17 replies to this topic

[Spoelker]

Hey all !!

 

I have a Stellarvue scope that I'm trying to identity. It is an 80mm from a while back. I'm trying get the specifics on the scope. The focus knobs are a 3rd party add-on. Any thoughts or ideas are appreciated.

 

 

Attached Thumbnails

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[Scott in NC]

It looks like one of the original 80mm f/6 Nighthawks, or possibly the precursor to what eventually became named the Nighthawk, from the late 1990s or early 2000s.

[skygazer66WA]

I have the same scope which I bought in 2002; a Stellarvue 80mm F/6 achromat. I first saw one at a star party, and thought it gave nice views. It was later called the Nighthawk, which was modified with a different focuser and has a clamshell instead of rings. Mine has the original large plastic knobs on the focuser which work well. It's a great wide-field grab-and-go scope, with decent build quality and it and gives sharp views.

[Rome]

That looks like a Stellarvue AT1010. This was the model the preceded the similar looking Nighthawk. The Nighthawk came with slightly better accessories like a clamshell style tube holder and had a sliding dew shield. The Stellarvue AT1010 had none of those nicer features. I purchased my AT1010 back in 2002 and still have it. Still a great scope!

[Spoelker]

Thanks all !  I appreciate the input !

[Rich_W]

That looks like a Stellarvue AT1010. This was the model the preceded the similar looking Nighthawk. The Nighthawk came with slightly better accessories like a clamshell style tube holder and had a sliding dew shield. The Stellarvue AT1010 had none of those nicer features. I purchased my AT1010 back in 2002 and still have it. Still a great scope!

Yep. I too bought my AT1010 in 2002. My first scope, and for three years my only scope.  I'll never forget the thrill of finding highlights like the Double Cluster for the first time in that little scope. Yes, I still have it. 

[Phil Cowell]

AT1010

 

It looks like one of the original 80mm f/6 Nighthawks, or possibly the precursor to what eventually became named the Nighthawk, from the late 1990s or early 2000s.

[Scott in NC]

AT1010

Yes indeed. My memory had escaped me as to what the precursor of the Nighthawk was called, so thanks for the reminder.

[jimandlaura26]

Attached is an older SV inventory list composed and compiled (by Scott in NC) for a previous Yahoo group that may be of interest here and for other similar questions. Cheers!

Attached Files

•  20101026 Stellarvue Refractor List.pdf   77.36KB   35 downloads

Edited by jimandlaura26, 06 August 2024 - 10:41 AM.

[Scott in NC]

Attached is an older SV inventory list composed and compiled (by Scott in NC) for a previous Yahoo group that may be of interest here and for other similar questions. Cheers!

Thanks, Jim. In this CN post that you wrote in 2020 there’s an updated copy of that list from 2015. I think that was the last year that I updated it. I’d attach the file but I don’t have a copy handy, so the best I can do right now is post a link: https://www.cloudyni...els/?p=10748924

[jimandlaura26]

Thanks, Jim. In this CN post that you wrote in 2020 there’s an updated copy of that list from 2015. I think that was the last year that I updated it. I’d attach the file but I don’t have a copy handy, so the best I can do right now is post a link: https://www.cloudyni...els/?p=10748924

Found it. Thanks Scott. 

Attached Files

•  20151020 Stellarvue Refractors.pdf   81.68KB   28 downloads

Edited by jimandlaura26, 07 August 2024 - 03:41 AM.

[bkc]

It looks very similar to my AT-1010, but the way the focuser and the main optical tube are attached is different. The focuser of my 1010 goes on the inside of the optical tube while the OP's picture shows the optical tube going into the focuser. Were there two different designs of the 1010?

 

Brian

Edited by bkc, 07 August 2024 - 05:19 PM.

[k5apl]

I owned an AT1010 and saw Saturn occulted by the Moon in Maui many many years ago.  Make sure you are seeing the full size of the objective- you can search for old documentation of how the edge was cut-off.  I had a lot of fun with mine.  Hope you do to.

Wes

[stevew]

If I remember correctly these were assembled by Stellarvue from parts sourced in the far East.

However they took great care to test and align the lenses and focusers of each one.

They tested them under the stars to make sure each one performed at it's best.

They were a hot item back in the day when the only other option was a short tube 80 from Orion.

[k5apl]

For more info about the 1010, see Ed Ting's reviews from the past.  It was a good option back in the day and will still provide lot's of enjoyment today.

Wes

[kmparsons]

I got my Nighthawk over 20 years ago. The great optics and solid construction so impressed me that I have remained an SV customer ever since. 

[Orion68]

My AT1010 was also acquired used about 20 years ago. It is one of my favorite grab and go scopes.

I've been extremely impressed with the AT1010's ability to find DSO's. One of my best images of M81/M82 was with this scope on a night of excellent transparency. I was shocked because this is not your typical galaxy hunting telescope.

 

 

 

[kmparsons]

Another great early SV scope is the 80 9/D. I got mine brand new for $350, and it still thrills. At f/9 it does have a bit of CA on bright objects, but the flat field and pinpoint stars more than compensate. You could probably pick one up used for a song, and it would make a great companion to the Nighthawk.