Unveiling the StellaMira 86mm ED f/7: A New Era in Telescopes

In 2025, First Light Optics expanded its telescope lineup with the exciting StellaMira range, introducing the remarkable 86mm ED f/7 quadruplet refractor. This state-of-the-art telescope features four lens elements, including two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and a built-in flattener, ensuring a perfectly flat field of view from edge to edge.

With an impressive focal length of 602mm, this telescope is ideal for capturing a variety of celestial wonders, even as the darkness of spring begins to fade.

Unboxing and Setup: First Impressions Matter!

The StellaMira 86mm comes elegantly packaged in a robust aluminium carry case complete with a fitted foam insert, safeguarding the telescope and its numerous accessories. Right out of the box, the exceptional build quality stands out.

The tube strikes a balance between solid durability and manageable weight, while all parts are precision CNC machined—no flimsy plastic to be found! A retractable aluminium dew shield easily extends with a simple twist, a feature we particularly appreciated during humid evenings.

Included are thoughtful extras like two finder shoes, M54 and M48 adaptors, and a nifty carrying handle that doubles as a finderscope clamp. While primarily designed for imaging, the telescope is also equipped with a versatile 2-inch-to-1.25-inch adaptor to accommodate visual observation.

Getting Ready: Setting Up for Success

Eager to maximize every moment of darkness, we paired the StellaMira with our ZWO ASI2600MC Air camera to photograph a distant galaxy. Our first step was to detach the 2-inch-to-1.25-inch adaptor using a 1.5mm Allen key—though we felt a brief manual or setup guide would have made this process more user-friendly.

Once the telescope was ready, setup was uncomplicated, thanks to the built-in flattener that allowed us to dive straight into imaging without tedious adjustments. The smooth action of the rack-and-pinion focuser added to the user experience, eliminating any vibrations while focusing.

Astounding Performance: What We Captured!

In the following nights, we aimed the StellaMira 86mm at M101, the Pinwheel Galaxy, and various star clusters, resulting in stunning images. The telescope exhibited no visible chromatic aberration, and stars appeared beautifully round and tight.

Although we noticed a slight variation at the edges under close examination, it was negligible and didn't detract from our overall experience. With the optional 0.8x reducer/flattener from First Light, we further enhanced performance without sacrificing image quality, leaving us thoroughly impressed.

Inside the Telescope: Optics That Shine!

The 86mm's two ED lens elements and fully coated optics ensure high contrast and minimal chromatic aberration. Our images were consistently crisp and clear, even under lighter skies.

Its built-in flattener simplifies field curvature correction, eliminating the need for complex calculations. For beginners and seasoned astrophotographers alike, this telescope offers a hassle-free experience to maximize precious imaging time.

Top Features of the StellaMira 86mm ED

1. **Quality Build:** The aluminium construction, integrated dew shield, and CNC-machined components reflect a stylish yet sturdy design.

2. **Efficient Dew Shield:** The extendable metal dew shield provides reliable protection against moisture, with easy add-on options for dew heaters.

3. **Dual-Speed Focuser:** Experience smooth and precise manual focusing with a 3.2-inch dual-speed rack-and-pinion mechanism.

4. **Losmandy Plate:** The included wide dovetail plate offers unmatched stability, surpassing typical Vixen types.

5. **Travel-Ready Case:** The telescope's sturdy aluminium carry case, complete with a key for security, is perfect for astronomers on the go.

Key Specifications for the Stellar Telescope Enthusiast

- **Price:** £1,199 - **Optics:** Quadruplet refractor - **Aperture:** 86mm - **Focal Length:** 602mm, f/7 - **Weight:** 5.8kg - **Suppliers:** First Light Optics - [First Light Optics](http://www.firstlightoptics.com)