Vixen VMC 260L Maksutov - Cassegrain Telescope for SX Mounts (Refurbished)

The optics of the VMC260L surpass the traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain and this tube is only 650 mm in length, despite its long focal length of 3000 mm . With its large aperture of 260 mm , the telescope collects light for serious professional observations and photography of the planets, as well as countless deep-sky objects. The dielectrically coated mirrors of the VMV260L guarantee high sharpness and maximum brightness. Thanks to the open tube, this instrument cools down faster than conventional closed Cassegrain systems, and (having no front corrector plate) is not as prone to dewing issues either.An optional 0.62x focal reducer is available for expansion to reduce the focal ratio to 1: 7.1. This results in a shortening of the exposure times and the increasing the field of view, thus increasing the ability to photograph larger objects in the sky. Included accessories feature a finder, dovetail rail and a handle that assists considerably when mounting and de-mounting the scope and can also be used as a camera holder for star field recordings.CHARACTERISTICSAperture: 260 mm precision spherical mirror, multi-coatedLight gathering power: 1380xAdapter and connections: 60 mm on the focuser; 42 mm for T-mount and 31.7 mm with folding mirror; 50.8mm optionPhotography: primary focus and eyepiece projectionWHAT'S INCLUDEDVMC260L reflectorDovetail rail (3 inch for AXD)AXD SaddleplateCarrying handleFinderscope 7x50Flip mirror

Universal 60mm viewfinder and guide telescope with a focal length of 250mmExcellent 10x60 viewfinder telescope with removable eyepiece unit and crosshairs with adjustable red illumination. The larger aperture and focal length, provide an even brighter field of view and more accurate tracking due to the higher resolution. The precise helical focuser and the 1.25 inch /31.7mm plug-in connection, as well as the T2 camera connection thread (M42x0.75mm), allow the autoguiding required for long time exposure to obtain a point-shaped star image. It can also be used as a mini travel telescope.High quality 10x60 viewfinder telescope with adjustable crosshair illuminationImage sharpness and viewing characteristics lift this viewfinder well above the level of the usual 10x60 viewfinder scopes. The visible image is bright and crisply sharp. Furthermore, this viewfinder has a very large field of view (FOV) of 6.0 degrees. This makes finding and adjusting objects much easier. The existing scale markings (pitch=0.85 degree) on the crosshair are a good reference for estimating distances, and the open centre markings also make it easier to centre objects precisely. All lens surfaces are protected against weathering by multi-coating and guarantee a bright viewfinder image due to the high light transmission values. The adjustable red LED illumination unit is powered by two LR41 coin batteries. The main lens and the crosshairs can be focused independently of each other, giving you perfect focus for your eyes.Compact tracking unit for autoguidingOne of the main applications for this telescope is the so-called autoguiding. Here the usually larger photo-taking optics are actively corrected by a smaller guiding telescope with a second tracking camera. This means that the mechanical fluctuations in the tracking accuracy, which are present in all astronomical telescope mounts, are measured by the tracking camera and compensated accordingly. This is necessary in order to obtain a point-shaped star image on the astrophotos during long time exposures and to avoid unwanted star trails. For this purpose, the guiding telescope is inserted into the existing viewfinder shoe of the photo-taking optics and aligned parallel. If the existing viewfinder shoe is not compatible, a suitable viewfinder shoe is also included. With the 1.25 inch / 31,7mm plug connection at the rear end or via T2 thread connection (M42x0,75mm), a tracking camera can be mounted afterwards. This is held securely by a brass ring clamp and 3 clamping screws. Please note the required back focus for your tracking camera. The focal plane (backfocus) is approx. 