194 replies to this topic

[ScopeJunkie]

Yep.  APM SA100’s.

 

 AP mounts are great.  I considered one when I purchased the 10Micron.  When my observatory gets put in and the mount becomes a permanent fixture, so I don’t have to polar align every single time, I expect to retire my guide camera too.  Absolute encoders are the best right!?!

 

My first mount was a Celestron CGEM which was ok for what it was, but boy is there a gargantuan difference in quality between the 10Micron and the cgem.  My mount progression includes the CGEM, then the Losmandy G11g (which I still have), and now a 10Micron GM1000hps.  Unless I get aperture fever and buy some monster of a scope in the future, the 10Micron will probably be my last mount purchase.  The SVX140T is rock solid on it.  Same for my EdgeHD 11.

[ScopeJunkie]

I had first light with my SVX140T about a week ago and forgot to post anything about it.

 

In a word… SPECTACULAR!  The months of hand figuring that went into the objective lens on my SVX series 140mm triplet refractor is obvious when looking through the eyepiece on a clear night.  I only had an hour or so once I got the mount aligned, but it was a great hour.  My first target was the Pleiades star cluster.  I was mesmerized by the view my Stellarvue scope provided.  The stars of the Pleiades were perfect, pinpoint “blue diamonds” on inky black velvet.  I was really hoping my first target could have been the Hercules globular cluster (one of my top five telescope targets), but the “7 sisters” did not disappoint.

After the Pleiades, I scanned the sky a little.  All the stars were perfect pinpoints and the different colors were vividly obvious against the dark, black background.
 Lastly, I placed my Tele Vue Ethos 4.7mm eyepiece with a variable polarizing filter in the diagonal and swung the scope over to the Moon for some high power, Lunar exploration.

The high power Lunar views I get with my EdgeHD 11 are really great, but there’s something about the SVX140 eyepiece image that’s just better.  The wider FOV and amazing contrast and sharpness of this triplet apo really is something special.  I got the surreal sensation of flying over the moon’s surface while observing at 200x.  The detail in the  rills, craters, and other terrain was easily visible.  
I spent about a half an hour exploring the Moon and then had to start packing everything up.

 

 I really can’t wait to get my observatory built, so I can spend more time at the eyepiece and less time assembling, aligning, and disassembling equipment.

 

Thank you Stellarvue!
 

Chris

Edited by ScopeJunkie, 01 December 2023 - 12:18 AM.

[Simon Green]

I had first light with my SVX140T about a week ago and forgot to post anything about it.

In a word… SPECTACULAR! The months of hand figuring that went into the objective lens on my SVX series 140mm triplet refractor is obvious when looking through the eyepiece on a clear night. I only had an hour or so once I got the mount aligned, but it was a great hour. My first target was the Pleiades star cluster. I was mesmerized by the view my Stellarvue scope provided. The stars of the Pleiades were perfect, pinpoint “blue diamonds” on inky black velvet. I was really hoping my first target could have been the Hercules globular cluster (one of my top five telescope targets), but the “7 sisters” did not disappoint.
After the Pleiades, I scanned the sky a little. All the stars were perfect pinpoints and the different colors were vividly obvious against the dark, black background.
Lastly, I placed my Tele Vue Ethos 4.7mm eyepiece with a variable polarizing filter in the diagonal and swung the scope over to the Moon for some high power, Lunar exploration.
The high power Lunar views I get with my EdgeHD 11 are really great, but there’s something about the SVX140 eyepiece image that’s just better. The wider FOV and amazing contrast and sharpness of this triplet apo really is something special. I got the surreal sensation of flying over the moon’s surface while observing at 200x. The detail in the rills, craters, and other terrain was easily visible.
I spent about a half an hour exploring the Moon and then had to start packing everything up.

I really can’t wait to get my observatory built, so I can spend more time at the eyepiece and less time assembling, aligning, and disassembling equipment.

Thank you Stellarvue!

