I have a 130 from Stellarvue and it's perfect. I'm switching over to full frame this year and was able to call Stellarvue and get the adapters I needed so easily. There is no better company for the price in the US for quality refractors.
Yep, exactly my thoughts. Unfortunately, when you’re looking at scopes in this category, they’re never going to be inexpensive, but I do feel like this is the best scope brand in its class for the money.
The scope was packed in an amazing fashion. Brea does an amazing job. Highly recommend Stellarvue. Vic was on vacation and returned a text immediately.
180 looks amazing, the images in astronomy magazine for the review look fantastic. He’s mentioned sending one out but it’s intimidatingly large at first I’m sure!
Great review Ryan. I've had the SVX130T with FT focuser for almost 3 years now and it is a superb high quality scope. As any professional photographer will tell you "It's all about the glass, camera bodies come and go but quality lenses will last a lifetime". I also recently purchased the SVX90T with their Stellervue focuser for the wife for visual use, and let us tell you their focuser is excellent. I would have no problems ordering any of their telescopes with them in the future. Yes their telescopes are a bit more expensive but they are lifetime scopes, made here in the USA and you always reach a person in the know when you call them. Everthing else you covered in the video was exactly what I have experianced. Frank
Excellent review of key features that make a premium refractor. I’ve been with Stellarvue for 10 years and the customer service is flawless. Vic’s scopes are true works of art.
As a novice astronomy enthusiast, if I were to have the SVX140T and the Askar 140APO or a 151PHQ side by side, observing the same targets. What would I see different from one to the other to justify the extra cost?
Not the best set of three scopes to look at, even the two Askars aren’t even that close in quality the PHQ is much nicer than the 140. Essentially the Askar has none of the items on the list of things I’m looking for and would recommend other options at a similar price point if budget is your number one concern. The imaging circle will be larger so you’ll have better stars across the entire sensor. The stars and details will be more pinpoint and in focus. Better color correction the orange colored Askar line up only use a single piece of low quality ED glass have been shown to have chromatic aberration, especially when used with their reducers. Better focuser, and hardware, which will lead to less tilt in your imaging train so your star size and quality will be more consistent across the entire image. The PHQ would probably be a little closer. The collimation will hold better in the stellarvue, so it’ll look as good as when you got it for years to come where as the other scopes are more prone to having some shifting occur. And if you do have any problems, the customer service is differences not even close. These probably aren’t the two best brands to compare because the StellarVue has it beat in literally every category. Even within the two Askar options the PHQ is much better than the 140 Apo.
Great review. The 140 is too big for my mini shed observatory so I was thinking about something smaller like the SVX 102T. Is the glass in the 102 just as good? I do imaging and would probably get mine with the Nightcrawler.
@@area51xi the 102 is a great scope shoot me an email at ryan@darkrangersinc.com I can answer more questions and do a warm introduction to Vic the owner. he takes really good care of all the people I send over. I’m using the 102 right now and love it.
I have the 140 and it is so very nice for imaging. Great with an OSC. Just got a monoline camera, filters and wheel, looking forward to using that setup. I have 4 Stellarvues, and had 3-4 others over the years. Consider reviewing my workhorse, the SVX90T (you will be pleased again). Biggest premium APO in airline carryon size. Easy to take to dark sky sites and put on a strain wave mount. Sharp stars to the corners of an APS-C camera. Great focal length for many targets.
We debating 90 vs 102 and decided on 102 for now but since I own a 90 I want to compare it to another one that uses FPL-53 but doesn’t have the handmade fine tuning.
Takahashi and Astrophysics would be my choice for no budget option. But I think Stellarvue will still do well vs these options. TEC is also another high quality premium option. They do not share their minimum standards for testing or their test results. So for me, it’s not an option. I’m not saying they aren’t a great scope. I think they are, but if I have the choice between companies that are willing to share the results and some that don’t I always value the transparency…
Thank you, but I don’t know if these ones are there yet but with summer nebula season coming that’s really my favorite… I am still getting there with galaxy processing. I can’t wait to shoot a nice 20 or 30 hours on a nebula and really let the scope shine!
TS is pretty similar to the Starfield I got before this FPL-53 came with a Strehl report, and a customer service number I could call so several of the items on the list.
@@darkrangersinc we don't have the luxury of calling anyone here in Australia so have to deal through our retailers. With products like TS optics the product is pretty well excellent so no real need to deal with anyone. They are also quick to respond via email but the tyranny of distance and our small population means we are neglected and at times ripped off.
Hands down not even close the 140. It’s in a totally different league for quality, sharpness, optical quality of the images and ease of use. Of all of the equipment I’ve tested and own this would be the last piece of equipment I would give up. It’s honestly the easiest question I could answer for you and knowing that if any problems come up, they will stand behind 1000% The SCA260 is a good scope. It’s not so much a negative on that one as it is just a positive on the 140.
