{"product_id":"stellalyra-4-5-f-12-cf-mini-classical-cassegrain-carbon-fibre-telescope-ota","title":"StellaLyra 4.5\" f\/12 CF Mini Classical Cassegrain Carbon Fibre Telescope OTA","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n.dcs-cc45{max-width:1120px;margin:0 auto;color:#243445;font:inherit;line-height:1.7;text-align:left;overflow-wrap:anywhere}\n.dcs-cc45 *{box-sizing:border-box}.dcs-cc45 h2,.dcs-cc45 h3{color:#091725;line-height:1.25;letter-spacing:normal;text-align:left}\n.dcs-cc45 h2{font-size:clamp(25px,3vw,34px);margin:0 0 18px}.dcs-cc45 h3{font-size:23px;margin:0 0 16px}\n.dcs-cc45 p{margin:0 0 16px}.dcs-cc45 figure{margin:0;background:#fff;border:1px solid #e0e5e9;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden}\n.dcs-cc45 img{display:block;width:100%;height:auto;max-width:600px;margin:auto;object-fit:contain}\n.dcs-cc45 .cc45-feature,.dcs-cc45 .cc45-intro{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(min(100%,280px),1fr));gap:clamp(20px,4vw,40px);align-items:center;margin:0 0 38px}\n.dcs-cc45 .cc45-intro{padding:24px;background:#091725;border-top:4px solid #c89524;border-radius:12px}\n.dcs-cc45 .cc45-intro h2,.dcs-cc45 .cc45-intro p{color:#fff!important}\n.dcs-cc45 .cc45-label{font-size:12px;letter-spacing:.12em;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:700}\n.dcs-cc45 .cc45-panel{background:#f3f5f7;border-radius:12px;padding:24px;margin:0 0 32px}\n.dcs-cc45 ul{padding-left:22px;margin:0 0 16px}.dcs-cc45 li{margin-bottom:8px}\n.dcs-cc45 table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;table-layout:fixed;margin:16px 0 28px;font-size:15px}\n.dcs-cc45 th,.dcs-cc45 td{padding:10px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #dce2e8;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;white-space:normal}\n.dcs-cc45 th{background:#f3f5f7;color:#091725}.dcs-cc45 th[scope=row]{width:42%}\n.dcs-cc45 details{border-bottom:1px solid #dce2e8;padding:16px 0}.dcs-cc45 summary{cursor:pointer;font-weight:700;color:#091725}.dcs-cc45 details p{margin:12px 0 0}\n.dcs-cc45 .cc45-note{border-left:3px solid #c89524;padding:14px 18px;background:#fff8e8;margin:28px 0}\n.dcs-cc45 .cc45-links{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:24px 0}.dcs-cc45 .cc45-links a{padding:12px 18px;border-radius:6px;background:#c89524;color:#091725!important;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none!important;min-height:44px}\n.dcs-cc45 .cc45-links a:last-child{background:#f0f3f6}.dcs-cc45 a:focus-visible,.dcs-cc45 summary:focus-visible{outline:3px solid #2874aa;outline-offset:4px}\n@media(max-width:600px){.dcs-cc45 .cc45-intro,.dcs-cc45 .cc45-panel{padding:18px}.dcs-cc45 th,.dcs-cc45 td{padding:9px 7px;font-size:14px}}\n.dcs-cc45 figcaption{padding:12px 16px;color:#243445;background:#fff;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5}\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"dcs-cc45\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cc45-intro\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"cc45-label\"\u003eStellaLyra · 4.5-inch f\/12 Mini Classical Cassegrain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExplore lunar detail with a telescope that is easy to store.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-45-f12-mini-cassegrain-hero.jpg?v=1789818655\" alt=\"StellaLyra 4.5-inch f\/12 Mini Classical Cassegrain carbon-fibre optical tube\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cc45-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA compact tube with a deliberate purpose.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cc45-feature\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-45-f12-mini-cassegrain-dovetail.jpg?v=1789818677\" alt=\"Underside of StellaLyra Mini Classical Cassegrain showing the Vixen-style mounting rail\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSmall enough to plan around your everyday storage.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished tube dimensions are 300mm long and 132mm across, with a tube weight of 2.2kg. A Vixen-style mounting rail is fitted underneath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGive high magnification a stable foundation.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRear 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cc45-feature\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-45-f12-mini-cassegrain-focuser.jpg?v=1789818665\" alt=\"Rear view of StellaLyra 4.5-inch Mini Cassegrain showing dual-speed Crayford focuser and finder base\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFine focus without moving the primary mirror.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cc45-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eChoose eyepieces by useful magnification.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMagnification 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eEyepiece focal length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eApproximate magnification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e55×\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e114×\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e171×\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEyepieces 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cc45-feature\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-45-f12-mini-cassegrain-optics.jpg?v=1789818693\" alt=\"Front optical assembly and secondary support of StellaLyra 4.5-inch Mini Classical Cassegrain\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLet the optics settle before chasing fine detail.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe primary and secondary mirrors use BK7 glass. The front view shows the secondary assembly and its support vanes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA practical starting point for planetary imaging.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLong-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cc45-panel\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlan the path from telescope to eyepiece or camera.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIncluded and purchased separately\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eSupplied\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eChoose separately\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMini Classical Cassegrain optical tube and focuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatible mount and stable tripod\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVixen-style rail and finder base\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinder or pointing aid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-inch to 1.25-inch adapter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiagonal and eyepieces for visual observing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical tube assembly only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCamera, adapters and any required extension rings for imaging\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications at a glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eDesign \/ aperture\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClassical Cassegrain \/ 114mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFocal length \/ ratio\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1368mm \/ f\/12\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eMain tube \/ mirror glass\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarbon fibre with aluminium components \/ BK7\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFocuser\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2-inch dual-speed rotatable Crayford\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003ePublished length \/ outside diameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e300mm \/ 132mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003ePublished tube weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.2kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eMounting rail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVixen-style\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBefore ordering\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eIs this a complete beginner telescope package?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eDoes the finder base include a finderscope?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eWill an existing mount work?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eCheck 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cc45-note\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupplier-stock availability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvailability reflects supplier stock and may change. Contact Dark Clear Skies to confirm dispatch timing if you need the telescope for a particular date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"cc45-links\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/stellalyra\"\u003eCompare the StellaLyra range\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"mailto:contact@darkclearskies.co.uk?subject=StellaLyra%204.5-inch%20Mini%20Classical%20Cassegrain\"\u003ePlan your observing setup\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n","brand":"StellaLyra","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55665193222520,"sku":null,"price":299.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/1650\/4241\/files\/stellalyra-45-f12-mini-cassegrain-hero.jpg?v=1789818655","url":"https:\/\/www.darkclearskies.co.uk\/products\/stellalyra-4-5-f-12-cf-mini-classical-cassegrain-carbon-fibre-telescope-ota","provider":"Dark Clear Skies ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}