Stellarvue

Started by TBUSH, 05/13/2002 03:21PM
Posted 05/13/2002 03:21PM Opening Post
Has anyone experience with Stellarvue products?
AT1010
SV78 Deluxe
Thanks
Terry
Posted 05/13/2002 07:49PM #1
I have the AT1010 and have used a friends Sv78 a few times. The 1010 is an exceptional value when you factor in performance, build quality, and price. The SV78 is just that much better due to the dual speed JMI focuser. You can eliminate that last bit of color with it. Very nice. Its not an apo but it is close enough for me and it won't drain you.

Good Luck - Rob E.
Posted 05/15/2002 07:01AM #2
Yes, I have one of their less popular products, the 80mm f/9 AT1011. Everything about it is high-quality - virtually perfect fit and finish, well-baffled, no interior reflections, etc. Since it is still pretty small and highly portable, I think it is a better alternative to the short tube. I haven't directly compared but I'm sure mine has a good deal less chromatic abberation than the f/6 and better planetary detail.

I didn't have any problems that allowed me to "test" their customer service but my phone conversations with Vic suggested that Stellarvue is superior in that regard.

If a small, very high quality achromat is what you want Stellarvue is probably unbeatable. I'll bet their 4" ED and Apo scopes are very good too but there they face alot more competition.

Gripes: Mount is OK for this very light OTA but the motor drive is a little finicky. There is a friction clutch that has to be fiddled with in order to get it to work reliably. Once you get the hang of adjusting it it works fine. Vic or the people on the Yahoo group will provide assistance if needed. Also I don't love the aluminum tripod design. I'll bet it could be worked with but I wound up making myself a wood tripod anyway (fun project, and anytime I use the table saw I feel better about the money I spent on it...).

Mike