Astronomical Equipment Product Guide 2014 Vixen Founded in 1949, Vixen Co

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Astronomical Equipment Product Guide 2014 Vixen Founded in 1949, Vixen Co. Ltd has been Japan’s leading manufacturer of astronomical telescopes, mounts and accessories for over 60 years. Responsible for the introduction of the popular GO-TO controller and ‘world standard’ dovetail mounting system, the company has been instrumental in shaping the market in which it has operated both under its own name and as an OEM supplier to some of the world’s big astronomical equipment brands.

With a wide range of often cross-compatible equipment designed and manufactured for astronomers at every level, choosing a Vixen set-up means you can stay with the brand as your hobby develops, mixing and matching tubes and mounts according to the type of observing you want to do.

When you compare Vixen products to others, the difference is clear. The quality and workmanship is there to see no matter whether you are in the market for a lightweight grab-and-go Porta II altazimuth mount for a few hundred pounds or a high performance SXD2 equatorial mount at a few thousand. Specialist manufacturers of refractors, reflectors and catadioptrics, the company attaches great importance to innovation, continuing to pursue technical advancements in order to maximise your enjoyment.

Opticron Founded more than 40 years ago, the company specialises in the design and supply of prismatic binoculars, spotting scopes and accessories for the birdwatcher and wildlife enthusiast.

Working in partnership with a small number of Japan’s elite optical manufacturers including Vixen, the benefits of these relationships are seen in the optical performance and the value for money of the equipment which we believe is second to none.

We see the Vixen astronomical range as a natural fit, complimenting our own equipment as we continue to focus on providing the best possible mix of products backed up with a customer service function worth the name.

If you are a professional, enthusiast or occasional user of optical equipment, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you make the right choice based on price and application.

Where To Buy As well as being able to purchase from a network of Vixen stockists, you can buy through our mail order service.

In addition we have on-site testing facilities for many products in the Vixen range. Please contact us before visiting to make sure we have the equipment of specific interest in stock.

For the very latest information on new products which may not be included in this guide, please visit us online at www.vixenoptics.co.uk

We hope you find the contents interesting and informative. If you have any comments we would be happy to hear from you.

Contents Page Introduction 3 Telescopes 4-8 Binoculars 9 Polarie 10 Porta Mounts 11 SX2 Equatorial Mount 12 SXD2 Equatorial Mount 13 SXP Equatorial Mount 14 AXD Equatorial Mount 15 Mount Components and Options 16-17 Motors and Controllers 18-19 Accessories 20-22 Eyepieces 23

Rosette Nebula NGC 2237 - Vixen ED115S, GP Mount & Canon EOS300D 2 Introduction Telescopes Refractors Reflectors Catadioptrics Light is collected through an objective lens Light is collected with a Combine the advantages of refractors and reflectors. concave mirror (primary objective mirror) VMC VISAC Vixen Modifi ed Cassegrain Vixen 6th-order Aspherical • Constantly stable field of view, suitable Catadioptric for observation of any astronomical object. • Features easy handling, storage and maintenance. • Relatively more expensive compared to • The use of spherical other types of optical tube with the same • Sharp central images, no mirrors allows for • Chromatic aberration, aperture. chromatic aberration. an excellent price coma aberration, spherical • Heavier than other types of optical tube • A large difference in performance ratio. aberration and field due to multiple lens designs temperature between • Compact and lightweight curvature are all well- the inside and outside design. corrected. of the tube can create • Chromatic aberration, • Compact and lightweight air turbulence. These coma aberration, spherical design. Vixen Achromatic Refractors feature temperatures must be aberration and field • Temperatures inside and stable and high contrast images. balanced before making curvature are all well- outside the tube must be any critical observation. corrected. balanced before making • Not recommended for • Temperatures inside and any critical observation. Solar observation. outside the tube must be • Not recommended for balanced before making Solar observation. Vixen ED Apochromatic Refractors any critical observation. feature sharp and clear images virtually • Not recommended for free of false colour. Recommended for Solar observation. astrophotography.

Vixen Newtonian Vixen high precision Sixth Reflectors feature high order Aspherical Cassegrain performance at faster focal VISAC systems produce Triplet ED Apochromatic Refractors ratios as a result of advanced Vixen Modified Cassegrain an ideal photographic field Vixen’s flag-ship model with triplet high precision mirror optics produce sharp without coma and field lenses designed for observation and formation technologies. and high contrast images curvature of field. Highly astrophotography. for observation and recommended for serious astrophotography. astrophotography.

Mounts Altazimuth Mount Equatorial Mount An altazimuth mount has simple vertical and horizontal motion This type of mount can track a celestial object in accordance with the controls making it easy to point and view. diurnal motion (rotation) of the earth.

Dovetail-tube plate lock screw Declination (DEC) clamp Horizontal slow-motion Horizontal slow-motion control handle control handle Dovetail-tube plate Right Ascension (RA) lock screw clamp

Housing for motors

Altitude adjustment Counterweight knob Azimuth adjustment knob

(Porta II Altazimuth Mount) (SXD2 Equatorial Mount) • Quick and easy to set-up and put away. • Allows tracking of an object over an extended period. • Lightweight and portable. • Suitable for long observation at high powers & astrophotography. • Allows mounting of a terrestrial telescope. • Greater functionality including automatic object search and • Not designed for long exposure astrophotography and viewing automatic tracking. over 100x for long periods. • Heavier than altazimuth mounts offering greater stability.

Motor Drive Controllers DD-3 Star Book Dual axis controller for GP2 and GPD2 Motorised controller for SX mounts. series and AXD mounts. Hand controller to drive the motors installed LCD screen with backlit control on the RA and DEC axes on the mount buttons and intuitive operation.

Star Book One Star Book Ten supplied with SX2 supplied with SXD2, mount SXP and AXD mounts 3 Achromatic Refractor Telescopes

72606 A80M This is a perfect telescope for the beginner astronomer as it offers a lightweight and compact design and is supplied with accessories that enable you to get set up simply and quickly.

The A80M is an achromatic refractor with an 80mm objective lens. Its focal length is 910mm with a focal ratio of f11.4. Its light gathering is 130 times better than the human eye and it has a maximum usable Shown with eyepieces sold separately. magnification of 144x. Weighing less than 3kg and measuring under 1m in length it is small and light enough to be transported to your observing site for quick set up and viewing.

The scope is supplied with a red dot finder that attaches to the main scope to help you centre the object. It also includes a flip mirror, tube rings and as with all Vixen tubes supplied by Opticron, it comes complete with Vixen’s dovetail plate allowing it to be used on any of the Vixen mounts. Shown with eyepieces sold separately. 76143 A105M A larger aperture version of the A80M, this OTA also offers an excellent first choice as a telescope but with higher light gathering power.

The A105M is an achromatic refractor with a 105mm objective lens. Focal length is 1000mm with a focal ratio of f9.5. Its light gathering power is 225x.

The tube is supplied with a red dot finder, flip mirror, tube rings and dovetail mounting plate.

The 60mm visual back on the A80M and A105M can accept either an optional extension tube or diagonal to accommodate 50.8mm (2”) eyepieces. Various accessories are also available for attaching photographic instruments to the telescope. For more information see pages 20-22.

Model A80M A105M Objective lens 80mm achromatic, multi-coated 105mm achromatic, magnesium fluoride coating Focal length (Focal ratio) 910mm (f11.4) 1000mm (f9.5) Resolving power, limiting magnitude 1.45 arc sec., 11.3 1.1 arc sec., 11.9 Light gathering power 131x 225x Tube size & weight (OD) 90mm x (L) 915mm, 2.5kg (5.5lb) (OD) 115mm x (L) 1060mm, 3.8kg (8.4lb) Finderscope Red dot finder Red dot finder Adapter thread / visual back 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount and 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount and 31.7mm push-fit on flip mirror. 50.8mm option* 31.7mm push-fit on flip mirror. 50.8mm option* Accessories included Dovetail adapter, tube rings, flip mirror & dot finder Dovetail adapter, tube rings, flip mirror & dot finder Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging Refractors For Observation & Imaging

78681 NA140SS Astronomers looking for large aperture refractors can be satisfied that the 140mm NA140SS delivers superb views of the night sky with its 400x light gathering power.

This refractor has a fast focal ratio of f5.7. Deep sky objects are easily visible and astro-imagers looking for a fast instrument will be impressed with the NA140’s performance.

The advanced 4-element objective lens, set in two groups, minimises Includes dovetail plate (not shown) residual chromatic aberrations. With its Petzval-like correcting lens at the rear, this neo-achromatic telescope is specifically designed to provide improved colour and a flat field, making it well-suited to astrophotography.

