Stellarvue SVX090T: A Refractor for Serious Observers and Imagers

The Stellarvue SVX090T is a high-end 90 mm apochromatic refractor. It’s designed for both visual astronomy and astrophotography. Made in the USA, it combines expert craftsmanship with cutting-edge optical performance.

Triplet APO design

The SVX090T uses a triplet objective lens. This means it has three carefully matched lens elements. The center element is made of FCD100 extra-low dispersion glass. FCD100 is similar to FPL-53. It reduces chromatic aberration to an absolute minimum. Stellarvue hand figures the lenses to better than 0.98 Strehl. This level of precision is rare. It ensures pinpoint stars and crisp planetary detail. Each lens set is made in Stellarvue’s Auburn, California facility. Opticians use Zygo phase-shifting interferometers to test each objective. They make fine adjustments by hand until it meets or exceeds 0.98 Strehl. This quality control guarantees excellent optical performance.

The triplet design and ED glass allow true apochromatic correction. This means it brings all colors of light to the same focus. You won’t see false color or halos around bright stars. Color correction is excellent, even at high magnification. It also maintains contrast on bright planets and the Moon. This is especially important for imagers who need tight star profiles.

Stellarvue guarantees a Strehl ratio of 0.98 or better. They post actual Zygo test reports for each scope. This level of transparency is rare. It gives users confidence that their instrument is not mass-produced, but precision-built. Each scope is hand-tested and signed off by founder Vic Maris. A Strehl ratio of 0.98 means the telescope performs at 98% of the theoretical diffraction limit. This means you see all the detail your optics can deliver. Most production scopes, even from big brands, do not meet this level.

Dual-speed 3-inch focuser

A major highlight is the 3-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser. This focuser handles heavy camera loads without sag or flex. The drawtube rides on a precision linear bearing system. This ensures smooth motion with zero backlash. The fine-focus knob operates at a 10:1 reduction ratio. This allows very precise focusing, critical for imaging. The focuser includes a heavy-duty brass compression ring. It won’t mar your diagonal or camera barrel. It holds accessories very firmly. You can rotate the focuser 360 degrees to frame your target perfectly. It also has a focus lock.

Key specifications

Here are the key specifications of Stellarvue SVX090T:

Optical Design	Apochromatic triplet refractor
Aperture	90 mm
Focal Length	540 mm
Focal Ratio	f/6
Objective Lens	Air-spaced triplet with FCD100 extra-low dispersion ED glass
Strehl Ratio	0.98 or higher
Focuser	3″ Dual-speed rack & pinion focuser
Tube Material	CNC-machined aluminum
OTA Weight	8 lbs (3.6 kg)
With Rings & Rail	11.5 lbs (5.2 kg)

The package

The SVX090T comes in two versions: visual and imaging. The visual version includes:

• OTA
• C-20 travel case
• Mounting ring
• Mountain rail (Vixen style TP012 or Losmandy TP009)

The imaging version includes a dedicated field flattener. The field flattener corrects edge distortion. This ensures flat stars across full-frame and APS-C sensors. The imaging version includes:

• Precision riser blocks
• Stellarvue Bahtinov mask
• SFFX-1 field flattener
• C-19 travel case
• Mounting rail (Vixen style TP012 or Losmandy TP013)

Price and availability

The Stellarvue SVX090T is available from the official Stellarvue website and other retailers. The visual version is priced at $2,495, and the imaging version is priced at $2,895.

Final thoughts

The Stellarvue SVX090T is not an entry-level telescope. It’s designed for serious observers and imagers who want top-tier performance. Its optical quality rivals or exceeds that of many larger telescopes. Its compact size makes it perfect for travel. The build quality of the scope inspires confidence in the field. It is also not a cheap option. Whether you’re an astrophotographer chasing perfect stars or a visual observer who values contrast and clarity, this scope delivers.

Clear skies!

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