ToupTek HOPE PAPO D60 Apo Telescope 60/280mm (f/4.66) Optical Tube Unit

• 5-lens planar apo design
• 60mm aperture
• 280mm focal length
• Focal ratio f/1:4.6
• SD and lanthanum glass
• 5 lenses in 3 groups
• Visual & photographic up to full-frame sensors (Ø 44mm)
• Built-in field flattening lens
• 3-inch rack and pinion focuser with index mark
• 1:10 reduction
• Connection threads: M48, M54
• Retractable protective cap
• Carrying handle
• Vixen system dovetail bar
• Compact pack size
• Carrying bag
• Less designed for visual observation, more purely photographic

HOPE is derived from the company name and product characteristics ‘Hangzhou ToupTek Optimised Photometry Experiment’ & PAPO ‘Planar APO’.

IMPORTANT:

All our optics are perfectly adjusted at the factory and do not suffer from the misalignment that unfortunately affected a dealer in southern Germany. According to ToupTek, the error has already been corrected – our random samples are very good and there have been no complaints.

The ToupTek HOPE D60 is designed as an excellent telescope for astrophotography and is also ideal for beginners who want to explore the universe in a simple photographic way. Unlike bulky telescopes, this compact APO refractor combines portability with a professional five-element optical system that minimises chromatic aberrations and delivers diffraction-limited resolution.

With its fast focal ratio of f/1:4.66 and integrated field flattener, the HOPE D60 is a true astrograph that delivers large, well-corrected images without the need for additional accessories. A two-speed focuser and versatile threaded ports make focusing easy for novices and provide advanced users with precise control for imaging galaxies, nebulae and star fields.

Combining beginner-friendly simplicity with professional performance, the HOPE D60 is a telescope that will accompany you on your astronomical journey.

Optical design

• A 5-element Planar Apochromat (PAPO) lens design
  Combination of SD glass and lanthanum glass for virtually no chromatic aberration and precise colours.
• Native flat-field correction
  Achieves full-frame field correction without significant vignetting, without distortion and with round, pin-sharp stars almost right into the corners.
• Fast focal ratio of f/4.66
  High light gathering efficiency for capturing wide-field deep-sky objects that reveal details even at short exposure times.

Precise mechanical design

• Compact and robust tube
• Up-to-date, standardised interfaces to other systems
• Compatible with electric focusers of various brands Versatile applications
• Suitable for deep-sky, lunar and solar photography.
  (Due to the short focal length, less suitable for moon and sun photography (possibly still for solar eclipses, in order to capture the corona as large as possible. Not suitable for planetary photography.)
• No restrictions for astronomical research and everyday photography (close focus: 3 metres!).

New 1:10 reduction ratio

This is not a mistake, but an improvement – as the saying goes:

The 1:10 reduction no longer has a classic locking screw, but can now be locked very precisely and sensitively using two Allen screws, so that the eyepiece extension tube cannot be adjusted by itself due to the high weight of the camera, but can still be adjusted easily by hand.

The locking screw was irrelevant for photographic applications anyway, as a motor ‘holds’ the focus point.

The focus point can be read from the side through a viewing window (yes, there is actually a pane in front of it).

360° rotation with indexing

A 360-degree rotation – mounted without play – for precise image alignment of your camera. It is fixed with a screw and an index mark is provided for accurate, reproducible or metrological applications.

Connection thread & adapter with filter thread

ToupTek offers two adapters, the first of which has an M48 external thread and is included in the standard scope of delivery (e.g. for a T-ring or cameras with an M48 internal thread).

The highlight: on the telescope side, you can screw in a standard 2-inch filter using an optional adapter, and if you do not want to use a filter drawer system here, you will need one of the Baader adapters linked below, as this will allow you to use 2-inch filters. Please note that this may result in vignetting (depending on the camera sensor size).

For full-frame sensors, please use the larger M54 adapter to avoid vignetting.

A 2-inch filter fits directly into the (optional) M54 adapter (PLEASE NOTE: Unfortunately, Baader filters can only be screwed in by about 1 turn, but that is sufficient – please do not use force, as Baader filters have a very thin, optimised filter housing) – alternatively, use the optional Baader UFC filter drawer system or the one from ToupTek (please enquire).

For a DSLR camera (in our case, a Sony α7 R3), an approx. 20 mm extension piece was required to achieve focus.

Carrying case

Hats off!

ToupTek supplies an almost oversized carrying case, yes, you could almost call it a small suitcase. The optics fit perfectly when assembled and are not squeezed in, as is almost always the case: open the lid, put the telescope in, close the lid.

Milled hard foam panels provide absolutely secure protection – which means you still shouldn't throw it around.

There is also additional space, or rather fixed cut-outs for adapters or other accessories – even an (optionally) mounted ToupTek AAF1 motor can remain adapted, or there is space for the StellaVita (mini PC), although this should be padded slightly.

Criticisms?

It should be noted that the focal length is only 280 mm and it is not really suitable for high magnifications, but that is not what it was designed for.

Due to the precise construction of the focal plane and the working distance, the use of a zenith mirror for visual observation is not recommended.

It also does not have a 2-inch or 3-inch plug connection, only screw connections, for absolutely secure and tilt-free adaptation of your accessories (clamping systems cause most image errors in the corners).

The optics are quite heavy when fully assembled (3.5 kg) and, with a lot of nitpicking, the carrying handle is not quite as comfortable, meaning you should always hold the optics securely.

Conclusion

Except for the (only) 280 mm focal length, the small HOPE PAPO D60 offers very high-quality and impressive workmanship and performance – ToupTek has done a great job here, so we can look forward to the next models with excitement.

Safety instructions

Please DO NOT look at the sun WITHOUT a suitable and certified solar filter - this will result in immediate blindness.

The telescope is not suitable for use with Herschel wedges/prisms - a suitable solar filter must always be placed IN FRONT of the aperture!

Technical Data

Scope of delivery

• ToupTek HOPE PAPO D60 Apo Telescope (60/280 mm, f/4.66), Optical Tube Unit
• Tube ring
• Carrying handle
• Viewfinder shoe (Vixen-System)
• Dovetail plate (Vixen-System)
• Photo thread reducer 3/8" to 1/4"
• M48 Adapter thread
• M54 Adapter thread
• Dust cover
• 3x Allen key
• Carrier bag
• Shipping information:
  - 1 package: 52 x 32 x 33cm
  - Weight: 6 kg