Product Description
Top Rated: The SVX102T-R is the carbon Fiber tube version of our premier high-performance lightweight 4” f-7. (714mm focal length) air-spaced apo triplet refractor. This telescope has recently been reviewed by Tony Hallas in Astronomy Magazine and was also reviewed in Sky and Telescope magazine by Dennis DiCicco. Two outstanding reviews, both by recognized experts in their field. The 90mm and the 102mm telescopes are our most popular since they are relatively light and portable. The 90mm is airline carry-on size and the 102 can be made airline carry-on size by unthreading the focuser.
The telescope comes standard with a Stellarvue F-SV3B 3" dual-speed, fully-rotating focuser with 2" and 1.25" adapters. This size focuser minimizes vignetting. Our 3" Stellarvue focuser is popular, 90% of the orders we receive for this telescope specify this focuser as it is smooth and stable. It makes a great imaging focuser and works well with either the Optec, Prima-Luce or ZWO EAF focus motors. This telescope may also be upgraded to a 3" Feather Touch or MoonLite NiteCrawler focuser by selecting the options above.
Available now: Stellarvue SVX102T-R Refractors are now available when ordered with the standard Stellarvue 3" focuser. There may be a short waiting period for those ordered with Feather Touch and Moonlite focusers. Call us at (530) 823-7796 or email us at mail@stellarvue.com to see if these are or how soon you will get yours if ordered now.
Optics: Fully Multi-Coated Apochromatic Triplet Objective: This telescope has a 101.5mm f-7 apochromatic triplet objective with an Ohara FPL-53 center element and provides extremely high-contrast and reflector-like color correction. SVX102T-R 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.
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Specifications:
Focuser: The SVX102T-R comes with a Stellarvue 3” dual speed, rack and pinion focuser for both visual use and imaging. This focuser comes with 2” and 1.25” compression ring adapters for visual use. The focuser draw tube adapter is threaded for the 2" adapter. When converting from visual use to imaging, unthread the 2" adapter from the knurled part at the end of the focuser and thread the field flattener or reducer flattener into its place.
Objective Lens: The 101.5mm clear aperture, 714mm focal length (f-7), air-spaced apochromatic triplet uses an Ohara FPL53 center element. A test report is included with purchase.
Light Gain: 213x (human eye = 1)
Image Circle:
- with 3" Focuser and SFFX-1: 43mm
- with 3" Focuser and .74X Reducer/Flattener: 40mm
Tube Assembly: Lightweight fully baffled carbon fiber tube and dew shield. Painted ultra flat black inside. 105mm diameter main tube. To compare the differences between an aluminum tube and carbon fiber tube, visit our Aluminum vs. Carbon Fiber comparison page.
Dew Shield: 4-3/4” diameter, 8-5/16” long retracting aluminum dew shield with cap. The ring on the end of the dew shield is 4 15/16" in diameter. Compatible with this solar filter.
Dimensions: OTA: 18.25” long in travel mode (focuser unthreaded), or 18.75" if using our large plastic cap to cover the end. 22.5” long with focuser in place and dew shield retracted; 28” with dew shield extended.
Weight: Telescope tube weighs 9.6 lbs. with 2” adapter and 1 1/4" adapter. Rings weigh .8 pounds each.
Rings: Included with the telescope purchase is Stellarvue's cnc machined ring set with five 1/4"-20 threaded holes on top and bottom. Holes are spaced 1.5” and 60mm apart respectively, with one in the center.
Mounting Rails: Your choice between the Losmandy-Style TP009 or the Vixen-Style TP012 mounting rail.
Handle: The Stellarvue #HAN-2 handle is included.
Recommended Accessories:
C102-SKB Case: The telescope can be shipped with or without a case. Our current case is an American-made, SKB 3i-2615-10BE, waterproof, hard case with wheels and travel handle. We combine this outstanding case with a custom-designed, Polyethylene padded interior, which is superior to polyurethane which absorbs moisture like a sponge. This is the American-made foam insert accepts the complete telescope with rings, rail, handle and focus motor attached. Two circular openings in the case will hold the SFFX-1 field flattener and the SFFR.74 reducer/flattener.
FEATURES:
- Waterproof and dust tight design (MIL-STD)
- Molded-in hinge for added
- Trigger Latch®
- Snap-down rubber over-molded cushion grip
- Ambient pressure equalization valve (MIL-STD)
- Resistant to UV, solvents, corrosion, fungus and impact damage (MIL-STD 810H)
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Waterproof hard case wih built-in wheels and handle that extends for rolling.
- Interior Length 26 in.
- Interior Width 15 in.
- Lid Depth 2 in.
- Interior Base Depth 8 in.
- Depth 10 in.
- Product Weight 19 lb.
- Exterior Length 28.6 in.
- Exterior Width 17.55 in.
- Exterior Height 11.65 in.
Finder: Optional. We carry the F001 red dot finder and the F002 multi-reticle finder.
Mounting Plate or rail: Your choice between the Losmandy-Style TP009 or the Vixen-Style TP012.
Star Diagonal: Optional. Please note: You can purchase our 2" quartz dielectric diagonal upgrade for only $199 below. The upgrade diagonal is the same as the D1040Q deluxe dielectric diagonal but does not come with a 1.25" adapter as the telescope already has one.
Photographic Field Flattener: Optional. We recommend our custom-designed SFFX-1. Select the one for the SVX102T. Converts your telescope into a 714mm f-7 astrograph/telephoto.
Photographic Reducer/Flattener: Optional.The SFFR-75-102T. Converts your telescope into a 530mm f-5.2 astrograph/telephoto.
