[SOLD] Vixen ED103S APO - Final price drop

Profiler (Profiler) · #1 18-07-2011, 11:27 PM

I promised myself I would never sell this refractor and now I find myself listing it.

This is one of the three Vixen "S" range doublet refractors which are hand made/manufactured entirely by Vixen in Japan with the genuine Japanese optics (it is not one of the Vixen "f" range of refractors which are sub-contracted from the Chinese/Synta factories and thereafter quality controlled and rebadged/repainted by Vixen).

The short-cut/easy way to differentiate between the 'S' and 'f' range of Vixen refractors is that all of the "S" range refractors are approximately double the price of an equivalent sized 'f' range ota. For example, on various US websites a Vixen ED100sf OTA sells new for USD$999 and one of these ED103S OTA's sells new for USD$1999.

I would like to stress that there is a tangible difference between one of these Japanese made OTA's in the quality of the overall fit and finish and especially with the optics in comparison to the variety of mass produced Chinese and Taiwanese refractors around these days.

I contacted Astro Optical in Sydney (Vixen authorised dealer) and was quoted $2400.00 for a brand new ED103s OTA only (plus PPH). This 103S has a single speed focuser with the full specifications as well as tested optical properties on the following link:

http://www.opticstar.com/Run/Astrono...p?p=0_10_1_4_1

As indicated by my photo the OTA also comes with Vixen OTA carry handle (very handy), tube rings, Vixen bar and I should be able to locate a finder scope.

I would rate the quality of these/this 'S' range refractor as on par with Televue and Takahashi. I don't make this claim lightly but feel that I am in a position to do so as I do actually own various refractors from all three brands - which is part of my reason for selling this one as I am simply not finding the time to use this ED103S either.

This is a particularly impressive OTA as it is built with a high grade aluminum yet only weighs 3.6kg - exactly the same weight as a TV85 but performs on par with a TV102 – hence I am able to put it quite comfortably on my TV Panoramic mount (this is the recommended mount by Televue for the TV76 and TV85 - not included) as seen in the photo. So this OTA can easily work as a grab-n-go as it is that light and easy to transport (especially with the carry handle) but gives you the resolving power and optical quality of genuine Japanese optic four inch refractor.

If you are interested in a very high quality 103mm refractor then this is a great scope which I can once again highly recommend.

Asking $1600 plus PPH.

Inspections welcome (naturally if you live in Sydney)

Happy to answer any questions but please make them by PM only and please do not add any posts to this listing.

Thank you for looking at my listing.

Profiler (Profiler) · #2 19-07-2011, 11:51 AM

In response to an inquiry - yes - I have the original packaging, original Vixen paperwork/manuals etc to go with it.

Profiler (Profiler) · #3 19-07-2011, 07:24 PM

Apologies if I didn't make this clear in my initial listing and in response to an inquiry - yes - the OTA (mechanics, optics etc) are all in excellent condition and would suit someone looking to buy a brand new OTA and thus looking to save themselves some money off the brand new price.

Profiler (Profiler) · #4 20-07-2011, 12:31 PM

Okay - lots of inquiries/questions but no buyer so - Price Drop - $1500 - or make an offer.

As mentioned before - OTA (only) new is $2400 and this OTA has been very well cared for and would suit new buyer

Profiler (Profiler) · #5 23-07-2011, 12:23 PM

A few more pictures as requested.

I forgot to mention the OTA also comes with the additional mounting bracket so the finder can be placed on either side (see first pic).

Profiler (Profiler) · #6 23-07-2011, 02:50 PM

Front on picture as requested.

With respect to prices to appreciate the differences between the "S" and "f" ranges the Vixen ED100sf previously mentioned is basically the SW BD ED100 only QC'd and repainted by Vixen. Bintel sells a SW BD ED100 for $1299

The "S" range however are all entirely made by Vixen themselves with their own manufacture of the OTA and quite different Japanese optics hence the big price difference between the two "S" and "f" production streams.

A few reviews about the Vixen ED103S and comparisons of it against the TV-102 and Orion EON 120 (aka WO M120)

http://www.telescopereviews.com/ubbt...Number/4671221

http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1295

Please note the ED103Swt pictured in the second review is the older initial production run with the described plastic focuser wheels - the ED103S is the current production model and are made with black anodised aluminum focuser wheels.

Profiler (Profiler) · #7 28-07-2011, 03:37 PM

2nd Price Drop $1400 ono

This represents a fraction more than 40% off the new price.

Please note that as appealing as U.S. prices may appear via the internet especially with the surging AUD$ anything purchased over $1000 attracts a 10% levy for the full value of the item when brought through Australian Customs. This is in addition to the shipping cost. When these factors are taken into account the USD price of $1999 for an ED103S works out to be approximately the same as $2400 when purchased from a local Australian distributor.

Profiler (Profiler) · #8 31-07-2011, 03:06 PM

Adding a few more accessories - namely Vixen focal reducer and Vixen flip mirror to make package more attractive.

To recap - package now includes:

* Vixen ED103S OTA with tube rings, genuine Vixen bar and carry handle
* Vixen finder scope and bracket (+ additional right side finder bracket shoe)
* Vixen flip-mirror
* Vixen focal reducer

Details on all included accessories can be found here:

http://vixenoptics.com/acc/ed103sacc.html

Asking $1400 ono

PM's only and please do not add any posts to this listing

Finally - please - inquiries from genuine buyers only.

Profiler (Profiler) · #9 03-08-2011, 11:17 AM

Final price drop

I have decided to list this for one more week and thereafter if I can't find a buyer withdraw the listing and keep it.

To recap - pacakage now includes:

* Vixen ED103S OTA with tube rings, genuine Vixen bar and carry handle
* Vixen finder scope and bracket (+ additional right side finder bracket shoe)
* Vixen flip-mirror
* Vixen focal reducer

Details on all included accessories can be found here:

http://vixenoptics.com/acc/ed103sacc.html

$1200 (firm) + PPH (or free pick-up if in Sydney)

PM's only and - please - inquiries from genuine buyers only