Vixen - GP2-A80Lf 80mm Achromatic Refractor Telescope and Starbook S Package with GP2 Mount

VIXEN A80Mf with GP2 Mount and STARBOOK-S

The Scope:  Follow the stars with one of the smartest values in a telescope and mount combination package.  This package has the GP2 mount that, once aligned to Polaris, will help keep the movement of the stars centered in your field of view.  The A80Mf is an Achromatic Refractor with 80mm (3.2”) of aperture. Its focal length is 910mm (3 ft.) with an f ratio of 11.4. Its light gathering is 130 times better than the human eye and has a maximum (realistic) power of 144X. Weighing only 5.5 lbs, it is easily transported to your observing site for quick set up and viewing.

A first step in becoming an amateur astronomer is understanding the movement of the stars as our Earth rotates.  This mount could be the last mount you ever need. It is upgradeable and expandable. Add the Starbook S Go-To system for star chart navigation.   Coupled with the versatility of the A80Mf Achromatic Refractor optical tube, amateur astronomers will spend countless hours of enjoyable observing.

The Mount:  The GP2 equatorial mount, tripod and counterweight are included. It is easy to use and functions well for both the visual observer and astrophotograper. Motion is controlled by included control knobs for accurate slewing. The polar altitude adjustment varies from 0° to 62° in altitude. Optional single axis or dual axis motors and controllers are available as are a polar alignment scope and setting circles.

The Upgrade:  The latest option for the GP2 and GPD2 mounts is the new STARBOOK S which incorporates Vixen’s legendary GOTO controller with BUILT IN STAR CHART that shows you exactly where the telescope is pointing and displays “what’s up” right now. The included (and upgradeable) software contains a 22,000 object database giving the user an endless variety of objects to view. Included are drop down menus of different categories of celestial objects, including Stars, Planets, Messier, NGC and other famous objects. Each sub menu only lists the objects that are available to be viewed at that time. This eliminates the frustration of other GOTO systems that don’t tell you the object is below the horizon until after you have selected it. With the Vixen Starbook you will spend more time viewing and less time searching.

If you are looking to start out with something a little larger than a beginner scope or need a better finder scope for your large telescope, the A80Mf is the one to buy. Although it is just 10mm larger than its smaller cousin the A70Lf, this extra aperture will reveal more detail in solar system objects and the deep sky alike. I find myself using the 80mm size for terrestrial viewing of ships on the ocean or whale watching. With an optional sun projection accessory I have viewed sun spots projected onto a white surface. (Of course NEVER look at the sun directly). The A80MfLf, although inexpensive is not a toy telescope. It has the same quality glass and exacting workmanship that goes into our much larger instruments.

TELESCOPE SPECIFICATIONS • Design: Refractor, Achromatic • Objective Diameter: 80mm • Focal Length: 910mm F/11.4 • Diagonal: 1.25" Star Diagonal • Eyepiece(s): PLössl 20mm (46X) and 6.3mm (144X) • Finder Scope: 6 x 30 • Focuser: Rack and Pinion • Built in Dew Shield • Weight: 5.5 lbs