StellaLyra · 4.5-inch f/12 Mini Classical Cassegrain
Explore lunar detail with a telescope that is easy to store.
The StellaLyra Mini Classical Cassegrain puts a 114mm aperture and 1368mm focal length into a compact carbon-fibre and aluminium optical tube. Its f/12 design is a useful choice for lunar observing, planets and double stars when a small telescope fits your observing routine.
It is an optical tube assembly for building your own setup. Pair it with a steady mount and suitable accessories, then choose the magnification around the target and the night’s conditions.
A compact tube with a deliberate purpose.
For an evening on the Moon, begin with a comfortable overview, then increase power to explore the changing shadows along the terminator. On a planet, a steady, sharply focused image usually reveals more than an unnecessarily large, shimmering one.
The Mini also offers a compact way to spend time on double stars, where careful focus and patient observing are rewarding. If your main aim is to sweep large areas of sky or photograph extensive nebulae, compare the framing offered by shorter-focal-length telescopes before deciding.
Small enough to plan around your everyday storage.
Published tube dimensions are 300mm long and 132mm across, with a tube weight of 2.2kg. A Vixen-style mounting rail is fitted underneath.
Those figures describe the telescope, rather than a complete observing kit. Allow space and carrying capacity for the mount, tripod, diagonal and eyepieces. Protect the tube and rear focuser during transport, and leave room for the accessories that will remain attached in storage.
Give high magnification a stable foundation.
A lightweight tube still benefits from a mount that settles quickly after focusing. Check the saddle fits the rail securely and assess the complete working load, including the diagonal or camera.
Rear accessories change the balance. Fit your actual observing equipment before balancing the setup, keeping the tube supported while making adjustments. Confirm that it can balance within the available rail travel and that the rear equipment clears the mount throughout the intended pointing range.
Fine focus without moving the primary mirror.
The fixed primary works with a rotatable 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser. Coarse control brings the subject into view; fine adjustment helps you settle on the sharpest image.
Use a light touch and give vibration time to settle before judging focus. When fitting a camera, support it while tightening the connection and keep cables from pulling on the focuser. If you want motorised focusing, confirm the bracket and coupling for the supplied focuser before choosing a motor.
Choose eyepieces by useful magnification.
Magnification is the telescope’s focal length divided by the eyepiece focal length. These examples give a practical starting point for planning a small eyepiece set:
| Eyepiece focal length | Approximate magnification |
|---|---|
| 25mm | 55× |
| 12mm | 114× |
| 8mm | 171× |
Eyepieces are purchased separately. Start at lower power to locate and centre the target, then increase magnification only while the view remains useful. Atmospheric steadiness, altitude, cooling and alignment affect how much power a particular session supports.
Let the optics settle before chasing fine detail.
The primary and secondary mirrors use BK7 glass. The front view shows the secondary assembly and its support vanes.
Allow the telescope to approach outdoor conditions before judging its best performance. Check a well-centred star when assessing focus and alignment, and use a collimation method appropriate to a Classical Cassegrain if adjustment is actually needed. Avoid changing several adjustments at once or disturbing a sound alignment without evidence of a problem.
A practical starting point for planetary imaging.
A small camera sensor gives a narrow field, so target acquisition matters. Align a separately purchased finder and practise placing the subject in the centre at the native focal length before adding amplification.
For lunar or planetary video, capture a short test sequence, inspect focus and exposure, and then refine the setup. Choose any Barlow around the camera’s pixel size and the seeing rather than automatically aiming for the highest focal ratio. Tracking helps keep the subject on a small sensor while you work.
Long-exposure deep-sky imaging is a different demand. At f/12, faint extended targets need a carefully planned exposure strategy and accurate tracking. Consider the complete imaging system and intended field of view before choosing this telescope primarily for that use.
Plan the path from telescope to eyepiece or camera.
A diagonal and eyepiece take up a different optical path from a camera connected directly to the rear. Establish the actual accessory arrangement first, then check it can reach focus within the focuser’s travel.
Any extension rings needed for your configuration are separate purchases; they are not listed as part of this Mini’s supplied package. Send Dark Clear Skies your proposed diagonal or camera model if you would like the connection and focusing arrangement checked before ordering.
Included and purchased separately
| Supplied | Choose separately |
|---|---|
| Mini Classical Cassegrain optical tube and focuser | Compatible mount and stable tripod |
| Vixen-style rail and finder base | Finder or pointing aid |
| 2-inch to 1.25-inch adapter | Diagonal and eyepieces for visual observing |
| Optical tube assembly only | Camera, adapters and any required extension rings for imaging |
Specifications at a glance
| Design / aperture | Classical Cassegrain / 114mm |
|---|---|
| Focal length / ratio | 1368mm / f/12 |
| Main tube / mirror glass | Carbon fibre with aluminium components / BK7 |
| Focuser | 2-inch dual-speed rotatable Crayford |
| Published length / outside diameter | 300mm / 132mm |
| Published tube weight | 2.2kg |
| Mounting rail | Vixen-style |
Before ordering
Is this a complete beginner telescope package?
No. You need a suitable mount and observing accessories. It can suit someone who wants a compact telescope for the Moon, planets and double stars, provided those extra items are included in the plan and budget.
Does the finder base include a finderscope?
No. The fitted base provides an attachment point. Choose a compatible finder separately and align it with the telescope before relying on it to locate small targets.
Will an existing mount work?
Check the saddle standard, the complete accessory load, balance range and stability at the magnification you intend to use. The bare tube’s low weight alone does not establish that a mount is a good match.
Availability reflects supplier stock and may change. Contact Dark Clear Skies to confirm dispatch timing if you need the telescope for a particular date.