Product Description
The SVX140T is a 140mm, f-6.7 apochromatic refractor made with a super low dispersion center element. We shortened the focal ratio specifically designing this telescope for imaging using our dedicated field flatteners. The performance of the SVX140T has been evaluated by Ryan Voykin of Dark Rangers Inc. Stellarvue SVX140T Review.
Optics: SVX140T-R is rated at .96 Strehl or higher as measured on our Zygo Phase Shifting Interferometer in red light. We hand figure the objective right here to minimize aberrations. Visit our SVX Optics Page to learn more about this process.
Coatings: Extreme broadband, full multi-coatings on each surface transmit more than 99.5% in the visual spectrum, as well as above and below it. The reason to extend beyond the visual spectrum has to do with imaging. CCD and CMOS detectors in cameras record beyond the visual spectrum. Broadband, full multi-coatings eliminate unwanted reflections seen on CCD images taken through telescopes that have inferior coatings..
Waiting Period: Stellarvue SVX140T Refractors are available now. We currently have objectives that are completed and coated in stock. When you place the order and let us know which focuser you require, we will assemble them, align the system and run the telescope through our qc process. An order placed now can be filled in about one week depending on the focuser it is ordered with. Call us at 530-823-7796 between 9 and 5 Pacific time, Monday through Friday and we can tell you when your Stellarvue SVX140T will be ready.
Financing: You may finance your order through Bread financing.
What's included?
- SVX140T telescope
- CNC-machined tube rings
- Your choice between the Losmandy style TP013 or TP019, or the Vixen-Style TP012 mounting rail.
- The Stellarvue #HAN-1 handle is included.
- Three different precision focusers are offered. Each comes with 2" and 1.25" adapters.
- American made, waterproof SKB case with custom cut polyethylene foam interior that does not absorb moisture like polyurethane foam and is much more durable. This is the best foam material available for a heavy telescope.
Select the focuser you prefer: The SVX140T may be ordered with one of three different focusers. Simply select the one you prefer above. Here is a synopsis of the differences:
- The Stellarvue 3" focuser. This focuser has 4.5" of travel and 2" and 1.25" compression ring adapters. This is our brand focuser that is well known as a stable and smooth 3" focuser with a highly accurate 8 to 1 reduction that allows absolutely precise focusing. This is the same as used on our smaller aperture telescopes. Both Optec, Prima Luce and ZWO motors attach directly to this focuser allowing even more precise focusing.
- The Starlight Instruments 3.5" focuser, with 4.5" of travel and 2" and 1.25" compression ring adapters. This is an American-made focuser that is equally smooth to the focuser above but is larger. Both Optec and Starlight Instruments make motors for these focusers.
- The Moonlight Nightcrawler 3.5" focuser with various extension tubes and 2" and 1.25" adapters. This is an advanced, electronic, computerized focuser preferred by dedicated imagers. It is the most expensive upgrade, but for those who want perfection when it comes to imaging, this is considered one of the best. The downside is a very short focuser draw tube length which is great for imaging stability but requires various extensions when converting to visual use. Since most high-end imagers rarely or never look through their instrument, this is usually no big deal. *Please note that the default color for the Nitecrawler will be RED unless specified otherwise. For a full list of available color options visit www.focuser.com.
The larger aperture of all of these focusers significantly reduces vignetting seen in smaller focusers when imaging.
We include American-made CNC mounting rings, a retracting dew shield, metal dust cap.
Optional Accessories:
Case: We now offer an American-made, waterproof hardcase with durable custom cut foam lining to protect your instrument against damage and the elements.
Mounts: For strictly visual use, we are developing a heavy-duty alt-azimuth mount that will hold the SVX140T with great stability. We expect to offer it later this year.
For imaging we recommend:
Losmandy G11G or
Paramount MYT. This is a great choice for accurate long-exposure imaging.
Optional Visual Accessories:
You will need a star diagonal, eyepieces, mount, and tripod to observe with this telescope. You will find that a finder scope is helpful in locating objects. We recommend the following:
Finder Scope: Optional. We recommend the F050W2 finder scope. The proper ring system for this finder is the R050DA ring system.
Diagonal: Optional. Please note: You can purchase our best 2" diagonal above and save $50.
Eyepieces: Optional. We recommend our best eyepieces for this telescope: a complete set of the Stellarvue Optimus eyepieces. Save money when you select the complete set at the top of the page. This set comes with a large, thickly padded case that holds the Optimus set, two additional 1.25" eyepieces, a 2"-star diagonal, and two other items such as a photographic flattener and small camera.
Optional Photographic Field Flatteners
Field Flattener: To image with this telescope at f-6.8, use the giant SFFX-2 photographic Field Flattener. If you are using the Stellarvue 3" focuser, use the SFFX-1. Both of these flatteners are made at Stellarvue to a more concise spherical specification. Prior to the development of these our generic flatteners varied in specification. We highly recommend these flatteners to cover your telescope into an imaging platform.