Chris

Do you think your 140 is noticeably better optically, providing noticeably better visual images, than other refractors that you have used?

[ScopeJunkie]

First, let me qualify my response by saying that I have never had the opportunity to do a true, unbiased side by side comparison between the SVX140T and any other scopes (except my APM/TMB 115mm w/LZOS Objective).  I have had the opportunity to use several high end apochromatic triplets of various sizes, but those opportunities were spaced out over several years.  Any comparison would be based solely on my memory.
 

I have a 115mm APM/TMB (Thomas Back designed) apo with an LZOS objective that’s also an excellent example of “world class” optics in my personal collection.  I will say that both scopes are top notch.  When viewing the Pleiades, both scopes provide pinpoint stars on ink black backgrounds.  The larger aperture of the Stellarvue is a definite advantage though.  I can easily resolve more stars in the background and the colors of the stars seem a little more vivid.  Both scopes seem equally sharp, but it’s not a fair side by side comparison due to the large difference in aperture size.  The Stellarvue is the winner between these two, but most of the advantage goes to size.

 

I have a friend with a 5 inch Tec oil spaced apo refractor and another with a 130mm Astro Physics Starfire.  I look forward to getting together with both of those guys and doing a Head to Head comparison.  Unfortunately, I have never looked through a Takahashi refractor (hard to believe right?).  I would like to compare my SVX140T with a similar Tak as well, but that’s not gonna happen for a while unless I make a new friend that owns one.

Now…. Compared to all the less expensive refractors I’ve used (Sky Watcher Esprit 100 and 150, Explore Scientific ed127, Astrotech 130, loads of different doublets, etc), I can answer your question with an emphatic “ABSOLUTELY!”.  Especially while viewing at high magnifications, the Stellarvue wins hands down.

Edited by ScopeJunkie, 02 December 2023 - 02:36 PM.

[BVinCA]

I came across this thread and thought I would post a problem I am having with my Stellarvue SVX 140T-R using the Stellarvue 3" focuser and the SFFX reducer - flattener.  I can't seem to get to a focus with my camera.  I have a ZWO ASI 2600MC, the ZWO-OAG and a filter tray.  This should be providing the required back focus for the camera.  Focus seems to be close when the Stellarvue 3" focuser is all the way in when there is no more focuser travel.  It seems I need to go in, closer to achieve correct focus, but there is no more travel.  

 

I recall reading somewhere on Stellarvue that using the SFFX reducer - flattener required something on the focuser or scope to be removed, but I can no longer find any reference to that on the Stellarvue website.  Any assistance, thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.  

 

Regards,  Bill

 

[Bkmiller4463]

Has anyone done a DPAC on a 140?

 

Ours is visually spectacular and basically tied with a TEC 140 in a side-by-side, but I’d be curious what the test would show. 

[Elusivephotons]

I came across this thread and thought I would post a problem I am having with my Stellarvue SVX 140T-R using the Stellarvue 3" focuser and the SFFX reducer - flattener.  I can't seem to get to a focus with my camera.  I have a ZWO ASI 2600MC, the ZWO-OAG and a filter tray.  This should be providing the required back focus for the camera.  Focus seems to be close when the Stellarvue 3" focuser is all the way in when there is no more focuser travel.  It seems I need to go in, closer to achieve correct focus, but there is no more travel.  

 

I recall reading somewhere on Stellarvue that using the SFFX reducer - flattener required something on the focuser or scope to be removed, but I can no longer find any reference to that on the Stellarvue website.  Any assistance, thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.  

 

Regards,  Bill

 

IMG_4486 Large.jpeg

Can you measure the distance from the flat top of the reducer to the camera?  (in mm)

[peleuba]

Has anyone done a DPAC on a 140?

 

Ours is visually spectacular and basically tied with a TEC 140 in a side-by-side, but I’d be curious what the test would show. 

 

 

I have not seen an independent test of one and I've been looking for it.