The tube weighs under 7kg and has a focal length of 800mm. There’s a built-in dew shield and Vixen’s dual speed focuser is supplied as Model NA140SSf standard together with tube rings and dovetail mounting plate. Objective lens 140mm Neo-achromatic, multi-coated Focal length (Focal ratio) 800mm (f5.7) The 60mm visual back can accept either an optional extension tube or Resolving power, limiting magnitude 0.82 arc sec., 12.5 diagonal to accommodate 50.8mm (2”) eyepieces. Light gathering power 400x Tube size & weight (OD) 140mm x (L) 1024mm, 6.5kg (14.3lb) An optional metal carry handle can be attached to the tube rings. Finderscope Optional Adapter thread / visual back 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount, 31.7mm push-fit, 50.8mm* push fit on optional flip mirror For photographic accessories see pages 20-22. Accessories included Dovetail adapter, tube rings & dual speed focuser Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging

4 *A 50.8mm mirror diagonal or a 50.8mm extension tube is needed to use a 50.8mm eyepiece. **Optional photographic accessories are needed. ED Refractor Telescopes

75864 ED81S When the ED81S was introduced, it set a new standard for APO refractors. The combination of better colour correction from the new extra low dispersion (ED) glass and brighter images from its fast f7.7 focal ratio will satisfy the most demanding visual astronomer or astrophotographer. Vixen’s new optical system focuses the full visible spectrum of light to a critical point much more accurately than earlier models resulting in images that are almost free of chromatic aberration in all colours and are sharp edge to edge.

75865 ED103S The newly designed ED lens in Vixen’s ED103S gives excellent optical performance in a short optical tube for easy handling.

75866 ED115S The largest aperture model of the ED series yet still compact at 940mm long and weighing under 5kg making it suitable for portable observation set-ups.

The 60mm visual back on the ED range can accept either an optional extension tube or diagonal to accommodate 50.8mm (2”) eyepieces.

An optional metal carry handle can be attached to the tube rings. All ED series scopes Include dovetail plate (not shown)

For photographic accessories see pages 20-22.

Model ED81S ED103S ED115S Objective lens 81mm ED apochromatic, multi-coated 81mm ED apochromatic, multi-coated 115mm ED apochromatic, multi-coated Focal length (Focal ratio) 625mm (f7.7) 795mm (f7.7) 890mm (f7.7) Resolving power, limiting magnitude 1.43 arc sec., 11.3 1.13 arc sec., 11.8 1.01 arc sec., 12.1 Light gathering power 134x 217x 270x Tube size & weight (OD) 90mm x (L) 583mm, 2.3kg (5.1lb) (OD) 115mm x (L) 810mm, 3.6kg (7.9lb) (OD) 125mm x (L) 930mm, 4.4kg (9.7lb) Finderscope Optional Optional Optional Adapter thread / visual back 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount, 31.7mm 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount, 31.7mm 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount, 31.7mm push-fit, 50.8mm* push fit on optional flip mirror push-fit, 50.8mm* push fit on optional flip mirror push-fit, 50.8mm* push fit on optional flip mirror Accessories included Dovetail adapter, tube rings & dual speed focuser Dovetail adapter, tube rings & dual speed focuser Dovetail adapter, tube rings & dual speed focuser Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging

75867 AX103S The AX103S is the latest in the Vixen refractor line and features a triplet Refractors ED objective lens and a rear field flattener lens.

This f8.0 APO refractor benefits from a central ED lens in the objective lens array to reduce chromatic aberration and improve contrast. An optional focal reducer speeds up the scope to f5.6 making it a superior astro imaging scope. Includes dovetail plate (not shown)

The rear field flattener helps to deliver sharp images to the edges of the Model AX103S field of view. Objective lens 103mm Triplet ED apochromatic, multi-coated Focal length (Focal ratio) 825mm (f8) Light gathering power is 217x and the tube is supplied with dual speed Resolving power, limiting magnitude 1.13 arc sec., 11.8 focuser, dovetail mounting plate and tubes rings. Light gathering power 217x Tube size & weight (OD) 115mm x (L) 687mm, 4.6kg (10.1lb) The 60mm visual back can accept either an optional extension tube or Finderscope Optional Adapter thread / visual back 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount, 31.7mm diagonal to accommodate 50.8mm (2”) eyepieces. push-fit, 50.8mm* push fit on optional flip mirror Accessories included Dovetail adapter, tube rings & dual speed focuser An optional metal carry handle can be attached to the tube rings. Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging

For photographic accessories see pages 20-22.

Spherical Aberration Spot Diagram 10 microns per division 10 microns per division

Pleiades Cluster - taken with AX103S by Masahiro Shimada

*A 50.8mm mirror diagonal or a 50.8mm extension tube is needed to use a 50.8mm eyepiece. **Optional photographic accessories are needed. 5 Astro Imaging Telescopes

75869 R200SS The remarkably fast 200mm f4 parabolic primary mirror of the Vixen R200SS Newtonian reflector gives extremely sharp images with no chromatic aberration. The use of state-of-the-art coating technology yields the ideal surface for the visual observer to enjoy wide views of deep sky objects.

The telescope’s large aperture and compact body make it ideally suited for astrophotography of nebulae, star clusters and comets. The Includes dovetail plate (not shown) use of the optional coma corrector allows for a sharp coma-free image Model RS200SS from edge to edge and the rack and pinion focuser, with an adapter, Objective lens 200mm parabolic mirror, multi-coated accepts 2” eyepieces. Focal length (Focal ratio) 800mm (f4.0) Resolving power, limiting magnitude 0.58 arc sec., 13.3 The R200SS is supplied with 232mm tube rings, dovetail tube plate Light gathering power 816x and a focus design that allows plenty of distance for photographic Tube size & weight (OD) 232mm x (L) 700mm, 5.3kg (11.7lb) equipment. See pages 20-22 for photographic accessories. Finderscope Optional Adapter thread / visual back 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount and The Vixen dual speed focuser is included as standard. 31.7mm push-fit on eyepiece adapter

Newtonian Reflector For Imaging Accessories included Dovetail adapter, tube rings & dual speed focuser Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging

75870 VC200L The VC200L is a 200mm (8 inch) f9.0 well-corrected, specialised telescope which has been engineered to meet the demands of the astro imager.

Vixen’s unique catadioptric design features a high precision sixth order aspherical primary mirror, a convex secondary mirror and triplet corrector lens placed between the secondary mirror and focuser. In combination, these optical elements form Vixen’s VISAC (Vixen Sixth- Order Aspherical Cassegrain) design.

The primary mirror is held by a retaining ring, instead of hooks to Model VC200L decrease flare and enhance contrast. Objective lens 200mm VISAC aspherical mirror, multi-coated Focal length (Focal ratio) 1800mm (f9.0) The VISAC design provides high-definition star images to the Resolving power, limiting magnitude 0.58 arc sec., 13.3 edge of a wide viewing field and offers excellent performance for Light gathering power 816x astrophotography. Even at the edge of 35mm film format CCD chips, Tube size & weight (OD) 232mm x (L) 620mm, 6.0kg (13.2lb) stars are sharp and typically better than the resolution of high quality Finderscope Optional CCD imagers. This means that the telescope does not limit image Adapter thread / visual back 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount and quality. 31.7mm push-fit on flip mirror. 50.8mm option* Accessories included Dovetail mount rail & dual speed focuser Typically exposure times of around 10 minutes are required when using Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging this scope for deep sky imaging. An optional f6.4 focal reducer allows for much shorter exposure times.

The tube is supplied with a dovetail mounting rail. The rail is covered with a stainless steel plate on one side to prevent marking from mounting set screw or compression plates.

The integrated carry handle makes this lightweight tube easy to Aluminium Vacuum Evaporation System transport to remote imaging sites. Vixen has created a unique aluminium vacuum evaporation system to Comments from reviewers of the VC200L: produce extremely precise mirror surfaces. More accurate than the “I tried M81 in Ursa Major and again I was pleased with the result. The error-prone process of grinding material to form a mirror surface, Vixen’s revolutionary

Catadioptric Reflector For Imaging delicate structure of the spiral shape in silhouette against the brighter core region really came through clearly” - John Slinn, May 2011 system works by controlled layering of aluminium film. The primary mirrors in the unique sixth-order aspheric “I was very impressed with the telescope. Messier 13, the globular Cassegrain fitted to the VC200L as well as the 200mm cluster in Hercules, resolved to show distinctive stars, and Messier Newtonian R200SS are produced using this aluminium 27, the Dumbbell Nebula, gave one of the best views I have seen with vacuum evaporation system. a scope of this size. It was easy to split Epsilon Lyrae, the “double double” into its pair of doubles using a 5mm Hyperion.” - Jonathan Gale, November 2010 Optional Accessory 73880 Aluminium “When I received the scope, Vixen had already collimated it. My initial Carrying Case for tests showed that the collimation was still perfectly set, even after delivery. Its also been in the back of my car to and from the Stargazers VC200L and VMC200L Weight: 5.2kg (11.4lb) Lounge Star Party and Salisbury Star Party and hasn’t required any Size: 335x670x270mm adjustments. Low maintenance - perfect for star parties!” - Richie Note: Special order only Jarvis, August 2010

6 *A 50.8mm mirror diagonal or a 50.8mm extension tube is needed to use a 50.8mm eyepiece. **Optional photographic accessories are needed. Astro Imaging Telescopes

76145 VSD100f3.8 An ultra-fast refractor designed for discerning astrophotographers featuring a 5 element optical design. This f3.8 OTA is optimised for digital imaging.

