Product Description
This is a 140mm, f-6.7 apochromatic refractor made with a super low dispersion Ohara S-FPL-53 or equivalent center element. We shortened the focal ratio specifically designing this telescope for imaging using our dedicated field flatteners. This particular telescope is powder coated with our stardust blue finish. It is otherwise identical to the instrument white version of the SVX140T.
Optics: SVX series optics are rated at .98 Strehl or higher as measured on our Zygo Phase Shifting Interferometer in red light. To attain this level of optical accuracy, Stellarvue opticians meticulously figure objectives in our shop using the interferometer and a double pass autocollimator. All aberrations are reduced to extremely low levels during this process and the final spherical correction is now made in green light (545 nm) centering the correction in the middle of the spectrum. SVX optics are more accurate than our former SV models. Each SVX series refractor comes with a Zygo interferometric test report taken in our shop, documenting the accuracy of the objective. To see part of this process in action, watch our YouTube video.
Coatings: Extreme broadband, full multi-coatings on each surface transmit more than 99.5% in the visual spectrum, as well as far above and below it. The reason to extend beyond the visual spectrum has to do with imaging. CCD and CMOS detectors in cameras record beyond the visual spectrum. Broadband, full multi-coatings eliminate unwanted reflections seen on CCD images taken through telescopes that have inferior coatings.
Waiting Period: These instruments take about a year to make so we operated one year in advance We currently have objectives that are completed and coated in stock. When you place the order and let us know which focuser you require, we will assemble them, align the system and run the telescope through our qc process. An order placed now can be filled in one to three weeks normally. Call us at 530-823-7796 between 9 and 5 Pacific time, Monday through Friday and we can tell you when you're Stellarvue SVX140T-3SV, in stardust blue will be ready.
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?
- SVX140T-3SV telescope
- CNC-machined tube rings
- Choose one of three 3.5" focusers with 2" and 1.25" adapters (Feather-Touch or Moonlight Nightcrawler)
- 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 being polished and hand-figured to .98 Strehl or higher! This process takes up to a year to complete but with 50 of these objectives in production our wait times are now reasonable. To attain this level of optical accuracy in a relatively short f-ratio, 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: The SVX140T has been made and is immediately available with the Stellarvue 3" dual-speed focuser. This instrument can be selected with one of three different 3.5" focusers. Simply select the one you prefer above. Ordering with one of the other focusers besides the Stellarvue 3SV may delay delivery. Here is a synopsis of the differences:
- The Stellarvue 3" focuser. This focuser has 4.5" of travel and 2" and 1.25" compression ring adapters. This is our brand focuser that is well known as a stable and smooth 3" focuser with a highly accurate 8 to 1 reduction that allows absolutely precise focusing. This is the same as used on our smaller aperture telescopes. Both Optec and ZWO motors attach directly to this focuser allowing even more precise focusing.
- 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 is larger. Both Optec and Starlight Instruments make motors for these focusers.
- 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. *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.
The 3.5" aperture of all of these focusers significantly reduces vignetting seen in smaller focusers when imaging.
We include American-made CNC mounting rings, a retracting dew shield, metal dust cap. We are currently out of cases for these telescopes as the company that made them for us is no longer in business. We will be offering an alternate, rugged travel case in the near future.
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 F050W2 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 above and save $50.
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 at the top of the page. 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.
Mounts: For strictly visual use, we are developing a heavy-duty alt-azimuth mount that will hold the SVX140T-3SV 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.
Optional Photographic Field Flatteners
Field Flattener: To image with this telescope at f-6.8, use the giant SFFX-2 photographic Field Flattener. If you are using the Stellarvue 3" focuser, use the SFFX-1. Both of these flatteners are made at Stellarvue to a more concise spherical specification. 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.
Reducer Flattener: To image at around f- 5.25, using an APS-c or smaller sensor, we currently offer the SFFR.72 photographic field flattener/reducer. This is an imported unit sold by a number of sources on the market. It is the best unit we have found so far. 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, hand-figured 140 mm, 938 mm focal length (f-6.7) fully multi-coated, apochromatic triplet using a combination of extra low-dispersion and Lanthanum elements. Lens is mounted in an adjustable steel cell. Test report included.
Tube Assembly:
All aluminum, Instrument White, fully baffled.
Dew Shield:
6 5/8" (168 mm) diameter, 9 5/8" long retracting aluminum dew shield.
Dimensions:
OTA: 5.5" diameter, 34" long with dew shield retracted and 38" long when extended.
Weight:
Telescope tube weighs 22 pounds. Rings weight 1.2 pounds each. Slightly heavier with the Moonlight focuser option.
Rings:
Very heavy-duty CNC mounting rings made 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 mounting a red dot or MRF finder.
Case:
An optional travel case will be available soon. (The CL130 Case is Currently out of Stock)
Star Diagonal:
Optional. Please note: You can purchase our 2" quartz dielectric diagonal upgrade for only $199 by selecting it at the top of the page. The upgrade diagonal is the same as the D1040Q deluxe dielectric diagonal, except it does not come with a 1.25" adapter since the telescope already comes with one.
Light Gain:
400 X! (human eye = 1)
Contrast & Color Correction (1-10): 10
Click here for our online operator's manual: SVX140T