TheSkySearchers

Hello everyone.

I’m preparing for my long awaited home observatory and part of that preparation involved buying & selling some optical equipment. I sold my wonderful SkyWatcher Esprit 100 when I happened across a relatively rare scope that I couldn’t pass up. It’s a TMB APM 115mm f/7 LW LZOS (what a mouthful!). I had read some really positive things about this telescope. Especially the Thomas Back designed objective made with LZOS glass. I haven’t actually had much of an opportunity to use it yet, other than a quick star test between clouds a few nights ago. Stars were pinpoints on a field of black velvet. Beautiful!

The other telescope I purchased in the last week or so (I haven’t actually received it yet. It’s scheduled to be delivered tomorrow) is the Stellarvue SVX140T. I have heard great things about this company for years, though not much about this particular telescope model.

I’m hoping some of you might have firsthand knowledge about either of these 2 scopes you’d be willing to share. There isn’t much online about either one. The SVX140T is too new and the TMB LZOS 115mm wasn’t made for very long due to the untimely death of Thomas Back (master optician and lens designer).

Any opinions (positive or negative) or information would be welcome.

Thanks

Chris
(Fat American)

Congrats on the new fine glass Chris! I don't have any hands-on experience with those two, but as a frachead would love to hear your feedback once you have a chance to use them.

Absolutely Big Z. The Stellarvue is my first new refractor. 90% of the telescopes I’ve owned, I got on the used market. In fact, my first “big boy” telescope was an EdgeHD 8, an SCT I purchased new. All the others I’ve owned or do own were used when I got them. Great way to save money.

I got most of my scopes used to, except 8" SCT and Stellarvue 120ED, but those were on sale, new scopes - used prices.

Wow! Small world right!?! LOL

Or maybe we’re just 2 smart people that know quality and value when we see it. Vic at Stellarvue gave me a deal on a new scope I couldn’t pass up.

The SVX140T is due to be delivered tomorrow. I can’t wait.

I had the Stellarvue version of the TMB 115 mm when it first was available. A fantastic refractor, you are really going to like it.
The new Stellarvue 140 mm should be outstanding and I am sure both would be considered lifetime refractors.

Of the larger SV I have owned over the years I do miss the 115 mm the most. The TMB/ SV 105 mm f/6.2 is a very close second!

Congratulations on the purchase of 2 very fine refractors.

I appreciate what you said (and agree with you), Ms Fraktor. From what little I’ve used the scope, the 115 is definitely a “lifetime telescope”.

Congrats on the new addition!

2 excellent telescopes, I found several reviews on the Stellarvue SVX140T on the web .
congratulations, years of pleasure await you.