Stellarvue SVX102T Premier APO Triplet (SVX102T)

Stellarvue SVX102T Premier APO Triplet

The Stellarvue SVX102T Premier APO Triplet is the aluminum tube version of our premier high performance, light weight 4” f-7. (714 mm focal length) air spaced apo triplet refractor. This Refractor comes with our exceptional Stellarvue 3″ focuser with 2″ and 1.25″ compression ring adapters. 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 and Telescope Magazine. While this review covers the carbon fiber version of this telescope, these are virtually identical telescopes using the same lens, rings and focuser. The only difference is the material of the tube and dew shield.

That being said, we have taken the optical accuracy even higher than when it was reviewed! While our former models (without the X designation) were all excellent coming in at .95 Strehl or higher, SVX series telescopes are even more exceptional, placing 98 – 99% of the light precisely where it should be. SVX series Apochromatic Telescopes use objectives that have the highest optical ratings as measured and documented on our Zygo Phase-Shifting Laser Interferometer. SVX series optics are rated at .98 – .996 Strehl with excellent optical correction for aberrations commonly seen in mass produced optics. To attain this level of optical accuracy it is usually necessary for us to go beyond machine polishing. Special tools are made and experienced opticians hand figure objectives here in our optical shop in Auburn California. Stellarvue Premier (X) Series refractors are for the astronomer who recognizes the best when they see it. Each SVX series refractor comes with a Zygo interferometric test report taken in our shop, documenting the accuracy of your objective!

The SVX102T employs a fully baffled, lightweight aluminum tube and dew shield making it one pound heavier than the carbon fiber version of this telescope. The optical tube assembly is 9.8 lbs. and rings weigh an additional .8 pounds each. The focuser unthreads resulting in a tube assembly that is only 19.25” long, well within airline carry-on size limits. Now you can easily take a world class apo refractor on the plane with you! The certified 101.5 mm clear aperture optic is essentially perfect. This is as good as it gets which means you will see or image everything the atmosphere will allow!

Fully multi-coated apochromatic triplet objective: Using a 101.5 mm f-7 apochromatic triplet objective, with an Ohara FPL-53 center element, this telescope provides extremely high contrast and reflector-like color correction. This triple tested lens is as well corrected as any a 4″  apo triplet we have offered and it comes with an interferometric report to prove it. To further enhance this high level of contrast, extreme broadband multi-coatings are used on all six air-to-glass  surfaces. This boosts contrast, making the stars appear vivid and the background velvet black. These coatings transmit light above and below the visual spectrum. This is important to minimize reflections seen on CCD images.

White aluminum tube and dew shield: The aluminum tube and dew shield is painted in a lustrous and beautiful stardust white finish. This white finish will stand out against the black anodized aluminum fittings giving this telescope a high-end, classy look. The total weight of the OTA with 3” focuser and rings is 11.2 pounds. The dew shield retracts reducing the length of the telescope when being stored. When the telescope is used, this dew shield may be extended to minimize dewing of the  objective at night and to serve as a glare shade during the daytime. Since the focuser can be easily un-threaded, the telescope length can be reduced to airline carry on size. This means you can now carry your high end apo on the plane with you.

Internal tube treatment: The main tube interior is painted ultra flat black inside and is properly baffled to eliminate any tube wall reflections. Reflections in the optical path are further reduced using edge blackened objective elements. All of these methods are used to preserve the outstanding contrast of this exceptional apochromatic lens.

3″ Stellarvue visual/photographic focuser: Many years in the making, our smooth and stable dual speed focuser provides about 4.5″ of travel. This focuser is perfect for visual use as well as imaging. The rear of the draw tube is threaded to accept our dedicated SFF4 photographic field flattener. The Stellarvue focuser is a heavy-duty rack and pinion unit designed to carry a higher capacity. It has an ultra-smooth (8.5:1 Ratio) fine focus control to attain perfect focus every time. An internal brake system and separate tensioner allows the user to adjust capacity. The focuser is fully rotating with a wide groove for smooth and precise rotation. All of the features add up to one of the finest dual speed focusers available today.

Aluminum hinged rings:  The SV102T comes with our American made CNC aluminum mounting rings. Each ring has five screws top and bottom. Threaded holes are 1/4-20. There is one center hole, two holes spaced 1.5″ apart and two holes spaced 60 mm apart. Use the optional TP-10 rail for telescope mounts using the Vixen style rail or use the optional TP6 for mounts that use the larger Losmandy style rail.

C009S Heavy Duty Case:  This is our heavy duty, thickly padded Nylon hard case with heavy duty zippers. These cases are substantially more durable than the thin walled Chinese hard cases.

What else do you need?   In addition to the supplied accessories, you will need a star diagonal, eyepiece(s) and a mount with tripod and mounting plate.

Light gathering and magnification power: The purpose of a telescope is to gather light and magnify the apparent size of the object being viewed. A 4” refractor gathers 213 times the amount of light of the naked eye. This will reveal faint objects in space. Magnification power (the increase in relative size of the object being viewed) is dependent upon the eyepiece being used. Different eyepieces provide different magnification powers. Since this telescope uses a highly accurate, hand figured objective lens and is triple tested in the USA, these telescopes are free of coma and astigmatism seen in many import  telescopes. This provides sharper details when viewing at higher powers. Dawes limit, which is the stated maximum power for telescopes under good conditions is about 250 power for a 4” telescope. But don’t be surprised when you exceed this power on a steady night. This is a true apo triplet capable of very high power when conditions permit. Check the Recommended Accessories section to make the best choice for eyepieces.