Stellarvue 102EDT

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Brand and Model:Stellarvue 102EDT
Price ($USD):$1695.00
Type:Achromatic Refractor
Attributes: un-checked Go-To un-checked PEC
Aperture:102mm (4")
f Ratio:f/6.1
Focal Length:621mm
Finder:
Electric Power:
Mount:
Tripod:
Weight (lbs):8.4 Pounds
Dimensions (w/h/d):21.5"(dew cap retracted)
Description:Fast triplet refractor that utilizes an ED lens. Very well corrected and even more portable then the 102D model. Optional upgrade to the JMI DX-1 Focuser. Better performance then a standard achromat, but not quite an APO.

Vote Highlights Vote
Stellarvue 102EDT
I had a chance to look through this scope at NEAF this weekend. It wouldn't be fair for me to offer numerical votes since I could only test the scope indoors at a range of 100 yards. Hopefully the comments will prove useful nonetheless. As a further qualification to these comments, I own a TV-102, which is a 4" apochromatic refractor retailing for about $900 more than this StellarVue product.

Appearance: the scope is very attractive, with good detail to fit an finish. The optical tube and dew shield have a shiny or glossy finish in comparisson to a TeleVue scope. The OTA was noticably shorter than a nearby TV/NP-101. It should be easy to transport as carry on luggage.

Features: The 2" focuser is made by JMI specifically for StellarVue. It has the ability to rotate 360 degrees, which allows the focus knobs to stay perpendicular to your viewing angle. This is a little more intuitive than what you get with other refractors when rotating the diagonal inside of the focuser. The focuser itself is a two speed Crayford design. One knob attaches directly to the adjusting shaft, whereas the other passes through a reduction gear first.

I tried this focuser on an illuminated red "EXIT" sign covered with a safety glass containg a 1/2" wire screen. Later I repeated the test from the TeleVue booth using a TV-102. The StellarVue was easier to focus, but it lacked that buttery feel of the televue focuser. I think this focuser might really shine at powers over 200X.

Optics: this is a tough one due to the limitations of an indoor test. The optics appeared to be tack sharp. There was no noticable difference between the center and edge of field when focusing in on the wire mesh in that safety glass, and no noticable field curvature. The optics looked extremely promising in this limited test!

If the color correction is as advertised, then this scope looks to be an exceptional value. Be sure to put this scope on your list when considering 4" airline portable refractors. Highly recommended based upon my brief impressions.

Overall Rating: No Vote
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=93458

Stellarvue 102EDT
I have had and used this scope now for approximately six months.

This is truly an amazing, dynamic telescope. Although the owner of the company won't say it, and refuses to use the term since it is really a marketing tool in his opinion (and mine too for that matter), as he emphasizes that this scope is an achromat not an apochromat, this scope is similar to other "Semi-Apo" telescopes in terms of color correction and lack of any aberrations.

The fit and finish is on par with similar scopes of similar cost. Everything fits tightly and smoothly. The foscuser is fully adjustable and smooth. The dual speed rotating focuser is really what sets this scope apart from other similar scopes, it is that good. The one thing that I do not like, and have complained about, is the dew cap. It is ill fitting and not the same quality of the scope. To SV's credit, according to the owner, they are in the process of redesigning the cap and will provide all past owners with the new cap when it is available.

The scope is an ED triplet, hence the name EDT. My understanding is that one of the elements is an ED element (true ED for those who believe otherwise - The owner has stated that the lens was his own design and pour) the other elements are unknown as the maker keeps the design a guarded secret. I have no problem with this since protection of such secrets assist in quality control and combating copycats, but it sure creates quite a stir in the amatuer community!

The Lens is tack sharp edge to edge and incredibly flat. No astigmatism whatsoever in my sample, and the star test is absolutley beautiful. Concentric rings clear as a bell, both sides of focus. The only reason I rate the lens a "9" instead of a "10" is because I am comparing the lens against all lenses that I have looked through, and, frankly, as has been stated ad nausem, this is not an apo. An apo would be a "10".

When focusing on an object the two speed JMI focuser is fantastic. Green one side of focus, purple on the other. When you get all the color out you are in focus. No color present except on the brightest objects, and even then it is minimal and can almost be focused out. I do expect to see some color on bright objects given the speed of this lens (f6.1) and the non-apo design.

I have read some misunderstandings about this scope, but mostly from people that have never looked through one. The scope is a triplet design, but the third element is really a field flattener aleviating the need to pay for or add such a device. Although the scope is is an incredible visual scope, for the money and its type ("semi-apo"), where it shines is photographically. This scope has a very sharp, bright and a flat field perfect for astrophotography.

I did a comparison of similar and not so similar scopes prior to my purchase. I had the opportunity to look through other "semi-apos", other achromats and other apochromats for three days comparing them during the day and at night, although not "side by side", within a few yards of each other (RTMC). I found that for the features and build quality that I wanted, as well as my budget, this scope fit the bill pefectly.

This is not an apo, nor did I expect it to be, but it does not carry the 4 inch apo price either (the cost of the focuser alone in the EDT is $400 - $500). I saw that another reviewer mentioned that he saw purple haze during the day as compared to an apo. I only mention this because, while I do not dispute what he saw, I am sure he is reporting what he did see, but I can only say that after comparing this scope with apochromatic scopes for three days, I did not see the same.

