Product Description
The SVX140T is now available in this "Raptor" version with a lighter and more compact carbon fiber tube and dew shield. Using all of the techniques we have developed in making our SVX series telescopes, we have shortened the focal length and integrated an air-spaced objective, which provides outstanding sphero-chromatic correction. This is a 140mm, f-6.7 apochromatic refractor made with a super low dispersion Ohara S-FPL-53 or equivalent center element.
Optics: The SVX140T optics are now rated at .99 Strehl or higher with excellent optical correction of aberrations commonly seen in mass-produced telescopes. By bringing our optical figuring in-house, we reduced spherical error, astigmatism, coma and trefoil by a factor of five. To attain this level of consistent optical accuracy we go beyond machine polishing. Our experienced opticians use specially-made tools to hand-figure objectives here in our optical shop in Auburn, CA. To see this process in action, watch our YouTube video. Each refractor comes with a color Zygo interferometric test report taken at full aperture in our shop, documenting the accuracy of your completed objective.
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: This telescope is an investment. Please do not order if you are in a hurry or you cannot tolerate unforeseen delays. Time is not of the essence, optical accuracy is. We estimate that an order placed now will be completed in 30-60 days. This our best guess estimate on when a telescope ordered now should be delivered. If it takes longer to perfect some optics or something else takes place, additional delays can happen. One thing is certain, the sooner you order, the sooner you will receive yours. To order select the optional items you want to add above and order online. You can also get on the wait list by calling us at 530-823-7796 between 9 and 5 Pacific time, Monday through Friday and place a $2,000 deposit by phone. The balance will be due once the telescope is finished.
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-R telescope
- CNC-machined tube rings
- Chose one of three focusers with 2" and 1.25" adapters (Stellarvue, 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 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-R may be ordered with one of three different focusers. Simply select the one you prefer above. 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.
We include CNC machined mounting rings (as opposed to much weaker cast aluminum rings), a retracting dew shield, metal dust cap, and protective case. The Stellarvue C130L case comes standard with the SVX140T-R. This is our largest heavy-duty, thickly padded, 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 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 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 ACCESSORIES: Purchase a field flattener or reducer/flattener to turn your SVX140T into a stunning astro-graph.
Field Flattener: To image with this telescope at 938 mm f-6.7, use the giant SFFX-2. If you selected the 3" Stellarvue focuser as your focuser option use the SFFX-1 as the SFFX-2 is too large to fit focusers smaller than 3.5".
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. When using this reducer/flattener with the 3" Stellarvue focuser it will be necessary to remove the extension tube located immediately in front of the focuser in order to reach focus.
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. Currently rated at .99 -.996 Strehl; American test report included.
Tube Assembly:
All aluminum, Instrument White, fully baffled.
Dew Shield:
7.33" diameter retracting aluminum dew shield in Instrument White with black anodized fittings.
Dimensions:
OTA: 6 1/8" diameter, 31" long with dew shield retracted and 36" long when extended.
Weight:
OTA: 22 pounds. Rings weigh 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:
This telescope comes with the heavy duty C130L case which is 39" X 10.5" X 10.5"
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
Photographic Image Circle:
- 70 mm using the SFFX-2-140 field flattener
- 43 mm using the SFFRR.72-140 reducer/flattener
