At a glance

• Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Objectives
• Phase-Corrected Roof Prisms
• Fully Multi-Coated Optics
• Wide 60° Apparent Angle of View
• Nitrogen-Filled, Water and Fogproof
• Open-Bridge/Dual-Hinge Configuration
• Lightweight and Strong Magnesium Chassis
• Large Center Focusing Knob
• Tripod Mountable with Optional Adapter
• Twist-Up Rubber Eyecups

Overview

Building on the performance of the ARTES-series, the new 10 x 42 ARTES-J Binocular realizes uncompromisingly excellent optical performance with ergonomically designed handling comfort.

• Fully multi-coated on all surfaces of objective lenses as well as eyepieces for superior light transmission.
• BaK4 prism with dielectric, high reflectivity, coating over the sub-prism.
• The objective lenses employ ED (extra-low dispersion) glass for amazingly sharp contrast and bright images.

In The Box

• Vixen Optics 10x42 Artes J DCF ED Binocular
• Soft Case
• Neck Strap

At a Glance

• Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Objectives
• Phase-Corrected Roof Prisms
• Fully Multi-Coated Optics
• Nitrogen-Filled, Water and Fogproof
• Open-Bridge/Dual-Hinge Configuration
• Lightweight and Strong Magnesium Chassis
• Large Center Focusing Knob
• Tripod Mountable with Optional Adapter
• Twist-Up Rubber Eyecups
• Made in Japan

Building on the performance of the ARTES-series, the new 8 x 42 ARTES-J Binocular realizes uncompromisingly excellent optical performance with ergonomically designed handling comfort.

• Fully multi-coated on all surfaces of objective lenses as well as eyepieces for superior light transmission.
• BaK4 prism with dielectric, high reflectivity, coating over the sub-prism.
• The objective lenses employ ED (extra-low dispersion) glass for amazingly sharp contrast and bright images.

In the box

• Vixen Optics 8x42 Artes J DCF ED Binocular
• Soft Case
• Neck Strap

There are many subjects for shooting, constellations, nebulae and even comets. The AP photoguider is an equatorial mount designed to shoot widefield, starscape images with excellent tracking accuracy in a compact body. The equipped STAR BOOK ONE controller assures high precision tracking.

Excellent tracking accuracy

The AP Photoguider allows you to take pinpoint photos of stars and constellation without guiding corrections for the length of several minutes. If you have a digital SLR camera with telephoto lens, shooting nebulae and star clusters will be fun with the AP Photoguider.

Lightweight

The AP Photoguider includes the sturdy but lightweight APP-TL130 tripod, with the complete system weighing only about 5.4kg, convenient for transporting to a dark location away from light pollution.

Shooting

Attach camera mount on the dovetail slide bar PG first and then camera set for shooting. You can start shooting immediately if you mount lightweight camera. In case of mounting heavy camera, attach a supplementary counterweight bar as well as counterweight 1kg for stable conditions.

Polar alignment scope

The AP Photoguider is equipped with the polar alignment scope where polar axis is aligned at accuracy within 3 ar sec, using auto power off for illumination of the dark field illuminator.

Accessory shoe

The AP Photoguider is provided with an accessory shoe. You can attach an optional poler meter to be able to align where Polaris is not visible.

Specifications

In The Box

• AP polar axis body unit
• R.A. Motor module and STAR BOOK ONE set
• PG mount head set
• Polar alignment scope PF-L

The Vixen Optics NPL 8mm Plossl Eyepiece is a fully multicoated 1.25" telescope eyepiece that transmits bright images with faithful colour reproduction and a wide 50 degree viewing angle. The Plossl optical design includes four elements in two groups, rendering images with minimal geometric distortion and internal reflection. This eyepiece is ideal for planetary and deep sky imaging with a wide range of optical tubes.

Specification

The Vixen Optics Mount T Ring Adapter for Micro Four Thirds Cameras is especially designed for eyepiece projection or prime focus photography. A high quality T-Ring vital to ensure the film plane that is square to the optical axis. This T rings accomplish that while minimizing any flexure. It is used to attach a digital camera body to a camera adapter for photography through a Vixen Optics telescope.

Also Vixen Optics T Rings can be used for astrophotography in conjunction with other prime focus or eyepiece projection adapters.

Specifications

The optical path can be switched easily with the changeover knob of the Flip Mirror system, allowing swift transitions from star watching to a tronomical photography. There is no change of the focus point even when switching the optical path. A T-ring attachment thread is provided for direct focus photography.

Specifications

• Inserts in 2" Focusers
• Accepts 1.25" Eyepieces
• Accepts T-Mounts

Vixen's Industry Standard attachment system

The Universal Dovetail Plate slips into any mount with dovetail attachment. Use to attach your telescope with Vixen Tube Rings or third party rings with 1/4"-20 threaded holes. Other devices such as a camera can also be attached. This dovetail tube plate is standard for many mounts and optical tubes.

