Interview with Mr. Al Nagler of TeleVue

First of all, thank you for granting me this interview. I'd like to ask you a few questions about your company's history and future plans. I'll start with the first question:

Q: When you created Tele Vue Optics Incorporated in 1977, did you imagine it would become one of the world's leading optical manufacturers?

A: I've prepared a PowerPoint presentation titled "Thanking My Lucky Stars." I think that says it all. Your readers can view it by visiting this link: i-thank-my-lucky-stars, But to answer your question more directly, I can say that I founded TeleVue to initially develop lenses for home TV projection systems. Knowing that I would want to expand my production to include astronomical optics, I named the company so that the brand name would be appropriate for both my immediate television projects and future astronomical telescope projects.

In my career as an optical designer, I've been fortunate to have worked on performance-at-all-costs projects for NASA and the U.S. Army, as well as cost-savings-at-all-costs projects as the lead optical designer at Keystone Camera Company. This balance served me well when I started my own commercial optics company.

My greatest desire at the time was to bring the "spacewalk" visions I'd experienced developing NASA's Gemini and Apollo LEM simulators into my own observing backyard. The only way to achieve this was to find a way to design and produce my own eyepiece at a price point affordable enough for many amateur astronomers to afford.

I then designed the first “Nagler” eyepiece in 1979. I never expected to be where we are today, but I thank my lucky stars that over the years there have been enough amateur astronomers out there who have continued to appreciate and value our “vision” regarding refractors, eyepieces, and optical accessories that truly push the limits of performance.

2) Is there a telescope/eyepiece project that is still unfinished and that has remained close to your heart?

A: The best thing for me is working on developing new projects, with my family and our new employees, because it's constantly stimulating. So, yes, there are various projects, but they're never announced until they're ready for the market.

 3) In your opinion, what should an amateur astronomer who owns an NP101 expect when using the NP127is? Could you please tell me more about this? Why should NP telescopes be preferred over the more classic triplet design?

A: You should simply expect more than everything you enjoyed using the NP101. The 127is and 101is are optically similar telescopes and share the same focuser, which includes a 10:1 reduction gear, tilt compensation, and a robust mechanical design. With the same impressive color correction, the larger aperture will increase brightness and resolution for greater detail in lunar, planetary, and deep-sky observing.  Unlike designs that use simple doublets and triplets, the Nagler-Petzval series' field lenses are flattened and require only a simple lens field corrector for use with very large sensors. With less glass mass at the front, they cool more quickly than triplets and are much less sensitive to optical alignment thanks to simpler mounting.

Image: The optical scheme of the TeleVue-NP127Fli

4) In Italy, there's been a major shift in amateur astronomy. Young amateur astronomers are focusing primarily on photography and aren't interested in contemplative observation. What's your opinion on this?

A:Personally, although I am very impressed by the current photographic results, the live visual experience excites me more, on the subject you can read my essays Saturn Day e WhyBeAnAmateurAstronomer.

5) Regarding wide-angle eyepieces, do you think you've already reached the limits allowed by current manufacturing technology, or is there still room for improvement? Should we expect any new designs in the near future?

A: Technically, there is an opportunity to design eyepieces with wider apparent fields of view. With advances in coatings, even on case-hardened surfaces, there are always improvements possible, but many factors must be balanced together to make a valid product. I think part of what makes us “Tele Vue,” or our “Ethos,” is that we won't make a product just to say, “Look what we've done,” if that means making compromises in areas we feel are important to the “balance” of the overall product. Examples of our approach are seen in limiting the focal lengths of the Ethos, Delos, and DeLite series to 21mm, 17.3mm, and 18.2mm, respectively. Going any further would have introduced vignetting beyond what we consider our “happy balance.” As I mentioned earlier, I can't talk about future products until they're ready for release.

6) I know you can't say much in advance, but I'll try to ask you anyway if there are any new limited editions planned, such as the commemorative eyepiece of the Apollo 11 mission.

A: Both the Apollo 11 mission and the Apollo 11 eyepiece were projects I'm proud to have been a part of. We've never released an "Anniversary," "Commemorative," "Special," or "Limited Edition" version of any of our products in our 40-plus years of existence. However, I couldn't imagine anything more appropriate to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first manned moon landing, given its impact and inspiration on my career. The only condition for this project was that it had to be a "moonshot." For us, this eyepiece was mission accomplished! While there will be no more Apollo 11 eyepieces, every project that advances the art generates new ideas. If you can learn from your mistakes, why not also learn from your successes?

