Takahashi Epsilon-160ED: 160 mm F/D 3.3 astrograph, tube only

An Epsilon Designed for Digital Sensors

The Epsilon-160ED is an astrograph with a diameter of 160 mm and a focal length of 530 mm, with an aperture-to-focal-length ratio of F/D 3.3. It combines a hyperbolic primary mirror, a flat secondary mirror, and an integrated ED corrector for wide-field deep-sky photography. The 44-mm corrected image circle covers the 24 × 36-mm format. The part number TEK16010 refers to the optical tube only.

A correction specific to the 160ED

The ED corrector lens was designed for the aspheric primary mirror of this generation. It forms an optical assembly with the Epsilon-160ED tube and is not compatible with other Epsilon models. This design meets the requirements of digital sensors and their small pixels.

Connect the camera

Set up the camera system based on the 56.2 mm backfocus, using the mechanical reference points from the Takahashi diagram. Choose the adapters and optical path that are appropriate for the sensor and any accessories used in the setup. The wide-field T-rings and the 1.5× extender specific to the 160ED are optional accessories, distinct from the built-in ED corrector.

Lighting Optimized by the Secondary System

The secondary mirror is offset to distribute the illumination across the image circle without increasing obstruction. This offset is intentional: collimation follows the alignment marks and procedure used for the 160ED, rather than attempting to achieve visual concentricity of all components.

Barrel, temperature adjustment, and framing

Three screws support the primary mirror at the rear; a ring holds it in place laterally and at the front. Its alignment is adjusted by three sets, each comprising two thrust screws and one pull screw. The removable cover facilitates warm-up. The rack features a rotating collar to adjust the field of view; a microfocuser and motorized drives are available as options.

Estimate the system load

The tube is 580 mm long and has a body diameter of 204 mm, with a front end measuring 223 mm. Its weight of 6.9 kg must be added to the weight of the mounts and the photographic equipment when selecting the mount and preparing for balancing.

Accessories for Your System

• Check the collimation: combine the cross-linked tube TKA00442 at the’TKA00441 collimation eyepiece. The Epsilon-160ED diagram shows visual adapter #10, tube #19, ring #14, 31.75 mm eyepiece holder #46, and then collimation eyepiece #29. Remove the corrector for this adjustment, then reinstall it according to the manual before imaging.
• Secure the tube: visit 204WM TKA70420M double clamps are designed for the Epsilon-160ED. The top plate is included in this set; the bottom plate or dovetail must be purchased separately. Takahashi recommends the M TMP02200 plate. Any other interface must comply with the hole patterns and center distances of the clamps and the mount.

Package Contents and Setup

Epsilon-160ED TEK16010 optical tube with integrated ED corrector. The mount, camera, clamps, dovetail, T-ring, and extender must be selected separately. The microfocuser, motorization systems, and collimation tools are optional.

Takahashi TEK16010 Official Data Sheet ; Takahashi 2025 Catalog, PDF page 33.