StellaLyra F4 Imaging Newtonian

The StellaLyra 4.5" f/4 M-LRN-D Carbon Fibre Imaging Newtonian Reflector is a compact, fast telescope designed with the needs of astrophotographers in mind. With an aperture of 114 mm and a focal length of 456 mm, it delivers a fast f/4 focal ratio, making it well-suited for capturing dim and extended deep-sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies. Manufactured in Taiwan by Guang Sheng Optical (GSO), the telescope reflects a balance of lightweight engineering and performance-focused design, especially in the context of imaging applications. The use of carbon fibre for the optical tube is particularly notable, as it minimizes thermal expansion, maintains collimation more effectively across temperature shifts, and contributes to the telescope’s light weight of only 2.8 kg. This combination of fast optics and a rigid, low-expansion structure makes the scope a viable option for portable astrophotography setups.

4.5" StellaLyra F4 Imaging Newtonian: Carbon fibre OTA with dual-speed focuser

At the heart of the telescope is a parabolic primary mirror with a 94% enhanced reflectivity coating and a protective quartz overcoat. This high-reflectivity surface boosts image brightness and ensures longevity under regular use. A matching 41 mm minor axis secondary mirror, also with a 94% reflectivity and quartz coating, provides sufficient illumination across the full field of view, especially critical when using larger sensors or full-frame DSLR cameras. The optical design is optimized for fast, wide-field imaging, although as is typical with such fast Newtonians, a separate coma corrector is recommended to counteract field curvature and preserve star shapes toward the edges of the image.

One of the most important features for imaging workflows is the 2" dual-speed rack and pinion focuser. This focuser offers both coarse and fine control, which is essential for achieving critical focus when working with narrow depth of field optics. The focuser’s ability to handle heavier camera setups without slippage further enhances its utility in long-exposure imaging sessions. The integrated focuser can be adapted to both 2" and 1.25" accessories, and when the 1.25" adapter is removed, the focal point extends to 41 mm above the T2 thread, offering compatibility with a wide variety of camera attachment solutions.

The structure of the tube is compact and efficient, with an overall length of just 370 mm and a diameter of 127 mm. Inside, the carbon fibre tube is internally blackened and baffled to reduce stray light and maximize contrast, a key aspect for pulling out subtle details in faint targets. Tube rotation is integrated into the design, allowing users to easily adjust camera orientation without affecting the telescope’s balance or collimation. This is particularly helpful for reframing targets during imaging sessions or switching between portrait and landscape framing on a DSLR.

Mounting the telescope is straightforward, as it comes with a full-length Vixen-style dovetail rail and tube rings. This compatibility ensures it can be easily secured to a wide range of popular equatorial and alt-azimuth mounts that accept Vixen-format plates. The machined metal supports for both the primary and secondary mirrors contribute to the instrument’s durability and precise alignment. The primary mirror includes a central mark to assist with collimation using either a Cheshire or laser collimator, enabling users to quickly verify and adjust optical alignment in the field.

Performance metrics indicate the telescope is capable of resolving features down to 1.0 arc second under ideal conditions, and its limiting magnitude of 12 puts a wide array of deep-sky targets within reach. Although its aperture is modest compared to larger Newtonians, its optical speed and image brightness offset that limitation for photographic use. The combination of fast optics, lightweight build, and practical mechanical features aligns the design toward mobile imaging rigs, especially when paired with entry-level to mid-range tracking mounts and guided setups.

In summary, the StellaLyra 4.5" f/4 Carbon Fibre Imaging Newtonian Reflector is a compact, well-built telescope that offers many of the essential features sought by astrophotographers working at shorter focal lengths. Its carbon fibre construction, high-reflectivity optics, dual-speed focuser, and integrated rotation system provide the mechanical and optical stability needed for imaging deep-sky objects. While it is not intended for visual use as its primary role, it can still accommodate eyepieces and visual accessories through its standard focuser fittings. However, its core utility lies in delivering fast, wide-field views for camera-based setups, particularly when used with a coma corrector to refine edge performance. The inclusion of robust structural elements, like metal mirror cells and a Vixen-compatible mounting rail, ensures that the instrument maintains alignment and balance during transport and operation. Given its compact dimensions and performance-oriented design, it presents a compelling option for users seeking a portable and efficient wide-field imaging telescope in the sub-£300 price range.

