StellaLyra · 8-inch f/4 M-LRN Newtonian
Bring your deep-sky targets into a closer frame.
The StellaLyra 8-inch f/4 metal-tube Newtonian pairs a 203mm aperture with an 800mm focal length. It is a practical optical platform for building a dedicated imaging rig around your choice of camera, mount and corrector.
A dual-speed focuser, mirror-cooling fan and mounting hardware give you useful starting equipment. The next step is matching the complete system to the photographs you want to take.
Is 800mm right for your camera?
With the same sensor, a longer focal length frames a smaller area of sky. Moving from a 600mm telescope to this 800mm model can help when your target looks too small in the wider view, while larger subjects may need a mosaic.
Try your camera and a few favourite targets in a field-of-view planner before choosing. Think about how much surrounding sky you want in the finished image, as well as whether the subject fits. This makes a more useful starting point than selecting on aperture alone.
Choose the mount around the finished rig.
The supplied rings and Vixen-style rail connect the tube to a compatible mount saddle. Published weight is 8.4kg with rings, rail and finder; the tube is 730mm long.
Add the camera, corrector, filters, guide equipment and cabling when assessing your mounting requirements. Allow room for steady tracking as well as simply carrying the load. Assemble and balance with the actual imaging train fitted, then check camera clearance through the movement you expect during a session.
Give the mirror time to settle.
A rear cooling fan and battery holder are included. The fan assists cooling, while the rear adjustment knobs provide access to primary-mirror collimation.
Set up early enough for the telescope to approach outdoor conditions. Check alignment after transport using a suitable collimation tool, then examine a focused star field. Cooling, focus, alignment and tracking all contribute to the result; avoid trying to solve every soft star with a focuser adjustment.
Fine control for the final focus adjustment.
The fitted 2-inch linear-bearing Crayford focuser offers coarse and fine manual control. Approach focus with short exposures, then use the fine adjustment while checking a repeatable focus measurement.
Secure each connection and keep cables from pulling on the camera. Revisit focus during the night as conditions change. If autofocus is part of your plan, check the motor, bracket and coupling together; an automatic focuser is a separate accessory.
Plan the corrector and camera as one assembly.
A compatible coma corrector is required for optimum imaging results and is purchased separately. Set the corrector-to-sensor distance to its manufacturer’s specification, accounting for the camera and any filter hardware. Then confirm that the assembly can reach focus.
Corrector spacing and focuser position serve different purposes. Keep a record of your adapters and measurements, so that removing the camera does not mean starting the setup process again. Check the supported sensor size and mechanical connections rather than assuming every 2-inch component is interchangeable.
A useful first-night routine
Begin with short test exposures before committing to a long sequence. Compare stars at the centre and in each corner, check that guiding behaves consistently and watch for cable tension as the mount moves.
If a problem appears, change one variable at a time. Keep notes on focus, spacing and alignment. That record helps you distinguish a repeatable setup issue from changing sky conditions, and makes the next clear night more productive.
Included equipment and what to add
| Included | Purchased separately |
|---|---|
| Optical tube with fitted focuser | Tracking mount and tripod or pier |
| Rings and Vixen-style mounting rail | Camera, coma corrector and camera adapters |
| 8×50 straight-through finder | Any guide camera and guiding connections |
| Cooling fan and battery holder | Power supplies and control equipment |
| 35mm 2-inch extension and 1.25-inch adapter | Eyepieces for visual use; collimation tool |
System-planning specifications
| Optical design | Parabolic Newtonian reflector |
|---|---|
| Aperture / focal length | 203mm / 800mm |
| Focal ratio | Nominal f/4 |
| Focuser | 2-inch dual-speed linear-bearing Crayford |
| Tube length | 730mm |
| Outside diameter | 232mm body; 236mm at end caps |
| Weight with rings, rail and finder | 8.4kg |
Common buying questions
Should I choose the 6-inch or the 8-inch?
Compare framing with your camera first, then the complete mount load and handling. The 8-inch offers a closer view with the same sensor, but a smaller setup may be easier to transport and use regularly. Match the telescope to both your targets and your observing routine.
Can the finder guide the telescope?
The included finder is an optical pointing aid. Autoguiding requires additional equipment and suitable connections; it is not provided simply by attaching the finder. Ask us to check your proposed guiding arrangement alongside the main camera setup.
Can I observe through it as well?
Yes, with separately purchased eyepieces and an appropriate focus configuration. Use the supplied extension or adapter as required by that setup. If visual observing is your main aim, compare the mounting and eyepiece requirements with the Dobsonian range before deciding.
Availability reflects supplier stock and can change. Please contact Dark Clear Skies to confirm dispatch timing if your order is needed for a particular date.