Reducer Flattener: To image at around f- 5.25, using an APS-c or smaller sensor, we currently offer the SFFR.72 photographic field flattener/reducer. This is an imported unit sold by a number of sources on the market. It is the best unit we have found so far. Based on the success of our in-house field flatteners, we are currently working on a new in-house reducer/flattener that will have the same optical specification as our flatteners. We expect to have this unit ready by the end of 2024.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Objective Lens:
Air-spaced, hand-figured 140 mm, 938 mm focal length (f-6.7) fully multi-coated, apochromatic triplet using a combination of extra low-dispersion and Lanthanum elements. Lens is mounted in an adjustable steel cell. Test report included.
Tube Assembly:
All aluminum, Instrument White, fully baffled.
Dew Shield:
7.33" diameter retracting aluminum dew shield in Instrument White with black anodized fittings.
Dimensions:
OTA: 6 1/8" diameter, 31" long with dew shield retracted and 36" long when extended.
Weight:
Telescope tube weighs 22 pounds. Rings weight 1.2 pounds each. Slightly heavier with the Moonlight focuser option.
Rings:
Very heavy-duty CNC mounting rings made using 6061 T6 aluminum plate. Five threaded 1/4-20 holes top and bottom spaced 1.5" and 60 mm apart with one in the center. 5 mm side hole for mounting a red dot or MRF finder.
Rail: Your choice between the Losmandy style TP013A or TP019, or the Vixen-Style TP012 mounting rail.
Handle: The Stellarvue #HAN-1 handle is included.
Case:
Our optional American-made, waterproof case is made by SKB. We combine this case with a custom, durable polyethylene foam that does not absorb moisture or easily tear as does softer and less durable polyurethane.
Star Diagonal:
Optional. Please note: You can purchase our 2" quartz dielectric diagonal upgrade for only $199 by selecting it at the top of the page. The upgrade diagonal is the same as the D1040Q deluxe dielectric diagonal, except it does not come with a 1.25" adapter since the telescope already comes with one.
Light Gain:
400 X! (human eye = 1)
Contrast & Color Correction (1-10): 10
Click here for our online operator's manual: SVX140T Manual
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Product Reviews
9 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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This is a “World Class” telescope.
Build quality, optics, and customer service all top notch. I’m very happy with my purchase.
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SVX140T
SVX 140T This is my 7th Stellarvue scope. 5 were bought used in various sizes from 80mm - 130mm to see what works best for me. Those 5 used ones were all resold. The other new one is the SVX90T purchased late last year. Great forever small scope. And my imaging workhorse. The SVX 140T is the perfect larger sized scope for transporting to and from observing sites. Maximum aperture in a manageable length and weight. No problems fitting it in the car, carrying it, putting it on and taking it off the mount. Being 67, I personally would not want anything bigger or heavier to pack, setup, tear down, repack into the car in the dark. Per the ASIAir+ the focal length with the SFFX-1 and ASI 2600MC Duo (and ASI 533MC Pro) is 968mm, making it f6.9 for my imaging setup with roughly .80 arcseconds per pixel. Small enough resolution, but not too small to be well within my mount’s guiding abilities with average seeing here. M33 frames perfectly with the ASI2600. I am only imaging now and still a rather newb at it. That said, I get compliments on images of nebulae, globulars and galaxies. It is Stellarvue’s quality, not my abilities. There are no “soft” zones in the image as the optics are polished to near perfection. This scope completely illuminates both the APS-C sized sensor and the guiding sensor of the ASI 2600 MC duo, even through 5 nm dual band Antlia ALP – T filters. The SV flattener straight off my SVX90 worked, but after Vic spent some time with me I learned the 140 needs shorter spacers than the 90 after the flattener. Per Vic’s email to me: “The way the SFFX field flattener works is that with the shorter focal length objective you need more extension. So the SFFX-1 with our camera adapter attached needs the following amount of extension between the flattener and camera adapter: SVX80T: 48mm SVX102T: 40 mm SVX 140T: 36mm SVX152/180T: 33 mm.” With the above flattener, camera and filters attached the draw tube is extended a good bit to reach focus. Yet there is no tilt. It is perfectly stable. A testament to the build quality. And this keeps the scope tube length to a minimum when the focuser is retracted. Personally I feel this tradeoff hits the sweet spot. The 13 inch Stellarvue bottom plate is perfect for the scope: substantial and large. Adding 3/8 inch long nylon spacers between the plate and the rings gives a little extra space between the plate and the dew shield. These nylon spacers can be bought at Home Depot or other hardware store The case is long enough to hold the scope with the SFFX–1 flattener attached. Nice. I previously bought the SV large case, which holds the scope with a ZWO Focuser, handle on the rings, and possibly with a future filter wheel. The ZWO AM5 with about 7 pounds of counterweights easily keeps the scope guided within .3 - .6 arcseconds. Also have two 1 gallon jugs filled with small pebbles for an additional 28 pounds hanging from the TC40 tripod to prevent flip over. No worries. I have not looked through a telescope in about a year. But of course I had to do that with this new scope. My remaining eyepieces max out about 300x with this scope. The Great Red Spot on Jupiter was the finest I have ever seen, including with a prior 12” Meade LX200. It was not just a reddish oval. Some detail and color differentiation inside the GRS was noticeable. Stars were pinpoint to the corners. For me, this is very impressive because my eyes are the weakest link in the optical train. It was one of those nights where I’m sure I could’ve gone up more in power if I had other eye pieces. Optics, build, design, fit and finish are all superb as you would expect from Stellarvue. As is customer service. As for pride of ownership, well, I still have a grin on my face; totally satisfied and comfortable with my purchase decision. One experienced club member called it “Research grade”. Cue another smile. Some scopes just get all of it right. This is one of those scopes.