 

I'd be glad to test one for any interested owner if our schedules mesh.  Can do DPAC, star test, and interferometry.

Edited by peleuba, 26 December 2023 - 09:35 AM.

[Sctom]

I came across this thread and thought I would post a problem I am having with my Stellarvue SVX 140T-R using the Stellarvue 3" focuser and the SFFX reducer - flattener.  I can't seem to get to a focus with my camera.  I have a ZWO ASI 2600MC, the ZWO-OAG and a filter tray.  This should be providing the required back focus for the camera.  Focus seems to be close when the Stellarvue 3" focuser is all the way in when there is no more focuser travel.  It seems I need to go in, closer to achieve correct focus, but there is no more travel.  

 

I recall reading somewhere on Stellarvue that using the SFFX reducer - flattener required something on the focuser or scope to be removed, but I can no longer find any reference to that on the Stellarvue website.  Any assistance, thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.  

 

Regards,  Bill

 

IMG_4486 Large.jpeg

I use the ZWO ASI 2600MC Duo on my SVX140T.  I also use the Stellarvue SFFX-1 flattener, not the flattener/reducer you have and have 55mm backfocus.  And the ZWO EAF.  The thing that is removed is just the threaded fitting at the end of the drawtube that holds the eyepiece compression fitting as it is replaced with a different size thread for the SFFX.  

That said, I need to get the focuser drawtube wayyyyyyy out, to like 9 1/2.  I racked in the drawtube, reset the EAF to 0, and I start the AA+ autofocus when I reach 33,000.  
It is frustratingly slow the first time to find focus with the EAF.  I removed mine until I found the approximate rough focus as manually moving it will damage the EAF.  
FWIW, for my SVX90T, I start the auto focus routine at 15,200. 

Love both of my SV’s.

Hope this helps.  Let me know if you need more info.

(edited photos)

 

Attached Thumbnails

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Edited by Sctom, 26 December 2023 - 05:23 PM.

[gmorris]

Bill, just to be sure, measure the backfocus as shown on the SV website :  https://www.stellarv...0t-and-svx140t/

I have the SFFR.72-130T reducer/flattener (that looks identical externally to the one in the photo which you identify as an SFFX) on a SVX130T w/FT 3.5". Spacers/adapters total 50.5mm + 17.5mm within the camera = 68mm works for me, with ~20mm travel to spare.

Edited by gmorris, 28 January 2024 - 12:33 AM.

[Pjmjrastro]

First, let me qualify my response by saying that I have never had the opportunity to do a true, unbiased side by side comparison between the SVX140T and any other scopes (except my APM/TMB 115mm w/LZOS Objective).  I have had the opportunity to use several high end apochromatic triplets of various sizes, but those opportunities were spaced out over several years.  Any comparison would be based solely on my memory.
 

I have a 115mm APM/TMB (Thomas Back designed) apo with an LZOS objective that’s also an excellent example of “world class” optics in my personal collection.  I will say that both scopes are top notch.  When viewing the Pleiades, both scopes provide pinpoint stars on ink black backgrounds.  The larger aperture of the Stellarvue is a definite advantage though.  I can easily resolve more stars in the background and the colors of the stars seem a little more vivid.  Both scopes seem equally sharp, but it’s not a fair side by side comparison due to the large difference in aperture size.  The Stellarvue is the winner between these two, but most of the advantage goes to size.

 

I have a friend with a 5 inch Tec oil spaced apo refractor and another with a 130mm Astro Physics Starfire.  I look forward to getting together with both of those guys and doing a Head to Head comparison.  Unfortunately, I have never looked through a Takahashi refractor (hard to believe right?).  I would like to compare my SVX140T with a similar Tak as well, but that’s not gonna happen for a while unless I make a new friend that owns one.

Now…. Compared to all the less expensive refractors I’ve used (Sky Watcher Esprit 100 and 150, Explore Scientific ed127, Astrotech 130, loads of different doublets, etc), I can answer your question with an emphatic “ABSOLUTELY!”.  Especially while viewing at high magnifications, the Stellarvue wins hands down.

