[robgjames (Robert)]

Vixen ED81Swt - ED glass semi-apochromatic refractor (doublet). Glass is flawless. Tube is largely scratch free – see photos for tiny scratches. The focuser pinion is replaced with customer stainless -replacing plastic original knobs. Comes with the rings, handle, Vixen dovetail, Vixen flip mirror, and a Skywatcher aluminium hard case to store it in. Includes Tele Vue Plossl 20mm – see pictures for details.

I got this in 2017 from Iceinspace - but have acquired a few too many telescopes to actually use

Price is $900, including postage or pickup from Kew, Victoria.

This scope is Japanese made, not the Chinese ED80 that Vixen sells - a a rebadged Skywatcher. This is MUCH sharper and contrasty, quite a bit lighter ,and just looks great according to the previous owner. You will find a lot on the internet including:

“When The ED81S was introduced, it set a new standard for 80mm APO Refractors. The combination of better color correction from the new ED glass and brighter images from its fast f/7.7 focal ratio will satisfy the most demanding visual astronomer or astrophotographer. The new ED glass produces clear and high contrast viewing, virtually free of false color. The design uses newly developed, environmentally friendly glass technology. The optical tube is very stable yet light weight. The Vixen ED81 is an ideal travel scope. It is suitable not only for low magnifications but also for high powers beyond 150x.
The telescope is ideally suited for demanding observers and photographers. Vixen ED apochromatic refractors are doublet refractors with excellent colour correction and field correction suitable for SLR cameras. This makes them suitable for demanding astro-photographers and demanding observers alike.”