The innovative wide and flat imaging field that covers 645 medium format cameras and 5 element, 5 group lens design completely eliminates the violet tint that can be caused by chromatic aberration. With an Super ED (SD) lens in the front objective group and an ED lens in the rear objective group, this scope achieves superb colour correction. The blue halos around stars, that can be visible in astrophotography and are hard to reduce with a 4 element, 4 group design, are well-corrected. In addition, astigmatism and coma aberrations are corrected to an extremely high level.

The Strehl ratio of the lens design of the VSD100F3.8 is better than that of a 4 element, 4 group design by approximately 10%. In addition it does not decrease significantly on stars away from the centre of the photographic field. The image circle is as large as 70mm in diameter (60% illuminated). Star images are as small as 15 microns around the corners, resulting in excellent field flatness.

Spot diagram images from left to right: Centre of frame Edge of full frame 35mm Edge of a digital 645 format Edge of full frame 645 format

The lower set of images shows the comparable spot diagrams for a 4 element, 4 group f3.8 optical system as a reference. Ultra Fast Refractor For Imaging Measuring Lens Performance Using MTF (Modulation Transfer Function)

Vixen’s goal was to develop an instrument that outperforms a premium photo lens. To measure this performance Vixen uses MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) which is typically used for evaluating the optical performance of camera lenses. The diagram below clearly shows the optical performance of the VSD100F3.8 as compared to a 4 element, 4 group design. This allows a more precise evaluation of the photographic performance as compared to conventional spot diagrams.

Precision Over-sized Focuser and Large Rubber Focus Ring

The VSD100F3.8 has an oversized focuser that can be attached to 645 medium format cameras. Highly accurate focusing is possible with the helical focuser where the amount of inward and outward focus travel can be measured down to 20 micron steps using the engraved Vernier scale.

7 Modified Cassegrain Telescopes

72605 VMC110L At just over 2kg in weight and a mere 360mm long, the VMC110L is one of the best multi-purpose grab and go telescopes on the market and is suitable for viewing the night sky and for observing wildlife.

This 110mm modified Cassegrain f9.4 optical tube delivers an impressive light gathering power of 247x and uses an integral flip mirror. This allows for quick and easy switching between observation and photography. The flip mirror has threads to accept a camera T-mount. Shown with eyepieces sold separately.

Other features include a curved vane secondary mirror spider to reduce diffraction effects and like its sister models, the VMC110L features a meniscus lens just ahead of the secondary mirror.

The telescope is supplied with red dot finder and dovetail mounting plate.

The VMC110L is the perfect partner for either the Mini Porta or Porta II alt-az mounts, shown on page 9.

Model VMC110L Objective lens 110mm precision spherical mirror, multi-coated Focal length (Focal ratio) 1035mm (f9.4) Resolving power, limiting magnitude 1.05 arc sec., 12.0 Light gathering power 247x Tube size & weight (OD) 119mm x (L) 360mm, 2.1kg (4.6lb) Finderscope Red dot finder Adapter thread / visual back 42mm for T-mount, 31.7mm push-fit on integrated Use the VMC110L with the Porta II mount for flip mirror the perfect grab and go setup Accessories included Dovetail adapter Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging

75829 VMC200L The VMC200L’s primary mirror is f2.5 and the compound optical system is f9.75 making the system much more compact and portable than many competitive models.

An additional key feature is the rack and pinion focusing that is placed behind the primary mirror. The use of this focusing system eliminates the image shift associated with most other Schmidt-Cassegrain systems. This is especially important when using high power magnification and for astrophotography. When focusing, the image is stable and easy to adjust.

75830 VMC260L for SXP and AXD Mounts 75831 VMC260L for SXD2 Mount The VMC260L outperforms a traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain and despite a focal length of 3000mm, the tube is only 650mm long. With its 260mm aperture the unit collects enough light for serious observation and photography of both planetary and deep sky objects.

The VMC260L features dielectric coated mirrors to improve brightness and Vixen Modified Cassegrain Catadioptrics For Observation & Imaging sharpness and its open tube design allows the telescope to cool more quickly than enclosed Cassegrain models.

An optional 0.62x focal reducer turns the VMC260L into an f7.1 imager. Shown with optional accessories sold separately.

The standard configuration includes a piggy-back camera holder which doubles as a carrying handle.

Note: The VMC260L OTA is available to special order only.

Model VMC200L VMC260L Objective lens 200mm precision spherical mirror, multi-coated 260mm precision spherical mirror, multi-coated Focal length (Focal ratio) 1950mm (f9.75) 3000mm (f11.1) Resolving power, limiting magnitude 0.58 arc sec., 13.3 0.45 arc sec., 13.8 Light gathering power 816x 1380x Tube size & weight (OD) 232mm x (L) 535mm, 5.9kg (13lb) (OD) 304mm x (L) 650mm, 10kg (22.1lb) Finderscope Optional Optional Adapter thread / visual back 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount and 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount and 31.7mm push-fit on flip mirror. 50.8mm option* 31.7mm push-fit on flip mirror. 50.8mm option* Accessories included Dovetail mount rail & dual speed focuser Dovetail mount rail Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging

8 *A 50.8mm mirror diagonal or a 50.8mm extension tube is needed to use a 50.8mm eyepiece. **Optional photographic accessories are needed. Astronomy Binoculars

74305 BT-ED70S-A The BT-ED70S-A uses ED (extra low dispersion) optics to reduce the effects of chromatic aberration. As a result, this lightweight astronomy binocular delivers superb images of the moon and planets and is also perfect for viewing double stars and other colour critical objects.

Designed for use with Vixen’s SLV range of eyepieces, this binocular is very portable at just 4kg and can be used with either Vixen’s HF2 fork mount or a conventional video panhead.

As with the other models in the range, the ED70S is also well-suited to long distance terrestrial observation. It’s stylish and clean design makes it a great choice for riverside, coastal or rural properties with balcony views.

74304 BT81S-A This 81mm astronomy binocular delivers crystal clear, sharp views through its new optical design. Its lightweight body ensures that you can take it to any observing location.

The air-spaced doublet optics in this 81mm are magnesium fluoride coated to help reduce the effects of chromatic aberration.

Mounting the binoculars is a simple process as they come supplied with a Vixen dovetail mounting bar for use with equatorial or altaz mounts. The dovetail bar also has 1/4” thread sockets for use with conventional tripod panheads.

An optional altaz fork mount is available and allows the binoculars to be used on the optional SXG-HAL130 tripod. This provides a stable but lightweight tripod base for this excellent “space binocular”.

75835 BT125-A The BT125-A binocular features a pair of 125mm achromatic objective lenses at f6.1 and 760mm focal length. As with the BT81S, the 45° angled eyepiece holders make for comfortable viewing of the night sky or of distant terrestrial objects. The individually-focused eyepiece holders accept 1.25” eyepieces.

Mounting options are the same as for the BT81-S.

Astronomy Binoculars Note: The BT81S-A is not designed for viewing at high magnification. Use of eyepieces with focal length shorter than 10mm is not recommended. Eyepieces are not supplied as standard with the BT- ED70S-A, BT81S-A or BT125-A.

Model ED81S ED103S ED115S Objective lens 70mm ED apochromatic, multi-coated 81mm achromatic, magnesium fluoride coating 125mm achromatic, multi-coated Focal length (Focal ratio) 400mm (f5.7) 480mm (f5.9) 760mm (f6.1) Resolving power, limiting magnitude 1.43 arc sec., 11.3 0.93 arc sec., 12.3 Light gathering power 100x 134x 319x Dimensions L400 x W190 x H155 L480 x W190 x H155mm L630 x W360mm Weight 4.0kg (8.8lb) 4.1kg (9lb) 10.9kg (24lb) Visual back 31.7mm push fit 31.7mm push fit 31.7mm push fit Eyepieces (optional) SLV and LVW with 31.7mm are recommended SLV and LVW with 31.7mm are recommended SLV and LVW with 31.7mm are recommended excluding LV8-24 Zoom excluding LV8-24 Zoom excluding LV8-24 Zoom Accessories included Finder bracket shoe, carry handle & dew shields Finder bracket shoe, carry handle & dew shields Finder bracket shoe, carry handle & dew shields

Optional Accessories 78062 HF2 Fork Mount Provides an easy-to-use friction controlled altazimuthal mounting for the Vixen range of astronomy binoculars and other optical devices. The fork mount comes complete with a half- pillar to raise the binoculars to a comfortable viewing height. Fits onto the SXG-HAL130 tripod. 73798 Mount Plate Requires the 73798 Mount Plate. Required to allow the 78062 Fork Mount to be used Weight: 3.4kg with astronomy binoculars and any other optical Maximum loading weight: 13kg devices which have a 1/4” screw thread socket.

9 POLARIE Star Tracker

What is the Polarie Star Tracker?

The Vixen Polarie is an easy to setup, easy to use photographic accessory that allows you to take pin-sharp photos of stars and constellations. It is designed to follow the apparent motion of the stars caused by the earth’s rotation, eliminating star trails.