The last thing that I wanted to discuss is the company. When I first ordered my scope I had a problem with the deivlery notification. I was abit miffed, but the problem was remedied immediately and cordially by the owner of the company, Vic Maris. This is but a sliver of the customer service that you can expect. From the generous 30 day money back gurantee, to the no money down waiting list, Stellarvue is all about customer service. Usually, you can reach Mr. Maris by phone or email, and the answers come fast and friendly. Any problems have been handled wonderfully, even if you are not the original owner! There are but a handful of people in the retail or manufacturing business that have the customer service that Stellarvue has. That reason alone, is enough to trust the product.

Now the sad note: This scope was discontinued by Stellarvue due to the cost of the ED glass. It rose so much that the company discontinued this model because he would have to sell it for too much money and it would not be competitively priced anymore. If you can find one, grab it, you won't be disappointed, if what I described is what you are looking for. I have no intention of selling mine though!

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:9 Ease of Use:10 Value:10
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=142950

Stellarvue 102EDT
Excellent scope for the money. I can see VERY LITTLE COLOR. Quite portable with the proper mount. Easily airline portable. I'm definitely pleased with this little scope.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Ease of Use:10 Value:10
Weight: 3 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=76664

Stellarvue 102EDT
Optics is are clear and color free. It is as good as my Astro Physics in quality and imaging capabilities. Mounting is simple and easy to setup. Stellarvue was selling this too cheaply it can easily fall in the $2000 to $3000 bracket

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=368217

Stellarvue 102EDT
I haved owned an EDT for about 2 months now and have had the opportunity to test it on numerous nights, under numerous conditions. It is truly, a fine instrument and just a pleasure to use.

While the scope is classed as an achromat, it delivers near apo performance. Yes there is a very little bit of color around the brightest objects but the images are clean and sharp none the less. The little color there is, is not distracting or obtrusive in any way. I have compared this scope to a Meade 102 apo, and it put the Meade to shame both optically and mechanically. Compared to a late 80's AP our local club owns, the EDT was very nearly indistinguishable for color correction. High praise indeed.

Under extremely cold, clear and steady condition, I observed a double shadow transit across the disk of Jupiter last week. During this spectacle, I was able to detect a small "smudge" transitting the planet between the shadows. I later read that this smudge was indeed the tiny orb of Io in the eyepiece. Not bad for a 4" scope.

Mechanically, the EDT is tight and fit and finish excellent. The loose sliding dew cap problem has been addressed and mine is snug and sits parellel to the tube when extended. The DX1 focuser is an awesome piece of work and is perfectly mated to the EDT. With the fine focus, almost every last bit of color can be "tweeked"out of the image. And there aren't enough "O's" in smoooooooth to describe the action.

The EDT represents everything a high quality achromat can give. While some may question the price for this achromat, I can only assure you that it is worth every penny. I suspect for alot of observers, the EDT will give all the performance needed to keep them happy. If you have the means, I'd highly recommend an EDT to anyone. Stellarvue is making only a few dozen more by special order and then thats it. They will undoubtedly become a highly sought after collectors item.

Finally, Stellarvue service is second to none. AFter I recieved the EDT, I had a few questions and Vic Marris (owner) always took the time and made the effort to make sure I was satisfied. Just a pleasure to deal with.

Rob

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Ease of Use:10 Value:9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=180841

Stellarvue 102EDT
I have owned the scope for about 1 yr. I use it often, and enjoy it very much. I have noticed NO astigmatism or other alignment problems. It is a very robust scope. It is also very portable. Vic has taken excellent care of any questions/concerns I have had. I will not hesitate to do business with Stellarvue in the future. As the previous review noted, the only reason for not giving 10's is that it is not an APO (nor was it ever represented as such).

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Ease of Use:9 Value:9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=145743

Stellarvue 102EDT
My EDT was purchased to be a grab-and-go scope and to bring on vacations and trips. I was told before purchase that
it was not an APO, and would not give me comparable images
to other APOs that I owned. This is true...some color around
very bright objects in blue/purple hue. But the color of the
object is right on- whether its the Moon, or Jupiter, or Rigel
etc.
The field is very flat; so flat that the curvature of some of my
eyepieces bacame quite noticeable. The view of a wide-field
"flat" eyepiece is fantastic for just observing myriads of stars.
Resolution is surprisingly good...small stars and small details are easily seen when seeing permits. Many times I have seen
the E and F stars in the Trapezium with direct vision. High
power across the Lunar surface is excellent- even split the
A and B craterlets in Plato one night of exceptional seeing. So
the sky is my limiting factor (and my eyes), not the optics.
One thing I like about the focuser is there is no image shift at
high power. Yes, I bought this scope for wide, flat field, but
ended up using high power for planets and the Moon. I use a
2.8mm eyepiece and do not see any shift at all.
Color is always a topic of conversation with an Achromat, and
the hues of the objects are natural. There is some purple on
the edge of the bright Moon's limb, around Jupiter a haze, and
virtually nothing around Saturn. This does not distract me at
all.
So it works fine as a short fl wide, flat field scope, but also holds up great with magnification. My dew shield fits some-
what loosely, but it keeps the dew off the objective...water
was dripping of the tube the other night and the lens was OK.
I am sorry it has been discontinued for economic reasons.
It is fine telescope, the best Achromat I've ever seen.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:9 Ease of Use:10 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=145740

Stellarvue 102EDT
Wonderful optics for a fast refractor. Just a hint of colour on Jupiter. Fabulous two speed focuser is a dream to use. This scope travels well and performs marvelously. I am very pleased with the views this scope provides.

I rate this at 9.5 based on overall performance and value.

G Weber

Overall Rating: 9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=81254

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