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Review of the StellaMira 90mm ED Triplet: " ... the StellaMira 90mm ED produced excellent results, which were consistent with the impressive 0.972 Strehl ratio rating given for this particular telescope (a measure of its optical quality).There were even tantalising hints of the Trapezium stars ‘E’ (Theta1 (θ1) Orionis E) and ‘F’ (Theta1 (θ1) Orionis F) in M42 during the camera focusing procedure.Briefly swapping the camera for an eyepiece was similarly rewarding and delivered excellent views of Jupiter, even using a Barlow lens to boost a 4.5mm eyepiece up to a boundary-stretching 240x magnification.This produced a sharp, detail-rich image, free of any unwanted colour aberrations, again testifying to the high-quality optics.Overall, the StellaMira 90mm ED Triplet more than met our expectations.It’s a competitively priced, stylish telescope that offers excellent views and high-quality astro imaging results in a convenient, well thought out package." Tim Jardine writing for BBC Sky @ Night Magazine
Review of the StellaMira 90mm ED Triplet:
" ... the StellaMira 90mm ED produced excellent results, which were consistent with the impressive 0.972 Strehl ratio rating given for this particular telescope (a measure of its optical quality).
There were even tantalising hints of the Trapezium stars ‘E’ (Theta1 (θ1) Orionis E) and ‘F’ (Theta1 (θ1) Orionis F) in M42 during the camera focusing procedure.
Briefly swapping the camera for an eyepiece was similarly rewarding and delivered excellent views of Jupiter, even using a Barlow lens to boost a 4.5mm eyepiece up to a boundary-stretching 240x magnification.
This produced a sharp, detail-rich image, free of any unwanted colour aberrations, again testifying to the high-quality optics.
Overall, the StellaMira 90mm ED Triplet more than met our expectations.
It’s a competitively priced, stylish telescope that offers excellent views and high-quality astro imaging results in a convenient, well thought out package." Tim Jardine writing for BBC Sky @ Night Magazine
Model: stellamira_90mm_ed_triplet
Now includes a Losmandy-style dovetail mounting bar, and the rotator has engravings showing angular position.
The StellaMira 90mm f/6 ED Triplet refractor is designed for the discerning astrophotographer or astronomer, so it has a minimum 0.95 Strehl ratio and includes a test report.
Fully multicoated triplet optics, with an ED lens equal to FPL-53, deliver high-contrast views with very low chromatic aberration.
The sturdy 2.5" Rack & Pinion dual-speed focuser with 1:10 fine focusing and integral rotator, provides excellent load-bearing capacity and precise focus adjustments.
CNC-machined aluminium fittings and Carbon Fibre tube provide high strength and excellent thermal properties.
A matching 0.8x StellaMira Reducer / Field Flattener is also available that enables astrophotography at f/4.8 with an evenly illuminated imaging circle large enough for sensor sizes up to and including APS-C.
The price includes CNC tube rings, a Losmandy-style dovetail mounting bar, a carry handle, and an aluminium carry case.
Air spaced triplet, includes 1x ED element (equivalent to FPL-53)
Having used my StellaMira 90mm ED Triplet and its accessories, I can honestly say that I have been mightly impressed with the quality of the telescope and the subesequent images I can acquire. I spent a lot of time reviewing the options available and having discussed my proposed set up with Chris and Alex at FLO decided that the SM 90EDT fit my bill exactly. It pairs perfectly with my AM5 mount, ASI Air Plus and ASI 585 camera. The additional adjustable flattener makes getting back focus easy and results in superb images, right out to the corners. I have yet to use the reducer/flattener.Once again excellent advice and guidance from FLO and superb after sales support too, can see no reason to buy anything elsewhere.
This is a fantastic refractor. Build quality and fit and finish are excellent. The Losmandy plate it sits on gives it a solid foundation. Out of the box it just works. I have already captured some superb images with it even as a relative novice to CMOS deep sky imaging. I don't regret a penny I spent on it. The nice case gives some peace of mind as well. The tube rings have a latticework support attaching them to the dovetail which helps with cable management as cables can be tucked through it. The focusser is well made and the integral rotator makes framing images trivially easy.If I had one quibble it would be that it would be really nice if the carry handle doubled as a vixen dovetail bar, so it would be easy to attach a guidescope. As it is I had to buy a separate dovetail and remove the carry handle to put that on, leaving me with a handle lying around.
I was considering buying a new telescope and contacted FLO with my short-list. Alex at FLO was excellent and guided me through the options. Eventually I went for the StellaMira 90mmED and I am delighted with it. It arrived in a sturdy case and it was immediately evident that it is a high quality item. I bought the 0.8 reducer with it and it all fitted together very easily. Last night I finally had first light with the telescope, and despite less than ideal conditions I managed to get some great images of M15 and M33. The telescope was also very easy to focus.I am very pleased with both purchases and would like to thank Alex and the team for all their help.
I spent over a year researching a suitable astrophotography setup having started with Mirrorless camera and Zoom lens, after contacting Alex at FLO I have had some excellent advice and this resulted in my purchase of this scope with other equipment and I am delighted. I have lots to learn but with only three clear nights under my belt I have some great pictures ( processing still a challenge !)of Bode and whirlpool galaxy and some nebulae . The stars are sharp to the edges with combined with the field flattener. Build quality and finish is great and the carbon fibre tube makes the scope lightweight and easy to handle for a portable rig the supplied case rounds off to what is a great package.