Using the Polarie to take wide field images of constellations, shooting stars as well the Milky Way is surprisingly straightforward.

Polarie also enables you to photograph “starscapes” by adding a darkened landscape or silhouetted figure in the foreground of your frame.

Product features

• The Polarie can be set up in a few minutes even by those not familiar with the exact position of the celestial pole. Simply turn the Polarie in 75505 Polarie Star Tracker the direction of the pole star using the supplied compass as a guide, then use the built-in latitude meter and polar sight hole to align the mount. • The Polarie is designed to work with camera Specifications Polarie Star Tracker lenses that take wide-angle images. Tracking mode Celestial tracking rate. 1/2 of celestial tracking rate. • The Polarie can operate for more than 2 Solar tracking rate (mean solar time). Lunar tracking hours on two AA-size batteries. rate (mean lunar time): Usable in both northern and southern hemispheres • It’s compact size and minimal weight means you can take the Polarie Wheel gear 57.6mm dia. aluminium alloy axis with full-circle 144-tooth anywhere to photograph the night sky. Worm gear 9mm dia. high tension brass Polarie shown with optional tripod and Power source 2 AA-size alkaline batteries (2.4~3.0V) camera (sold separately). External power supply USB mini-B connection (4.4~5.25V) Tilt meter Angles between 0˚ and 70˚ (5˚ increments) Compass A margin of error is subject to magnetic declination at your location Polar sight hole About 8.9˚ field of view Drive Pulse motor (Stepper motor) Tracking mode selector Sidereal, 1/2 sidereal (star-scape), solar and lunar, usable in both hemispheres Tripod socket 1/4” -20 Maximum payload capacity 2kg (4.4lb) Operating temperature 0˚ to 40˚ C (104F) Electricity consumption DC3V.0.4A at loading weight of 2.0kg (4.4lb) Duration of operation About 2 hours at 20˚C (68F), a 2.0kg (4.4lb) loading weight using Alkaline batteries Optional accessory Dedicated polar axis scope

Dimensions 137 x 95 x 58mm Pleiades M45 Cluster. Photo courtesy of John Slinn. Weight 740g (26.1oz) without batteries 22x 2 min at ISO 800. Canon 550D with Miniborg 45ED scope mounted on a Manfrotto 055XV tripod with 410 geared head plus 496RC2 ball head.

Optional Accessories for Polarie

75508 Polarie Polar 75511 Polar Meter 40316 Ball & Socket 75512 Polarie Cradle Axis Scope Provides a compass, bubble Panhead Custom cradle to hold the Allows for precise polar level and altitude scale to Universal 1/4” thread fitting. Polarie Star Tracker on the alignment for long exposure help to locate Polaris. Mini Porta or Porta II mount. astrophotography.

10 PORTA Altazimuth Mounts

Portable, Stable Observation Mounts - Simple, Versatile & Reliable

Vixen’s Mini Porta and Porta II altazimuth mounts are perfect for “grab and go” observing. The mount head and tripod sections are detachable for transportation and storage but the complete system can also be transported in an optional carry bag.

Using a friction-based adjustment system, the mount head allows the telescope to be quickly moved into place by hand. Unlike some competitor models, Porta series includes slow motion handles for fine adjustment and tracking as well as full circle motion for extended observing sessions.

Product features

Easy adjustment The optical tube can be moved freely by hand and friction holds its position anywhere you stop it. This makes targeting of objects fast and easy.

79922 Mini Porta Mount Portability The mount can be detached from the tripod by removing a single screw making it very easy to pack and transport.

Onboard adjustment tools Tools to adjust the tension of the friction system are housed on the mount. They are securely stored within the mount head but are quickly accessible.

Specifications Mini Porta Mount Porta II Mount Mount Altazimuth mount Altazimuth mount Vertical and horizontal Wheel gears whole-circle movement, with 120-tooth wheel gears whole-circle slow motion slow motion handles, friction control system movement with tools for tension adjustment Optical tube attachment Dovetail plate Dovetail plate Maximum loading weight Approx. 3.5kg (7.7lb), Optical tube outside About 5kg (11lb) diameter within 120mm 79951 Porta II Mount Weight 2.8kg (6.17lb) including tripod 5.7kg (12.5lb) including tripod Tripod Aluminium 2-section adjustable tripod, legs Aluminium 2-section adjustable tripod, legs adjustable from 70cm to 128cm in length adjustable from 90cm to 130cm in length

Optional Accessories for Mini Porta & Porta II

78800 Flexible 78012 Tripod Adapter 73942 Photographic 79969 Porta 78011 Multi-Plate Handle 300mm Weight: 142g (5.01oz) Tripod Adapter Carry Case Plate to hold a Flexible slow-motion Used to attach the Porta II This adapter allows the Suitable for use with fieldscope or large handle to reduce vibration mount head to the tabletop Porta II mount head to be Porta II and Mini Porta. binocular. during observation and tripod or an SX half pillar. used with a camera tripod object tracking. with 1/4” thread.

11 SX2 Equatorial Mount

Star Book controlled GO-TO equatorial mount

The SX2 mount is simple to operate yet features high precision mechanics. It features the Star Book ONE hand controller for simple, intuitive tracking of objects for observation or imaging.

The Star Book TEN GO-TO controller is an optional upgrade for this mount.

Product features

Star Book ONE Functions Celestial, Solar, Lunar and King’s Rate tracking, slewing speeds variable from 0.1x to 999x sidereal, backlash compensation, PEC, autoguider port, adjustable screen brightness, red LED backlit keypad

Built-in motors Internal motors mean no cable tangle, very quick and easy setup and clean exterior styling.

Unique motor layout As the RA and DEC motors are inside the declination body, they act as built-in counterweights. As a result, a small telescope requires no additional counterweights.

Retractable counterweight shaft 75071 SX2 Mount The counterweight shaft is made of durable, corrosion resistant Supplied complete with Star Book One controller (see page 18 for details) stainless steel and retracts into the declination body for storage.

Polar axis scope option Specifications SX2 Mount An optional internal polar axis scope can be installed in the RA body by simply screwing it into position. A variable intensity illuminator is R.A. slow motion axis 180-tooth wheel gears whole circle movement pre-installed in the mount to evenly illuminate the alignment reticle in DEC. slow motion axis 180-tooth wheel gears whole circle movement the polar axis scope. The alignment reticle helps with fast and accurate Polar axis scope Optional polar alignment. Altitude adjustment 0˚ to 70˚, (Fine adjustment with tangent screw: +/-15˚, 3 step elevation) Azimuth adjustment Double-screw fine adjustment Controller Star Book One Power source DC12 volts, 0.3 to 2 amperes Maximum loading weight 12kg (26.5lb) approx, excluding counterweight Counterweight 1.9kg (4.2lb) x1 Size (Body) 36cm (H) x 12cm (W) x 36cm (L) Weight 7kg (15.5lb), without counterweight

Optional Accessories for SX2, SXD2 and SXP

72576 Accessory Plate DX Weight: 1275g (44.97oz) 72573 SX Polar Axis 76919 Star Book TEN Size: 330x120x12mm Scope Computerised GO-TO 75167 Half Pillar For SX, SXD2, GP2 and GPD2. Weight: 180g (6.35oz) controller upgrade for SX2 only. Weight: 1.8kg (3.9lb) Dovetail mounting block is required to Note: only for SX use with VC and VMC optical tubes.

12 SXD2 Equatorial Mount

Heavy duty but portable astro imaging and observation platform

A ‘deluxe’ version of the SX2 mount platform, the SXD2 is based around the same compact, lightweight design of the SX2. To provide even higher levels of stability and tracking accuracy, this latest update to the SXD platform includes a number of upgraded components. The SXD2 has a higher payload capacity than the SX2 at 15kg (33lb).

Product features

Smooth & accurate tracking motion The mount has high quality bearings on the RA and DEC axes to reduce load on the motors and to make the motion of the axes as smooth as possible. When the mount is well-aligned and used in conjunction with a SX SXD2 third party autoguider, it offers exceptional tracking performance with the heaviest of astro imaging payloads.

High grade materials The high grade steel chassis provides stable and accurate RA and DEC axes. The SX SXD2 placement of the motors in the lower part of the mount casing allows them to form part 75061 SXD2 Mount of the counterweight package, reducing the Supplied complete with Star Book Ten controller (see page 19 for details) and Polar Axis Scope need to add additional counterweights to balance the scope.

