The Tele Vue Apollo 11mm Eyepiece has a rich history. While the Lunar landing of Apollo 11 inspired generations of people in countless ways, a unique experience in the development phase of the Apollo program inspired Tele Vue’s founder Al Nagler on a journey which would eventually change amateur astronomers’ views of the heavens.
As an optical designer at Farrand Optical Company, Al was tasked to design an optical system for a simulator which the Apollo astronauts would use to practice landing on the Moon. When he finally stepped into the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) trainer to see how his optical system performed, the view out of the craft’s iconic triangular window of the simulated Moon below and stars above was breath-taking. Little did he realize at the time, but that was the moment of inspiration that ultimately resulted in the “Nagler” eyepiece.
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, Tele Vue is proud to celebrate its founder’s contribution to the greater effort that made the mission possible and ultimately successful. The special, limited edition commemorative Tele Vue Apollo 11mm eyepiece pays tribute to the simulator program that was invaluable to astronaut training and to the influence it had on the eyepieces we enjoy today.
Specifications include:
Focal Length: 11mm
Apparent Field of View: 85º
Eye Relief: 19mm
Field Stop Diameter (Effective): 16.2mm
Coatings: Glass matched multi-coatings on all surfaces
Barrel Diameter: 1.25″ with 2″ Thread-on adapter
Filter Thread: 1.25″ and 2″
Length: 4.8″
Width: 2.13″
Weight: 21.6 oz (612g)
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