7) Most readers of binomania.it love binocular vision. There will be a future update to the popular Bino-Vue binocular turret.

A: Although I love binocular observation and our Bino Vue, unfortunately our supplier has withdrawn; he had no interest in allowing us to continue production. He decided to discontinue it; it was his personal choice, and I understand that. As for a possible replacement for the Bino Vue, we never say "never." However, as long as there are competitive, high-quality products, we will most likely avoid re-entering the market.

8) More and more Italian enthusiasts are purchasing binoculars with angled prisms that can use most astronomical eyepieces. Which TeleVue eyepieces would you recommend for binocular vision and why

A: Generally, I would recommend the DeLites, which are comfortable with or without glasses, sharp and contrasty, and have a 62° apparent field of view. Although they are heavier and larger, the Delos with a 72° apparent field also work very well. If glasses aren't necessary, I suggest the 24mm Panoptic or the 16mm Nagler Type 5 or Nagler Type 6 with focal lengths appropriate for binocular use.

9) Some of my American birdwatching friends have confirmed that they use the TeleVue TV-76 and TV-85 successfully. Birdwatching in Italy is still in its infancy, with many more hunters, and therefore more spotting scopes are sold. Why should Italian birdwatchers consider purchasing a TeleVue refractor?

A: I call our TeleVue TV-85 “Goldilocks” telescope. It has been rated the “best optic in the world” by the Cornell Ornithology Laboratory. Both the TV-85 and the TV-76 (with Evergreen tubes for birders) are comfortable, versatile, rugged, and excellent tools for practicing astronomy. For your birdwatching friends, the DeLite eyepieces are also convenient and useful for use with our Fonemate, which allows you to get sharp, “wide-field” photographs via your smartphone. https://televue.com/Birdscope 

10) Could you tell me which are the best-selling TeleVue telescopes and eyepieces “ever” and why?

A: Telescopes are easy to recognize because they are serialized. The Pronto still reigns supreme among our best-selling telescopes, but the Tele Vue-85 is catching up and is still in production. These two optical instruments hit the mark with their combination of build quality, optical performance, portability, ease of use, versatility, and price. As for eyepieces, it's hard to say because we'd have to look back and analyze over 40 years of sales! If I had to guess, I'd say the 32mm Plössl because it's been in production since 1982 and consistently ranks among the top five in annual sales.

11) As I hope you've seen in addition to the review of the TeleVue NP101, I just published a video review of the TeleVue NP127is on Binomania.it. In addition to its excellent imaging capabilities, I appreciated the true apochromat's color correction and the ability to achieve high magnifications. I really appreciated your choice to use a 127 ED doublet apertured at f/11 with a field flattener/reducer doublet. Is this the only real recipe for this telescope's excellent performance, or did the corrector also serve to further correct chromatic aberrations?

A: Thank you for your wonderful review of the NP101 and the compliments about the NP127is. I've been working with that design since 1980 and the development of our first telescope, the MPT (Multi-Purpose Telescope). Regarding the optical design, I'd like to clarify this point as it's often misunderstood. The Petzval design must be considered as a whole. The two groups will not function well independently of each other. An analogy would be like separating a Nagler eyepiece and calling the upper half the "eyepiece" and the lower section the "Barlow." This is an oversimplification that is simply incorrect. The rear groups in my designs have always been significantly forward of the focal plane so as to have a precise effect on all aberrations, including color. (Glad I mentioned this in the review before Nagler responded – ed.)

12) I fondly remember the now discontinued Tele Vue 102mm F.8.6 doublet. Might there be a chance we'll see a "planetary viewing telescope" produced by Tele Vue? I think a Tele Vue PL 127 F/9 could be a fantastic gift for amateur astronomers who enjoy lunar and planetary observations. What do you think?

A: Sorry, I missed what you thought was missing in the performance of our NP scopes. LOL!!! I really don't see any advantage in such a scope over the versatility and performance of the NP series. While one might suggest there would be a price advantage, that would only be true if the market for such a scope were large enough. I think the demise of the Tele Vue-102 tells us everything we need to know about the market.

13) Now the last question that I think binomania readers will like: Do you ever use binoculars while observing?

A:Certainly, I use it sometimes for scanning the sky before “digging deeper” with telescopes and eyepieces and, of course, for birdwatching.

14) Thank you so much for your attention and time spent with me and my readers. I hope to meet you in Italy in the near future.

A: I hope to meet you in Italy too! I've been there a few times and appreciate your art, food, architecture, and history. I especially loved Rome and Venice. Plus, my wife Judi saved my life when I was backing up to take a photo of her when we were at the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I didn't realize there was no railing behind me!

