The Stellarvue SVX152T is a 6-inch apochromatic triplet refractor telescope designed for both visual observing and astrophotography. Built around a precision 152 mm objective lens, the SVX152T is the result of years of refinement at Stellarvue. It's hand-figured and tested using interferometry to achieve a Strehl ratio of .97 to .98 in red light, making it one of the most finely tuned lenses Stellarvue has produced. This scope has a focal length of 1200 mm and operates at f/8. The optical design uses an FPL-53 glass element at its core, combined with a Lanthanum rear element, to achieve excellent color correction across the visual spectrum. The telescope includes full multi-coatings on all optical surfaces to maximize contrast and reduce reflections.
Compared to earlier Stellarvue 6-inch refractors, the SVX152T is lighter and more manageable. The OTA weighs around 23.2 pounds by itself and about 28 pounds with rings and a mounting rail. The tube is made of aluminum and features a retractable dew shield, laser-engraved logo, and anodized fittings. Its total length is 44.5 inches with the dew shield retracted and 52 inches when extended.
Stellarvue has streamlined the mechanical design over the years, replacing older steel cells with lighter-weight cells and thinner tubes. The goal was to create a telescope that delivers excellent optical performance while remaining practical for home observatories and travel to darker sites.
The SVX152T offers three focuser options depending on how the user intends to observe or image.
Each focuser has different weights, 3.12 lbs for the Stellarvue, 5.8 lbs for the Feather Touch, and 8 lbs for the Nitecrawler. For astrophotographers, Stellarvue offers the optional SFFX-3 field flattener. This flattener is matched to the SVX152T to ensure round stars across the frame, even when using full-frame sensors. It’s made in-house and is available at a discounted rate when purchased with the telescope. There’s also a new reducer/flattener in development, expected in early 2025. Buyers who opt for a flattener or reducer/flattener during checkout will get matched adapters for their specific focuser and camera. Stellarvue will contact the buyer after purchase to confirm camera thread size and back focus requirements.
Visually, the SVX152T excels at lunar and planetary detail. Reports from owners say it can handle up to 300x magnification without color fringing, and even higher with minimal atmospheric interference. One owner noted seeing slight color fringing only at 600x, and wasn't sure if it was the atmosphere or eyepiece causing it. The telescope’s resolution is measured at 0.76 arcseconds, and its light-gathering ability is about 471 times that of the naked eye. These specs make it well-suited for splitting tight double stars and resolving detail on the Moon and planets.
The smooth mechanics and sharp optics also make it a solid choice for visual deep-sky observing, though the f/8 focal ratio is longer than typical widefield astrographs. With today’s high sensitivity CMOS cameras, users report results comparable to f/5 or f/6 scopes thanks to better photon efficiency. The SVX152T is often used for outreach and research projects. The Sacramento Valley Astronomical Society owns one and uses it for imaging and educational programs. Individual owners have used their scopes to capture the first amateur color images of faint planetary nebulae that were later published in scientific papers.
This telescope isn’t just for advanced imagers. With proper mounting, it can be used at star parties or for casual visual observing from a backyard observatory. The precision optics provide enough contrast and resolution to give experienced and new users satisfying views. The telescope includes heavy-duty CNC rings made from 6061 T6 aluminum, and a mounting handle is also included. Buyers can choose between a Losmandy-style or Vixen-style mounting rail. The case is American-made and built with plywood, with wheels for easy transport. The interior has custom foam cutouts to protect the tube.
Finder scopes, diagonals, and eyepieces are not included but can be bundled at a discount. Stellarvue offers their dielectric 2" diagonal and Optimus eyepieces as part of their visual accessory package. Because each objective is hand-figured and tested individually, production takes time. However, Stellarvue usually has completed lenses in stock and can ship a telescope within one to two weeks depending on the focuser selected. Feather Touch units are typically in stock, while Moonlite versions may add a few weeks to the lead time.
Address:
1855 S Ingram Mill Rd
STE# 201
Springfield, Mo 65804
Phone: 1-844-277-3386
Fax: 417-429-2935
E-Mail: hello@scopetrader.com