Product Description
This is the latest version of our 130 mm apo triplet refractor. This model uses a lens design that provides excellent correction for imaging using a premier super low-dispersion center element and a very expensive Lanthanum rear element.
Waiting Period: We have some SVX130T's in stock or very near it. Call us for more information.
Optics: These SVX series optics are rated at .99 Strehl and optimized in red light. By bringing our optical figuring in-house, we reduced errors and improved the optical quality over our former SV telescopes. Our experienced opticians use specially-made tools to hand-figure objectives here in our optical shop in Auburn, CA. To see part of this process in action, watch our YouTube video. Each SVX refractor comes with a color Zygo interferometric test report taken at full aperture in our shop, documenting the accuracy of your completed objective.
Sample Test Report
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.
Financing: Since this telescope is not immediately available it cannot be financed. However, when the telescope is ready to ship, financing for the balance can be arranged.
What's included?
- SVX130T telescope
- CNC-machined tube rings
- Chose one of two 3.5" focusers with 2" and 1.25" adapters (Feather-Touch or Moonlight Nightcrawler)
- C130L Thickly padded, heavy duty carrying case
This telescope is in full production. It is a long process as glass is being polished and hand-figured to .99 Strehl or higher! This process takes up to a year to complete but these objectives are in continual production so our wait times are now reasonable. 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. SVX series telescopes are exceptional, placing 99% or more of the light precisely where it should be. Stellarvue Premier SVX Series refractors are for the 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 of two different 3.5" focusers. Simply select the one you prefer above. Here is a synopsis of the differences:
1. 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.
2. The Moonlight Nightcrawler 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.
3. Special Edition. Save $500. For a limited time we can offer a lower cost version of the SVX130T as a special request. We can fabricate this telescope with a 3" Stellarvue focuser with a short extension for $500 less than the current price with Feather Touch focuser. We have Stellarvue focusers in stock so this will help avoid any additional delays caused by the current Feather Touch focuser backorders. For many years our 130's were made with 3" focusers so if a giant 3.5" focuser isn't needed for your applications, chose this version and save $500.
We include American-made CNC mounting rings, a retracting dew shield, metal dust cap, and protective case. The Stellarvue C130L case comes standard with the SVX130T. This is our largest heavy-duty soft case. It is made of the same rugged material construction as our other thickly-padded travel cases. This case has two internal dividers that are held in place by Velcro and can be easily removed and rearranged.
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 the Stellarvue Optimus eyepieces. Save money when you select the complete set. This set comes with a large, thickly-padded case that holds the Optimus set, two additional 1.25" eyepieces, a 2" star diagonal, and two other items such as a photographic flattener and small camera. Select this option above and it 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 at 920 mm f-7, use the giant SFFX-2 photographic Field Flattener. Select the one with adapters for the SVX130T and 140T. If you are using the Stellarvue 3" focuser use the SFFX-1.
Reducer Flattener: To image at 685 mm f- 5.25, use the SFFR.72 photographic field flattener/reducer. It produces a full frame (42 mm) image circle. If you are using this reducer-flattener and your telescope comes with the Stellarvue 3" focuser, it will be necessary to remove the threaded extension tube immediately in front of the focuser.
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 (.99 Strehl or better) 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: OTA: 21 pounds. Rings weigh 1.4 pounds each. Slightly heavier with the Feather Touch focuser option.
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.
*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.
Case: This telescope comes with the heavy duty C130L case which is 39" X 10.5" X 10.5"
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
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
8 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Quest for a dream refractor
After a detailed and long search in a vast ocean of options for my dream telescope, I decided to invest in the SVX130T in 2022. Staff was extremely attentive. Vic was awesome throughout my experience at Stellarvue. I say this because for me, this purchase was more than an acquisition, it was an inspiration by my dad who introduced me to astronomy way back when I was a kid. Vic seemed to understand this. In short, I can truly say that there is no online digital order at any level that can compare to the human effect inherent in a personalized, one on one human experience like that at Stellarvue. Very impressed and so very much worth it.
It was a busy time, getting married the same time the scope arrived, but it all worked out. We went up to Manitoulin Island for a week to relax from it all where the skies are known to be excellent. Waited for the right weather and set everything up.