22mm behind the T2 thread. The sensitive focusing on the guiding star is done by a large knurled wheel of the mechanically precise manufactured helical focuser. For easy reproduction of the point of focus, this has a white millimetre scale from 0 to 28mm, which is attached by laser engraving. After the tracking camera has been connected directly or via computer to the telescope mount and the necessary basic settings have been made, the first astrophotos with long time exposure can be taken.Use as mini travel telescopeThis viewfinder and guide telescope can also be used quite simply as a mini travel telescope. With the optional eyepieces, a magnification of 9x to 50x can be achieved. Nearly all eyepieces with a focal length of 5 to 26mm and 1.25 inch/31.7mm plug connection are suitable. Especially recommended are the EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC eyepieces of the 52 degree (Art. 02195xx) and 62 degree (02196xx) LER series. Note: Only straight view use is possible.Metal viewfinder holder and viewfinder shoeThe mount of this viewfinder and guide telescope is completely made of aluminium and is a stable base. The viewfinder mount is suitable for many common types of telescopes, such as EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC, BRESSER MESSIER etc. If the existing viewfinder shoe is not compatible, a matching viewfinder shoe is also included. This can be attached to the telescopic tube by means of four M5 screws. The bore distances of the viewfinder shoe are 31.7mm on the longitudinal and transverse axis. The six large adjustment screws with non-slip knurling make it easy to align the viewfinder, even with clammy fingers. All adjusting and clamping screws have plastic tips that effectively prevent the viewfinder housing and viewfinder mount from being scratched.FEATURESExcellent 10x60 viewfinder and guiding telescopeCan also be used as mini travel telescopePerfect image sharpness and good viewing comfortFMC Multi-coated lens surfacesLens focal length: 250mmMax. possible camera weight: 550gRemovable eyepiece/cross hair unitCamera connection via 1.25 inch / 31.7mm plug connection or T2 threadT2 thread: M42 x 0,75mmPrecise helical focuser for focusing the visible imageFocuser travel range: 28mmClose focus distance: 3 mLaser engraved millimetre scale from 0 to 28mm on the focuserFocal plane (backfocus) is approx. 22mm behind the T2 threadSeparate focusing of the crosshair at the eyepieceVery large field of view FOV of 6.0 degreesWith adjustable red cross-hair iillumination Scale markings crosshair with 0,85 degree graduationPower supply of illumination unit: coin battery type LR41 (2pcs)Brass ring clamp and 3 clamping screws on the 1.25 inch plug connectionWith optional eyepieces magnifications from 9x to 50x can be achievedSuitable are almost all eyepieces with 1.25 inch/31,7mm shaftMounting of the viewfinder telescope is completely made of aluminiumViewfinder mount with 6 large adjustment screws with knurled head for easy gripFinder shoe suitable for EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC, BRESSER MESSIER etc.Additionally a suitable viewfinder shoe is includedBore distances of the viewfinder shoe are 31.7mm on the longitudinal and transverse axisAdjusting and clamping screws have plastic tipsWHAT'S INCLUDED10x60 viewfinder/guiding telescopeEyepiece unit with crosshairCrosshair illumination unit incl. batteriesViewfinder holder with viewfinder shoeInstruction manual

Vixen has developed a new generation of SX mounts for demanding observers and astrophotographers. The SXD2WL mount is simply operated via a Wifi module with a smartphone or tablet. By controlling the mount with your smartphone using the free STAR BOOK Wireless app, you can easily use sky navigation functions such as automatic GoTo panning of celestial objects via your smartphone or tablet. By eliminating the power consumption of the conventional LCD (STAR BOOK TEN), the power consumption on the mount is reduced by up to 20%, thus enabling longer astronomical observation and astrophotography. When the desired celestial object is selected from a list, it is automatically panned into the telescope's field of view and tracking begins. An existing STAR BOOK TEN controller can also be used on this mount without any problems. Equipped with the same precision stepper motors as the top model, the AXD mount, the SXD2WL brings a new standard of performance and precision to the Vixen mount family. With a photographic load capacity of 15 kg, the axis cross of the mount weighs just 9.2 kg making it ideal for mobile observations. In addition, the motors mounted in the lower part of the mount also serve as a counterweight, so the mount requires fewer weights for balancing. The SXD2 mount in detail Precision stepper motors and micro-step motion control system At the heart of the SXD2 are the precision stepper motors, which offer better performance and response than previous models. The micro-step motion control system offers powerful and yet very smooth drive characteristics, which are given both in fine movements and in fast pans. Built-in bearings The bearings of the RA and DEC axes and the worm shafts have been significantly improved to reduce the load on the motors. As a result, the motors move much more smoothly than in previous models. High-precision worm gears High-precision processing technologies eliminate worm gear errors. The edges of the two worms and worm wheels are particularly smooth, enabling very precise tracking. Declination axis as counterweight The solid motor units are installed in the lower part of the declination axis so that the center of gravity of the SXD2 is below the intersection point of the RA and DEC axes. This means you need fewer additional counterweights. Latitude setting The latitude is adjustable between 0 and 70 degrees (divided into 3 zones and adjustable +/- 15 degrees per zone, for high, medium and low latitudes); latitude scale in 2-degree increments; fine adjustment with a tangent screw head, approx. 