@@darkrangersinc Great thank you. That helps a lot. I just wasn't sure about the reach of the 140 given the shorter focal length. I would love to shoot more galaxies in the future but I also have an EdgeHD8 so I could always use that at its native focal length although it's slow.
Very nice set up and scope. I have a Stellarvue 80 A and I like it. Use it often. The SVX140T is a very nice telescope. I would like to have one. But More than I can afford.
@@davidaaaa4611 80-90mm is my recommendation for everyone to start with or own. The 140 is definitely one to aspire too I have been in the hobby for 5+ years in deepspace and 7+ if you include milkyway I’m glad I waited because it’s of course a bit more challenging to use a heavier scope with more focal length. You can get amazing images with an 80mm enjoy!
@@darkrangersinc I got my 1st telescope 63 years ago. The largest I have had was a 17.5 dob. I ordered the mirror from coulter and a kit and put it together. Yes I really like my Stellarvue 80A. I agree with you 80 or 90 is good for someone to start with.
I just got the SVX 130T. A month of clouds and rain so no testing yet. I sold an old Sv doublet, a camera lens I was not using, and work gave us a bonus this year. So I figured 'the stars aligned' to get me an heirloom quality refractor. I was looking for something longer than my 400mmFL refractor to get vlser to small targets. I'm excited to try and hopeful I can get good results. I also have the G11G, but have not had good luck guiding my C11 with it. Hoping I can guide this well enough.
Hopefully the clouds part for you here shortly! I’m able to get .4-.5 guiding pretty reliably with the G11. if you want to schedule a call to go over your set up and maybe troubleshoot it you can shoot me an email
Maybe I'm ok with fpl51 or like triplet, so by them not telling me, I know it's the other grade. I really like my Astrotech AT80EDT. I guess I'm not your target audience. Very nice scope. I wonder how well it would compare to an 8 or 10 inch newt for image quality.
Rgr. You're recommendation of stellarvue is spot on. Your list of USA based companies is what we should be buying. However.. Maybe I'm just cynical from the criticism on cloudy nights that anything less than a high end triplet are inadequate. Your brand selection and reviews (to me) seem like the elitist view on CN. I wish there were more USA based manufacturing companies offering the innovative and affordable products being imported. I find it improbable that a William optics or ZWO am5 quality products can't be manufactured in the USA at competitive pricing.
Great review! Wish it was in budget for me, but I have to stick with my Sharpstar for now, bad enough I am shooting beside a friends AP Starfire 130 most nights😂
Those are pretty hard to come by, availability was definitely another factor that I didn’t talk about. But if a company has an awesome scope that you can’t get then 🤷🏻♂️. That is a great scope and I’m sure you’re still able to put out some really great images with what you have!
Thank you for sharing your experience. Two brands I don’t see a lot out there being talked about on UA-cam is Stellarvue and even less, TEC scopes. But both are American made and are awesome
Agree for sure. I targeted Stellarvue for the cost to quality ratio. TEC is a great company but would be priced out of reach for a higher % of folks. The only thing I don’t like about TEC and it was a part of my requirements in the buyers guide was that they don’t share their test results. I know that they still put out high quality scopes, but I just prefer the transparency. I don’t see any reason why you wouldn’t share your results if they are scoring or testing near perfect why not share like stellarvue? But I also respect their decision to not do that and that’s their choice. I’ve heard Yuri is quite a perfectionist and I don’t think he would let anything subpar leave the factory however I just prefer to have the test results for two reasons. First, I know that the scope was actually tested and fine tuned to near perfection. I know a quantifiable score of how well I can expect the scope to perform. I also think it’s nice for resale if you do ever sell the scopes although I would hope most wouldn’t to show the owner that it’s a very high-quality optic.
I was already planning on buying the SVX102T this week. I was torn between the 90 and the 102 and think I'm ultimately going to go with the 102 with reducer. I just hope I can get one now that your Stellarvue review is out!
Great review, Ryan. I’ve had my SCX90T for about three weeks but the weather hasn’t been at all cooperative. I can say, though, that the customer service I’ve received is among the best I’ve ever experienced. Looking forward to getting the scope under a clear sky! Thx again for the review of the scope and the company. Stellarvie is really top notch.
Glad you’re happy with the outcome, everyone so far has had a similar comment so it’s a good sign. I’m always a little nervous when I make a recommendation at first, but this one seems like a winner for sure.
Nice -that is a comprehensive review AND philosophy. Even I was excited to see the data for just 6 hours - that's CRAZY - and pinpoint - did you use the QHY full frame? Those are some great optics and your review highlighted all the key parts - awesome!
That image was with the 2600 which is why it was only 6 hours it kept powering off lol but I didn’t want to mention it. Should be back from warranty here soon. The 600M would perform the same just a bigger field of view.
For image capture I just put out my second NINA episode recently that shows how I do my imaging from start to finish. For processing mostly stacking in APP, processing in Pixinsight, final touches and color work in Photoshop
Absolutely if you watch to the end, I mentioned that I will be and the scope that I will be testing will be available for sale with some great accessories bundled in at a reduced price after the episode! It actually arrived already and I took it to a dark sky site last this past weekend!
