Stellarvue’s 6.3-inch refractor field-tested

Superb optics, high-quality mechanical design, and a top-notch focuser place this apochromat high on any observer’s want list.

By Jon Talbot

Published: January 28, 2013

Photo by Stellarvue’s SV160 APO Triplet is a 6.3-inch f/8 apochromatic refractor. The optical tube assembly comes in the company’s “Stardust White” finish and has a retracting dew shield. // Astronomy: William Zuback

Recently, I had the opportunity to review the largest telescope from Stellarvue, in Auburn, California — the SV160 triplet refractor. According to company owner Vic Maris, the SV160’s initial design came out six years ago. Since then, it has gone through several iterations to optimize performance.

Well, the latest version promises to be another hit. And that statement holds true whether you are a visual observer or an astroimager, and whether your taste runs to galaxies or planets.

For example, the initial objective was an oil-spaced triplet lens, but in 2008, the company replaced it with an air-spaced one that optimizes imaging capabilities. Changes to the 2012 version include a lens set made in the United States.

Astronomy magazine subscribers can download the full review for free. Just make sure you're registered with the website.

Check out what our readers are saying!

Click here to view some of our reader comments now »

JOSE E TORRES-PEREZ from said:

So far in this Astronomy World, I found out that it's a matter of "how much wecould possible afford, or how simple we can keeped". Always taking into consideration our modest budget.
Well at least dreaming didn't cost a "penny", but keeping the hope for a nice piece of equipment like this is always an option.
Meanwhile, let's enjoy our "large long focal achros".

RICHARD MANGUM SR from NEBRASKA said:

I remember in college seeing a 6" refractor in the "corner" of the observatory as the new 24" catadioptric took its place on the mount. I tried to buy the "discarded" scope but to no avail. The price has gone up - way up - since then but that's fine. I'll just stick to my 6" Newtonian and dream of what might have been!

JON RISCH from MINNESOTA said:

I have found that this is the drawback of this hobby, the good stuff is unaffordable to most of us. I would love to have a large refractor scope but by the time you are truely set up, it is the price of a car! It doesn't help that I know the price of "glass" is astronomical but don't know the mechanics behind the "why" of it. I suppose it has a lot to do with the difficulty of shaping glass and the close tolerances demanded for good quality. Dream on.

Want to see more comments?

Users that have full access to this article get to see every comment. See the details below on how to get full acces to this article today!

Subscriber-Only Content

You are currently not logged in. This article is only available to Astronomy magazine subscribers.

Already a subscriber to Astronomy magazine?

If you are already a subscriber to Astronomy magazine you must log into your account to view this article. If you do not have an account you will need to regsiter for one. Registration is FREE and only takes a couple minutes.

Non-subscribers, Subscribe TODAY and save!

Get instant access to subscriber content on Astronomy.com!

Access our interactive Atlas of the Stars
Get full access to StarDome PLUS
Columnist articles
Search and view our equipment review archive
Receive full access to our Ask Astro answers
BONUS web extras not included in the magazine
Much more!

	Sun	Sun	Moon
RISE	—		—	PHASE	—
SET	—		—	DISK	—