StellaLyra · 10-inch f/8 M-LRC Carbon-Truss RC
Build a dedicated rig for closer deep-sky imaging.
The StellaLyra 10-inch carbon-truss Ritchey–Chrétien brings a 250mm aperture and 2000mm focal length to an open-frame telescope with a fixed primary mirror. It is a substantial imaging platform for projects that benefit from tighter framing.
Choose it as part of a complete system: a suitable mount, camera, guiding arrangement and carefully assembled imaging train are central to making the most of the optical tube.
Make 2000mm a deliberate choice.
With the same camera, a longer focal length covers a smaller area of sky. That can give smaller galaxies or compact nebulae more space in the frame, while larger subjects may need a mosaic.
Use a field-of-view planner with your actual sensor and intended targets before selecting accessories. Consider camera pixel size and local seeing as well as framing. A tighter image scale also makes tracking and focus errors more apparent, so the quality of the complete setup matters.
An open carbon-truss structure.
Carbon-fibre truss members connect the optical assemblies, with Losmandy-style rails on the top and underside. The open frame provides airflow around the telescope.
Plan storage and transport for exposed optical and mechanical parts, keeping the supplied covers in place when appropriate. Consider nearby lights and your observing environment when deciding whether additional light control is needed. Tube construction does not remove the need to check focus and alignment.
Cooling before the imaging run.
Three built-in fans assist thermal equalisation. Allow the telescope time to approach outdoor conditions before judging the final star images.
Make cooling part of the setup routine, alongside balancing and cable checks. Begin with short test exposures, refine focus, and inspect the field before committing to a long sequence. Recheck when conditions change rather than relying on the first focus position all night.
Support the whole working rig.
Published tube weight is 16kg. Add the camera, corrector or reducer, filters, guiding equipment and cables before assessing mount suitability. Check counterweight requirements and saddle compatibility as part of the same decision.
The rear imaging train extends beyond the telescope itself and shifts its balance. Assemble the actual equipment before balancing, then check clearance near the mount, tripod or pier. Plan how to support and secure the tube during fitting and removal, especially if it will be transported regularly.
Rear focusing with the primary held fixed.
The rotatable 3.25-inch dual-speed linear-bearing Crayford focuser provides coarse and fine manual control. Focusing moves the camera position while the primary remains fixed.
Fit the camera with its weight supported and check that every connection is secure through the intended pointing range. The focuser diameter alone does not establish a safe payload or full-frame optical coverage. If you intend to automate focus, confirm the motor, bracket and coupling requirements before buying.
Keep mechanical extension and optical spacing separate.
Two 25mm and one 50mm extension rings are supplied. Use the combination needed to bring your camera arrangement within the focusing range; installing every ring is not a universal starting point.
An added reducer or flattener has its own specified distance to the sensor. Include the camera’s sensor recess, adapters and filter equipment in that measurement. Then check that the complete system reaches focus, with useful adjustment remaining. Record the finished arrangement for repeatable reassembly.
Choose correction optics for an RC.
The Ritchey–Chrétien design corrects coma, but that does not guarantee a flat, sharp field across every sensor. Assess any reducer or flattener for this optical design, your camera and the required connections.
A Newtonian coma corrector should not be transferred to an RC simply because it fits mechanically. Send us the exact camera and accessory models if you would like the proposed combination checked before ordering adapters.
Establish alignment before chasing exposure time.
Check collimation with a method appropriate to an RC and confirm the result on a star field. Inspect both the centre and corners before starting a long imaging sequence.
If the stars are uneven, separate focus, tracking, tilt, spacing and alignment checks. Change one factor at a time and keep notes. Avoid disturbing an already well-aligned system without evidence of a problem.
Included and purchased separately
| Supplied | Choose separately |
|---|---|
| Carbon-truss RC optical assembly and focuser | Tracking mount and tripod or pier |
| Top and bottom Losmandy-style rails | Camera, filters and camera adapters |
| Three cooling fans | Suitable power and control equipment |
| Two 25mm and one 50mm extension rings | Any RC-compatible reducer or flattener |
| 2-inch holder and 1.25-inch adapter | Eyepieces and diagonal for visual use |
| Finder base and primary/secondary dust covers | Finder and guiding equipment |
Specifications
| Design / aperture | Ritchey–Chrétien / 250mm |
|---|---|
| Focal length / ratio | 2000mm / f/8 |
| Structure | Open carbon-fibre truss |
| Focuser | 3.25-inch dual-speed rotatable linear-bearing Crayford |
| Published length / outside diameter | 617mm / 375mm |
| Published tube weight | 16kg |
Before ordering
Is this a complete imaging package?
No. It is an optical tube assembly. The mount, camera, guiding and any correction optics need to be chosen separately. Budget for the complete setup rather than the telescope alone.
Does the truss design make it maintenance-free?
No. Cooling, focus, collimation and secure camera connections still need attention. Establish a repeatable setup routine, especially after transporting the telescope.
Should I choose this or the 8-inch RC?
Compare framing with your camera, total mounting load, handling and the complete-system budget. A larger tube is a useful step when the rest of the equipment and your intended projects support it.
Availability reflects supplier stock and can change. Contact Dark Clear Skies to confirm dispatch timing if you need the telescope for a particular date.