Finally, alone by the water, everyone was sleeping, I was just doing astronomy. There was a waxing gibbous moon out which was perfect as I am primarily a lunar observer at heart. I was also using a new mount so the learning curve was high that night. I aimed the 130 at the terminator and stayed there for 40 minutes! Detail was overwhelming. Contrast is indeed a 10. I get it, this is an easy target, but I have never seen lunar detail like this in my 38 years of observing. It shames the online photos I have seen. I’ve used refractors, Maks and large SCT’s but this is some next level viewing. 3D, shadows, terrain and big rocks, making out their relative character to each other. Jupiter was out so I slewed over to it. There it was, something else new to my eyes, swirls! I could actually see swirls in the cloud belts on Jupiter. I jumped from eyepiece to eyepiece and noticed no image degradation as I increased power; an unexpected pleasure. Stars were indeed points of light but with that stunning slow shimmering quality that a summer sky delivers. I also did a side-by-side comparison, for fun, of some older Plossls and Naglers to newer premium eyepieces and for the first time, saw a definitive, not marginal difference in quality. I was stunned at everything I was seeing because it was all new….again, after all these years. The quest for a dream scope was now my reality because I was seeing things for the first time just like when my dad introduced me to the hobby. A world class telescope was the next logical step for me, and I think it should be for most other astronomers as well. An SVX removes the curtain from your observing sessions that you simply didn’t even know was there!
By now, I realized that there is a benefit in investing in a premium, hand crafted U.S. made instrument like the SVX130T. I opted for the Feather Touch 3.5 inch focuser. Stellarvue agreed to my request to install a Baader clicklock adaptor made for the FT focuser as I see it’s superior utility a match with such top end gear. I sent them a new one and they professionally put it all together for me.
The scope is imposing. It is solid, beautiful with clean lines. Operates at a very high level in all respects. Comes in a nice carry case with special paperwork. It’s all mine! I am a proud owner of a Stallarvue telescope.
Vic, if you’re reading this, life is about the experience. The Lamborghini I drove at my wedding was fun. Over time, even a telescope, but only when properly hand crafted like this, leaves a very long-lasting impression just as well.
Thanks for your help.
Dream accomplished.
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First Impressions
I ordered this scope because I wanted one of the best refractors made. I was looking for an ~30 lb refractor that had excellent imaging capabilities. The quality and attention to detail shows right away.
The packaging was extreme compared to any run of the mill scopes I have received prior. This scope was packed carefully in the transport case. Then that was packed in another box well lined with protection. Then that box was also packed in another well-lined box. It was received in perfect condition.
I bought the scope with the standard Stellarvue FSV-3B focuser. The focuser is very well made and although I have not had a Feather Touch, I believe the quality approaches it. The SFFX1 flattener fits well and makes a tight fit for my imaging train. I called Stellarvue for advice on extensions for my system. The person who answered was Vic, which is a common statement from Stellarvue users. He advised me on what I needed to purchase. This configuration was easily connected to my camera. The focuser also has a built-in rotator which is very smooth and will be a nice addition in my astrophotography. I was also easily able to connect my ZWO EAF to the focuser.
My first impressions of the images I produced were excellent. I have not had a good night to go out in the whole 5 days I have had it! I was able to go out as the temperatures were rapidly dropping and with a high wind blowing. The scope performed as well as hoped. The stars are point on with sharp images, even in the tough conditions. This scope was up and taking good sub-frames immediately and consistently. My previous reflector took about a month before I thought I had it dialed in and even then, was never consistent.
This scope was a difficult decision to purchase. I was apprehensive about the cost when compared to ‘cheaper’ commercial scopes as well as the lead times. This has been completely settled by my experience with it and with Stellarvue. When I compare this with my ‘name brand’ scopes, the quality and commitment Stellarvue has is evident. I wish I had bought this scope first! Where else can I say that when I needed assistance, I talked with the owner on the first call, where I know that Alex figured my lenses to a high degree of accuracy and that Brea handled, expertly packed and shipped it. Overall, I think that the SVX-130T and Stellarvue are great representations of what excellence can be! -
SVX130T
First light was 3/25/2020 so I have used this for the past year. Color free viewing with lots of contrast and detail. On nights of good seeing I have had this at 303x and could go higher if I had the eyepieces. Excellent for the 2020 Jupiter/Saturn conjunction and Mars opposition. Able to see details in Jupiter’s belts and GRS. Shadow and lunar transits visible. Splitting tight double stars of different magnitudes easy that I couldn’t split with my other 127 mm APO and needed my 11 inch SCT to do. I have been using this visually on my AVX mount with the 10 1/2 inch V rail. I also use a 10 1/2 inch V rail on top as a convenient handle. A great scope even when compared to other AP and Tak refractors that I have looked through.
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All I Could Ask For
I've owned 4 other SV telescopes from 80 to 115mm over the past 16 years. When it was time to upgrade from my SV115 the SVX130T was a no brainer. I knew I would get outstanding build quality and amazing optics. When the scope arrived it was as expected. The 3.5" FT focuser is a beast! I travel with my scope whether it's to the back yard or to a dark site. The scope with rings, plate, diagonal, eyepiece and finder weighs in at about 28lbs. With my GM811 it's about as much as I want to deal with. I've had it out a few times over the past few weeks. Stars are pinpoint and free of false color. At high power a perfect airy disk. Cruising along the Moons terminator at 260X is a wow experience. I'm looking forward to the reappearance of Jupiter and Saturn later this year.