Specifications SXD2 Mount High quality worm gear The all-new brass worm gears allow smooth R.A. slow motion axis 180-tooth wheel gears whole circle movement movement through the whole 360° motion of DEC. slow motion axis 180-tooth wheel gears whole circle movement the mount. Combined with the latest high- R.A. coordinates display On screen of Star Book Ten , 0.1 min. increments performance stepper motors, the SXD2 offers DEC. coordinates display On screen of Star Book Ten, 0.1 arc min. increments the keen amateur astrophotographer the Polar axis scope 6x20mm SX polar axis scope perfect platform for long exposure imaging. Altitude adjustment 0˚ to 70˚, (Fine adjustment with tangent screw: +/-15˚, 3 step elevation) Polar axis scope Azimuth adjustment Double-screw fine adjustment An internal polar axis scope is supplied as standard, mounted in the Controller Star Book Ten RA body. A variable intensity illuminator is pre-installed in the mount to Power source DC12 volts, 0.4 to 1.7 amperes evenly illuminate the alignment reticle in the polar axis scope. Vixen’s Maximum loading weight 15kg (33lb) approx, excluding counterweight excellent reticle design and precise RA axis/polar scope alignment Counterweight 1.9kg (4.2lb) x1 and 3.7kg (8.15lb) x1 makes precision polar alignment quick and simple. Size (Body) 36cm (H) x 12cm (W) x 36cm (L) Weight 8.8kg (19.4lb), without counterweight

Optional Accessories for SX2, SXD2 and SXP

75460 Tripod 75655 Carry Bag for Accessory Tray 75161 Aluminium Tripod 80/100mm Tube or Provides storage for eyepieces and other 72697 SX Aluminium Case SXG-HAL130 HAL130 Tripod Weight: 6.1kg (13.4lb) Legs: Adjustable from 81cm to 130cm accessories and also Soft padded carry bag with two improves the stability of the Size: 470x500x220mm in length. Weight: 5.5kg (12.1lb) accessory pouches. Note: Special order only Note: Tripod not included with SX or SXD2 mount. HAL130 tripod.

13 SXP Equatorial Mount

The ultimate SX platform for the most discerning observers and astrophotgraphers

Combining the best functions of the Sphinx series of mounts and of the latest Star Book GO-TO controller, Vixen has introduced a new generation of SX equatorial mount for high-performance observing and astrophotography.

The Vixen SXP mount comes with Star Book Ten controller for manual or computer controlled observation or astrophotography.

Using the same high precision stepper motors as the top of the range AXD mount, the new SXP brings a new level of performance to the mid-range Vixen mount family. The SXP is quieter and smoother in its tracking than the SX and SXD2 mounts and the increased precision of the motors allows for improved performance for long-exposure astrophotography.

Product features

The new mount comes as standard with the Star Book Ten which is the latest generation Vixen handheld controller. Its high resolution screen and extensive feature set make it the perfect companion for this sturdy mount.

The SXP mount uses high-precision pulse stepper motors. Vixen’s micro-step motion control makes the movement of the motors very 75051 SXP Mount accurate, quiet and extremely smooth. Supplied complete with Star Book Ten controller (see page 19 for details) Please note the SXP Mount is available to special order only. The RA and DEC gear wheels have 180 teeth

Specifications SXP Mount and are 72mm in diameter. High-precision R.A. slow motion 180-tooth full circle micro-movement gear, 72mm CNC-machined brass wheels and worm gears diameter, brass wheel ensure accurate tracking. The uprated RA and DEC. slow motion 180-tooth full circle micro-movement gear, 72mm DEC shafts are made of carbon steel and are diameter, brass wheel supported by a combination of 15 bearings. Worm gears 9mm diameter, brass R.A. & DEC. axes 40mm diameter, carbon steel As with the other mounts in the SX range, the Number of bearings 15 pieces declination body of the SXP mount acts as Counterweight bar 20mm in diameter, retractable part of the counterweight system. This helps R.A. setting circle 10 minutes increments (accurate to 1 minute) to reduce the amount of additional weight SXD2 SXP DEC. setting circle 2˚ increments (accurate to 10 minutes, about 0.167˚) carried on the counterweight shaft. Polar axis scope Built-in 6x20mm scope, FOV 8˚, bubble level, illuminated reticle, setting accuracy within 3 minutes The Star Book Ten controller allows for Drive motor Stepping (Pulse) motors with 300PPS permanent periodic error correction data to Slewing Maximum 1000x sidereal rate be saved. Maximum payload 16kg (35.2lb) Power source DC12V 0.6~2.5A Dimensions 343 x 359 x 128mm Weight 10.5kg (23.1lb) without counterweight Counterweight 3.7kg (8.15lb) x 1pc and 1.9kg (4.2lb) x 1pc

Optional Parts & Accessories (see pages 12-13 for images) 72573 SX Polar Axis Scope 75167 Half Pillar 75301 Advance Unit Available for Star Book Ten only. 72576 Accessory Plate DX Works as a built-in autoguider in combination 72697 SX Aluminium Case with an optional CCD video camera. 75161 Aluminium Tripod SXG-HAL130 Size: 90x76x24mm 76961 Carrying Bag for Tripod HAL130 Weight: 100g (3.52oz) 75460 Tripod Accessory Tray

14 AXD Atlux Deluxe Equatorial Mount

High performance observatory-class equatorial mount

The new AXD mount is the latest generation of Vixen’s renowned Atlux equatorial mount series. The Atlux Deluxe (AXD) has been engineered to cope with the demands of the most advanced astrophotographer. As digital camera resolutions have increased, so has the need for more accuracy and stability in an equatorial mount. The use of multiple high precision bearings, worm gears and drive components mean the AXD is perfect for long exposure and very high resolution astrophotography.

Product features

Portable but stable Lightweight but strong A7075 aluminium alloy is used for the construction of the RA and DEC axes on the AXD mount. This material is stronger than titanium but is also 38% lighter. This helps to keep the overall weight of the mount head down to a transportable 25kg.

Extremely smooth slewing and tracking A total of 21 bearings are used in the mount’s moving parts to help with the smoothness and accuracy of the tracking. Multiple bearings are used in both the RA and DEC axes with a combination of ball and needle bearings offering smooth motion under the highest payloads

Improved RA axis components The RA axis shaft is 50mm in diameter which is 20% larger than the previous generation Atlux mount and so offers higher payload 76911 AXD Mount capability. The brass RA worm gear has 270 teeth which again Supplied complete with Star Book Ten controller (see page 19 for details) represents an improvement over the previous generation and means Please note the AXD Mount is available to special order only. better accuracy in tracking.

Specifications AXD Mount Accurate stepper motor control R.A. slow motion 270-tooth full circle micro-movement gear, 135mm Stepper motors control the rotation of the gears at all speeds using diameter, brass wheel Vixen’s unique micro-step motion control system. This system delivers DEC. slow motion 216-tooth full circle micro-movement gear, 108mm diameter, brass wheel 400 pulses per second to the motors and eliminates the need for Worm gears 14mm diameter, brass numerous reduction gears in the motor gear train. As a result, backlash R.A. & DEC. axes 50mm diameter, A7075 aluminium alloy is significantly reduced. Number of bearings 21 pieces (6x R.A axis, 4x DEC. axis, 2x R.A and DEC. worm gear shafts, 2x each for the R.A. and DEC. High performance slewing super gears, 3x for the R.A. setting circle) The stepper motors used in the AXD have sufficient torque to slew a Counterweight bar 25mm in diameter, retractable payload of 30kg (66lb) at up to 800x sidereal rate. R.A. setting circle 10 minutes increments (accurate to 1 minute) DEC. setting circle 2˚ increments (accurate to 10 minutes, about 0.167˚) Optimised motor positioning Polar axis scope Built-in 6x20mm scope, FOV 8˚, bubble level, The RA and DEC motors are placed in the lower part of the declination illuminated reticle, setting accuracy within 3 minutes body, following the design that has been so successful in the Vixen Drive motor Stepping (Pulse) motors with 400PPS SX mount range. This brings the centre of balance of the declination Slewing Maximum 800x sidereal rate body below the cross-over point of the two axes. As a results, the Maximum payload 30kg (66lb) (750kgs/cm torque load) motors effectively become part of the mount’s counterweight package, Power source DC12V 0.6~2.5A reducing the amount of additional counter weight required for a given Dimensions 457 x 465 x 152mm Weight 25kg (55.1lb) without counterweight payload. Counterweight 7kg (15.4lb) x 1pc and 1.5kg (3.3lb) x 1pc Factory-set periodic error correction Vixen Periodic Error Correction (VPEC) means that each and every AXD is factory tuned with a permanent periodic error correction table stored on the mount’s internal memory. In addition, user programmable PEC Optional Parts & Accessories can be applied separately to both RA and DEC axes to further improve 76916 AXD-TR102 Tripod tracking performance. 76915 AXD Half Pillar On screen ‘moon map’ function 76917 AXD P85 Pillar The latest version of the Star Book Ten firmware includes a ‘moon map’ 76918 AXD Large Accessory Plate function. This allows the user to call up an on-screen map of the visible 76912 AXD Counterweight 1.5kg (3.3lb) portion of the moon. Major sites of interest on the moon’s surface are highlighted and can be selected for the scope’s GO-TO function. 76913 AXD Counterweight 3.5kg (7.7lb) 76914 AXD Counterweight 7.0kg (15.4lb) 79222 Aluminium Carry Case 75301 Advance Unit

15 Mount Components and Options

The diagram shows the structure of the GP2 and SX2 equatorial mounts. GPD2 and SXD2 mounts have the same structure as shown for GP2 and SX2 equatorial mounts, respectively. Optional parts sold separately are also shown.