There’s always going to be the scope that seems a little out of reach and then one day you get it. And about two days later, a new scope replaces it as the one you have to have lol.
@@darkrangersinc true, but the Stellarvue are just not available over here, I had a tak and it was awful, so may just stick with the Esprit for now….👍🏻
Join our growing Community for additional help and support including 1 on 1 time if needed! www.patreon.com/DarkRangersInc? Support the channel and a company that supports astrophotography for all gear related purchases Agena Astro has the best prices and fastest (free) shipping times ! agenaastro.com/?rfsn=7545037.59bc8b
@@darkrangersinc he did experiment designing an 80mm f/4 400mm focal length scope about 8 years ago, but it didn’t pan out for some reason. This was before all of the small full frame fracs came on the market. I settled for the 80mm f/6 480mm custom with 3” FT focuser, but my next wide scope is the Askar ACL200, so quite a gap that I’m not sure how to fill. I know Vic could build a better scope in that range than any of the other models on the market. I know he’s busy so I don’t push it.
The eagle doesn’t really get warm even to the touch I’ve never felt it any warmer than ambient temp. The bottom mount was suggested as the best method and one of the reasons they sent the 30mm risers.
Whilst I certainly understand the sentiment, I can tell you this much. I came back into Astrophotography last year after a 13 year break, and I'd previously owned a Takahashi FSQ85ED, WO FLT132, TMB80/480SS, and a TEC110 over the years... I knew my way around good scopes... I wanted a scope that would be free from the need for a flattener, so I was looking at quintuplets/quadruplets mostly... and in the same way as you, I had a big question mark over the PHQ/FRA series scopes because they did not reveal the type of glass they used, and I was very used to Ohara glass in the Tak/WO/TEC scope, and russian OK4 in the TMB... Not mentioning the glass in the PHQ scopes made me wonder how it would actually perform. I had basically written them off entirely on account of that alone, however one came up on a local astronomy forum for considerably below retail, so I thought, why not give it a go... worst case, I'll sell it and be no worse off for having tried it. it's now 6 months later, it's the only scope I own and I aboslutely LOVE it. Its just the baby 65PHQ, and optically, I think you'd have to be a REAL stickler to ever notice the difference between the 65PHQ and the Tak FSQ85ED. Sure the Tak FSQ106 is in a different league all together - but it's also (in australia) almost $6000 more expensive... I would strongly suggest if you get a chance to do so, give the PHQ line up a test one day... Mine is 100% flat across APS-C sized sensors, though I use a 4/3" CMOS sensor, I get no CA, or Spherical Aberration, the focuser has 2% tilt based on what PEMPro can tell me, and that tilt is resulting in a 3% shift in HFR from top left to bottom right - which is indistinguishable even zoomed to 200% I get that the glass is important - but what I've learned over the years (I've been into astrophotography since 2005, and into optics since 1998, is that optical design is FAR more important than the glass used. An example is my William Optics Megrez 110T. that was FPL53, triplet design, had a dedicated field flattener... and compared to the TEC 110 which was also an FPL53 Triplet, with a dedicated flattener, the WO M110T was garbage. I had a Megrez 88 SS too, that was an FPL53 Triplet with a dedicated flattener, and compared to the TMB80/480SS that was a OK4 triplet, using an off the shelf flattener, the Megrez was garbage.. I don't know what's in the PHQ still, but I know it beats out the TMB optically, and I know it beats out the FSQ85ED, so no matter what glass it is, it's a better scope... Exceptionally built too. Just my 2c worth.
APSC for many people myself included is less than what we would need for a flat field if we’re using full frame. I’ve had the opportunity to experience PHQs in person and edit their data. I think some of your points about glass indicate why it’s just ONE piece of the puzzle and not the entire puzzle. I used William optics to show that while they use good glass they don’t have the hands on touch and fine tuning which is why you likely had issues with some of them. If the PHQ is working for you then by all means keep using it. But it wouldn’t be the optimal choice for what I’m looking for, especially with full frame sensor cameras. On top of the fact that the customer service should anything happen will be not be as good. Everything has pro’s and cons my goal is just to share my choices that maximize the good and minimize the negative. Thanks for the 2 cents and clear skies!
