Vixen ED80SF 80mm Diameter Refractor Telescope with Porta Alt Azimuth Mount

2010-01-27T19:00:00

I teach astronomy classes with an observational component. I selected a number of telescopes and mounts combinations. I wanted quality, portability, light weight, and ease of use. Of the various telescopes I purchased, this has been the most satisfying, excellent quality. The mount is also great. I had also purchased a Mini Porta but was very dissatisfied with it and returned it in exchange for a regular Porta. At its price, this scope is superb for planetary views, but it also does well on double stars, globular clusters, and bright nebulas. Not so good on faint objects, because of the small aperture. It typically performs well up to 150X, with no easily discernible chromatic aberration. The focus is very sharp as compared to similarly priced scopes. I highly recommend it.

Tonino

2007-02-14T19:00:00

A small scope that is very portable and easy to set up. Takes high magnification well. Has a well made focuser. Very precise. I used a 4mm Lanthanum eyepiece with no breakdown of images. I like this scope much better than my eight inch reflector. The 80 SF is well made. Vixen makes quality products.

Bill

2006-08-10T21:00:00

I've used a lot of higher priced short focal lengh scopes before. This one has more bang for the buck.

AstroJohn