UniPol
24-12-2006, 04:59 PM
Further to Andy Jackson's excellent review on the Vixen Porta mount I thought potential owners may be interested in the dedicated multiplate made by Vixen. It wasn't cheap at around $150 from Astro Optical however its versatility has amply rewarded me. The plate is approximately 200mm x 120mm x 5mm and has a host of slots, drilled and tapped holes of varying sizes allowing a range of fitting combinations. It has a short dovetail slide which is attached with two plated cap screws as shown in the photos. The plate also comes with two 1/4" standard camera threaded knobs which proved ideal for holding my binoculars (Andrews 20 x 80 triplets) and Solarmax40 as shown in the photos. The knobs will not fall out of the slot as the end of the slot has been tapped with a 1/4" thread for insertion. The standard dovetail plate is also a boon, the 80ED can be attached and detached in seconds. The flexible cables came off my old Vixen Polaris mount and have proved far superior to the short solid rods supplied.
I must say that I was tempted to buy the William Optics Easy Touch mount but at nearly two to three times the price of the Vixen it was a no contest. I bought the Porta mount and multiplate from Astro Optical Supplies in Crows Nest and must say the service is excellent. In fact, I have been shopping with them (originally Amateur Optical Supply Co.) since they started in the mid 1960's and will continue to do so.
Hope this information proves useful to the Forum.
Cheers, Steve B
I must say that I was tempted to buy the William Optics Easy Touch mount but at nearly two to three times the price of the Vixen it was a no contest. I bought the Porta mount and multiplate from Astro Optical Supplies in Crows Nest and must say the service is excellent. In fact, I have been shopping with them (originally Amateur Optical Supply Co.) since they started in the mid 1960's and will continue to do so.
Hope this information proves useful to the Forum.
Cheers, Steve B