Hi Ryan. I am waaay too late to the party (the potato chip dust on the carpet are being vacuumed as I type this.😁), but I just had to share how pleased I was regarding your candour & realistic observations re telescope advertizing & choosing the right brand. I have been in the hobby for 50+ years, and IMHO you absolutely nailed it! (Ok...yes, I am biased...my friends call me a "Refractor snob" as I own 1 Stellarvue refractor (Raptor 102T) & 2 other 'premium' scopes...😁). Also, I have been extremely impressed with your other reviews & tutorials. Your channel is a superb resource!👍 One thing I'd like to add is that going with a brand like Stellarvue, AP, Takahashi, CFF, TEC, etc.) is re-sale value.🤔IF (and it's a big "IF") one can afford one of these scopes, one can be secure in the knowledge that these scopes do not depreciate in value much & sometimes go up in value (esp. AP!), so starting with a top-notch smaller scope & taking really good care of it, then down the road, selling it to fund a larger one, is a great approach. That may not necessarily work for mass-produced brands. 🤔 Keep up the great work Ryan! 👍
Thank you for the kind and specific compliments. One of the big reasons I chose Stellarvue was the fact that I felt like I was getting almost if not all the benefits of other even higher priced scopes for less. Since I typically do not pay for the gear I review and ultimate have the option to keep the price was more for my audience and wanting to find something that was at least slightly more budget friendly. Vic and the team at SV are fantastic he is absolutely obsessed with performance. I’ve now gotten to work with a TOA130 when I was out in Vermont helping a community member switch to the Eagle and NINA. After feeling, how rough that focuser was I’m even more glad I went with stellarvue. I was blown away with how much less smooth it was even giving the EAF motor some issues. Luckily we got some support on the phone and were able to fine tune it a bit but it still wasn’t as smooth as a FeatherTouch or the 3” Stellarvue brand especially their latest version that came out recently.
Fantastic video, do you think is there much difference from the 130? I think the 140 will have 16% more light gathering power but everything else is basically the same? F ratio only 1.1 faster.
I don’t think there is a huge difference, but if given the choice I’ll always take the 140. Just because you get the same focal length actually a little bit more as well as more speed. However, the 130 is a phenomenal scope and has a lot of versatility as well. there’s no way you can lose with either option. You have the same choice in focusers, and both now include the hard case. So other than the specs you mentioned they are very similar.
So you'd eliminate Astro-Physics scopes from consideration because they don't list the glass they use? Now the fact they're pretty much unobtainable new unless you luck out in the lottery for their newer scopes probably eliminates they from the running, but I wouldn't sweat the glass type if the maker has a stellar reputation. Plus they make some of the only scopes you can buy that appreciate in value.
No I did not. I never said that at any point. The only time I mentioned AP was to say that would be an obvious recommendation because they of course may good scopes, but I was looking for an option that was at a more reasonable price point and obviously also available.
@@darkrangersinc 1st, I have to try out my cheap, new es 130edt and 0.8 flattener /reducer... I might want to switch out, I might not. It's pretty big! You weren't kidding when you said that they are bigger in reality than they look.
Haha I truly don’t feel that bigger is better all the time. It all depends on what you’re shooting. For summer galaxy season give me a nice 80-102 all day! Then the devil on your shoulder says you could buy a full frame camera and put it on a 140 and hand the same wide field of view 😂.
@@darkrangersinc That would be awesome for sure. I bought my first setup last fall. I have the imaging portion nailed, but my processing needs practice. Love the videos, keep up the great work. 100k+ subs coming your way
@@tyshantz8675 I do one on one sessions if you ever want to improve your processing a lot quicker and avoid some of the headache of trying to figure it out yourself just shoot me an email and we can set up a session.
The carbon fiber look SOOO good too. I definitely requested the 102 in carbon! Any “Raptor” model is the same scope just in carbon. You can get the 102, 130, 140, and I believe the 152 but not 100%. There’s no point in doing it on the 80 and 90 because they’re light. But just cosmetics alone it’s worth it and it’s really not a big up charge a couple hundred bucks to do full carbon fiber is very reasonable in the mountain bike community where going from aluminum to carbon can add thousands of dollars!
Loving my SVX130T & 3.5" FT. Still lots to learn in processing... Great review.
I have a 130 from Stellarvue and it's perfect. I'm switching over to full frame this year and was able to call Stellarvue and get the adapters I needed so easily. There is no better company for the price in the US for quality refractors.
Yep, exactly my thoughts. Unfortunately, when you’re looking at scopes in this category, they’re never going to be inexpensive, but I do feel like this is the best scope brand in its class for the money.
The scope was packed in an amazing fashion. Brea does an amazing job. Highly recommend Stellarvue. Vic was on vacation and returned a text immediately.
Very nice review. What a great telescope and company. Way out of my budget but it is nice to see that such a product is made right here in the USA!
A large Triplet is definitely an investment. It’s also nice to have something to save for 😉.
I have a 180 and 102 mm scopes from Stellarvue and they are great telescopes. Enjoy your Stellarvue telescope.
180 looks amazing, the images in astronomy magazine for the review look fantastic. He’s mentioned sending one out but it’s intimidatingly large at first I’m sure!
Their are no videos of the svx180.
“My integrity is not up for sale”
Great video Ryan, as always.
