Product Description
The New and Improved Raptor!
The SVX102T-RA Raptor is our newest "Raptor 102." This latest version is essentially as light in weight as our former carbon fiber version but comes in a black or stardust blue, lightweight, aluminum tube and dewshield. This new version is more durable and cools down faster than a plastic-coated carbon fiber telescope. The optics remain the same. This is our premier, high-performance, lightweight 4” f-7. (714mm focal length) air-spaced apo triplet refractor. This optical system has been reviewed by Tony Hallas in Astronomy Magazine and was also reviewed in Sky and Telescope magazine by Dennis DiCicco. Two outstanding reviews, both by recognized experts in their field. The Stellarvue SVX-102T and T-RA telescopes are our most popular since they are relatively light, very portable and have exceptional optics that can be used with either our SFFX-1 field flattener or a reducer. This telescope can be made airline carry-on size by simply unthreading the focuser.
The telescope comes standard with a Stellarvue F-SV3B 3" dual-speed, fully-rotating focuser with 2" and 1.25" adapters. This size focuser minimizes vignetting. Our 3" Stellarvue focuser is very popular, as 90% of the orders we receive for this telescope specify this focuser, as it is smooth and stable. It makes a great imaging focuser and works well with either the Optec, Prima-Luce or ZWO EAF focus motors. This telescope may also be upgraded to a 3" Feather Touch or MoonLite NiteCrawler focuser, by selecting the options above.
Availability: We begin the production of all SVX objectives one year ahead of time so while it takes up to a year to perfect each objective, we usually have several lenses available when you order. This means we can generally deliver this telescope within one or two weeks depending on the availability of focusers. At the current time we have Feather Touch focusers in stock and MoonLite focusers only add a few weeks to the waiting period as a general rule. Our sales increased in 2024 above what we anticipated and as a result, we are now out of Stellarvue 3" focusers. We plan to have 200 of these focusers completed about mid April so delivery of telescopes ordered with 3" Stellarvue focusers will be delayed until Spring. You can still order this telescope made with a Stellarvue focuser but delivery will be delayed. Call us for more specific information on delivery time estimates for the telescope and focuser you are looking for. (530) 823-7796.
Optics: Fully Multi-Coated Apochromatic Triplet Objective: This telescope has a 101.5mm f-7 apochromatic triplet objective with an Ohara FPL-53 center element and provides extremely high-contrast and reflector-like color correction. SVX102T-R is rated at .97 Strehl or higher as measured on our Zygo Phase Shifting Interferometer in red light. Visit our SVX Optics Page to learn more about this process.
Click Here for more information on SVX optics.
Specifications:
Focuser: The SVX102T-R comes standard with a Stellarvue 3” dual speed, rack and pinion focuser for both visual use and imaging. This focuser comes with 2” and 1.25” compression ring adapters for visual use. The focuser draw tube adapter is threaded for the 2" adapter. When converting from visual use to imaging, unthread the 2" adapter from the knurled part at the end of the focuser and thread the field flattener or reducer flattener into its place. Upgrade to either a 3" Feather Touch focuser or a computerized Moonlite Nitecrawler telescope by selecting the focuser you prefer above.
Objective Lens: The 101.5mm clear aperture, 714mm focal length (f-7), air-spaced apochromatic triplet uses an Ohara FPL53 center element. A test report is included with purchase.
Light Gain: 213x (human eye = 1)
Image Circle:
- with 3" Focuser and SFFX-1: 41mm
- with 3" Focuser and .75X Reducer/Flattener: 40mm
Tube Assembly: Lightweight fully baffled aluminum tube and dew shield. The standard model comes in a black, anodized, machined finish or a beautiful Stardust Blue powder-coated finish. Painted ultra flat black inside. 105mm diameter main tube. To compare the differences between an aluminum tube and carbon fiber tube, visit our Aluminum vs. Carbon Fiber comparison page.
Dew Shield: 4-3/4” diameter, 8-5/16” long retracting aluminum dew shield with cap. The ring on the end of the dew shield is 4 15/16" in diameter. Compatible with this solar filter.