Tube Rings GP2 • GPD2 Equatorial Mounts SX2 • SXD2 Equatorial Mounts 73548 Tube Ring 72664 SX Tube Ring 90mm Weight: 350g (12.34oz) Accessory Plate 72665 SX Tube Ring 115mm Weight: 400g (14.11oz) Weight: 276g (9.74oz) 72666 SX Tube Ring 125mm Weight: 500g (17.63oz) Optical Tube Camera, etc. 72668 SX Tube Ring 140mm DX Weight: 625g (22.04oz) 72671 SX Tube Ring 176mm Weight: 1100g (38.8oz) 73548 Tube Ring 72672 SX Tube Ring 232mm Weight: 1400g (49.38oz) Accessory Plate Weight: 276g (9.74oz) 73810 Dovetail-plate 73562 Fine Optical Tube Camera, etc. Mounting Block Adjustment Weight: 220g (7.76oz) Unit DX 73815 GP2 Declination Dovetail-plate Fine Adjustment Weight: 340g (11.99oz) Body Mounting Block Unit DX 73870 Metal Includes dovetail mount head Tube Rings Carry Handle Guide Mount XY Weight: 210g (7.40oz) Accessory Plate DX

MT-1WT Motor Dovetail Tube 75621 Guide 72576 Accessory Plate DX Plate Weight: 1275g (44.97oz) 73823 GP Slow Mount XY Used with an optical tube and a camera in DEC. Cap Motion Handle Weight: 750g (26.45oz) astro-photography 72661 Dovetail Tube Plate 73564 Manual Clutch-GP GP Slow Motion Knob 72571 SX Declination Weight: 160g (5.64oz) Illuminator 73827 Variable Clamp Unit Penlight illuminator Cap Decl. Axis Vanity Cap Intensity Illuminator Weight: 220g (7.76oz) 73818 (Built-in type) Decl. Scale Ring 73822 Slow Declination setting circle Motion Knob 72574 SX Counterweight 72573 SX Polar 73817 Shaft Unit Axis Scope GP Counterweight Weight: 700g (24.69oz) Weight: 180g (6.35oz) Polar Axis 73828 Manual Shaft Vanity Cap Operation Clutch 73796 Camera Holder Polar Axis Scope Cap 73796 Camera 73912 GP Polar for Counterweight Shaft Holder for Counterweight Shaft Axis Scope Weight: 302g (10.65oz) Weight: 302g (10.65oz) Weight: 180g (6.35oz) 75167 Half Pillar 75801 Counterweight R. A. Motor 75801 Counterweight Size: 13cm dia. x 20.7cm high Cover 1.0kg (2.2lb) Weigh: 1.8kg (3.9lb) 1kg (2.2lb) GP Polar Axis Scope Cap 73819 RA Scale Ring RA setting circle 75167 72511 Half Pillar Tabletop Tripod Weight: 1.8kg (3.9lb) Height: 6.4cm Radius: 18.5cm 72577 72578 72579 72577 72578 72579 Weight: 0.9kg (1.9 lb) Counterweight Counterweight Counterweight Counterweight Counterweight Counterweight 1.9kg (4.2lb) 2.8kg (6.17lb) 3.7kg (8.15lb) 1.9kg (4.2lb) 2.8kg (6.17lb) 3.7kg (8.15lb)

77911 DD-3 73752 STAR BOOK ONE (SX2) Hand Controller 75181 SXG-AL130 MT-1WT Motor 75161 SXG-HAL130 Weight: 270g (9.52oz) Weight: 350g (12.34oz) Aluminum Tripod Adjustable leg height: 70-117cm high Aluminum Tripod Adjustable leg length: 76-130cm long Adjustable leg height: 73-115cm high Weight: 3.1kg (6.8lb) Adjustable leg length: 81-130cm long Weight: 5.5kg (12.1lb)

75161 SXG-HAL130 Aluminum Tripod Adjustable leg height: 73-115cm high Adjustable leg length: 81-130cm long 75172 SXG-P85 The GP2 and GPD2 mounts were discontinued in Weight: 5.5kg (12.1lb) Note: STAR BOOK TEN (SXD2) DX Metal Pillar June 2014 and are no longer available. Accessories and Size: 11.4cm dia. x 84cm long parts shown on this page will continue to be available Pillar thickness: 3.5mm 75166 SXG-P85 Metal from stock or to special order. Radius: 45cm Pillar Weight: 19.5kg (43lb) Size: 11.4cm dia. x 84cm long Please check with your local dealer or Opticron for Pillar thickness: 3.5mm availability before ordering. Radius: 44cm Weight: 12.5kg (27.5lb)

16 The diagram shows the structure of the GP2 and SX2 equatorial mounts. GPD2 and SXD2 mounts have the same structure as shown for GP2 and SX2 equatorial mounts, respectively. Optional parts sold separately are also shown.

17 Motors and Controllers

D3M Motor Drive Set

A dual-axis hand controller for GP2 or GPD2 mounts. This latest version of the controller includes an ST4 compatible autoguider port. Supplied with two MT-1 motors for the RA and DEC axes, the controller set enables the mount to automatically track celestial objects. The motors and controller can also be purchased separately. Optional manual operation clutches can be installed with the motors but these are not compatible with the Star Book S. 73752 MT-1 Motor Weight: 350g (12.35oz) 77911 DD-3 Controller Weight: 220g (7.76oz) 73828 Manual Operation Clutch Weight: 91g (3.21oz) 77912 D3M Controller Set Consisting of a DD-3 controller, two MT-1 motors and a battery box

Specifications DD-3 Drive speed Sidereal rate, 1.5x, 2x and 32x, pause and reverse motions Electricity consumption 0.8A (max.) Power Supplies & Cables Voltage DC 7.5 to 12 volts Power 8x D size batteries (not included) or optional 12V adapter Continuous operation duration About 20 hours at 20˚C (68˚F) with alkaline batteries Operating temperature -10˚ to 50˚C (14˚ to 122˚F) Compatible mounts* GP2, GPD2

*Also compatible with the following discontinued mount models: GP, GP-DX (GPD), GP-E

72536 Battery Case 78643 Cigarette Lighter Plug Cord for AXD, Atlux, SX series, for DD-2 Controller. Skypod and DD-3. Weight: 150g (5.29oz) 78644 Cigarette Lighter Plug Cord Requires 8x D-size batteries for AXD, Atlux, SX series, Skypod and DD-3. (not supplied).

Star Book One

The Star Book One controller is not available for purchase as a standalone item. It is included with the SX2 mount.

Controller Functions The Star Book One is a dual-axis hand controller with the following functions: • Sidereal, Solar, Lunar and King’s Rate tracking • Variable slewing speed from 0.1x to 999x sidereal • Adjustable backlash compensation • Trainable Periodic Error Correction (PEC) • Adjustable screen brightness • Four-way direction/menu navigation keys • Red LED backlit keypad

In addition, the power consumption of the controller and mount can be adjusted to extend the time the mount can be powered by a battery or power tank. Lower power is suitable when using lighter payloads such as short, small aperture refractor or reflector telescopes for observation.

ST-4 Autoguider Compatible Automatic guiding is possible by connecting a guide scope, CCD camera and autoguider.

PEC Function Specifications Star Book Star Book One has a periodic error correction (PEC) function to allow Display Two line, 8 character LED backlit LCD display the user to ‘train’ the controller to compensate for small errors in mount Autoguider port ST-4 compatible motor movement. Note that the PEC data is not stored when the Mount connect port D-SUB 9-pin male plug Power source DC12V (power supplied from the mount) controller is switched off. PEC training takes only a few minutes and is Dimensions 195 x 145 x 28mm essential for accurate tracking during long exposure astrophotography. Weight 400g (14.1oz) excluding cables & expansion unit Celestial object database 22,725 (SAO: 17,626, NGC/IC objects: 4,980, Messier objects: 109, 7 planets, 1 quasi-planet, the moon and the sun)

18 76919 Star Book Ten Controller

This latest generation of Vixen’s computerised GO-TO controller is named Star Book Ten* and has been designed to guide you to a database of more than 270,000 objects in the sky as quickly and easily as possible.

The new controller includes many new features as well as a host of updates and improvements to the existing Star Book platform. One of these new features is the so-called “see to” system which shows a preview of a chosen object on the controller screen before the GO-TO sends the telescope to that object.

* In Japanese the word “Ten” means “The Heavens”

Product features

High resolution TFT LCD screen The controller has an LED-backlit 5” LCD display with 0.3 megapixel (800x480) wide format resolution. Combined with the on-board 2D graphics acceleration of the Renesas SH7764 processor, this means that Star Book Ten delivers fast and smooth scrolling with clear graphics and text at all zoom levels.

Night vision and deep dimming The addition of a night vision mode and red keypad backlighting make this a truly observer-friendly controller. The keypad and screen backlight levels can be controlled independently. The LED backlighting of the LCD panel means that the screen can be “deep dimmed” to allow full colour display use whilst protecting the user’s night vision.

