13 replies to this topic

[magsterone]

I am about to pull the trigger on either the Stellarvue Access 80mm Super ED $699 or the Sky-watcher Pro ED 80mm $649.  It will be for astrophotography use only.  I will be using a dslr.  These are both doublets and both have FPL-53 glass.  The difference I see is the SV is f7 and has a 2.5" focuser and the SW is f7.5 and has a 2" focuser.  The SW comes with a diagonal and fiberscope also. I know it comes with ex's but I already have those but you can never have too many of those.

 

 Cost wise if add a finder scope to the SV (as I already have a TV 2" diagonal ) the costs are about $100 more for the SV.

 

Am I wrong to assume that my current TV diagonal will fit the SV?  

 

This will be my first entry into imaging.  I will be doing it with my wife who is a pro photographer so she understands the technical aspects of the camera, but she also understands that land/portrait photos are not deep sky.  We plan to do planetary and so's.  I will use backyard  eos.  A very experienced friend of mine suggested the SW as it comes with the accessories and both scopes are Chinese made.

 

For me there is a lot of favorable reviews for both, especially the SV's.  It seems people either love them or hate them.  I know there will some trade-offs imaging with a doublet vs triplet but it seems like a good place to start.  Look forward to your opinions and any other suggestions.

 

Joe in Mobile

 

[coopman]

Owners of the SW models often feel the need to replace the stock focuser.  I am visual only and I replaced the focuser on my SW120ED with a better performing GSO model.  There are instructions on the web for adjusting the SW focuser, but I was unable to improve mine by any adjustments and ended up replacing it.  Your TV diagonal should work fine with either scope.  My vote would be for the SV.      

[bobzeq25]

It's a fairly small difference, but it favors the SV.  A bit faster, a bit better focuser.  SV, in my opinion, has excellent customer service, sometimes the owner, Vic, picks up the phone.

 

The F7.5 is a lovely lens that I used for starting out in AP, but the SV should at least match it, they learn how to do this better over time.  I just can't see any reason for going with the SW.

 

You'll want their matched reducer/flattener.

 

http://www.stellarvu...ess-80-sffr80a/

 

SV makes a very big deal about their customer service, that's been known to rub people the wrong way.  Not sure how many SV owners are dissatisfied with the scopes.

 

I own an SV70T and an SV100Q, like them both.

Edited by bobzeq25, 07 January 2018 - 12:14 PM.

[russell23]

You would need to replace the SW focuser for photography.  The SV focuser has a very good reputation.  

[leveye]

Go with the Stellarvue. Way better focuser.

[Space_Oddity]

I would spend the extra $200 and get the SV70T. For imaging a triplet is a better choice. In addition it is a little faster at f/6. I own an SV70T, and SVR102T, and an SVA130T and my favorite is the 70! With the dedicated reducer/flattener I am imaging at a FL of 336mm at f/4.8. Image capture time is reduced significantly.

 

The 2.5" SV focuser is a joy. Unless I have an extreme temp swing throughout the night, I set the focus at the beginning of the of my imaging run and never touch it again that night!

[Jim Waters]

I would get the Setllarvue.  You will be happier. Better focuser and optical quality. 

[junomike]

The ES 80mm F6 is only $30 more than the SV and is a Triplet with a Diagonal included.

If you don't need the Diagonal, B & H offers it for $699 with a 1.25" Diagonal (I'd personally go the extra $30 for the 2")

It will be heavier than the other two but something to consider.

[Terra Nova]

The Stellarvue! I currently have the A102mm and am very pleased. It is my third Stellarvue scope and I have always been a happy camper! And true, I have called before,and had Mr. Maris pick up the phone directly. Each telescope is tested before it goes out.

[Peter Besenbruch]

I'll add my voice to say the Stellarvue focuser is better sized for photography. If that's what you want to do, it's a no-brainer when deciding between the two.

[magsterone]

I ended up getting a used stellarvue 80a for $600 incl a diagonal, case and two eyepieces.  I ordered the flattener for it and  now the adventure begins.  My wife and I are looking forward to it.  I downloaded backyard eos and it connected right up to my 7d, so I hope that is a good indicator.  I have considered building an altar in the backyard for sacrifices but my wife said our home owners assoc says that is a no-no.  

 

Joe in Mobile

[Don W]

I have the Vixen version of this scope, the Vixen ED 80sf. Came with a single speed crayford. I replaced it with a GSO 2 speed. It’s a very nice lense!

[DarodG8R]

I would love to hear how your adventure has progressed since 2018.  How did you like the SV?  And what are you using now, both Scope and camera wise?  

[magsterone]

Thanks for asking.  I love the scope but I ended up also buying a used AT130edt that came with a moonlite motorized focuser, it also has the reducer.  i now use the AT as the primary scope.  I ended up buying an asi1600mm pro with 7 position filter wheel.  I loved the SV but I enjoy the AT for its larger aperture.  I have been thinking about mounting both in a piggy-back setup but have not fully decided yet.