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.
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 autocollimater. 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: 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 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 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 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:
- 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, and protective case. The Stellarvue C130L case comes standard with the SVX140T. 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 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 952 mm f-6.8, use the giant SFFX-2. Select the one with adapters for the SVX130T and SVX140T. If you are 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.
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:
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
Product Videos
Custom Field
Product Reviews
7 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Superb scope
I ordered and received a new svx140t in February, delivered to Ireland. I’m strictly visual. I waited 3 months before posting a review to allow enough time for some good seeing, and to get used to it.
As soon as it arrived, a clear night of reasonable seeing occurred. It wasn’t a long session but I remember being a bit shocked by the star tests I did on Betelgeuse and Rigel. They were essentially out of the “perfect” column of Suiter’s book. I’d never seen a test like it, and I currently have 8 scopes, some supposedly very good.
A couple of nights ago, I had a long session with the scope, and seeing the best I’ve ever had, in a sky that measured SQM-L 21.95 by the time I packed up. Challenging doubles were as if printed on charts, including zeta herc. I went to try to get the mag 13 star next to M57, which was trivial, and at the eyepiece drew a diagram of other nearby visible stars, one faint but definitely there, to later check against charts. It turned out that it was a mag 14.7 . This scope is very very good.
Magnus: Thank you for your careful and thoughtful review. We take an incredible amount of time figuring these optics all with goal of getting it into the hands of someone like you who appreciates and enjoys what we do. Clear, steady skies. Vic Maris -
SVX140T
The SVX140T arrived a couple of days ago, but I was busy with work issues and just brought the boxes upstairs for unboxing. It was certainly well packed and it took me half an hour to work my way down to the telescope. Everything arrived in perfect condition and there is no damage that I can see. The telescope is a marvel to look at. The only thing I have here to compare it to is my Esprit 120. Although naturally wider in diameter, the SVX140T tube length (minus the focuser) is about 3 inches shorter than the Esprit 120, more or less. Fantastic ! I thought I would have trouble putting this scope on my fairly inexpensive EQ6-R Pro, but I don't see an issue with that even though it will soon go on my new MYT mount. I had thought I'd have to start it out on my Losmandy G11 until I was competent to use the MYT, but the SVX140T is small enough and light enough to use on my EQ6-R Pro for the next week or so (until I am up to speed on the MYT). That is a great boon to me as the EQ6 is already set up and ready to go.
The objective lens on the SVX140T is a marvel to look at and the fit and finish of the scope is beyond wonderful. Tomorrow night will be clear, and it will be one of life's great joys to put it into action. Many thanks. And by the way, the carrying case is very practical and I prefer it to the heavier aluminum case that came with my Esprit 120 (I ended up putting that one into storage and wrapping the 120 in plastic when not in use). Good job ! ! ! -
Amazing piece of kit
I just received this amazing piece of kit. It was solidly packaged when I received it. The scope looks like it is made to perfection. I am have been very happy with the customer service as well as the finish product from Stellarvue. I can't wait to get to use this scope.
My only gripe is the padded case could be a little taller as the Moonlite focuser does take some real estate in the case. Additionally I cant put it back in the case with the rail attached. Maybe you guys could redesign the case? -
SVX140T
I absolutely love this scope. The attention to details in packaging was amazing. I love the quality of my pictures with it. The only thing that I would love SV to do is producing a large reducer that supports larger sensors. Everything else is just perfect!
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First refractor, forever refractor
What a fantastic top-tier scope! Sharpest views I’ve ever seen. The construction and finish quality is outstanding. The FT focuser is a beast, very stable and robust. Count me as a very pleased customer!
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High quality scope!
Wait time was well worth this behemoth. Everything about the build is exceptional. The glass is perfect, the FT focuser is buttery smooth, the rings and plate are top notch. The adapters that come with the scope met back focus exactly. This thing is a beast!
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Great scope worth the wait
Been out with this scope 4 times since delivery. Build quality except for one missing screw is perfect. Very robust. Would make most tanks envious. Optical quality is outstanding. Images are super sharp, pinpoint stars and with clusters a sense of depth. Blows the doors off my 9.25 SCT. Wish I had the foresight to order an extension to my Ioptron mount to keep it from whacking into the tripod legs. Ordered this back in October- well worth the wait.