Specifications Star Book Ten Hibernate mode CPU 32 bit, 324MHz Renesas SH7764 RISC Processor This allows the user to start and stop either an imaging or observing Display 5” TFT LCD 0.3 megapixel (800x480) resolution screen with LED backlight session by simply switching the mount off and on again. The hibernate Autoguider port ST-4 compatible mode works only if the mount is not moved and the two axes are not LAN port 10BASE-T manually repositioned. Mount connect port D-SUB 9-pin male plug RA & DEC display RA: 1 second increment. DEC: 0.1 minute increment Huge object database Power source DC12V (power supplied from the mount) A database of more than 270,000 celestial objects including Messier, Power consumption ~0.25W NGC, IC objects and the SAO star catalogue is built in and can be Dimensions 169 x 154 x 30mm searched by name or number. User defined objects including comets Weight 380g (13.4oz) excluding cables & expansion unit and artificial satellites can also be added. Celestial object database 272,342 (SAO: 258997, NGC objects: 784, IC objects: 5386, Messier objects: 109, 7 planets, 1 quasi-planet, Multiple PEC modes the moon and the sun) Whilst Vixen includes an individually adjusted RA PEC at the time of manufacture, the controller allows the user to add an additional layer of mount training data for the RA and DEC axes.

Multiple object tracking rates The motion of the moon, the sun, planets and comets can all be tracked.

Artificial satellite tracking Star Book Ten includes data on the most popular artificial satellites including the International Space Station (ISS). Other objects can be added to the database by the user.

Advance Unit expansion board (optional) To provide added features for the serious astro photographer, the controller can accept an optional expansion board. This includes a PAL/NTSC video input which can be used to take still or video images to a memory card in the on-board SD card slot. When used with a The SXD2, SXP and AXD mounts feature the new Star Book Ten guide scope and camera, the expansion board provides “closed loop” controller. A useful feature of the new controller is the “night autoguiding, controlled by the Star Book Ten itself. vision” mode (shown above) to help preserve users’ night vision. Note: The Star Book Ten controller is available for purchase as a Optional Parts & Accessories standalone item only to upgrade the SX2 mount. It is included as standard with the SXD2, SXP and AXD mounts and is not backwards 75301 Advance Unit compatible with the Star Book controller supplied with Vixen’s previous generation SX and Atlux mounts. Available for Star Book Ten only. Works as a built-in autoguider in combination with an optional CCD video camera. Size: 90x76x24mm Weight: 100g (3.52oz)

19 Photographic & Eyepiece Accessories

72689 EA 42 to 73720 EA 36.4 73725 EA 60 to 77201 EA 36.4 77291 EA 50.8 77292 EA 42 to 77293 EA 60 to 31.7mm to 31.7mm 50.8mm to 42mm to 43mm 50.8mm 50.8mm Weight: 46g (1.62oz) Weight: 29g (1.02oz) Weight: 66g (2.33oz) Weight: 40g (1.41oz) Weight: 85g (3.00oz) Weight: 60g (2.12oz) Weight: 65g (2.29oz) 42mm thread. 36.4mm thread. 60mm thread. 36.4mm thread. 42mm thread. 60mm thread.

72951 DC Ring 72952 DC Ring 72953 DC 72954 DC Ring 72956 72957 72961 60mm to 53mm 53mm to 43mm Ring 43mm to 60mm to T2- Extension Tube Extension Tube Extension Tube Weight: 22g (0.78oz) Weight: 19g (0.67oz) 36.4mm thread 60mm 43mm 42mm 4mm thick (excluding 3mm thick (excluding Weight: 19g (0.67oz) Weight: 26g (0.92oz) Weight: 115g (4.06oz) Weight: 37g (1.31oz) Weight: 11g (0.39oz) external thread). external thread). 8mm thick (excluding As supplied with 60mm thread. 43mm thread. 42mm T-thread and external thread). R200SS focuser. 60mm in length. 41mm in length. 43mm thread. Inverts image for 20mm in length. photography.

79361 Eyepiece 73523 Camera Focal Adapter 77221 Digital Camera DG-DX Ring Projection Camera Adapter 43mm Deluxe 73876 Canon EOS Adapter Available for 28mm (73932), Weight: 390g (13.76oz) Weight: 153g (5.40oz) 37mm (73933), 43mm (73934) Adapter 73878 Common and 52mm (73935) thread. Weight: 242g (8.54oz) For prime focus and eyepiece Weight: 55g (1.94oz) Attaches to flip mirror. Attaches to flip mirror or projection. For prime focus photography Use with DG-DX ring to attach a R200SS focuser. Attaches to 43mm thread. with R200SS or VC200L. digital compact camera.

75971 50.8mm Compression Ring 73763 T-C Ring Eyepiece Adapter Weight: 52g (1.83oz) Weight: 63g (2.22oz) 10mm long light path.

Item 77226 Coma 73666 Focal Reducer 77229 Focal Reducer 73871 Focal Reducer 77228 Focal Reducer Corrector 3 0.67x for ED Series for VC200L f/6.4 0.62x for VMC200L 0.7x for AX103S

Usable with R200SS ED81S, ED115S, ED103S VC200L VMC200L, VMC260L AX103S

Function Reduces coma aberration Reduces focal length by 0.67x Reduces focal length by 0.71x Reduces focal length by 0.62x Reduces focal length by 0.7x around the edge of field of view. 625-419mm (f5.2) for ED81S 1800-1278mm (f6.4) 1950-1209mm (f6) for VMC200L 825-578mm (f5.6) for APS-C The focal length is not changed. 795-533mm (f5.2) for ED103S 3000-1860mm (f7.1) for format camera 890-596mm (f5.2) for ED115S VMC260L

Prime focus T-mount required Requires 73876 or 73878 Requires 73876 or 73878 Requires 73876 or 73878 Requires 73876 or 73878 photography adapter plus T-mount adapter plus T-mount adapter plus T-mount adapter plus T-mount

Eyepiece projection X X X X X Visual observation O X X X X (Cannot be used with 73839)

Weight 83g (2.93oz) 174g (6.14oz) 85g (3.0oz) 183g (6.46oz) 140g (4.94oz)

20 Photographic & Eyepiece Accessory Compatibility

No. Description Application Compatibility 72689 Eyepiece Adapter 42mm to 31.7mm Converts from 42mm male T-thread to allow use of 31.7mm eyepieces. Can be used on Vixen flip mirror or R200SS Supplied as standard with Vixen flip mirror and R200SS 73720 Eyepiece Adapter 36.4mm to 31.7mm Converts from 36.4mm visual back to allow use of 31.7mm eyepieces Older Vixen OTAs with 36.4mm visual back 73725 Eyepiece Adapter 60mm to 50.8mm Attaches to 60mm visual back and provides 50.8mm fitting with set Use with R200SS without flip mirror for attaching 50.8mm eyepieces. screws for securing flip mirror or extension tube Reversible 77201 Eyepiece Adapter 36.4mm to 42mm Converts from 36.4mm visual back to 42mm male T-thread Use to attach camera T-mount to older Vixen OTA with 36.4mm visual back 77291 Eyepiece Adapter 50.8mm to 43mm Converts from 50.8mm fitting with set screws to 43mm female thread To attach 73523 Camera Adapter 43mm Deluxe 77292 Eyepiece Adapter 42mm to 50.8mm Converts from 42mm male T-thread to allow use of 50.8mm eyepieces Can be used on Vixen flip mirror to allow use of 50.8mm eyepieces 77293 Eyepiece Adapter 60mm to 50.8mm Attaches to 60mm visual back and provides 50.8mm fitting with set All Vixen OTAs with 60mm visual back screws for securing flip mirror 75971 Compression Ring 60mm to 50.8mm Attaches to 60mm visual back and provides 50.8mm fitting with compression All Vixen OTAs with 60mm visual back ring for securing flip mirror or extension tube. Supplied as standard with all Vixen OTAs with 60mm visual back 72951 DC Ring 60mm to 53mm Converts from 60mm male to 53mm female thread Use with 60mm visual back to attach 53mm threaded accessories 72952 DC Ring 53mm to 43mm Converts from 53mm male to 43mm female thread To attach 73523 Camera Adapter 43mm Deluxe or other 43mm threaded accessories 72953 DC Ring 43mm to 36.4mm Converts from 43mm male to 36.4mm female thread To attach 36.4mm accessories to R200SS only 72954 DC Ring 60mm to T2-thread Converts from 60mm male to 42mm male T-thread Use to attach camera T-mount or 72689 Eyepiece Adapter 42mm to 31.7mm 72956 Extension Tube 60mm Extends 60mm visual back to allow use of 50.8mm eyepieces without a All Vixen OTAs with 60mm visual back diagonal or flip mirror or to provide additional back focus for astrophotography 72957 Extension Tube 43mm 43mm male to 43mm female thread to provide additional back focus Use with 73523 Camera Adapter 43mm Deluxe or OTA with 43mm visual back for astrophotography 72961 Extension Tube 42mm Converts from 42mm male T-thread to 43mm female thread to extend To attach 73523 Camera Adapter 43mm Deluxe to R200SS only back focus

Refractors Prime Focus Photography A80M, A105M, NA140SSf, ED81S, ED103S, Eyepiece projection photography ED115S 79361 Eyepiece Projection Camera Adapter

