This is the latest version of our 130 mm apo triplet refractor. This model uses a lens design that provides excellent correction for both visual use and imaging (with field flattener). The hand figured objective uses a premier super low-dispersion center element and a Lanthanum rear element.
Availability: We begin the production of all SVX objectives one year ahead of time so while it takes up to a year to perfect each objective, we usually have several lenses available when you order. This means we can generally deliver this telescope within one or two weeks depending on the availability of focusers. At the current time we have Feather Touch focusers in stock and MoonLite focusers only add a few weeks to the waiting period as a general rule. Our sales increased in 2024 above what we anticipated and as a result, we are now out of Stellarvue 3" focusers. We plan to have 200 of these focusers completed about mid April so delivery of telescopes ordered with 3" Stellarvue focusers will be delayed until Spring. You can still order this telescope made with a Stellarvue focuser but delivery will be delayed. Call us for more specific information on delivery time estimates for the telescope and focuser you are looking for. (530) 823-7796.
Optics: SVX130T is rated at .97 Strehl or higher as measured on our Zygo Phase Shifting Interferometer in red light. Visit our SVX Optics Page to learn more about this process.
Coatings: Each lens focuses light precisely, and the extreme broadband coatings on each surface enhance it even further. The images these telescopes produce with our dedicated field flatteners are well documented. Since these coatings transmit more than 99% in the visual spectrum and far above and below it, potential reflections are eliminated. Our SVX130T comes in a specially machined, light-weighted, temperature compensating steel lens cell that maintains the performance despite dropping temperatures.
What's included?
- SVX130T telescope
- CNC-machined tube rings
- Your choice between the Losmandy-Style TP013A or TP019, or the Vixen-Style TP012 mounting rail.
- Choose one of three focusers: Stellarvue 3" focuser, Feather-Touch 3.5" focuser or Moonlight 3.5" Nitecrawler Focuser
- American made, waterproof SKB case with custom cut polyethylene foam interior that does not absorb moisture like polyurethane foam and is much more durable. This is the best foam material available for a heavy telescope.
This telescope is in full production. It is a long process as glass is polished and then meticulously hand-figured. This hand figuring process takes a long time to accomplish but we since we operate one year in advance, we generally have completed lenses waiting for you to place your order. To attain this level of optical accuracy we use special tools and experienced opticians. The work is done right here in our optical shop in Auburn, California. Stellarvue Premier SVX Series refractors are produced for the discerning astronomer who recognizes the best when they see it. Each SVX refractor comes with a color Zygo interferometric test report taken at full aperture in our shop, documenting the final accuracy of your objective.
Select the focuser you prefer: This telescope may be ordered with one a standard 3" focuser or two different 3.5" focusers. Simply select the one you prefer above. Here is a synopsis of the differences:
1. The Stellarvue Standard 3" dual speed, rack and pinion focuser with 2" and 1.25" adapters, and two finderscope dovetail shoes
2. The Starlight Instruments 3.5" focuser, with 4.5" of travel and 2" and 1.25" compression ring adapters. This is an American-made focuser that is equally smooth to the focuser above but may be slightly more stable under various conditions. This is the recommended focuser for both imaging and visual use. Both Optec and Starlight Instruments make motors for these focusers.
3. The Moonlite Nitecrawler 3.5" focuser with various extension tubes and 2" and 1.25" adapters. This is an advanced, electronic, computerized focuser preferred by dedicated imagers. It is the most expensive upgrade, but for those who want perfection when it comes to imaging, this is considered one of the best. The downside is a very short focuser draw tube length which is great for imaging stability but requires various extensions when converting to visual use. Since most high-end imagers rarely or never look through their instrument, this is usually no big deal.
We include CNC mounting rings, a retracting dew shield, metal dust cap, choice of mounting rails, top hande and a high-end, SKB American-made, waterproof hard case with custom, American-made polyethylene foam interior.
Optional Visual Accessories: You will need a star diagonal, eyepieces, mount, and tripod to observe with this telescope. You will find that a finder scope is helpful in locating objects. We recommend the following:
Finder Scope: Optional. We recommend the F050IW2 finder scope. The proper ring system for this finder is the R050DA ring system.
