SVX102T

I have been learning astrophotography for several years with some experience using a 72mm doublet refractor. I wanted my own telescope and spent 6 months evaluating 56 90-115mm refractors cataloging impressions from specifications and posted images on Astrobin. I chose M13 as my study subject since it presents a challenge for both resolution and color (and I like globs). Telescopes from Takahashi, Astrophysics, William Optics, Askar were all evaluated. Image quality, availability, and consistent support were important to me. I am both a visual observer and an imager. While Petzval telescopes are great astrographs, they, apparently, do not perform as well for visual observation. Further the flexibility in focal length offered by a triplet with/without reducer (530, 714mm) appealed to me. After all of this, I found the images from the SVX102T were in the top tier of telescopes and in a price range I could afford. I find Stellarvue is very supportive and helpful so that when the telescope arrived, it was configured specifically for my camera. I have had the SVX102T now for 5 months and am learning to use it in a new setup. My skills are not yet up to the capabilities of this telescope. I m still getting drivers and software settled down but I can see the potential is there and am excited to grow with this telescope. I have also used the SVX102T for visual observing and found it excellent in public star parties at our local Astronomy club. The SVX102T is at the limit of what is portable, for me, and that was also an important consideration. I found its image resolution just a bit better than Stellarvue's 90mm telescope - still very good -- my second choice and even more portable.

I finally had a chance with a clear and cold night sky to do some basic gear testing. This telescope has such great potential. I'm very happy with the purchase and look forward to some amazing imaging sessions when the stars align to have clear skies.

More on my first light image and experience with this here on my blog: https://hobijots.com/Blogs/Astronomy/First%20Light%20with%20The%20Pleiades

After doing a bunch of homework looking for a new scope. I decided to go with Stellarvue because it’s an American company with excellent reputation for build quality and customer service. And I have not been disappointed. I’ve only briefly gotten to look through the scope when I first got it. And views were amazing. But of course now that I have it set up for its intended use of imaging. Been nothing but clouds and rain. I went with the SV focuser and it’s been rock solid with my filter wheel and cooled crop sensor camera. I had questions about what holes in the focuser would be best for mounting an EAF. Not only did Vic answer me on a Sunday. But sent me detailed PDF instructions and some longer screws for more solid mounting. Without charging me anything. And when I ordered the telescope. It was the first time a company has ever reached out to me and asked ME what day I would like them to ship the telescope so it would arrive when I was home. So I’ve been quite impressed with their customer service. I’m glad I chose to go with them. Will definitely be ordering my next scope from them as well.

I have a lot of experience with high quality lenses in general photography and microscopy, but only a few telescopes. But this telescope produces the highest image quality I have ever seen, even compared to fourteen thousand dollar long lenses by Nikon or the best Zeiss microscope objectives. The only thing I've seen that compares is the SVX130T I bought earlier this year.

So grateful there isn't a lottery and waiting list to obtain these telescopes..

I can’t wait to use the new telescope more. In t is exceptional in quality and perfectly matched with my Losmandy mount. I know that I will be using it for many years to come. Customer service could not have been better. I am very happy with my choice.

I have not been able to get first light with this telescope yet, however, as far as the finish goes and assembly, it looks beautiful.
It came with a very nice case too.
I will add another review when I get it out under the stars and have some photons hitting the sensor.

This telescope is such an elite class of optics. Upgrading to this scope from my old Chinese doublet has me ready to never buy any refractor that isn’t Stellarvue ever again. I am already saving up for the SVX80T for a 2nd more mobile rig…
Vic and everyone at the shop was incredible to work with and I am increasingly excited to work with and I am increasingly excited to use my SVX102T the more I actually use it. I could not be happier with my purchase.

perfect scope. The only reason I am giving it 4 is because it was scratched.

As my subject says, the SVX102T exceeded my expectations. The build quality is phenomenal, including Stellarvue's own focuser. I was upgrading from a 30-year old telescope and wanted to purchase a 100mm category scope that would equally stand the test of time. What sold me on the Stellarvue was that it's made in the US (nothing against other countries of manufacture, but I live in the US); great customer service prior to purchasing (answering questions, etc.); the youtube video of Sky and Telescope magazine visiting Stellarvue (a must watch); and the QA/QC given to each telescope and lens prior to shipment. The weather in the northeast has been horrendous lately, but I was finally able to use it last night without any issues.

I was surprised to see that there are only 10 reviews for this model! I have the older version SV102T with similar optics and attention to detail as the SVX102T. I can't communicate enough superlatives about this scope. My previous scope was a "quality" 80mm Chinese scope which actually exceeded my expectations... but I didn't; know what I was missing until I got the Stellarvue SV102T! Star color is excellent with almost undetectable fringing, and the detail in photographed nebulae is fantastic, exceeding what is commonly expected for a 4 inch scope.. I also ordered the SFFX1 Field flattener which gives me pinpoint stars to all edges with a full frame camera. If you ask a question, most often Vic Maris, the owner of Stellarvue, will personally reply. After I ordered the field flattener, Vic reached out to me to ensure that all details were correct before he accepted my order. This is outstanding customer service and I couldn't be happier!