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SVX130T
Well, if you are reading this review you are obviously interested in a Top Of The Line Refractor!
I have waited a long time to acquire such quality....since the night I had my first view at the double cluster through a TMB 130 back in late 1990's a top line refractor has been my dream......dream over!
What an impressive instrument. Just the way everything moves, tight but smooth, certainly attests to the attention paid to doing things right.
I am using my 130 primarily for imaging but before I put the camera in I most certainly did some casual observing....clear, crisp views! Now I've been at this for 25 years and this is the FIRST time I can say that I could see the diffractions rings on an out of focus star so plainly and let me tell you they were ALL concentric. A sight in itself for me!
No regrets, not one! This is quality through and through! I purchased the flattener also..... and imaging....round stars all across the frame with my QSI 660. I am truly enjoying this scope. When I think of the top 3 or 4 makers of quality scopes......I am sure everyone has their own preference but my money said Stellarvue ...you will not be disappointed.
And now service : ) Communication was great! Amanda and Issac are the wizards behind the curtain!
Courteous and Knowledgeable
To the whole team at Stellarvue, Thank you! -
SVX130T
I'll provide a more detailed review after my first use. However, the telescope arrived in perfect condition. It was securely packed with no visible damage to the box indicating it was well handled during shipping. As promised, the Strehl report was included and came in at an impressive .997! The only minor issue is the small ring adaptor for my ATIK 16200; The threads bind with increasing resistance when attempting to screw it onto both the large field flattener or the focal reducer/flattener. This occurs on the M48 female thread of the ring. My M48 Canon adaptor screws on smoothly without any resistance. Customer support has been excellent and I'm just waiting thru the weekend on a response to the adaptor ring issue. The Scope and it's accessories are truly a work of art. I look forward to getting out in the field this week for first light.
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Best Refractor
If you are looking for the best glass available and the highest specifications that produce the best views and images the SVX line is the one to buy. I have the SVX080T and the SVX130T and both are superb.
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SVX130T
2019 marks my 55th year as an amateur astronomer since my father brought me to the Philadelphia Planetarium when I was 10 years old. During this period I have been fortunate to have owned the following high performance telescopes: Questar 3.5, Quantum 6, TEC 10" f12 Mak, Spica Eyes 22" Dob, Celestron 14, and several other telescopes. I also was an optical technician for the Celestron matching division where I had the opportunity to evaluate several thousand optical systems.
I purchased A Stellarvue SVX 130T serial # 009 in December 2018 and have had the opportunity to evaluate the telescope over the last several months.
Telescope mechanical construction:
Quite simply the construction of all elements of this telescope system is simply exquisite. The performance of the Stellarvue 3.5" dual speed rack and pinion focuser that comes standard with the telescope is every bit as good as the Feather touch focuser. The finish on the tube is beautiful, and several times before I have pulled the telescope out of its case, I have simply stopped to marvel at the exquisite beauty of the OTA assembly.
I ordered my scope with the Stellarvue highest grade quartz 2'" diagonal which I highly recommend. I also bought the Stellarvue 50mm finder scope and was simply blown away by the smoothness of its focuser, and the pinpoint star images it produced. I have never seen a better finder in all my years in astronomy.
Lastly I bought the entire set of Stellarvue Optimus eyepieces all of which have 100-110 degree FOV. At first, being a avid Nagler user for many years, I was thinking that these extraordinary fields of view would result in poor performance at the very edge of the field of view. I could not have been more wrong. Quite simply, and this is no exaggeration, the star were pinpoint right to the edge of the field. This performance, together with the 100-110 degree FOV, has resulted in the most exciting visual astronomical experience of my life.
I just returned from the 2019 GSSP in northeastern California. During that time I had the opportunity to observe Jupiter and Saturn side by side with several other high quality refractors and reflectors. Quite simply, there was a total absence of residual color, and the delicacy of the shades of color were unrivaled verses all other telescopes that I used at GSSP. I have never had a scope that has performed to this high level of performance.
Lastly, one important point that was the deciding point in having me buy a Stellarvue telescope rather than another high quality brand refractor such as Astro Physics or Takahashi, was that Vic guarantees a strehl ratio with these telescopes of .98-.99. No other manufacturer of refractor telescopes worldwide provides the customer with this guaranteed level of performance. Without this data one it just relying on the reputation of the manufacturer, and they will give you absolutely no guarantee that their telescopes will perform to any standard. I was NOT willing to take this risk. I was given a strehl printout of the telescopes performance at no additional cost.
In closing, I give this telescope my highest rating, and plan to put in an order for a 152mm soon.
