that premium. you can get better optic and just as well build for less money.