4.5" StellaLyra F4 Imaging Newtonian specifications

• Aperture: 114 mm (4.5 inches)
• Focal Length: 456 mm (17.95 inches)
• Focal Ratio: f/4
• Primary Mirror: Parabolic with 94% reflectivity and quartz protective coating
• Secondary Mirror: 41 mm minor axis (1.61 inches) with 94% reflectivity and quartz protective coating
• Resolution: 1.0 arc second
• Limiting Magnitude: 12
• Focuser: 2" Dual-Speed Rack and Pinion
• Focus Point: 26 mm (1.02 inches) above 1.25" adapter or 41 mm (1.61 inches) above T2 thread after removing 1.25" adapter
• Mounting: Vixen-compatible dovetail and tube rings included
• Tube: Carbon fibre
• Tube Length: 370 mm (14.57 inches)
• Tube Diameter: 127 mm (5 inches)
• Weight: 2.8 kg (6.17 lbs)
• Warranty: 2 years
   

Scotia Astro reviews the StellaLyra 4.5 Inch F4 Imaging Newtonian

Steve from Scotia Astro begins his video with a familiar sense of excitement that many amateur astronomers will relate to, the arrival of a new telescope. This particular addition to his collection, the StellaLyra 4.5" f/4 Imaging Newtonian, marks a deliberate shift in his astrophotography workflow, one that emphasizes portability, speed, and versatility. Throughout the video, Steve walks through his initial impressions, build quality, component details, and future imaging plans with a refreshing mix of enthusiasm and realism. The telescope, which retails for £299 in the UK, comes from First Light Optics, a company Steve praises highly for their customer service and consistency. He makes clear early on that this is not a sponsored video, he bought the scope with his own money, and all opinions shared are entirely his own, shaped by his hands-on experience and expectations.

The StellaLyra line, Steve explains, sits under a broader branding strategy from First Light Optics, with the StellaMira range focusing on refractors and StellaLyra covering reflectors, including Dobsonians, classical Cassegrains, and other reflector designs. His familiarity with the StellaMira refractors comes from using one, a 90mm ED triplet, remotely hosted in Spain, where it's performed well in his deep-sky imaging projects. That positive experience gave him the confidence to try out the newer StellaLyra Newtonians, and in this case, he zeroed in on the 4.5" model not just because of its size and speed, but also because of its price point, which made it a low-risk, potentially high-reward purchase.

Physically, the telescope makes an immediate impression with its compact build. The optical tube measures only 370 mm in length and weighs just under 3 kg, something Steve is quick to highlight as a major advantage for those seeking to build a lightweight and portable rig. The telescope’s construction includes a carbon fibre tube, which is beneficial in minimizing thermal expansion, thereby maintaining collimation and focus more effectively during temperature fluctuations. Steve appreciates the visual design of the telescope as well, the dark carbon fibre finish, accented by white StellaLyra branding, gives it a sharp and professional appearance that adds to its appeal straight out of the box.

From an imaging perspective, the specifications of the StellaLyra 4.5" f/4 Newtonian align well with fast-acquisition deep-sky astrophotography. It features a 456 mm focal length and a 114 mm aperture, resulting in a speedy f/4 focal ratio. Steve points out that while this fast ratio helps gather light quickly, something particularly valuable under limited clear skies like those often found in the UK, it also introduces a greater demand for precise collimation. He goes on to explain the importance of collimation in Newtonian systems, particularly for imaging setups, but reassures beginners that it’s a manageable skill to learn and not something that should dissuade someone from trying the telescope.

The telescope's optics include a parabolic primary mirror with a high-reflectivity coating of 94%, topped with a quartz protective layer to improve durability. Steve notes the helpful inclusion of a central marking on the primary mirror, which aids in collimation. The secondary mirror, also quartz-coated and oversized at 41 mm, provides ample illumination to the imaging plane, which is critical when using larger sensor formats. Steve appreciates the build quality of the internal components, including the four spider vanes that hold the secondary mirror in place. He finds these spider vanes thicker and sturdier than in other scopes he’s used, something he believes will make maintaining collimation easier over time. Though the increased vane thickness might result in more pronounced diffraction spikes in star images, Steve is personally a fan of the aesthetic and sees it as a bonus rather than a drawback.

