For sale: A classic VIXEN FL-80S fluorite f/8 telescope with legendary optical quality.
The scope was purchased earlier this year from well known Danish amateur astronomer Allan Dystrup.
This example dates from the mid to late 80’s (serial #807082)
The Vixen Fluorite Apochromatic refractors were the most exquisite, difficult
to produce and hence also the most expensive classic telescopes to come out of Japan. The objectives are air-spaced doublets in Steinhell confiquration, with a KzF2 short flint at the front mated to a positive CaF2 fluorite crystal at the back. The positive CaF2 fluorite crystal crown element at the back (made by Canon/Optron)..These same fluorite elements were used in the Takahashi FS series of that era. They provide unsurpassed optical color correction in a medium f/8 air spaced doublet,a lens cell with fast cool down
(10 mins) a strong lightweight OTA
(2.2kgs) with a solid R&P focuser that when well adjusted, can hold heavy equipment for visual as well as astrophotography.The lens cell is fully adjustable by 3 pairs of push/pull collimation screws.
The lens cell threads squarely onto the telescope tube.
It comes with the original dust cap for protection of the objective.
The dust cap has a solar aperture stop with its own cap.
The 130mm long removable dew shield has a felt lining at the base for easy sliding onto/off the lens cell.
The Vixen FL-scope design strikes a balance that allows rich field as well as high magnification solar system observation in a light weight grab-&-go portable package. See this review if more info is needed.
http://scopeviews.co.uk/VixenFL80S.htm
Since owning the Vixen I Have replaced the stock focuser with the Vixen
7:1 dual speed focuser $372.00 ( I still have the original one)
OTA package includes the Vixen FL-80S OTA with split rings and vixen dovetail bar. 6x30mm 8° FOV finder of swiveling stalk type with 5 positions, M43-T2 adapter ring, and a Tenba Takahashi FS-78 case.
I use this setup in a number of ways. As a terrestrial spotting scope, as a 640 mm telephoto lens and at night, under the heavens.
Its light weight, portability, and superb optics, make the Vixen FL-80S (fluorite doublet) one of the very best 80 mm APO refractors that have ever been made...
On a par with the Takahashi FS-78,except the Vixen is in a smaller/ lighter package.
In excellent condition.
$1500.00 plus postage.
If interested, I also have the Baader Amici diagonal, Baader 8-24 Mark 4 zoom eyepiece, a red dot finder and a Universal Astronomics Dwarfstar mount 3.5-4 kg load (these mounts are no longer made)
If interested please PM
Thanks for looking.