Specifcations

• Size
  190mm x 43.5mm x 20mm
• Weight
  160g / 5.64oz

• Dedicated carry case for the Vixen VSD90SS optical tube assembly (OTA).

• Compatible with Vixen VSD90 telescope and all telescopes with an outer diameter of 115 mm.
• Can be directly attached to the SXP2/AXJ/AXD2 equatorial mount using the two M8 screws included.
• Can also be attached to Vixen standard dovetail equatorial mounts such as the SX2 equatorial mount by using a dual slide bar or a general-purpose slide bar.

The 130mm aperture Newtonian reflector with excellent light gathering power is ideal for observation of faint nebulae and star clusters, particularly for beginners who wish to start their astronomical journey with a large aperture for light gathering power.

Specifications

In The Box

• Vixen Optics R130SF 130mm f/5 Reflector Telescope (OTA Only)
• 20mm Eyepiece
• 6.3mm Eyepiece
• 6x30 Finderscope
• Mounting Rings with Dovetail Plate

Achromatic Refractor Optical Tube Assemblies.

Vixen achromatic refractors allow sharp views of the Moon and planets. The easy-to-maintain refractor is an excellent choice for beginners though to experts.

Specifications

VIXEN Supplementary Counterweight Bar Telescope Accessory

AP equatorial mount clamp lever

One of the features of the AP equatorial mount is the free stop, but it can be used as a clamp by exchanging the hardness adjustment screw and this clamp. (Common to RA and Declination) AP Photoguider and AP Polar Axis Unit are standard equipment.

Counterweight for use on SX, SX2, SXD, SXD2, SXP, GP2 and GPD2 mounts.

Counterweight 1.9kg

Counterweight for use on SX, SX2, SXD, SXD2, SXP, GP2 and GPD2 mounts.

Using this accessory plate, you can use telescope and camera side by side

By sliding this accessory plate into your standard Vixen Dovetail Mount, you can use telescopes and cameras side by side. Usable with SX2, SXD2, GP2, GPD2, SXP and AXD. A Dovetail-plate mounting block is needed additionally if used on SXP or AXD.

Specifications

Compact and lightweight tripod combining durability and ease of use.

APP-TL130 Tripod is highly compact and lightweight tripod combining durability and ease of use. A retractable protection rubber of the metal ferrules allows for using the tripod according to your set up environment. Compatible with not only the AP mounts but also the GP2 mounts and PORTA Ⅱ mounts.

Specifications

Suitable for use at private observatory dome

Provides a less blind area and it allows easily for pointing a telescope on the AXD mount to anywhere. This pillar uses a setting space smaller than a tripod of the same grade, so this is suitable for a private observatory dome.

Specifications

Features

Achieves high rigidity and stability

Almost all Vixen mounts can be mounted on this tripod. This tripod is sturdy and provides stability during observation. ※ SXG half pillar can be used together.

Specifications

For both planetary and deep sky observing and photographic applications.

Vixen's original Catadioptric design, consisting of two high reflectivity dielectric mirrors and a unique double meniscus lens unit in front of the secondary mirror, virtually eliminates both spherical aberration and field curvature excellently and delivers high quality of images. With the large 260mm aperture, the VMC260L is a true all purpose telescope in your observing sessions.

The VMC features a combination of a miniscus lens unit in front of the secondary mirror and high-precision spherical mirrors that are shaped with extreme accuracy. Spherical aberration and curvature of field are corrected to a high level of optical performance for clear and sharp images. With its 260mm aperture dielectric coated mirror, the VMC260L collects enough light for serious visual and photographic applications and for both planetary and seep sky observing.

Compact outdoor binoculars with an orthodox design that tickles the spirit of adventure

Compact form and lightweight design that is easy to handle even for small hands. It is easy to fit children with narrow eyes, and is recommended for first-time binoculars. PFM coating, oil-repellent coating, waterproof design, and functionality.

• Waterproof design, one that is easy for children to use
• Can be mounted on a camera tripod when used with the Bino Holder
• High eyepoint specification with 8x and 15mm eye relief for moderate magnification
• Anti-reflection coating and oil-repellent coating ensure clear and clear vision at all times

Compact outdoor binoculars with an orthodox design that tickles the spirit of adventure

Compact form and lightweight design that is easy to handle even for small hands. It is easy to fit children with narrow eyes, and is recommended for first-time binoculars. PFM coating, oil-repellent coating, waterproof design, and functionality.

• Waterproof design, one that is easy for children to use
• Bright field of view, 6x magnification, 18mm long eye relief
• Can be mounted on a camera tripod when used with the Bino Holder
• Anti-reflection coating and oil-repellent coating ensure clear and clear vision at all times

Enjoy the beauty of the night sky with a MOBILE PORTA! Highly compact and stable mount for grab and go observing.