I would also like to thank David, my son and president of Tele Vue, for his contribution to this interview. Many may not realize that for the past 33 years he has had his hands in and eyes on every aspect of what is known as Tele Vue.

Albert Nagler

 

Interview with Mr Nagler – English version 

First of all, thank you for considering my interview and please excuse me for my poor English. I would like to ask you a few questions about the history of your company and your future projects. So, I'm going to start by asking you the first question:

• When you created Tele Vue Optics Incorporated, in 1977, would you have imagined becoming one of the worldwide top optical manufacturers?

 

1. I have a PowerPoint presentation I titled “I Thank My Lucky Stars.” I think that about says it all. Your readers can view it here. i-thank-my-lucky-stars But to answer your question more directly, I founded Tele Vue to first develop lenses for in-home projection TV systems. Knowing I'd want to push the envelope for astronomical optics as well, I named the company so it would be appropriate for both my immediate television and future telescope optical projects.

In my career as an optical designer, I was fortunate enough to have worked on “performance at all costs” projects for NASA and the US military, as well as “cost-savings at all costs” projects as Chief Optical Designer at Keystone Camera Company. The balance of the two served me well as I started my own consumer optics company.

My ultimate dream at the time was to bring the “spacewalk” views I had experienced developing NASA's Gemini and Apollo LEM simulators to my own backyard observing. The only way that was going to happen was if I could find a way to design and produce my eyepiece “inexpensively” enough that a whole lot of other amateur astronomers could afford to buy one as well.

I designed that first “Nagler” eyepiece in 1979. I never expected to be where we are today, but I thank my lucky stars that through the years there have been enough amateur astronomers out there who continue to appreciate and value our vision for refractors, eyepieces and optical accessories that really push performance limits.

 

• Is there a telescope/eyepiece project still undone and that's left in your heart?

1. Best of all, working with family and our astronomy enthusiast employees to develop new projects is constantly inspiring. So, Yes – but new projects are never announced until they are ready for market.

• In your opinion, what should an amateur astronomer who owns the NP101 expect, using the NP127is? Would you kindly tell me more about it? Why should NP telescopes be preferred over the more classic triplet design?

101. You should simply expect more of everything you liked about the NP101. The 127is and 101is models are optically similar layouts and have the same focuser which includes a 10:1 reduction pinion, tilt compensation, and robust mechanical design. With the same terrific color correction, the additional aperture will gain you brightness and resolution increases to tease out more detail in lunar, planetary, and deep sky features.

Unlike doublet and triplet designs, the Nagler-Petzval series fields are flat, needing only a simple lens field corrector for use with very large sensors. With less glass mass in the front, they also have cool down quicker than triplets and are far less sensitive in optical alignment for easier assembly.

• In Italy there has been a big change in the field of visual astronomy. Young people mainly approach photography and do not care about contemplative observation. What is your opinion on this?

1. Personally, while I'm impressed with current photographic achievements, the live visual experience thrills me more, read my essay Saturn Day and WhyBeAnAmateurAstronomer.

• As far as wide field eyepieces are concerned, do you think you have already reached the limits allowed by the current production technology or is there still room for improvements? Should we expect any new design in the near future?

17. Technically, there is opportunity to design wider apparent field of view eyepieces. With advances in coatings, including on cemented surfaces, there are always improvements possible, but so many factors must be balanced together to make a viable product. I think part of what makes us “Tele Vue,” our “ethos” if you will, is that we won't make a product just to say “look what we did” if that means compromises in areas we feel are important to the “balance” of the product overall. Some examples of this restraint are limiting the Ethos, Delos and DeLite series focal lengths to 21mm, 17.3mm, and 18.2mm respectively. To go longer would introduce vignetting beyond what we consider our “happy balance.”

As previously mentioned, we don't comment on future products until they are ready to launch.

• For this reason, are foreseen new limited editions of new commemorative designs like the Apollo 11?

1. Both the Apollo 11 and Apollo 11 (eyepiece and mission) were projects I was proud to be part of. We never did an “Anniversary,” “Commemorative,” “Special,” or “Limited” edition version of any of our products in our 40+ year existence. However, I couldn't imagine anything more appropriate to celebrate than the 50^th anniversary of men landing on the Moon considering its impact and inspiration on my career. The one stipulation to doing this project was that it had to be “a Moon shot.” We consider it, mission accomplished.

Though there won't be any more Apollo 11 eyepieces, every project that advances the art, does breed new ideas. If you can learn from your mistakes, don't you also learn from your successes?