I have one of Stellarview’s earliest SV 115 f/7 refractors with the LZOS optics and 3 1/2” Feathertouch focusers. I have not done any photography with it yet, but I am hoping to later this year. It’s a little “undermounted” on a gm8 (I should’ve opted for the g11), but it’s a wonderful scope, and that Starlight Instruments focuser is amazing. I’ve been very happy with it over the years.

[LPA]

This forum has been quiet for a while so I thought I'd show an image of M51 I got a few nights ago with my SVX140T.

 

Messier 51, the Whirlpool Galaxy, is for obvious reasons one of the most photogenic and photographed galaxies in the sky. It lies about 23 million light years away in the constellation Canes Venatici. M51 has two long spiral arms wrapped around an active nucleus. These arms form classic logarithmic spirals. Tidal interactions between the Whirlpool and its companion, NGC 5195, has sent gas trailing away from these galaxies and has enhanced star formation along M51's spiral arms.

 

This LRGB image was taken at my observatory in southern Oklahoma under Bortle 2-3 skies with my SVX140T + SFFX-2 flattener and ASI6200MM camera. It was processed with Pixinsight and Affinity Photo 2, then cropped for composition. The uncropped image shows round, undistorted stars to the corners of the full-frame FOV. In addition to the two main galaxies, numerous background galaxies are also seen here including IC 4263, IC 4277, IC 4278, NGC 5169, NGC 5173, NGC 5198. Note in particular the detail visible in NGC 5169 near the top right (best seen in the higher resolution image).

 

Details:
Scope: SVX140T + SFFX-2 (938mm, f/6.7)
Camera: ASI6200MM
Mount: Paramount MyT
Focuser/rotator: Moonlite Nitecrawler
Filters: Chroma
Mount & camera control: TheSkyX on a miniPC running Ubuntu linux
Location: Atoka, OK
Subs: 65x120secs Blu, 65x120secs Grn, 64x120secs Red, 125x60secs Lum

 

 

Here is a link to a higher resolution image:

http://remotesensing..._LRGB_small.jpg

 

Larry

[Mike Sandy]

Very nice image!  Those dark skies make me very envious 

[Sctom]

Beautiful, bright and sharp image. Well done!

[LPA]

Thanks all. I am continually impressed by the performance of this scope and the images it is capable of producing. It is a life scope for me.

 

Larry

[Elusivephotons]

I've refrained from posting any pictures taken through my SVX130T-R to this thread and kept them to the dedicated imaging threads but I'm going to make an exception for this one...

 

After seeing Larry's post(great capture Larry!!), I started thinking it would be good to have a few pictures in this thread because there are quite a few imagers that research these scopes for imaging purposes only.

 

That said, here is a link to my most recent capture, over 32 hours on the M81 & M82 galaxies.  This is my most integration time on a target to date and if you are one of those people looking for a new imaging refractor, I'd say you can't go wrong with a Stellarvue!

 

[SilverLitz]

I've refrained from posting any pictures taken through my SVX130T-R to this thread and kept them to the dedicated imaging threads but I'm going to make an exception for this one...

 

After seeing Larry's post(great capture Larry!!), I started thinking it would be good to have a few pictures in this thread because there are quite a few imagers that research these scopes for imaging purposes only.

 

That said, here is a link to my most recent capture, over 32 hours on the M81 & M82 galaxies.  This is my most integration time on a target to date and if you are one of those people looking for a new imaging refractor, I'd say you can't go wrong with a Stellarvue!

 

Nice image!  M81/M82 fits great with APS-C and SVX130T at 920mm, and it is such a dynamic pairing.

[StevenV]

Folks, exploring ordering a Stellarvue SVX 140t.   Can I image with an AM5, counterweight, ZWO pier extender on the iOptron Tri Pier successfully?  I am hoping that ZWO comes out with a larger capacity mount.....