Up to now Have been doing astrophotography using widefield systems (Samyang 135 mm and a Redcat51), to gain confidence and learning the skills for polar aligning, system setups and image analysis, and been planning on getting a longer focal length triplet for a while. Was a toss up between this and the WO91, but costs, nothing but positive reviews and helpful feedback from the FLO team decided to go with the Stellamira. I'm glad I did. Fantastic build quality, simple to use and light (the joy of carbon fibre). Bought both the 0.8 and 1x dedicated flatteners to give some choice in finessing image composition - easy to swap over, and allows simple integration of a 2" filter into the light train. Using in combinantion with a Skwatcher 50ED Evoguide on my EQ6R mount got great 10 min exposures with tight pin sharp stars to the corners. Love this scope, and looking forward to some clear skies to use it again. As always advice and service from FLO was faultless.
As a very recent acquisition this is really an unboxing appraisal of the SM Triplet from FLO. I’ve been hankering after this telescope since I saw Tim Jardine’s review in the 2022 March edition of Sky at Night. It seemed to fit the bill that I had been seeking for a manageable (as in relatively light) quality OTA and a move away from my long time bias towards reflecting telescopes and their associated portability and maintenance problems.On receipt yesterday, and I should say that the refractor and associated items were bang on delivery target with everything very well packed as to be expected from FLO, I couldn’t wait to open the transport case! And I wasn’t disappointed - Wow! What a superb piece of equipment. I can well understand why the guys at FLO are very proud of it. The construction feels sturdy in every respect and the focuser deign is unlike any that I have used in the past in terms of smoothness and accuracy. The only reason that I have not given it a 5 star rating at this time is because I've not subjected it to 'First Light'.I’m looking forward to pairing it with the SM 0.8x reducer/flattener to view the true flat field available when imaging. All I need now, like everyone else who has bought into this fascinating hobby of observational and astro-imaging astronomy, is some nice clear (and preferably not too cold) nights!I hope to give you a more detailed customer review when everything, including me, is up and running.For now, thank you all at FLO for your help and suggestions in compiling my first refracting ’scope kit.P.S. none of your delivered boxes contained any snow as per warning, only white packing chips. 🥲
I was putting together a new dedicated wide field imaging rig and after a year of research and planning I started my journey with Flo because of all the great reviews. I'm happy to say that Flo was excellent in helping me complete this. Thank you Flo for all your excellent advice and wisdom.I choose the Stella Mira 90mm because it had great reviews on Stargazers lounge. As usual with Flo, as soon as its ordered its arrived at your door.Packed and delivered to perfection.The telescope is stunning. I have SCTs and always heard and read about how great refractors are but aperture always ruled, not any more. The build quality of the Stella Mira 90mm is perfection. The focuser is super smooth and precise, superb mechanics. I fitted the ZWO EAF, my first time ever on a telescope with ease with this scope. I got 40 2min captures on Andromeda with the reducer with perfect stars to the edge and dust lanes before the fog closed in. I was stunned by how much detail when the first 2min sub came through on a night of poor seeing in bortel 6.I can't wait to try it on a night with good seeing over a 5 hour period. I'm totally delighted to own this scope. Looks perfect, works perfect. Thanks Flo.
I decided to upgrade from a 60ed doublet to something with more punch; the StellaMira certainly has that. I looked at many different options: Skywatcher, WO and others. I settled on this scope because of its competative price and low weight. I have a HEQ5 mount so weight is important to me.In line with FLO's reputation it arrived the day after I ordered. With carbon fibre and red rings, it looks the business. The focusser and build quality feel very solid. I was lucky to have clear skies the night of its arrival and I targeted the Crescent Nebula. My HEQ5 coped well with the extra weight, giving good guiding, I managed 5 minute exposures. The difference in image quality between my 60ed doublet is beyond my expectations, great colour and definition.Very happy with my purchase so far.
I bought the SM Triplet 90mm with the field flattener at Christmas just before the lower price offer dropped off. Very good value. No aberration. Vignettes is not discernible, especially with dithering. I’m getting great images. Coupled to auto focus and using NINA I’m having a wonderful time imaging. I do use it on a NEQ6 Pro with Rowan mod, but I think it’d be fine on the HEQ5. It was delivered in a few days, arrived on a clear night. I actually imaged that night. I don’t think this is an FLO promise, but I suppose it has to happen statistically every now and then. 😁I’m so pleased with this kit. I’m now considering going from asi533 to asi2600 to take advantage of the optics. Did I say I’m pleased. Thank you FLO. OH YESclear skies.
I was looking at this scope and a few others with similar apertures, and I am very pleased that I chose the StellaMira. Build quality is brilliant- it's very well made, with a great finish (I really like the carbon fibre). Optical quality is right up there as well, my scope reported a Strehl ratio of .972, and the views are stunning- very sharp stars and great colours. Observing the moon was a delight, with a very crisp image. Using the dedicated 0.8 reducer/flattener gave some great DSO images.The focuser and camera rotator are very smooth and make using it a pleasure. As others have said, the dew shield is perhaps a little shorter than may be expected, but with a heater strap I had no trouble at all with dew (or stray light) over a 4-hour imaging session in early January.Overall, I'm very happy with this purchase/investment. Top marks also for the service from FLO- very quick despatch after ordering (even just before Christmas)
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