Great review Ryan. I've had the SVX130T with FT focuser for almost 3 years now and it is a superb high quality scope. As any professional photographer will tell you "It's all about the glass, camera bodies come and go but quality lenses will last a lifetime". I also recently purchased the SVX90T with their Stellervue focuser for the wife for visual use, and let us tell you their focuser is excellent. I would have no problems ordering any of their telescopes with them in the future. Yes their telescopes are a bit more expensive but they are lifetime scopes, made here in the USA and you always reach a person in the know when you call them. Everthing else you covered in the video was exactly what I have experianced.
Frank
Excellent review of key features that make a premium refractor. I’ve been with Stellarvue for 10 years and the customer service is flawless. Vic’s scopes are true works of art.
As a novice astronomy enthusiast, if I were to have the SVX140T and the Askar 140APO or a 151PHQ side by side, observing the same targets. What would I see different from one to the other to justify the extra cost?
Not the best set of three scopes to look at, even the two Askars aren’t even that close in quality the PHQ is much nicer than the 140. Essentially the Askar has none of the items on the list of things I’m looking for and would recommend other options at a similar price point if budget is your number one concern.
The imaging circle will be larger so you’ll have better stars across the entire sensor. The stars and details will be more pinpoint and in focus. Better color correction the orange colored Askar line up only use a single piece of low quality ED glass have been shown to have chromatic aberration, especially when used with their reducers. Better focuser, and hardware, which will lead to less tilt in your imaging train so your star size and quality will be more consistent across the entire image. The PHQ would probably be a little closer. The collimation will hold better in the stellarvue, so it’ll look as good as when you got it for years to come where as the other scopes are more prone to having some shifting occur. And if you do have any problems, the customer service is differences not even close.
These probably aren’t the two best brands to compare because the StellarVue has it beat in literally every category. Even within the two Askar options the PHQ is much better than the 140 Apo.
Great review. The 140 is too big for my mini shed observatory so I was thinking about something smaller like the SVX 102T. Is the glass in the 102 just as good? I do imaging and would probably get mine with the Nightcrawler.
@@area51xi the 102 is a great scope shoot me an email at ryan@darkrangersinc.com I can answer more questions and do a warm introduction to Vic the owner. he takes really good care of all the people I send over. I’m using the 102 right now and love it.
@@darkrangersinc Thanks. I'll email you.
I have the 140 and it is so very nice for imaging. Great with an OSC. Just got a monoline camera, filters and wheel, looking forward to using that setup. I have 4 Stellarvues, and had 3-4 others over the years.
Consider reviewing my workhorse, the SVX90T (you will be pleased again). Biggest premium APO in airline carryon size. Easy to take to dark sky sites and put on a strain wave mount. Sharp stars to the corners of an APS-C camera. Great focal length for many targets.
We debating 90 vs 102 and decided on 102 for now but since I own a 90 I want to compare it to another one that uses FPL-53 but doesn’t have the handmade fine tuning.
If you take out the price requirement which other companies fitted your requirements
Takahashi and Astrophysics would be my choice for no budget option. But I think Stellarvue will still do well vs these options. TEC is also another high quality premium option. They do not share their minimum standards for testing or their test results. So for me, it’s not an option. I’m not saying they aren’t a great scope. I think they are, but if I have the choice between companies that are willing to share the results and some that don’t I always value the transparency…
I have the SVX 130T and just love it. I also have the SVX 70T and the SVX 80T. Every time I’ve called Stellarvue the customer support has been superb.
That’s quite the arsenal!
Looks like images worthy of a $7000 telescope.
Thank you, but I don’t know if these ones are there yet but with summer nebula season coming that’s really my favorite… I am still getting there with galaxy processing. I can’t wait to shoot a nice 20 or 30 hours on a nebula and really let the scope shine!
Love your work, this is out of my price range however my TS Optics 130 Photoline is very similar in glass and class.
TS is pretty similar to the Starfield I got before this FPL-53 came with a Strehl report, and a customer service number I could call so several of the items on the list.
@@darkrangersinc we don't have the luxury of calling anyone here in Australia so have to deal through our retailers. With products like TS optics the product is pretty well excellent so no real need to deal with anyone. They are also quick to respond via email but the tyranny of distance and our small population means we are neglected and at times ripped off.
Ok if money wasn't an issue, for astrophotogrphy (a variety of targets), would you get this or the SCA260?
Hands down not even close the 140. It’s in a totally different league for quality, sharpness, optical quality of the images and ease of use. Of all of the equipment I’ve tested and own this would be the last piece of equipment I would give up. It’s honestly the easiest question I could answer for you and knowing that if any problems come up, they will stand behind 1000%
The SCA260 is a good scope. It’s not so much a negative on that one as it is just a positive on the 140.
@@darkrangersinc Great thank you. That helps a lot. I just wasn't sure about the reach of the 140 given the shorter focal length. I would love to shoot more galaxies in the future but I also have an EdgeHD8 so I could always use that at its native focal length although it's slow.
@@darkrangersinc What are the reducer options for the 140?
What's the total length from the top of the due shield to the back of the imaging camera (assuming you have an EFW and 3.5" nitecrawler or similar).
