Product Description
The SVX series telescopes are perfect for both viewing and astrophotography. The SVX080T comes with:
- an SFFX-1 field flattener;
- a 3" focuser that eliminates vignetting, making it ideal for imaging;
- Stellarvue's new RSS risers;
- solid mounting rings;
- a Losmandy-sized mounting rail;
- and, a heavy duty, thickly-padded C019 case.
Optics
The Stellarvue SVX080T-3SV features our 80 mm f-6 (480 mm focal length) fully multi-coated, 3-element objective lens with an Ohara FPL-53 center element. The SVX series apochromatic telescopes use objectives that have the highest optical ratings as measured and documented on our Zygo Phase-Shifting Laser Interferometer. SVX series optics are rated at .98 - .996 Strehl with excellent optical correction of aberrations. To attain this level of optical accuracy Stellarvue opticians use specially-made tools to hand-figure objectives. While former models (without the X designation) all tested at .95 Strehl or higher, SVX series telescopes place 98 - 99% of the light precisely where it should be. Each SVX series refractor comes with a Zygo interferometric test report taken in our shop, with an actual Zygo Interferometer documenting the accuracy of your individual objective.
Each lens focuses light with precision, and the extreme broadband coatings on each surface enhance it even further. The stars appear vivid and the background, velvet black. Since these coatings transmit more than 99% in the visual spectrum, reflections seen on CCD images are eliminated.
Tube and dew shield
This telescope comes with an aluminum tube and dew shield that is finished in "Instrument White". The inside of the main tube assembly is painted "Ultra-flat Black" and the focuser is baffled to eliminate tube wall reflections. Fittings are black anodized aluminum. The dew shield retracts, reducing the length of the telescope for storage. Extending the dew shield minimizes dewing of the objective at night and serves as a glare shade during the daytime.
Risers and Rail for use with a Camera
When adding a camera, a rail must be added to slide the system forward in order to counterbalance the additional weight. Risers allow the camera to rotate without running into the rail.
Field Flattener for Imaging
The SFFX-1 flattener included in the purchase price of the telescope is optimized to work with DSLR cameras that have an over-sized 48 mm t-ring. This modular flattener can be used with various optional adapters, making it compatible with CCD and CMOS cameras that may have a different back-focus. The SFFX-1 attaches directly to the draw tube by unthreading the 2" visual back and threading the SFFX-1 in its place.
If your camera has a different back-focus, call us at (530) 823-7796 and we will advise you on what you need to use this flattener with your camera. In most cases, we can also modify the flattener so it will work with your particular camera, eliminating the need to purchase expensive custom adapters.
For visual use, the Stellarvue Optimus eyepieces and our 2" quartz mirror star diagonal are recommended.
Two-year warranty and Stellarvue service: Stellarvue telescopes and accessories are covered by a two-year warranty. After warranty expires, Stellarvue can repair your telescope if it is damaged for a nominal fee.
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SPECIFICATIONS:
Objective Lens:
80 mm f-6 480 mm focal length Apo Triplet
Optical tube length:
18" when focuser is racked in
Focuser:
Stellarvue SVF-3B rotating 3" focuser with heavy duty dual-speed rack and pinion mechanism, 2" and 1.25" compression ring adapters. Threaded to accept field flattener.
Dew Shield Front Ring:
4" diameter
Weight:
7 lbs without risers/rail; 10.4 lbs with risers/rail
Rings:
Solid 6061-T6 aluminum rings bolted directly to the tube to eliminate any felt flexure
SFFX-1 full frame field flattener included
Image Circle:
43mm
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Product Reviews
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SVX80T-3SV
Rock solid excellence! The SVX080T-3SV exceeded my expectations in all respects. Goals were to get a more solid photographic platform than the ring mounted refractor I had piggybacked on my LX200ACF 10”. Stellarvue support helped me pick out the spacing rings to get correct distance from the field flattener, and also found exactly the mounting adapter I needed to attach to my Losmandy plate. After 1 half cloudy night, and one clear one, I am beyond pleased. All controls are solid, focus was easy to achieve and hold, and the optical quality is several magnitudes better than what I was using.
Peter: Thanks for the excellent review. Clear skies. Vic Maris -
SVX80T-3SV
I've imaged several objects now with my SVX80T using the stock flattener and the .74x reducer/flattener. I use an ASI1600 mono camera with it. I'm really happy with the performance of this scope and expect to own it for many years. It's a perfect complement to my SVA130T and gives great wide field performance. Performance with the stock flattener was excellent at the specified backspacing. The .74x reducer/flattener is a little more sensitive but after I got it dialed in on spacing, it is a great performer and makes the scope very fast. The 3" focuser is excellent and the rotator has very tight tolerances and maintains alignment very well when rotating your camera to the desired angle. I highly recommend one of the Optec ThirdLynx controllers for the focuser. Vignetting is practically zero (if any) with my chip. The build and hardware is of the highest quality. Stellarvue service is also top notch. I sold my old scope through SV’s certified program which is a great benefit.
-Tim
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SVX80T-3SV APO Triplet
Received this three days ago and had a clear but moonlit night to test it out finally. Imaged Heart Nebula in Ha and the result was stunning. Pinpoint stars across the entire field and fine details visible in the nebula. If you are looking for a top quality imaging platform this is it. Rock solid construction with threaded connections from the back of the scope to the camera.
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SVX80T-3SV APO Triplet
I had this scope out the other night during one of the few non-rainy evenings we've had recently in Santa Cruz, CA. I used it first in visual mode without the .74 field flattener. The wide field view of the Orion complex was spectacular! The stars were pinpoints of light against a very dark background. The contrast was amazing, as it should be for a device measured to have a Strehl ratio greater than 0.98. Next, I removed the visual back and attached the 0.74 flattener/reducer followed by my camera, a QHY168C color CMOS camera with a 16 MP APS-C chip (28mm diagonal). As far as I could tell from the test shots I took, stars were pinpoint out to the edge of the sensor's image circle. Once I learn how to properly focus the camera using the tools available in the acquisition software and record the images in full Raw16 mode, I will post some color pictures. My only minor criticism of the hardware is that the 3" Stellarvue R/P focuser is not as smooth as the Feathertouch focuser on my other Stellarvue refractor. I plan to install an Optec motorized unit to replace the manual focusing knobs in order to get a more precise focus. But I am very happy overall with the optical performance of the OTA. Thanks for the extra figuring you Stellarvue people do to achieve scopes with exceptional Strehl ratios.
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SVX80T-3SV
Just recieved the scope yesterday. Nicely packed. Had a quick look last night and Sirius was a nice blue with no hint of CA. Beautiful optics. The fit and finish of this scope is top notch. I did need to tweak the focuser a little, but now it operates smoothly. It had a bump to it when focusing in a few spots. The whole rig is extremely solid with the fixed rings. The risers do push the scope out a bit, so a little extra counterweight is needed, which is fine on an equatorial mount. I really like that all the camera attachments are threaded, very sturdy. Now I just need to wait the requisite time for the clouds to disperse so I can put a camera on it.
