SVX102T-R Premier Apochromatic Triplet Refractor (with Feathertouch Focuser, Flattener, & Dovetail Plate) Stellarvue

This refractor comes with a Universal Field Flattener (SFFX-1-102T) and 7-7/8″ Vixen-Style Dovetail Plate (TP010).

Description

The SVX102T-R is our premier high performance, light weight 4” f-7. (714 mm focal length) air spaced apo triplet refractor. Formerly known and reviewed as the SVR102T, this telescope is identical except the objective lens is now hand figured in our shop in Auburn, CA to an even higher optical standard and this model comes with an improved Stellarvue 3″ focuser with 2″ and 1.25″ compression ring adapters. Many experts have pointed out that the Stellarvue 102 has exceptional optics. Read Dennis DiCicco’s review of the SVR102T as it appeared in Sky and Telescope Magazine. 

With this X version of the SVR102T, we are mapping optical surfaces wih our Zygo Phase Shifting Laser Interferometer and hand correcting each machine polished objective in our optical shop in Auburn California. We address common issues seen in most objectives including spherical issues, astigmatism, trefoil and coma. Mapping and individually correcting each objective takes a lot of time but it results in exceptional optics. We provide a certified American test report with every X series telescope we manufacture demonstrating its optical prowess. 

The SVX102T-R employs a fully baffled, lightweight carbon fiber tube making it one pound lighter than the aluminum version. The optical tube assembly is 8.8 lbs and rings weigh an additional .8 pounds each. The focuser unthreads resulting in a tube assembly that is only 19.75” long, well within airline carry-on size limits. Now you can easily take a world class apo refractor on the plane with you! The certified 101.5 mm clear aperture optic is essentially perfect. This is as good as it gets which means you will see or image everything the atmosphere will allow! 

 The Stellarvue SVX102T-R has been designed as our best dual purpose 4” telescope for both visual and photographic use. Photographic performance with cameras is excellent with the addition of the photographic field flattener. This is among the sharpest 4” class telescopes ever offered.

Fully multi-coated apochromatic triplet objective: Using a 101.5 mm f-7 apochromatic triplet objective, with an Ohara FPL-53 center element, this telescope provides extremely high contrast and reflector-like color correction. To further enhance this high level of  contrast, extreme broadband multi-coatings are used on all six air-to-glass  surfaces. This boosts contrast, making the stars appear vivid and the background  velvet black. These coatings transmit light above and below the visual spectrum.  This is important to minimize reflections seen on CCD images.

Lightweight carbon fiber tube assembly: The thin wall carbon fiber tube looks sharp and matches the black anodized aluminum fittings giving this telescope a very high-end, classy look. The dew shield retracts reducing the length of the telescope when being stored. When the  telescope is used, this dew shield may be extended to minimize dewing of the  objective at night and to serve as a glare shade during the daytime. Since the focuser can be easily un-threaded, the telescope length can be reduced to airline carry on size. This means you can now carry your high end apo on the plane with you.

To compare the differences between an aluminum tube and carbon fiber tube, visit our comparison page. 

Internal tube treatment: The main tube interior is painted ultra flat black inside and is properly baffled to eliminate any tube wall reflections. Reflections in the optical path are further reduced using edge blackened objective elements. All of these methods are used to preserve the outstanding contrast of this exceptional apochromatic lens.

3″ Stellarvue visual/photographic focuser: Many years in the making, our smooth and stable dual speed focuser provides about 4.5″ of travel. This focuser is perfect for visual use as well as imaging. The rear of the draw tube is threaded to accept our dedicated SFF4  photographic field flattener. The Stellarvue focuser is a heavy-duty rack and pinion unit designed to carry a higher capacity. It has an ultra-smooth (8.5:1 Ratio) fine focus control to attain perfect focus every time. An internal brake system and separate tensioner allows the user to adjust capacity. The focuser is fully rotating with a wide groove for smooth and precise rotation. All of the features add up to one of the finest dual speed focusers available today.

Motorized Focuser Options: Optec and Starizona

Aluminum hinged rings:   The SVX102T-R comes with our American made CNC aluminum  mounting rings. Each ring has five screws top and bottom. Threaded holes are 1/4-20. There is one center hole, two holes spaced 1.5″ apart and two holes spaced  60 mm apart. Use the optional TP010 rail for telescope mounts using the Vixen style rail or use the optional TP6  for mounts that use the larger Losmandy style rail.

C009S Heavy Duty Case:  This is our heavy duty, thickly padded Nylon hard case with heavy duty zippers. These cases are substantially more durable than the thin walled Chinese hard cases. 

What else do you need?   In addition to the supplied accessories, you will need a star diagonal, eyepiece(s) and a mount with tripod and mounting plate.  

Light gathering and magnification power: The purpose of a telescope is  to gather light and magnify the apparent size of the object being viewed. A 4” refractor gathers 213 times the amount of light of the naked eye. This will reveal faint objects in space. Magnification power (the increase in relative  size of the object being viewed) is dependent upon the eyepiece being used.  Different eyepieces provide different magnification powers. Since this telescope  uses a highly accurate, hand figured objective lens and is triple tested in the  USA, these telescopes are free of coma and astigmatism seen in many import  telescopes. This provides sharper details when viewing at higher powers. Dawes  limit, which is the stated maximum power for telescopes under good conditions is about 250 power for a 4” telescope. But don’t be surprised when you exceed  this power on a steady night. This is a true apo triplet capable of very high  power when conditions permit. Check the Recommended Accessories section to make  the best choice for eyepieces.

Two year warranty and Stellarvue Service: Stellarvue telescopes and accessories are covered by a two year warranty. But it does not stop there. Since we are a telescope maker, we can repair your telescope for a nominal fee years after it goes out of warranty should you accidentally drop it. Buy a Stellarvue with confidence. Our customer care is legendary.

Specifications