 

Thanks!

Steve

[Sctom]

Folks, exploring ordering a Stellarvue SVX 140t.   Can I image with an AM5, counterweight, ZWO pier extender on the iOptron Tri Pier successfully?  I am hoping that ZWO comes out with a larger capacity mount.....

 

Thanks!

Steve

Hi Steve,

I posted a reply on the AM5 forum.  Bottom line, get the SVX140T, it is excellent.
But the AM5 will struggle to give round stars with any breeze.  Perhaps it was the TC40 tripod and not the AM5 for my 2 tests?
No idea on tip over issues with your Tri-pier.
Perhaps consider the WarpAstron WD20 on your Tri-Pier if you want to stick with a strain wave. 

[SpaceBug]

I've refrained from posting any pictures taken through my SVX130T-R to this thread and kept them to the dedicated imaging threads but I'm going to make an exception for this one...

 

After seeing Larry's post(great capture Larry!!), I started thinking it would be good to have a few pictures in this thread because there are quite a few imagers that research these scopes for imaging purposes only.

 

That said, here is a link to my most recent capture, over 32 hours on the M81 & M82 galaxies.  This is my most integration time on a target to date and if you are one of those people looking for a new imaging refractor, I'd say you can't go wrong with a Stellarvue!

 

Just came across this thread.  The photos are beautiful.. I think I'm sold on an SVX 130T.

[LPA]

I believe a picture is worth more than 1000 words. So instead of talking about how a high-Strehl refractor with a small pixel camera can reveal very small details in extended objects, I'll show this 100% crop from the full-size M51 image above. This crop shows two small background galaxies, NGC 5169 (upper right) and IC 4263 (lower left), both approximately 1.3' wide, with their spiral arms revealed. It makes me wonder how large would a scope need to be to see these arms visually.

 

Adding to the discussion about the SVX130T and SVX140T, the reason I chose the SVX140T instead of the SVX152T was because the SVX140T is essentially an SVX152T with a reducer. Since this scope would be for imaging only, I went with f/6.7 instead of f/8.

 

 

(direct link: http://remotesensing...M51_NGC5169.jpg)

 

Larry

Edited by LPA, 17 April 2024 - 06:50 PM.

[ScottMac]

Greetings folks! Thanks to the OP for starting this thread. I have an SVX130T-R Raptor with 3.5"FT focuser and SFFX2 flattener that was delivered about two months ago. I paired it up with an ASI6200mc camera and use an EQ6Ri Pro mount. The new telescope was a gift to myself to celebrate my first year in the hobby.

 

I'm looking to get the reducer/flattener but I plan on waiting until SV produces them later this year.

 

Here are a couple short-time images, both are only about 90 minutes (plus darks, flats, etc.) from suburban Chicago, B7/8.

 

Rosette Nebula

https://www.astrobin.../full/8jp96b/0/

 

 

Christmas Tree cluster

https://www.astrobin.../full/29moy1/0/

Edited by ScottMac, 17 April 2024 - 09:18 PM.

[Sunpilot]

I'm thinking about upgrading my current equipment.  I currently image with my W.O. 132 f-7 and an a 2600mm pro camera setup.  I finally retired my CEM60EC mount, going on sale soon, as my new A-P Mach 2 finally arrived last summer. It now sits on a custom built (by me) pier in my backyard.  I just feel that this new mount deserves an upgraded OTA to extract the quality images I have been trying to get. The W.O. does a great job, but I feel there are better alternatives out there.

  So, my interest has brought me to this thread and the beautiful SVX 140T.  It seems that there is a very high regard for this scope.  I am also considering other offerings in the same size range and most are  pricier, especially the European models.  I'm not rich, and retired, so money is a concern. I will be funding this purchase in part from the sale of my CEM60 mount, tripod, and the W.O. 132 scope.

