Description: Experience the stunning optics of a classic Newtonian — along with the build quality of a classic Vixen Considered by many to offer the biggest "bang for the bucks" in amateur astronomy, traditional Newtonian reflectors provide a level of optical quality and color-free viewing only attainable with Apo/ED refractors — but at a tiny fraction of the cost per unit of aperture. Each and every component of this complete telescope/mount/tripod set, including all accessories, was entirely nihon sei (made in Japan); estimated date of manufacture, early to mid-1990s. Specifications: objective diameter, 100 mm; focal length, 800 mm (F8)Light-gathering power, 204X; resolving power, 1.16 arc sec OTA length, 29.5 in / 750 mm; weight, 3.2 kg / 7 lb (I think)With the minor exceptions noted in text or depicted in photos, all components of this set are in outstanding condition and appear to have been used very little, very carefully, or both. It's difficult to capture in photos, but the mirror is clean and spotless, with no visible signs of deterioration of the mirror surface. In NRO's daylight field test, tree limbs/leaves (and October persimmons) were tack sharp through the Vixen K20mm eyepiece at about 100 yards, suggesting the scope isn't even in need of collimation. And if collimation should be required, it's a fairly simple process (see last 2 photos of collimation instruction sheet from Vixen). In addition to the OTA, attached tube rings, and original front cap (with black removable solar aperture cap), the listing includes everything needed to get started viewing right away: Vixen Custom D altazimuth mount, with detachable, screw-in counterweight (Vixen made 2 models of the Custom D: one with a longer, heavier counterweight designed to balance longer/heavier scopes; and the one included in this listing, which has a shorter, lighter counterweight perfectly suited to the R100M). The counterweight not only helps prevent OTA slippage toward vertical when viewing near zenith but also makes it super-easy to "reset" the mount to a higher/lower altitude range (see notes below)Vixen 2-section wood tripod (ash, I believe) with stabilizing spreader. 6 x 30 finder scope with original front and rear capsViewing accessories: Vixen 20mm Kellner and 6mm H.M. eyepieces, Vixen 2X Barlow lens, and 36.4mm x 24.5 mm (0.965 inch) eyepiece adapter 36.4 x 36.4 focuser extension sleeve; the included 36.4 x 24.5 mm adapter can be switched out for a Vixen 36.4 x 31.7 mm adapter (readily available as Vixen part number 3720 but not included in this listing) to allow use of 1.25" accessories 1 original Vixen flexible slow-motion control handle and 1 original Vixen short slow-motion control handle Original Vixen green lidded plastic accessory box, with bolt/wingnut for attaching the box to the center of the tripod spreader Original Custom D-R100M setup sheet (in Japanese), other Vixen literature, and PlaniSphere**Please take the following factors into consideration before purchasing:** (1) When the scope is horizontal, as in the 1st photo, the bottom of the OTA is about 3 feet off the ground with tripod legs fully extended. Although the tube rings can be loosened to spin the OTA to achieve a more vertical focuser orientation, with the scope at a 70-degree inclination the eyepiece is about 4-4.5 feet up. So, anyone but youngsters and people of short stature are likely to find it more comfortable to view through this scope (as currently configured with the stout tripod) while seated and with the focuser in a more horizontal orientation. Some folks, including NRO's field tester, like that; others might not. (2) The design of the Custom D (and all other alt/az mount models in the Vixen Custom series) is such that the slow-motion controls rotate the altitude axis only through a roughly 30-degree range rather than through the full 90 degrees from horizon to zenith. "Resetting" the viewing range higher or lower requires shifting the altitude axis assembly backward or forward, which is easy when the dual-nut axis tensioning system is set correctly — and especially easy because of the counterweight. In NRO field testing, it was a breeze to reset the mount to the desired range by just grabbing the counterweight like a handle and gently pushing or pulling in the desired direction. (For more on this, browse for "Vixen Custom D site: cloudynights.com") **Adult signature required on delivery.** Thanks for visiting Nippon Rare Optics!Premium optics sourced from Japan ▪ Fast, free shipping from U.S.-based seller
Price: 700 USD
Location: Prospect, Kentucky
End Time: 2024-11-15T03:38:41.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: Vixen
Type: Reflector
Lens Coating: Multi-Coated
Mount Type: Altazimuth
Finderscope: Standard
Objective Lens Diameter: 61-100 mm
Features: Lens Cover, Mounted, Slow Motion Control
Aperture: 100 mm
Country/Region of Manufacture: Japan