• Most readers of my online magazine love binocular vision. Will there be a future update of your famous Bino-Vue?

1. While I also love bino viewing and our Bino Vue, our supplier retired and had no interest in allowing us to pursue continued production. He retired his product his way and I can understand that.

            As far as a replacement, we'll never say “never.” However, as long as there are competitive, high quality products out there, we'll probably refrain from re-entering the market.

• More and more enthusiasts are buying angled prism binoculars that can use astronomical eyepieces. Which Tele Vue eyepieces do you feel like advising for binocular views and why?

1. Generally, I'd recommend DeLites, comfortable with or without glasses, sharp, and contrasty 62° AFoV. While heavier and larger, the 72° AFoV Delos also work very well. If eyeglasses are not needed, I suggest the 24mm Panoptic or 16mm Nagler type 5, and Nagler type 6s in appropriate focal lengths.

• Some of my American birdwatcher friends have confirmed to me that they use TV-76 and TV-85 profitably. In Italy birdwatching is still at an early stage, there are many more hunters and therefore more spotting scopes are sold. Why should Italian birdwatchers consider buying a Tele Vue refractor?

1. I call our TV-85 our “Goldilocks” scope. It was rated “best optics in the world” by the Cornell Ornithology lab. Both the TV-85 and TV-76 (with Evergreen tubes for birders) are convenient, versatile, rugged, and great paths to crossover into astronomy. Also for your birding friends, DeLite eyepieces are convenient and useful with our Fonemate for sharp, full-field cell phone photography. https://televue.com/Birdscope

• Could you tell me which are the best-selling Tele Vue telescope and eyepiece “ever” and why?

 

1. Telescopes are easy to tell because they are serialized. The Pronto still reigns supreme among our scopes but the Tele Vue-85 is catching up and still in production. These two scopes hit the mark with their combination of quality construction, optical performance, portability, ease of use, versatility, and price.

            As for eyepieces, it's hard to say because we'd have to look back over 40-years of sales! If I had to guess, I'd say the 32mm Plössl because it has been in production since 1982 and always ranks amongst the top five in yearly sales.

 

• I am publishing on Binomania.it the NP 127 video review. In addition to the excellent imaging capabilities I appreciated the apochromatic color correction and the ability to allow high magnifications. I really appreciated the decision to use a 127 ED doublet open at F/11 with a doublet field flattener/reducer lens. Is this just the real recipe for the excellent performances of this telescope, or is the corrector itself used to further correct the color aberrations as well?

 

1. Thank you for your wonderful review on the NP101is and the compliments on the NP127is. I've been working with that design form since 1980 and the development of our first telescope, the MPT (Multi-Purpose Telescope).

Regarding the optical layout, I'd like to make this point very clear as it is often misunderstood. The Petzval design must be considered as a whole. The two groups will not function well independently from each other. An analogy would be like separating a Nagler eyepiece and calling the upper half the “eyepiece” and the lower section a “Barlow.” It's an oversimplification that is just plain incorrect.

            The rear groups in my designs have always been significantly ahead of the focal plane so as to have a defined effect on all aberrations, including color.

 

• I remember with pleasure the now discontinued Tele Vue 102mm F.8.6 doublet. Could there be a possibility to see a “planetary visual telescope” produced by Tele Vue? I think that a Tele Vue PL 127 F/9 could be a fantastic gift for amateur astronomers who love lunar and planetary observations. What do you think about it?

1. I'm sorry, I missed what you thought was lacking in the performance of our NP scopes. LOL!!! I really see no advantage in such a scope over the versatility and performance of the NP-series of scopes. While one could suggest there would be a price advantage, which would only be true if the market for such a scope was big enough. I think the demise of the Tele Vue-102 tells us all we need to know about the market.

 

• Now the last question that I think will please binomania readers? Do you use binoculars during your observing time?

1. A little for sky scanning before I dig into scopes and eyepieces, and naturally for birding.

Dear Mr. Nagler, I thank you so much for your attention and the time spent for me and my readers. I hope to meet you in Italy, sometime in the near future.

1. I hope to meet you in Italy too! I've been there a few times and appreciate the art, food, architecture and history. I loved Rome and Venice, especially. If Fact, my wife Judi saved my life, as I was backing up to take a picture of her while we were on the top level of the “Leaning Tower of Pisa,” not realizing there was no railing behind me.

I'd also like to thank my son and President of Tele Vue, David, for contributing greatly to this interview. Many may not realize that for the last 33-years he has had his hands in and eyes on every facet of what you know as Tele Vue.

 

Albert Nagler