Small Vixen newt - any good?

[Starkler]

In my search for the perfect grab and go outfit I have come across this Vixen 130mm + alt-az mount package.

http://www.astro-optical.com.au/viewscope.php?scopeid=143&minnum=50&maxnum=55&priceband=all&sort=name&x=51&y=13

The Porta mount seems to have a good rep, but what about the scope itself?

If its a typical el-cheapo camera store quality small newt I'll pass, but if its of a decent design and construction this could be just the perfect grab and go scope for me and I'll sell my ed80.

Has anyone seen this scope?

[Starkler]

Closer examination of the picture shows the chrome spider retaining nuts indicating its not a molded plastic spider like your typical el-cheapo small newt. There might be hope yet :)

[mick pinner]

All the Vixen gear l have looked at seems to be very good quality and l would assume this is no different, they seem to produce pretty good optics from what l've seen.

[mickoking]

It looks like a fine grab n go 'scope :thumbsup:

[dhumpie]

I have Vixen's 6" f/5 (an older Vixen/Celestron model) and it is a brilliant RFT. I say this one should be no different...

Darren

[acropolite]

Hmm, read my mind Geoff, I've been thinking the same, I think the package comes with EP's and barlow as well. The Astro optical guy was singing the praises of the mount, nice fine control and will reach all the way to the zenith.

[ausastronomer]

Geoff,

As Darren mentions he has the older 6"/F5 Vixen newt and they are superb telescopes. I like them a lot.

Vixen used to also make a 5" or 130mm (can't remember which) newt that was fairly fast at between F5 and F6. I have also used one of these and it was superb. I think the quality of the older small vixen newtonians may be a little better than the more recent versions which may even be made under contract for Vixen in China or Taiwan. Consequently, if you have some time you may end up with a nicer telescope purchasing a 2nd hand OTA and then matching it with the Vixen porta mount.

CS-John B

[Starkler]

Sadly the porta mount doesnt seem to be available in Aus without being bundled with that OTA . If AO have them in stock I'll try to get to see one in the flesh this week.

Im thinking such a scope should be a nice little rft and comfortable to use sitting down with little variation in eyepiece height, just the thing to carry on my back seat when I go on work trips :)

[janoskiss]

Astro-Optical tend to be very expensive IMO. MyAstroshop might be worth a try for the Vixen mount and scope.

[Starkler]

Thanks Steve indeed they were worth a try. Over $100 cheaper including delivery too :cool:

This scope was very hard to find information on considering that they're not sold in the US market.
The best info I could find was here (http://www.astrolumina.de/html/fotoequip_archiv.html)

I'm placing my order tomorrow :D

Isnt it purdy ? :)

[[1ponders]]

Sweet looking little beast Geoff. We eagerly wait your first light report. :D

[dhumpie]

I think it is going to be one sweet setup for a grab and go (plus it has sufficient light gathering power too!). I might consider getting one of those porta mounts in the future for my Celestron/Vixen C6....they look really cool.

Darren

[Starkler]

Darren I believe that the Porta can only accomodate OTA's up to 155mm and still reach zenith :doh:
If only a little bigger I would be buying a 150mm newt to put on it.

There are a number of reasons I have settled for this package as my grab and go.

1: Quick and easy and to set up and knock down.
2: Aperture. My ed80 just isnt big enough :(
3: Comfortable viewing position. A refractor would necessitate having the tripod higher and hence suffer greater wobble factor.
4: My alternate plan was to get a 120mm f5 skywatcher refractor, but higher powers were going to get colourful :sadeyes:
5: The whole kit should throw nicely onto the back seat of the car ;)

P.S. myastroshop (http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-197) will now be carrying these .Steve heres a free plug for offering a great price and service ;)

[Dan31415]

The OTA looks a lot like my SkyWatcher OTA.

[acropolite]

Steve will also have the porta mount only for those interested.:)

[dhumpie]

Sounds like a plan Geoff :) I actually have plans to turn my C6 into a mini dob, which I hope to get to at some stage. At this point it does not get much use due to the ease of using my 10" GS dob....

Darren