The MOBILE PORTA includes all the functions of the award wining PORTA II Mount and is more portable. The telescope can swing freely in both vertical and horizontal directions and remain in place through simple friction. The functional "multi-arm" single fork arm folds in to make for easy transport and storage.

Includes:

Moveable arm. The direction of the multi-arm can be rotated in 15 degree intervals so that you can avoid interfering with the slow motion control handle or the optical tube. In addition, the vertical slow motion control handle can be moved outward, in the horizontal direction, to avoid interference with the horizontal slow motion control handle.

Slow motion handles. The slow motion control handles of the MOBILE PORTA allows for operating the mount in the whole-circle of the vertical and horizontal movements. It is helpful as used together with the friction stop mechanism when observing at high magnification. The position of the slow motion control handles can be changed if needed.

Foldable head mount. The mount head of the MOBILE PORTA can be folded for convenient storage or transport. The mount head is detachable from the tripod. The Tube and Tripod Bag 100, sold separately, is the perfect bag for storage and transport of your MOBILE PORTA.

Dovetail-plate attachment. With Vixen's renowned dovetail-plate system, different optical tubes can be attached easily. The mount holds optical tubes weighing up to 3.5kgs stab

Accessory tray to hold small pieces such as eyepieces. It is very useful for observing in a dark site as it save scrabbling around in low light conditions trying to find important accessories. 

In the box:

• MOBILE PORTA Mount
• Aluminium Tripod
• Slow Motion Control Handles
• Accessory Tray

A perfect telescope mount for beginners through to experienced observers

The Advanced Polaris equatorial mount is ideally suited for beginners who want to become familiar with equatorial mount or experienced observers who want a simple grab and go mount. The AP mount securely supports your telescope optical tube for comfortable observing. With its friction control system, the mount can be quickly moved to your target object. A wide selection of optional accessories are available for the AP mount to meet your observation needs.

Vixen Telescope AP-SM Equatorial Mount Description

R.A. Motor modules and STAR BOOK ONE combination

The AP-SM equatorial mount is supplied with the R.A. motor module and STAR BOOK ONE set (main motor of the AP equatorial mount for tracking celestial object) which includes STAR BOOK ONE controller. R.A. motor module and STAR BOOK ONE set is an integral part of the AP system. Your own system is created based on the R.A. motor module and STAR BOOK ONE set by adding other modules.

Clever Design

With just a 3.6kg lightweight body (without counterweight), it will be easy to handle the mount and telescope of your choice. The four AA batteries for power supply is integrated inside the body.

The motor module operates with 4 pieces of the AA batteries which are commercially available anywhere easily, not only corresponding to the alkaline battery but also economical rechargeable batteries (Ni-MH, Ni-Cd). For long term use, a commercially available USB external power supply such as USB mobile battery or USB AC adapter can be used connecting to the provided USB Micro-B terminal.

Friction Control System

Simply point the target objects by moving the optical tube by hands. The friction control system allows you to manually point the telescope at the object without using knobs and clamps.

STAR BOOK ONE controller

The included STAR BOOK ONE controller is a lightweight, compact, and simple hand-held controller mainly focusing on the XY drive (R.A and DEC directions) control, while offering various tracking modes like sideral and solar rate, backlash compensation, external autoguider port, built-in illuminator.

A wonderful tool for shooting nightscape images with a DSLR camera

What are you capturing tonight? The sky above is full of fabulous deep-sky objects, ready to photograph with your DSRL or mirrorless camera: nebula, star clusters constellations and of course, the dense dust and star clouds of our home galaxy, the Milky Way.

This compact AP photo guider is an equatorial mount designed capture widefield images with excellent tracking accuracy. It comes equipped STAR BOOK ONE controller to ensure high precision tracking.

Features

• Excellent tracking accuracy
  The AP Photoguider allows you to take pinpoint photos of stars and constellation without guiding corrections for the length of several minutes.
• Lightweight
  The AP Photoguider includes the sturdy but lightweight APP-TL130 tripod, with the complete system weighing only about 5.4kg, convenient for transporting to a dark location away from light pollution.
• Shooting
  Attach camera mount on the dovetail slide bar PG first and then camera set for shooting. You can start shooting immediately if you mount lightweight camera. In case of mounting heavy camera, attach a supplementary counterweight bar as well as counterweight 1kg for stable conditions.
• Polar alignment scope
  The AP Photoguider is equipped with the polar alignment scope where polar axis is aligned at accuracy within 3 arc sec, using auto power off for illumination of the dark field illuminator.
• Accessory shoe
  The AP Photoguider is provided with an accessory shoe. You can attach an optional poler meter to be able to align where Polaris is not visible.

• Compact telescope for locating astronomical objects
• Especially handy when observing at high magnification.

Download Manual here