SVX140T-R Raptor

The SVX140T is now available in this "Raptor" version with a more compact carbon fiber tube and dew shield. This is a 140mm, f-6.7 apochromatic refractor made with a super low dispersion Ohara S-FPL-53 or equivalent 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. 

• SVX140T telescope
• CNC-machined tube rings
• Your choice between the Losmandy style TP013A or TP019, or the Vixen-Style TP012 mounting rail.
• The Stellarvue #HAN-2 handle is included.
• Three different precision focusers are offered.
• 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 case we have found and the most durable foam for a telescope.  

This telescope is in full production. It is a long process as glass is being polished and hand-figured to .98 Strehl or higher! This process takes up to a year to complete but with 50 of these objectives in production our wait times are now reasonable. To attain this level of optical accuracy in a relatively short f-ratio, we use special tools and experienced opticians. The work is done right here in our optical shop in Auburn, California. SVX series telescopes are exceptional, placing 99% or more of the light precisely where it should be. Stellarvue Premier SVX Series refractors are for the astronomer who recognizes the best when they see it. Each SVX refractor comes with a color Zygo interferometric test report taken at full aperture in our shop, documenting the final accuracy of your objective. 

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: 

1. 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 and ZWO motors attach directly to this focuser allowing even more precise focusing.  
2. 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.  
3. 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 visual use, we recommend the Rowan AZ100.  

For imaging we recommend: Losmandy G11G or Paramount MYT. These are great choices 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 SFFX-3 photographic Field Flattener. 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