Dimensions: OTA: 18.25” long in travel mode (focuser unthreaded), or 18.75" if using our large plastic cap to cover the end. 22.5” long with focuser in place and dew shield retracted; 28” with dew shield extended.
Weight: Telescope tube weighs 9.8 lbs. with 2” adapter and 1 1/4" adapter. Rings weigh .8 pounds each.
Rings: Included with the telescope purchase is Stellarvue's cnc machined ring set with five 1/4"-20 threaded holes on top and bottom. Holes are spaced 1.5” and 60mm apart respectively, with one in the center.
Mounting Rails: Your choice between the Losmandy-Style TP009 or the Vixen-Style TP012 mounting rail.
Handle: The Stellarvue #HAN-2 handle is included.
Recommended Accessories:
C102-SKB Case: The telescope can be shipped with or without a case. Our current case is an American-made, SKB 3i-2615-10BE, waterproof, hard case with wheels and travel handle. We combine this outstanding case with a custom-designed, Polyethylene padded interior, which is superior to polyurethane which absorbs moisture like a sponge. This is the American-made foam insert accepts the complete telescope with rings, rail, handle and focus motor attached. Two circular openings in the case will hold the SFFX-1 field flattener and the SFFR.74 reducer/flattener.
FEATURES:
- Waterproof and dust tight design (MIL-STD)
- Molded-in hinge for added
- Trigger Latch®
- Snap-down rubber over-molded cushion grip
- Ambient pressure equalization valve (MIL-STD)
- Resistant to UV, solvents, corrosion, fungus and impact damage (MIL-STD 810H)
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Waterproof hard case wih built-in wheels and handle that extends for rolling.
- Interior Length 26 in.
- Interior Width 15 in.
- Lid Depth 2 in.
- Interior Base Depth 8 in.
- Depth 10 in.
- Product Weight 19 lb.
- Exterior Length 28.6 in.
- Exterior Width 17.55 in.
- Exterior Height 11.65 in.
Finder: Optional. We carry the F001 red dot finder and the F002 multi-reticle finder.
Mounting Plate or rail: Your choice between the Losmandy-Style TP009 or the Vixen-Style TP012.
Star Diagonal: Optional. Please note: You can purchase our 2" quartz dielectric diagonal upgrade for only $199 below. The upgrade diagonal is the same as the D1040Q deluxe dielectric diagonal but does not come with a 1.25" adapter as the telescope already has one.
Photographic Field Flattener: Optional. We recommend our custom-designed SFFX-1. Select the one for the SVX102T. Converts your telescope into a 714mm f-7 astrograph/telephoto.
Photographic Reducer/Flattener: Optional.The SFFR-75-102T. Converts your telescope into a 530mm f-5.2 astrograph/telephoto.
MOTORIZED FOCUSER OPTION
WARRANTY
LIGHT GATHERING AND MAGNIFICATION POWER
Additional Information
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 & Telescope magazine. The Stellarvue SVX102T-R has been designed as our best dual-purpose 4” telescope for both visual and photographic use. Photographic performance with cameras is excellent with the addition of our photographic field flattener. This is the sharpest 4” class telescope we have ever offered as these are meticulously hand figured in our shop in Auburn, California. See the Sky & Telescope magazine review of the SVR102T. Also, see the NEAF video featuring the SVX102T.
Click here for financing information.
