StellaLyra telescopes are a house brand offered by First Light Optics and are designed and manufactured to a high standard by Guan Sheng Optical (GSO) in Taiwan.
Among the most recent introductions are a line of Newtonian and Dobsonian telescopes.
StellaLyra Newtonian Telescopes
All StellaLyra Newtonian telescopes feature GSO aluminized parabolic primary mirrors with minimum 93% reflectivity and a silicon-dioxide protective overcoat to ensure the surface remains bright for years to come. Large collimation knobs enable easy collimation adjustment, without tools, and an integrated fan reduces cooling time.
They are offered in three models:
– StellaLyra 6″ f/4 M-LRN Newtonian Reflector with 2″ Focuser offers 153mm (6″) optical aperture and 600mm focal length.
– StellaLyra 8″ f/4 M-LRN Newtonian Reflector with 2″ Focuser offers 203mm (8″) optical aperture and 800mm focal length.
– StellaLyra 10″ f/4 M-LRN Newtonian Reflector with 3″ Focuser offers 254mm (10″) optical aperture and 1016mm focal length.
Each comes with fast f/4 focal ratio which is an excellent choice for deep-sky imaging with a dedicated astronomy CMOS/CCD camera or DSLR. They offer BK7 primary and secondary mirrors with the parabolic primary mirror offering enhanced Al coating for 93%+ reflectivity and a 70mm minor axis secondary mirror with enhanced Al coating also offering 93%+ reflectivity. Each model offers adjustable primary and secondary collimation.
The 6” and 8” models come with a dual-speed 2″ Linear Crayford focuser which has enough tension for most small/medium size imaging payloads and provides precise, smooth focus adjustments. The 10” model offers a dual-speed 3″ Linear Crayford focuser that provides enough tension for most small/medium size imaging payloads and provides precise, smooth focus adjustments.
All models come with a 8×50 straight finderscope with fully multicoated optics and can be adapted (adapter available separately) for use as a convenient guide-scope. For visual astronomy an adapter for 2″ & 1.25″ eyepieces and a 35mm focus extender is included. Also included are metal tube-rings and Vixen-style dovetail mounting plate.
StellaLyra Dobsonian Telescopes
The StellaLyra standard Dobsonian models include:
– StellaLyra 8″ f/6 Dobsonian: With 203mm (8″) optics, 1200mm focal length and f/5.9 focal ratio this easy to use Dobsonian telescope is an excellent choice when starting out in visual astronomy.
– StellaLyra 10″ f/5 Dobsonian: With 254mm (10″) aperture, 1250mm focal length and f/4.9 focal ratio this Dobsonian telescope has 56% more light ability than the 8″ model but is still relatively portable.
– StellaLyra 12″ f/5 Dobsonian: With 304mm (12″) optical aperture, 1520mm focal length, and f/5 focal ratio this Dobsonian telescope has 44% more light ability than the 10″ model.
– StellaLyra 16″ f/4.5 Dobsonian: For those that want to truly go deep, this truss tube Dob offers 406mm (16″) optical aperture, 1829mm focal length and /4.5 focal ratio.
All StellaLyra Dobsonian telescopes are fitted with an aluminized parabolic primary mirror with minimum 93% reflectivity and a silicon-dioxide protective overcoat to ensure the surface remains bright for years to come.
Large collimation knobs on the primary mirror cell provide easy collimation adjustment, without tools, and an integrated fan provides fast cooling.
Each model offers a CNC-machined 2″ Crayford focuser with 1:10 dual-speed focus adjustment for smooth, precise focusing. And no image-shift. The focuser includes a 2″ to 1.25″ adapter so you can use both 2″ and 1.25″ eyepieces and accessories. Brass compression rings grip them securely without marring their nosepiece. A convenient 35mm focus extender is also supplied so you can achieve focus easily when using most long focal length 2″ eyepieces.
Two fully multicoated eyepieces (1.25″ 9mm Plössl & 2″ 30mm SuperView) are included offering views that clear and sharp.
Each offers a rigid, steel telescope tube with 4-vane, all metal secondary spider and adjustable primary cell (the 16” model is a truss tube design). A smooth, stable Dobsonian mount is equipped with tension adjustments, 4 slot eyepiece holder and front carry-handle. A cooling fan brings the primary mirror to ambient temperature quickly for best performance.
A robust roller bearing assembly provides smooth reliable azimuth adjustments. Metal plates above and below the bearings prevents them from sinking into the softer wood (no divots!) so the movement remains smooth, even after years of use. For altitude adjustment a steel shaft and CNC-machined metal plates with large, knurled tension adjustment knobs, one each side, provide smooth, precise movements and adjustable tension.
The mount also features a convenient balance adjustment mechanism with engraved scale that enables the telescope to be moved forward or backwards for precise balance. This is useful when changing from a small eyepiece to a large heavy one, or when adding a second finderscope or binoviewer. For comfort and convenience a Right-Angled Correct Image 8×50 finder scope is includes.
The Dobsonian base is delivered flat-packed and is easy to assemble.
You can learn more about StellaLyra Telescopes here.
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