Very nice set up and scope. I have a Stellarvue 80 A and I like it. Use it often. The SVX140T is a very nice telescope. I would like to have one. But More than I can afford.
@@davidaaaa4611 80-90mm is my recommendation for everyone to start with or own. The 140 is definitely one to aspire too I have been in the hobby for 5+ years in deepspace and 7+ if you include milkyway I’m glad I waited because it’s of course a bit more challenging to use a heavier scope with more focal length. You can get amazing images with an 80mm enjoy!
@@darkrangersinc I got my 1st telescope 63 years ago. The largest I have had was a 17.5 dob. I ordered the mirror from coulter and a kit and put it together. Yes I really like my Stellarvue 80A. I agree with you 80 or 90 is good for someone to start with.
@@darkrangersinc I agree with you and thanks for the video.
I just got the SVX 130T. A month of clouds and rain so no testing yet. I sold an old Sv doublet, a camera lens I was not using, and work gave us a bonus this year. So I figured 'the stars aligned' to get me an heirloom quality refractor. I was looking for something longer than my 400mmFL refractor to get vlser to small targets. I'm excited to try and hopeful I can get good results. I also have the G11G, but have not had good luck guiding my C11 with it. Hoping I can guide this well enough.
Hopefully the clouds part for you here shortly! I’m able to get .4-.5 guiding pretty reliably with the G11. if you want to schedule a call to go over your set up and maybe troubleshoot it you can shoot me an email
@@darkrangersinc if it ever looks clrar again, I may take you up on that!
I've owned a SVX102T-R with Feather Touch focuser for almost 4 years.....best astrophotography gear investment I've made.
Maybe I'm ok with fpl51 or like triplet, so by them not telling me, I know it's the other grade.
I really like my Astrotech AT80EDT.
I guess I'm not your target audience.
Very nice scope.
I wonder how well it would compare to an 8 or 10 inch newt for image quality.
I’m just sharing my process for picking a scope I’m not saying anything about your scope or who my audience should or shouldn’t be.
Rgr. You're recommendation of stellarvue is spot on. Your list of USA based companies is what we should be buying.
However..
Maybe I'm just cynical from the criticism on cloudy nights that anything less than a high end triplet are inadequate.
Your brand selection and reviews (to me) seem like the elitist view on CN. I wish there were more USA based manufacturing companies offering the innovative and affordable products being imported.
I find it improbable that a William optics or ZWO am5 quality products can't be manufactured in the USA at competitive pricing.
Great review! Wish it was in budget for me, but I have to stick with my Sharpstar for now, bad enough I am shooting beside a friends AP Starfire 130 most nights😂
Those are pretty hard to come by, availability was definitely another factor that I didn’t talk about. But if a company has an awesome scope that you can’t get then 🤷🏻♂️. That is a great scope and I’m sure you’re still able to put out some really great images with what you have!
Surely a bigger aperture collects more light than a smaller aperture?
I want one!
Thank you for sharing your experience. Two brands I don’t see a lot out there being talked about on UA-cam is Stellarvue and even less, TEC scopes. But both are American made and are awesome
Agree for sure. I targeted Stellarvue for the cost to quality ratio. TEC is a great company but would be priced out of reach for a higher % of folks. The only thing I don’t like about TEC and it was a part of my requirements in the buyers guide was that they don’t share their test results. I know that they still put out high quality scopes, but I just prefer the transparency.
I don’t see any reason why you wouldn’t share your results if they are scoring or testing near perfect why not share like stellarvue?
But I also respect their decision to not do that and that’s their choice. I’ve heard Yuri is quite a perfectionist and I don’t think he would let anything subpar leave the factory however I just prefer to have the test results for two reasons. First, I know that the scope was actually tested and fine tuned to near perfection. I know a quantifiable score of how well I can expect the scope to perform. I also think it’s nice for resale if you do ever sell the scopes although I would hope most wouldn’t to show the owner that it’s a very high-quality optic.
I was already planning on buying the SVX102T this week. I was torn between the 90 and the 102 and think I'm ultimately going to go with the 102 with reducer. I just hope I can get one now that your Stellarvue review is out!
I think you’re going to love it!
Great review, Ryan. I’ve had my SCX90T for about three weeks but the weather hasn’t been at all cooperative. I can say, though, that the customer service I’ve received is among the best I’ve ever experienced. Looking forward to getting the scope under a clear sky! Thx again for the review of the scope and the company. Stellarvie is really top notch.
Glad you’re happy with the outcome, everyone so far has had a similar comment so it’s a good sign. I’m always a little nervous when I make a recommendation at first, but this one seems like a winner for sure.
Nice -that is a comprehensive review AND philosophy. Even I was excited to see the data for just 6 hours - that's CRAZY - and pinpoint - did you use the QHY full frame? Those are some great optics and your review highlighted all the key parts - awesome!
That image was with the 2600 which is why it was only 6 hours it kept powering off lol but I didn’t want to mention it. Should be back from warranty here soon. The 600M would perform the same just a bigger field of view.
great review, so what is your full workflow now? NINA?