75971 50.8mm DSLR Camera Compression Ring T-Ring (Supplied) 72689 72680 Flip Mirror EA 42 to 31.7mm (Supplied) Supplied with Flip Mirror Insert NLV or NPL Eyepiece (31.7mm) here Catadioptrics VC200L, VMC200L, VMC260L

75971 50.8mm Compression Ring 77221 Digital Camera Adapter DG-DX Ring Digital Camera / (Supplied) Not suitable for use with NPL Eyepieces Video Camera Afocal Imaging (Collimation) photography 72954 DC Ring 60mm to T2-thread (Supplied) Reflectors 73763 T- C Ring R200SS

Monitor/TV CCD Camera (3rd party)

Prime Focus Photography

T-Ring Catadioptrics Eyepiece projection photography VMC110L 79361 Eyepiece Projection Camera Adapter

Eyepiece DSLR Camera Adapter 42 to 31.7mm Insert NLV or NPL Eyepiece (31.7mm) here (Supplied) Afocal Imaging (Collimation) Photography

77221 Digital Camera Adapter Digital Camera/ Not suitable for use with NPL Eyepieces DG-DX Ring Video Camera

CCD Camera (3rd party)

73763 T- C Ring Monitor/TV

21 Accessories

Finderscopes

72650 XY Red Dot 78616 7x50 72659 Holder for 72656 Holder for 72654 Finderscope Finder Finderscope Finderscope (long) Finderscope 7x50 Holder Shoe Weight: 160g (5.64oz) Weight: 365g (12.87oz) Weight: 170g (5.99oz) (short) Weight: 96g (3.39oz) No magnification. Field of view 7˚. Weight: 195g (6.88oz) Not usable with VC200L, Includes 1x CR2032 battery. Includes 1x CR2032 battery. R200SS, VMC110L or Illuminated reticle with VMC200L. adjustable brightness. Barlow Lenses Flip Mirrors & Diagonals

73674 Barlow Lens Deluxe 2x 73907 Barlow Lens 2x 72680 Flip Mirror 73680 Dielectric Diagonal Weight: 140g (4.94oz) Weight: 80g (2.82oz) Weight: 295g (10.4oz) Weight: 466g (16.4oz) 31.7mm push-fit. 31.7mm push-fit. 50.8mm push-fit. 50.8mm push-fit. 3-element lens design. Fully multi-coated. Thread for T-mount. Thread for T-mount. For 31.7mm and 50.8mm eyepieces. For telescopes with fast focal ratio. Coated optics. For 31.7mm eyepieces only.

Terrestrial Viewing Adapters Optical Tube Accessories

73548 Tube Ring 73870 Carry Handle 78791 45˚ Erect-Image 73847 Erect-Image Accessory Plate For VC, VMC and refractor Weight: 276g (9.74oz) For mounting a optical tube assemblies. Diagonal Adapter guide scope or camera on top of an Weight: 116g (4.09oz) Weight: 190g (6.70oz) optical tube. Only usable with OTAs with 31.7mm push-fit. 31.7mm push-fit. Usable on tube rings. 1/4” screw. Not usable on reflectors. refractors and reflectors. Coated optics.

Photographic Aids

72661 Dovetail Tube Plate 73796 Camera Holder for Weight: 227g (8oz) 77227 Dual Speed Focuser Counterweight Shaft Size: 190x43x25mm Can be used to replace focuser Weight: 302g (10.65oz) on the following tubes: A80M, A105M, NA140SSf, ED81S, ED103S, ED115S, AX103S, VC200L, 73562 Fine Adjustment VMC200L and R200SS. Fine Unit DX focusing speed of 7:1. Weight: 340g (11.99oz) 76631 Universal Dovetail For side by side or piggy back Adapter Medium mounting a camera (requires Weight: 207g (6oz) 72576 Accessory Plate or 73548 Size: 205x50x20mm Tube Ring Plate). Features X-Y positioning (+/- 10˚). 76632 Universal Dovetail Adapter Long Weight: 360g (11oz) Size: 280x50x20mm Mount and Tripod Accessories

75621 XY Guide Scope 72576 Accessory 73810 Dovetail 75460 Tripod 73943 Camera Mount Plate DX Mounting Block Accessory Tray Platform Adapter for Used to attach a guide scope Weight: 1275g (44.97oz) Weight: 220g (7.76oz) Provides storage space for HAL Tripod for astrophotography. Allows Size: 330x120x12mm For use with 72576 Accessory eyepieces & other accessories Weight: 380g (13.4oz) +/- 6.5 degrees of adjustment For SX2, SXD, GP2 and GPD2. Plate to mount an additional and improves the overall For mounting a camera or in both axes. Use with 72576 Dovetail mounting block is and/or guide scope. Note: This stability of the tripod. Can be other equipment on the Accessory Plate DX and 73810 required to use with VC and part is supplied as standard used on the HAL130 and Porta SXG-HAL130 tripod. 1/4” Dovetail Mounting Block. VMC optical tubes. with GP, GPD, SX2 and SXD2 II tripods. screw mounts.

22 Eyepieces

NPL Series SLV Series

The 2-group 4-element Plossl design of the NPL series eyepieces The Vixen SLV series eyepieces feature comfortable eyerelief of offers flat and clear images with good colour correction. The NPL20, 20mm or more, simple twist-up eyecup for adjusting the best eye- NPL25, NPL30 and NPL40 eyepieces feature twist-up eyecup. Fully point and high-grade Lanthanum glass for clear and high contrast multi-coated optics. viewing. Fully multi-coated optics.

No. Description Size Apparent FOV Eyerelief Weight No. Description Size Apparent FOV Eyerelief Weight 79201 NPL 4mm 31.7mm 50˚ 2.3mm 70g (2.47oz) 77202 SLV 2.5mm 31.7mm 50˚ 20mm 157g (5.54oz) 79202 NPL 6mm 31.7mm 50˚ 3mm 70g (2.47oz) 77203 SLV 4mm 31.7mm 50˚ 20mm 152g (5.36oz) 79203 NPL 8mm 31.7mm 50˚ 4.5mm 79g (2.79oz) 77204 SLV 5mm 31.7mm 50˚ 20mm 149g (5.26oz) 79204 NPL 10mm 31.7mm 50˚ 6.5mm 80g (2.82oz) 77205 SLV 6mm 31.7mm 50˚ 20mm 149g (5.26oz) 79205 NPL 15mm 31.7mm 50˚ 11mm 100g (3.53oz) 77206 SLV 9mm 31.7mm 50˚ 20mm 158g (5.57oz) 79206 NPL 20mm 31.7mm 50˚ 15mm 110g (3.88oz) 77207 SLV 10mm 31.7mm 50˚ 20mm 153g (5.4oz) 79207 NPL 25mm 31.7mm 50˚ 19.5mm 130g (4.59oz) 77208 SLV 12mm 31.7mm 50˚ 20mm 152g (5.36oz) 79208 NPL 30mm 31.7mm 50˚ 24mm 120g (4.23oz) 77211 SLV 15mm 31.7mm 50˚ 20mm 140g (4.94oz) 79209 NPL 40mm 31.7mm 40˚ 36mm 120g (4.23oz) 77212 SLV 20mm 31.7mm 50˚ 20mm 131g (4.62oz) 77213 SLV 25mm 31.7mm 50˚ 20mm 128g (4.51oz)

LVW Series

The Vixen LVW series eyepieces feature comfortable eyerelief of 20mm or more, wide 65˚ apparent field of view and high-grade Lanthanum glass for clear and high contrast viewing. Fully multi- coated optics.

Standard 31.7mm

No. Description Size Apparent FOV Eyerelief Weight 73856 LVW 3.5mm 31.7mm 65˚ 20.0mm 452g (15.95oz) 73857 LVW 5mm 31.7mm 65˚ 20.0mm 441g (15.56oz) 73895 LVW 8mm 31.7mm 65˚ 20.0mm 435g (15.35oz) 73896 LVW 13mm 31.7mm 65˚ 20.0mm 399g (14.08oz) 73897 LVW 17mm 31.7mm 65˚ 20.0mm 370g (13.06oz) 73898 LVW 22mm 31.7mm 65˚ 20.0mm 349g (12.31oz) 73727 LVW 42mm 50.8mm 65˚ 20.0mm 545g (19.22oz) 79301 NLVW 30mm 50.8mm 65˚ 22.4mm 373g (12.80oz)

Illuminated Reticle and Zoom 31.7mm

No. Description Size Apparent FOV Eyerelief Weight 73660 Or12.5mm Reticle 31.7mm 32˚ 10.8mm 158g (5.57oz) 73777 LV8~24mm 31.7mm 60˚~40˚ 19.0mm 215g (7.58oz)

23 Distributed in the UK by

Address: Unit 21, Titan Court, Laporte Way, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 8EF, UK Telephone: +44 (0)1582 726522 • Facsimile: +44 (0)1582 723559 Email: [email protected] • Website: www.vixenoptics.co.uk © OPTICRON 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission.

All equipment and specifications listed are subject to change without prior notification.