Click here for our online operator's manual: SVX102 Manual
Other Details
STELLARVUE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR U.S.A. AND CANADA END PURCHASERS ONLY Stellarvue (SV) warrants that each SV brand telescope and accessory shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship for two years from the date of purchase. SV will repair or replace such product or part thereof, which upon inspection by SV is found defective in materials or workmanship. As a condition to the obligation of SV to repair or replace such product, the product must be returned to SV as specified in this warranty. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES THAT MAY EXIST UNDER STATE LAW APPLY ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER AND LASTS ONLY AS LONG AS THE PURCHASER OWNS THE PRODUCT. Warranty and repair return requirements: • Proof of purchase acceptable to SV must accompany any return for warranty work. • A return Authorization must be obtained from SV in advance of return. E-mail Stellarvue at mail@stellarvue.com or call (530) 823-7796 to receive the authorization & packing instructions. • The authorization code must be written on the outside of the container. • All returns must be accompanied by a written note stating the model number of the product, authorization code, name, address, e-mail address and daytime telephone number of the owner, and an explanation of the problem. Replaced parts shall become the property of SV. • The customer shall be responsible for all costs of transportation and insurance, both to and from SV. SV Requirements • SV shall use reasonable efforts to repair or replace any product covered by this limited warranty within thirty days of acceptance. If repair will take longer, SV shall notify the customer. • SV may replace any product that has been discontinued with a new product of comparable value and function. Products that have been damaged, dropped, disassembled, abused, misused, mishandled, subjected to temperature or weather extremes, subjected to unusual wear or modified in any way will not be covered by this warranty. In these instances, this warranty shall be null and void. THESE WARRANTIES REPLACE ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SV MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES BEYOND THOSE STATED HERE AND DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE SOLE OBLIGATION OF SV UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE COVERED PRODUCT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS SET FORTH HEREIN. SV DISCLAIMS ANY LOST PROFITS, GENERAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHICH MAY RESULT FROM BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY, OR ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY SV PRODUCT FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS THAT VARY FROM JURISDICTION TO JURISDICTION. WARNING: LOOKING AT THE SUN CAN CAUSE SERIOUS EYE INJURY AND BLINDNESS. NEVER POINT A TELESCOPE AT OR NEAR THE SUN. VIEWING THE SUN WITHOUT A PROPER SOLAR FILTER MAY RESULT IN BLINDNESS, AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO THE INSTRUMENT. NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN TO USE BINOCULARS OR TELESCOPES DURING THE DAYLIGHT HOURS, UNLESS THEY ARE SUPERVISED BY AN ADULT WHO UNDERSTANDS THE DANGER OF POINTING ANY OPTICAL INSTRUMENT IN THE GENERAL DIRECTION OF THE SUN.Product Videos
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Stardust Blue SVX102T-RA
I am a twenty-plus year owner of a series of Stellarvue (SV) telescopes, ranging in aperture, focal ratio, and possessing ever-improving optical/mechanical designs, execution and quality control. I only sold certain previously owned SV scopes, in order to exploit advancing capabilities of their emerging telescope designs. I am mostly a visual observer with some astrophotography thrown in. My skill sets grew along with my evolving family of SV scopes, mounts, and eyepieces. I recently took possession of a Stardust Blue SVX102-RA. As some owners report, these Stardust Blue scopes are quite impressive to look at with your own eyes, more so than is usually conveyed in online renderings. I find its finish is almost as pleasing to look at in my home office, as the scope is to look through… into the heavens above. Weather, of course, conspired with the usual winter combinatorial curse of snow, sleet, wind and clouds here in northern Virginia for the first month of possession. But my new scope finally saw first light yesterday on a SV MC-2 mount. Quite the ideal combination. I performed a selection of new telescope check-outs. This included star tests inside, outside and at focus for Sirius and Rigel - spot on, concentric rings and no color & Rigel’s companion star was an easy mark even at modest magnifications; definition of nebula filaments/structures and trapezium detail in M-42 (with fleeting views of the E star); separation and detection of multiple stars (including solid view of the dim star in the triple) in the Sigma Orionis region; and some good high power (200x) examination of Jupiter, its Galilean moons, and Mars - even with mediocre seeing. Great results in all cases for first time out. Even tiny Mars offered up a subtle white polar region and dark planetary surface detail. The installed 3” FeatherTouch focuser and its fine focuser performed very well in getting to just the right focus with the provided small-length threaded extension. Another great new SV telescope. Can’t wait for the new journey to begin in earnest!
