Cave Optical Co.

Cave Optical telescopes were high quality instruments made in the U.S. All of their models were variations on the same basic approach, that of a pedestal mount and GEM supporting a fine optical tube. All models were provided with 1 ¼" focusers and eyepieces. The equatorial mount for the deluxe models had 1 ½" shafts with oversize bearings. Drives were available for all models, and provided on deluxe models. Most of the more popular models are noted below.

Model B Deluxe (8" f/8)

All of the following models came in both standard and deluxe models. The deluxe models generally provided a heavier German equatorial mount, true rotating rings and other accessories. The Student and Model A were the smallest models, and were based on a 6" f/7, f/8 or f/9 optical tube. Moving to the next size mirror, Model B incorporated an 8" f/5, f/6, f/7 or f/8 or f/6 optical assembly. The Lightweight had the same mountings and 8" primary, but had a lighter tube support and was available in focal lengths starting at f/4.5. The next increment was the Model C, based on a 10" mirror available in f/4.5, f/6 or f/8 configurations. Then came the massive 12 ½" f/6 or f/7 instruments. In 1975 a 10" f/5 and a 12" f/5 were added to the lineup.