MOTORIZED FOCUSER OPTION
WARRANTY
LIGHT GATHERING AND MAGNIFICATION POWER
Additional Information
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 & Telescope magazine. 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 our photographic field flattener. This is the sharpest 4” class telescope we have ever offered as these are meticulously hand figured in our shop in Auburn, California. See the Sky & Telescope magazine review of the SVR102T. Also, see the NEAF video featuring the SVX102T.
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Click here for our online operator's manual: SVX102 Manual
Other Details
STELLARVUE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR U.S.A. AND CANADA END PURCHASERS ONLY Stellarvue (SV) warrants that each SV brand telescope and accessory shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship for two years from the date of purchase. SV will repair or replace such product or part thereof, which upon inspection by SV is found defective in materials or workmanship. As a condition to the obligation of SV to repair or replace such product, the product must be returned to SV as specified in this warranty. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES THAT MAY EXIST UNDER STATE LAW APPLY ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER AND LASTS ONLY AS LONG AS THE PURCHASER OWNS THE PRODUCT. Warranty and repair return requirements: • Proof of purchase acceptable to SV must accompany any return for warranty work. • A return Authorization must be obtained from SV in advance of return. E-mail Stellarvue at mail@stellarvue.com or call (530) 823-7796 to receive the authorization & packing instructions. • The authorization code must be written on the outside of the container. • All returns must be accompanied by a written note stating the model number of the product, authorization code, name, address, e-mail address and daytime telephone number of the owner, and an explanation of the problem. Replaced parts shall become the property of SV. • The customer shall be responsible for all costs of transportation and insurance, both to and from SV. SV Requirements • SV shall use reasonable efforts to repair or replace any product covered by this limited warranty within thirty days of acceptance. If repair will take longer, SV shall notify the customer. • SV may replace any product that has been discontinued with a new product of comparable value and function. Products that have been damaged, dropped, disassembled, abused, misused, mishandled, subjected to temperature or weather extremes, subjected to unusual wear or modified in any way will not be covered by this warranty. In these instances, this warranty shall be null and void. THESE WARRANTIES REPLACE ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SV MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES BEYOND THOSE STATED HERE AND DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE SOLE OBLIGATION OF SV UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE COVERED PRODUCT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS SET FORTH HEREIN. SV DISCLAIMS ANY LOST PROFITS, GENERAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHICH MAY RESULT FROM BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY, OR ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY SV PRODUCT FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS THAT VARY FROM JURISDICTION TO JURISDICTION. WARNING: LOOKING AT THE SUN CAN CAUSE SERIOUS EYE INJURY AND BLINDNESS. NEVER POINT A TELESCOPE AT OR NEAR THE SUN. VIEWING THE SUN WITHOUT A PROPER SOLAR FILTER MAY RESULT IN BLINDNESS, AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO THE INSTRUMENT. NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN TO USE BINOCULARS OR TELESCOPES DURING THE DAYLIGHT HOURS, UNLESS THEY ARE SUPERVISED BY AN ADULT WHO UNDERSTANDS THE DANGER OF POINTING ANY OPTICAL INSTRUMENT IN THE GENERAL DIRECTION OF THE SUN.Product Videos
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Product Reviews
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Great for Terrestrial Observation
I put together an SVR102T, D1035 correct image erecting prism, and a Denkmeier Binotron 27 specifically for wildlife observation, and with the SFF7-25 field flattener for photography. It far exceeded expectations in all regards. There is no comparison with conventional spotting scopes, even the most expensive, and it was far brighter and contrasty than a Questar 3.5 Duplex. On a crisp morning, the black pupils of a wolf's eye (at Yellowstone) were clearly resolved against the dark brown of her irises, a third of a mile away (terrestrial analog to splitting binaries). Add the faint sound of her howl as she throws her head back, and you're right there. Thanks, Stellarvue!
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Trading Up
I had owned one of Stellarvue's original doublet apos, the f/8.7 SV-102A. It was (and is) a great scope. But in the interest of upgrading from a doublet to a triplet, for visual observation and eventual astrophotography, I purchased the SVR-102T. The lower weight, lower OTA thermal expansion/contraction and raw beauty of the carbon fiber tube were admittedly also factors in this purchase. I purchased the SVR-102T scope variant with the FeatherTouch 2.5" rack and pinion focuser. It's hard to break the FeatherTouch habit, having used one all these years, albeit the reverse Crayford variety. Plus the focuser rotation feature is advantageous for my numerous club outreach functions, for those height-challenged folks who must otherwise strain to get to the eyepiece and that would otherwise involve loosening and retightening screws that hold the diagonal - an invitation for a potential bad outcome. So the views are, of course, most impressive. But the happy epilog to this story is that I sold my original SV-102A apo to a fellow club member who was invited to the White House (yes, that one) to an astronomy outreach event held by the President - not a bad outcome for a seasoned veteran SV apo scope!
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Redlining the Wow! factor
In the past month or so I ordered I ordered and received the SV102mm Apo with Stellarvue focuser, the SV60mm Apo with Stellarvue focuser, and the aluminum surveyors tripod with M2 mount and MEC2 column. When I opened the boxes the quality and finish of everything was first class. And yes, the first thing I said was, "Wow!" Thanks to the weather here in SW Montana I haven't looked at the sky but I've used them for terrestrial viewing and I sure don't have anything to complain about. Quite the opposite. Excellent choice
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Phenomenal instrument!
I have only had a few outings with this telescope, but I can say this is hands down the finest refractor I have ever used. Pinpoint stars that give a 3D effect when used visually. And a mechanical fit and finish that is exquisite. Thank you Vic and company for producing such quality instruments here in this country.
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Excellent fit, finish, and tack sharp views
Beautifully made telescope, ultra smooth and robust focuser, and the views are very sharp with excellent contrast and color. Highly recommended!