For image capture I just put out my second NINA episode recently that shows how I do my imaging from start to finish. For processing mostly stacking in APP, processing in Pixinsight, final touches and color work in Photoshop
Hey Ryan . Could you please do a review of the Svx 102 Raptor ?
Absolutely if you watch to the end, I mentioned that I will be and the scope that I will be testing will be available for sale with some great accessories bundled in at a reduced price after the episode!
It actually arrived already and I took it to a dark sky site last this past weekend!
Great video and content. I have a deposit going down on this scope, waiting for the new field flattener/reducer that is forthcoming.
Me too, I can’t wait for it to come! Congrats
Love my SVX130T-R! Congrats on the scope addition!
Jealous of the carbon! The 102 is coming in the R spec so it’ll be cool to see the difference in feel and look.
Great review, and what a stunning scope, if only I could afford such a beauty…😮👍🏻
There’s always going to be the scope that seems a little out of reach and then one day you get it. And about two days later, a new scope replaces it as the one you have to have lol.
@@darkrangersinc true, but the Stellarvue are just not available over here, I had a tak and it was awful, so may just stick with the Esprit for now….👍🏻
As always a great video. Thanks
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I wish Vic would design a smaller refractor in the 250-300mm focal length range
I’m pushing him hard to do a really fast small to midsized apo. Can’t discuss details but I’m hoping it gets done as much as you guys!
@@darkrangersinc he did experiment designing an 80mm f/4 400mm focal length scope about 8 years ago, but it didn’t pan out for some reason. This was before all of the small full frame fracs came on the market. I settled for the 80mm f/6 480mm custom with 3” FT focuser, but my next wide scope is the Askar ACL200, so quite a gap that I’m not sure how to fill. I know Vic could build a better scope in that range than any of the other models on the market. I know he’s busy so I don’t push it.
Thanks for the great info!
Any concerns about the Eagle venting hot air on to the scope?
The eagle doesn’t really get warm even to the touch I’ve never felt it any warmer than ambient temp. The bottom mount was suggested as the best method and one of the reasons they sent the 30mm risers.
Love Stellarvue scopes. I’ve looked through several of their scopes. Now I just need the $.
Cup of coffee and dark ranger, perfect start to the morning ☕️
I’ve been a little more predictable on my Friday 3 PM local time releases 😉
Whilst I certainly understand the sentiment, I can tell you this much.
I came back into Astrophotography last year after a 13 year break, and I'd previously owned a Takahashi FSQ85ED, WO FLT132, TMB80/480SS, and a TEC110 over the years... I knew my way around good scopes...
I wanted a scope that would be free from the need for a flattener, so I was looking at quintuplets/quadruplets mostly... and in the same way as you, I had a big question mark over the PHQ/FRA series scopes because they did not reveal the type of glass they used, and I was very used to Ohara glass in the Tak/WO/TEC scope, and russian OK4 in the TMB... Not mentioning the glass in the PHQ scopes made me wonder how it would actually perform.
I had basically written them off entirely on account of that alone, however one came up on a local astronomy forum for considerably below retail, so I thought, why not give it a go... worst case, I'll sell it and be no worse off for having tried it. it's now 6 months later, it's the only scope I own and I aboslutely LOVE it.
Its just the baby 65PHQ, and optically, I think you'd have to be a REAL stickler to ever notice the difference between the 65PHQ and the Tak FSQ85ED. Sure the Tak FSQ106 is in a different league all together - but it's also (in australia) almost $6000 more expensive...
I would strongly suggest if you get a chance to do so, give the PHQ line up a test one day... Mine is 100% flat across APS-C sized sensors, though I use a 4/3" CMOS sensor, I get no CA, or Spherical Aberration, the focuser has 2% tilt based on what PEMPro can tell me, and that tilt is resulting in a 3% shift in HFR from top left to bottom right - which is indistinguishable even zoomed to 200%
I get that the glass is important - but what I've learned over the years (I've been into astrophotography since 2005, and into optics since 1998, is that optical design is FAR more important than the glass used. An example is my William Optics Megrez 110T. that was FPL53, triplet design, had a dedicated field flattener... and compared to the TEC 110 which was also an FPL53 Triplet, with a dedicated flattener, the WO M110T was garbage. I had a Megrez 88 SS too, that was an FPL53 Triplet with a dedicated flattener, and compared to the TMB80/480SS that was a OK4 triplet, using an off the shelf flattener, the Megrez was garbage.. I don't know what's in the PHQ still, but I know it beats out the TMB optically, and I know it beats out the FSQ85ED, so no matter what glass it is, it's a better scope... Exceptionally built too.
Just my 2c worth.
APSC for many people myself included is less than what we would need for a flat field if we’re using full frame. I’ve had the opportunity to experience PHQs in person and edit their data. I think some of your points about glass indicate why it’s just ONE piece of the puzzle and not the entire puzzle. I used William optics to show that while they use good glass they don’t have the hands on touch and fine tuning which is why you likely had issues with some of them.