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Superb scope
I ordered and received a new svx140t in February, delivered to Ireland. I’m strictly visual. I waited 3 months before posting a review to allow enough time for some good seeing, and to get used to it. As soon as it arrived, a clear night of reasonable seeing occurred. It wasn’t a long session but I remember being a bit shocked by the star tests I did on Betelgeuse and Rigel. They were essentially out of the “perfect” column of Suiter’s book. I’d never seen a test like it, and I currently have 8 scopes, some supposedly very good. A couple of nights ago, I had a long session with the scope, and seeing the best I’ve ever had, in a sky that measured SQM-L 21.95 by the time I packed up. Challenging doubles were as if printed on charts, including zeta herc. I went to try to get the mag 13 star next to M57, which was trivial, and at the eyepiece drew a diagram of other nearby visible stars, one faint but definitely there, to later check against charts. It turned out that it was a mag 14.7 . This scope is very very good. Magnus: Thank you for your careful and thoughtful review. We take an incredible amount of time figuring these optics all with goal of getting it into the hands of someone like you who appreciates and enjoys what we do. Clear, steady skies. Vic Maris
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SVX140T
The SVX140T arrived a couple of days ago, but I was busy with work issues and just brought the boxes upstairs for unboxing. It was certainly well packed and it took me half an hour to work my way down to the telescope. Everything arrived in perfect condition and there is no damage that I can see. The telescope is a marvel to look at. The only thing I have here to compare it to is my Esprit 120. Although naturally wider in diameter, the SVX140T tube length (minus the focuser) is about 3 inches shorter than the Esprit 120, more or less. Fantastic ! I thought I would have trouble putting this scope on my fairly inexpensive EQ6-R Pro, but I don't see an issue with that even though it will soon go on my new MYT mount. I had thought I'd have to start it out on my Losmandy G11 until I was competent to use the MYT, but the SVX140T is small enough and light enough to use on my EQ6-R Pro for the next week or so (until I am up to speed on the MYT). That is a great boon to me as the EQ6 is already set up and ready to go. The objective lens on the SVX140T is a marvel to look at and the fit and finish of the scope is beyond wonderful. Tomorrow night will be clear, and it will be one of life's great joys to put it into action. Many thanks. And by the way, the carrying case is very practical and I prefer it to the heavier aluminum case that came with my Esprit 120 (I ended up putting that one into storage and wrapping the 120 in plastic when not in use). Good job ! ! !
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Amazing piece of kit
I just received this amazing piece of kit. It was solidly packaged when I received it. The scope looks like it is made to perfection. I am have been very happy with the customer service as well as the finish product from Stellarvue. I can't wait to get to use this scope. My only gripe is the padded case could be a little taller as the Moonlite focuser does take some real estate in the case. Additionally I cant put it back in the case with the rail attached. Maybe you guys could redesign the case?
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SVX140T
I absolutely love this scope. The attention to details in packaging was amazing. I love the quality of my pictures with it. The only thing that I would love SV to do is producing a large reducer that supports larger sensors. Everything else is just perfect!
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First refractor, forever refractor
What a fantastic top-tier scope! Sharpest views I’ve ever seen. The construction and finish quality is outstanding. The FT focuser is a beast, very stable and robust. Count me as a very pleased customer!
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High quality scope!
Wait time was well worth this behemoth. Everything about the build is exceptional. The glass is perfect, the FT focuser is buttery smooth, the rings and plate are top notch. The adapters that come with the scope met back focus exactly. This thing is a beast!
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Great scope worth the wait
Been out with this scope 4 times since delivery. Build quality except for one missing screw is perfect. Very robust. Would make most tanks envious. Optical quality is outstanding. Images are super sharp, pinpoint stars and with clusters a sense of depth. Blows the doors off my 9.25 SCT. Wish I had the foresight to order an extension to my Ioptron mount to keep it from whacking into the tripod legs. Ordered this back in October- well worth the wait.