Diagonal: Optional. Please note: You can purchase our best 2" diagonal and save $50. Just select the option above and it will be supplied with the telescope for $199.
Eyepieces: Optional. We recommend our best eyepieces for this telescope: a complete set of four Stellarvue Optimus eyepieces. Save $100 and get a free case worth $199 when you select the "Optimus Eyepiece and Accessory case - Save $100". This set comes with a large, thickly padded case that holds the Optimus set and has room for one additional 2.0" eyepiece, two 1.25" eyepieces, a 2"-star diagonal, and two other items such as a photographic flattener and an astronomy camera. Select this option and the four Optimus eyepieces and case will be supplied with the telescope at $100 off for $1346. Select "Add All Accessories" above and save $159. You get the case, eyepieces and 2" Quartz Star Diagonal for $1536.
Mounts: For strictly visual use, we are developing a heavy-duty alt-azimuth mount that will hold the SVX130T with great stability. We expect to offer it later this year.
For imaging we recommend:
Losmandy G11G or
Paramount MYT. This is a great choice for accurate long-exposure imaging.
Optical Imaging Accessories:
Field Flattener: To image with this telescope use the SFFX-3 photographic Field Flattener. Prior to the development of these our generic flatteners varied in specification. We highly recommend these flatteners to cover your telescope into an imaging platform.
Based on the success of our in-house field flatteners, we are currently working on a new in-house reducer/flattener that will have the same optical specification as our flatteners. We expect to have this unit ready by the end of 2024.
Specifications:
Objective Lens: Air-spaced 130 mm, 910 mm focal length (f-7) fully multi-coated apochromatic triplet. The front lens is a durable, conventional glass, the second is a very expensive super low-dispersion (vD =94.93 - 95.10) element and the third is a Lanthanum element. Read more information on glass types here. Combining the best, high homogeneity optical glass with extreme wave front accuracy. These are the best 130 objectives we have ever offered. Each objective is meticulously figured in our optical shop in Auburn, California. Our final Zygo optical test report is included.
Tube Assembly: All aluminum, Instrument White, fully baffled, 5.5” diameter tube. Telescope is 29.5" long with dew shield retracted and 35" long when extended.
Dew Shield: 6 5/8" (168 mm) diameter, 9 5/8" long retracting aluminum dew shield in Instrument White with black anodized fittings.
Dimensions: OTA: 5.5" diameter, 29.5" long with dew shield retracted and 35" long when extended.
Weight: Telescope tube weighs 18.4 lbs. with the Stellarvue 3SV focuser and 21.2 lbs. with rings. It weighs 19.6 lbs. with Feather Touch 3.5" focuser and 22.4 lbs. with rail. Moonlite focuser is heavier.
Focuser: Included at the base price is a 3" dual speed Stellarvue Focuser. A 3.5" Feather Touch focuser version is available for an additional $600. Upgrade for $2704 to the focuser often chosen by advanced astro-photographers who only use their telescope for imaging. This version comes with the fully computerized Moonlight Nightcrawler 3.5" focuser.
The Stellarvue 3" focuser weighs 3.12 lbs, the Feather Touch 3.5" focuser weighs 5.8 lbs. and the Moonlight Nitecrawler 3.5" focuser (WR35) weighs 8 lbs.
*Please note that the default color for the Nitecrawler will be RED unless specified otherwise. For a full list of available color options visit www.focuser.com.
Mounting Rings: Very heavy-duty CNC mounting rings using 6061 T6 aluminum plate. Five threaded 1/4-20 holes top and bottom spaced 1.5" and 60 mm apart with one in the center. 5 mm side hole for reflect finder mounting.
Mounting Rail: Your choice between the Losmandy-Style TP013A or TP019, or the Vixen-Style TP012 mounting rail.
Handle: The Stellarvue #HAN-2 handle is included.
Case: C130SKB hard case will soon be available.
Light Gain: 345x (human eye = 1)
Contrast and color correction: (1-10): 10
Click here for financing information.
Click here for our online operator's manual: SVX130T Manual