If the PHQ is working for you then by all means keep using it. But it wouldn’t be the optimal choice for what I’m looking for, especially with full frame sensor cameras. On top of the fact that the customer service should anything happen will be not be as good. Everything has pro’s and cons my goal is just to share my choices that maximize the good and minimize the negative. Thanks for the 2 cents and clear skies!
Hi Ryan. I am waaay too late to the party (the potato chip dust on the carpet are being vacuumed as I type this.😁), but I just had to share how pleased I was regarding your candour & realistic observations re telescope advertizing & choosing the right brand. I have been in the hobby for 50+ years, and IMHO you absolutely nailed it! (Ok...yes, I am biased...my friends call me a "Refractor snob" as I own 1 Stellarvue refractor (Raptor 102T) & 2 other 'premium' scopes...😁). Also, I have been extremely impressed with your other reviews & tutorials. Your channel is a superb resource!👍
One thing I'd like to add is that going with a brand like Stellarvue, AP, Takahashi, CFF, TEC, etc.) is re-sale value.🤔IF (and it's a big "IF") one can afford one of these scopes, one can be secure in the knowledge that these scopes do not depreciate in value much & sometimes go up in value (esp. AP!), so starting with a top-notch smaller scope & taking really good care of it, then down the road, selling it to fund a larger one, is a great approach. That may not necessarily work for mass-produced brands. 🤔
Keep up the great work Ryan! 👍
Thank you for the kind and specific compliments. One of the big reasons I chose Stellarvue was the fact that I felt like I was getting almost if not all the benefits of other even higher priced scopes for less. Since I typically do not pay for the gear I review and ultimate have the option to keep the price was more for my audience and wanting to find something that was at least slightly more budget friendly. Vic and the team at SV are fantastic he is absolutely obsessed with performance. I’ve now gotten to work with a TOA130 when I was out in Vermont helping a community member switch to the Eagle and NINA. After feeling, how rough that focuser was I’m even more glad I went with stellarvue. I was blown away with how much less smooth it was even giving the EAF motor some issues. Luckily we got some support on the phone and were able to fine tune it a bit but it still wasn’t as smooth as a FeatherTouch or the 3” Stellarvue brand especially their latest version that came out recently.
Fantastic video, do you think is there much difference from the 130? I think the 140 will have 16% more light gathering power but everything else is basically the same? F ratio only 1.1 faster.
I don’t think there is a huge difference, but if given the choice I’ll always take the 140. Just because you get the same focal length actually a little bit more as well as more speed. However, the 130 is a phenomenal scope and has a lot of versatility as well. there’s no way you can lose with either option.
You have the same choice in focusers, and both now include the hard case. So other than the specs you mentioned they are very similar.
So you'd eliminate Astro-Physics scopes from consideration because they don't list the glass they use? Now the fact they're pretty much unobtainable new unless you luck out in the lottery for their newer scopes probably eliminates they from the running, but I wouldn't sweat the glass type if the maker has a stellar reputation. Plus they make some of the only scopes you can buy that appreciate in value.
No I did not. I never said that at any point. The only time I mentioned AP was to say that would be an obvious recommendation because they of course may good scopes, but I was looking for an option that was at a more reasonable price point and obviously also available.
Nice scope! Easy out of my price range but it's definitely a dream rig!
I would definitely take a look at one of their smaller scopes the cost is dramatically less but quality remains the same.
@@darkrangersinc 1st, I have to try out my cheap, new es 130edt and 0.8 flattener /reducer... I might want to switch out, I might not. It's pretty big! You weren't kidding when you said that they are bigger in reality than they look.
Size doesn't matter 😂
Haha I truly don’t feel that bigger is better all the time. It all depends on what you’re shooting. For summer galaxy season give me a nice 80-102 all day!
Then the devil on your shoulder says you could buy a full frame camera and put it on a 140 and hand the same wide field of view 😂.
@@darkrangersinc That would be awesome for sure. I bought my first setup last fall. I have the imaging portion nailed, but my processing needs practice. Love the videos, keep up the great work. 100k+ subs coming your way
@@tyshantz8675 I do one on one sessions if you ever want to improve your processing a lot quicker and avoid some of the headache of trying to figure it out yourself just shoot me an email and we can set up a session.
Wow, that's a big scope!!!! 😀 Looks awesome tho! I love that they have carbon fiber options on some of their scopes, too, to help with the weight.
The carbon fiber look SOOO good too. I definitely requested the 102 in carbon! Any “Raptor” model is the same scope just in carbon. You can get the 102, 130, 140, and I believe the 152 but not 100%. There’s no point in doing it on the 80 and 90 because they’re light. But just cosmetics alone it’s worth it and it’s really not a big up charge a couple hundred bucks to do full carbon fiber is very reasonable in the mountain bike community where going from aluminum to carbon can add thousands of dollars!