  My few questions are:  Which flattener do you recommend? Do any of you use the SFFX-2 and swap for the SFFR-.72 for a wider FOV? I believe I read that Stellarvue will be manufacturing their own reducers and flatteners soon, and idea when?  Is a 2600mm pro and adequate camera for this scope or would I benefit more from a full frame?  I tend to image mostly nebula and an occasional galaxy.  BTW, do any of you have an idea of the image circle provided by this scope?  I am considering a ZWO duo camera in the future, but I'll need larger filters, so it will be a while until I get that far along.

  Any other things you think I should be aware of?  Any quality control issues or lack of support from the company? These things are important, especially considering the cost of a quality instrument.

  Thanks for any input you may offer.  CS

 

Frank

[SilverLitz]

I have the SVX130T and really like the SFFX-2.  I have also used the SFFR-.72, and it does fine at APS-C.  I have not tried either on full-frame, but expect the SFFX-2 to do noticeably better.

 

I would highly recommend getting either the 3.5" FT or much costlier Moonlight, as the massive SFFX-2 requires a 3.5" focuser.  I have the FT.

 

It is nice that both of these work without a hitch on my 20 year old SV152 (TMB-LZOS lens cell), with slight adjustment to BF, as told to me by Vic.  I find SV's BF estimates to be bang on.

[Oberon510]

I'm thinking about upgrading my current equipment.  I currently image with my W.O. 132 f-7 and an a 2600mm pro camera setup.  I finally retired my CEM60EC mount, going on sale soon, as my new A-P Mach 2 finally arrived last summer. It now sits on a custom built (by me) pier in my backyard.  I just feel that this new mount deserves an upgraded OTA to extract the quality images I have been trying to get. The W.O. does a great job, but I feel there are better alternatives out there.

  So, my interest has brought me to this thread and the beautiful SVX 140T.  It seems that there is a very high regard for this scope.  I am also considering other offerings in the same size range and most are  pricier, especially the European models.  I'm not rich, and retired, so money is a concern. I will be funding this purchase in part from the sale of my CEM60 mount, tripod, and the W.O. 132 scope.

  My few questions are:  Which flattener do you recommend? Do any of you use the SFFX-2 and swap for the SFFR-.72 for a wider FOV? I believe I read that Stellarvue will be manufacturing their own reducers and flatteners soon, and idea when?  Is a 2600mm pro and adequate camera for this scope or would I benefit more from a full frame?  I tend to image mostly nebula and an occasional galaxy.  BTW, do any of you have an idea of the image circle provided by this scope?  I am considering a ZWO duo camera in the future, but I'll need larger filters, so it will be a while until I get that far along.

  Any other things you think I should be aware of?  Any quality control issues or lack of support from the company? These things are important, especially considering the cost of a quality instrument.

  Thanks for any input you may offer.  CS

 

Frank

The SFFX-1 is for the SV 3" focuser and the SFFX-2 is for the 3.5" FT/Moonlite focusers. Per SilverLitz comment I would recommend the 3.5" focuser with the SFFX-2 (I have the FT focuser and SFFX2 on my SVX130T and it is great). I bought the reducer also but have never needed to use it on my imaging targets.

 

I may be wrong but I thought the SFFX-2 was made in the SV shop here from lens pucks they purchase.

 

I have two SVX units (102/130) and both their quality control was excellent - no issues from my experience with them and they are responsive when you ask for information or help. One thing with them in the US is that I get 2-3 day order delivery on in-stock parts and the times that I called them I usually get Vic (owner) or his key people.

 

I have ZWO cameras (2600MC and 6200MC) and they all work well in the 130 with flattener. I use an OAG on my 102 with an ASI220MM and that is OK but on the 130 I have an SV 50mm guidescope with an ASI174MM attached to the scope - works well also. The use of the dual camera 2600 would not be an issue and my other comment is that the resolution and field of view with the full frame 6200 is better than the 2600 on some wide targets - maybe try a FOV calculator to gauge what best fits your needs - https://astronomy.to.../field_of_view/

 

Good luck,

Ken