0.8 degrees per turn. Built-in PFL-II polar finder with illumination The built-in 5x20mm polar finder with 10° field of view has a 3-star alignment system. This eliminates the inconvenience of setting the date and original time. The illuminated reticle with variable brightness and automatic switch-off is adjustable in 8 levels and illuminated in red. The adjustment accuracy is 3 arc minutes. The wireless module in detail The Vixen Wifi adapter for EQ mounts allows you to control your Vixen mount via a smartphone or tablet. With the smartphone app STAR BOOK Wireless (free of charge) you can navigate the sky without any cables. The app turns your smartphone or tablet into a control unit for the equatorial mount in no time at all. The response delay of the mount, which is considered the biggest disadvantage of wireless connections, has been reduced to a level comparable to wired connections. Reduced power consumption compared to conventional controllers with LCD monitor The power consumption of the mount is reduced by up to 20%, allowing longer observations than with conventional wired controllers such as the STAR BOOK TEN. Operation similar to the STAR BOOK TEN controller. The STAR BOOK Wireless app has a similar structure to the STAR BOOK TEN controller. Depending on the star map setting, it contains up to 259,000 celestial objects. Tap on a celestial object in the object list and start the GoTo. The mount will now automatically move to this target and bring it into the telescope's field of view. All the popular features of the STAR BOOK TEN are retained Convenient operation When looking through the telescope operate the mount by swiping on the app's star chart. As there are no buttons, simply slide your finger over the star chart to operate the mount conveniently. Extensive astronomical data included In addition to data on easily observable celestial bodies such as Messier objects, NGC objects and IC objects, this also includes the sun, moon, planets, comets and dwarf planets. High-precision alignment By aligning the mount to one or two stars, you can already achieve fairly precise positioning. By aligning the mount to three or more stars, you can achieve high-precision alignment of the mount for high magnifications. The objects are then approached precisely and centrally in your telescope's field of view. The alignment information is saved and can be retained even when the device is switched off. By leaving the telescope in its current state after completing an observation without moving it, you can start the automatic installation with the same settings for the next observation.  Individual setting options As with the STAR BOOK TEN control unit, the app offers various individual settings, such as gear backlash compensation, night mode in red, autoguider and variable GoTo speed and LED brightness. You can also set the timing of the reversal of the objective tube (meridian flip) as desired. Even if the object moves to the south during tracking, you can prevent the telescope tube from reversing. Important note: Cannot be used on old SX mounts with the old blue Star Book! Technical information about the Wifi module: CPU with 32-bit CISC processor 120 MHz The unit is connected to the mount via a D-SUB 9PIN connector as with the STAR BOOK TEN. It has a 6-pin 6-wire modular plug for external autoguider operation. Supported operating systems are Android 6 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher, WLAN standard: IEEE 802.11b/g/n. FEATURESRA sprocket: 180 teeth DEC sprocket: 180 teeth Shaft material and diameter: Carbon steel / Decl. 35 mm, RA 40 mm thickness Polar finder scope: 6x20 mm, PFL-II polar finder Fine height adjustment: 0° to 70°, (fine adjustment +/- 15°, height) Backsight rod: 20 mm diameter Azimuth adjustment: worm fine adjustment Power supply: DC12 V; 0.4~1.7 A Maximum load: 15 kg, photographic, without counterweight Counterweight: 1x 1.9 kg and 1x 3.7 kg Tripod connection: 45 mm spigot Dimensions: 36 cm (H) x 12 cm (W) x 36 cm (L) Weight: 8.8 kg (19.4 lb), without counterweight 32-bit CISC processor 120 MHz Operating system: Android 6 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher Connection: D-SUB 9PIN connector Autoguider input ST4 Power consumption SXD2WL+Wireless unit: DC12V / 0.3-2.0 A (load 10 kg), 0.4-2.2 A (load 15 kg) SCOPE OF DELIVERYSXD2WL EQ mount Wireless unit 2 counterweights: 1.9 kg and 3.7 kg Mounting tools Pole finder PFL-II Cigarette lighter cable