Further contributing to the telescope's build quality are the fully machined metal supports for both the primary and secondary mirrors. Steve emphasizes that this high level of construction, especially at the sub-£300 price point, exceeded his expectations. He also highlights the blackened interior of the tube, a feature designed to reduce internal reflections and enhance contrast in captured images. As he moves on to the mechanical components, Steve takes a close look at the telescope’s focuser, a 2" rack and pinion model with dual-speed functionality. He describes the focuser’s motion as smooth and responsive, with a particularly fine feel to the micro-adjustment knobs. Although he plans to install an autofocuser for his workflow, Steve confirms that manual control works beautifully out of the box. He does mention that to accommodate his ZWO autofocuser, he’ll need to rotate the focuser housing, a minor adjustment he’s performed on other Newtonians before and doesn’t consider a significant issue.

Next to the focuser is a single finder shoe, typically used for guide scopes or other imaging accessories. Here Steve expresses a bit of a wish list item, he would have preferred a second finder shoe, especially given the growing number of small accessories modern astrophotographers attach to their rigs, such as mini PCs or ASIAIR controllers. However, he acknowledges the tight real estate on such a compact OTA and understands the design constraints. Another standout feature of this telescope is its integrated tube rotation mechanism. Instead of relying on tube rings, the telescope allows rotation through a pair of built-in thumb screws, one at the front and one at the rear. This system, according to Steve, works smoothly and reliably, allowing him to easily adjust the tube’s orientation for camera framing. Still, he points out a practical limitation: the full-length dovetail bar on the base can obstruct the focuser’s movement at certain angles, preventing a full 360° rotation. This interferes slightly with his preferred imaging setup, where he likes to point the camera downward for cable management and weight distribution. While he considers this a mild inconvenience, it's not a dealbreaker and simply something users should be aware of.

How Steve plans to use it for astrophotography

Steve mentions that the 6" and 8" variants of this telescope offered by First Light Optics do include tube rings, which provide more flexibility in rotation and accessory mounting. This makes the 4.5" version something of a minimalist tool, well-suited for streamlined imaging setups but perhaps limited for those who like to customize heavily. As for actual usage plans, Steve sees the StellaLyra 4.5" Newtonian playing a dedicated role in his astrophotography work, rather than visual observing. While he’s open to doing visual tests if requested, his focus is squarely on long-exposure imaging and electronically assisted astronomy (EAA) via live stacking. His intended camera pairings include the ZWO 533MC Pro and the Player One Uranus C, both one-shot color cameras. Their small, lightweight builds match well with the compact OTA, and Steve is not inclined to load the focuser with a mono camera, filter wheel, and off-axis guider due to concerns about weight and balance.

Given the telescope’s relatively short focal length, Steve points out it’s not ideal for smaller, more distant galaxies, but perfect for many of the larger deep-sky objects commonly photographed from mid- to high-latitudes. To ensure optimal image quality, especially at the f/4 ratio, Steve plans to use a coma corrector. He explains the common problem of coma in Newtonians, where stars near the edge of the field become distorted, and affirms that coma correction is vital for imaging. He has successfully used the SkyWatcher Aplanatic coma corrector with other Newtonians and expects it to perform well with the StellaLyra. He also references the Starizona Nexus, which not only corrects coma but also reduces the focal length by a factor of 0.75, effectively transforming the telescope from 456 mm f/4 to 342 mm f/3. Although he hasn’t decided whether to push the system that far yet, he’s intrigued by the possibilities and may experiment with it in the future.

Wrapping up his thoughts, Steve expresses satisfaction with the telescope’s value and design. He is impressed by its build quality, aesthetics, and mechanical performance. While there are a few aspects he would have liked to see, such as the second finder shoe and more rotation flexibility, these are relatively minor compromises, especially considering the price. He reiterates that astrophotographers are often used to working around small limitations and customizing their setups to fit their specific needs. In that spirit, he sees the StellaLyra 4.5" Imaging Newtonian as a valuable addition to his gear and is enthusiastic about the imaging season ahead. He invites viewers to leave questions in the comments so he can address them in a future follow-up review once he has more field experience with the scope.

This honest and detailed review gives prospective buyers a comprehensive understanding of the telescope’s strengths and quirks. Steve’s hands-on breakdown confirms that the StellaLyra 4.5" f/4 Newtonian is not just a budget-friendly entry into astrophotography, but a thoughtfully engineered tool capable of producing serious results when matched with the right accessories and imaging strategy.

StellaLyra 4.5 Inch F4 Imaging Newtonian

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