Vixen Apochromatic refractor AP 103/825 ED AX103S Sphinx SXP2 Starbook Ten GoTo (63158)

The Vixen AX103S is an f/8.0 apochromatic refractor featuring a three-element objective lens with a central ED element. This design effectively reduces chromatic aberration and produces high-contrast, sharp images. The integrated rear field corrector lens ensures clarity and sharpness across the entire field of view. Precision multi-coating on all lenses guarantees excellent light transmission, and the built-in dual speed focuser allows for both coarse and fine focus adjustments.

Sphinx SXP2 Mount:
The Sphinx Professional 2 (SXP2) mount is an advanced version of the classic SXP, offering increased load capacity and improved movement accuracy thanks to a toothed belt drive and large taper roller bearings. The mount chassis is reinforced for higher strength, and the central axis is secured in a fork for greater stability, similar to the heavier AXJ model. Latitude adjustments are quick and stable.

A 6x20 polar finder is pre-installed for precise polar alignment in both hemispheres. The polar finder features a variable illuminated reticle with automatic shut-off and eight brightness levels, and it can be aligned using three reference stars for accuracy up to 3 arc minutes. For quick setup, an optional compass QPL is available.

The mount head has a 35 mm diameter and eight M8 threaded holes spaced at 45-degree intervals, allowing for flexible attachment of rails from various manufacturers. The counterweight bar matches the standard diameter of all Sphinx mounts and slides into the housing for easy transport. The mount uses the motor as a counterweight, minimizing the need for additional counterweights.

The SXP2 mount includes the Star Book Ten controller with a multilingual database. This controller is not compatible with earlier Star Book models.

SX-HAL130 Aluminium Tripod:
This tripod has strong aluminium legs and a large mounting area for SX and SXD mounts, providing excellent stability and minimal vibration—ideal for astrophotography. The tripod height is adjustable from 81 to 130 cm, and it weighs only 5.5 kg, making it easy to transport.

Specifications

Optics:

• Type: Refractor

• Optical Design: Apochromat

• Aperture: 103 mm

• Focal Length: 825 mm

• Aperture Ratio: f/8

• Resolving Capacity: 1.12 arcseconds

• Limiting Magnitude: 11.9

• Light Gathering Power: 220

• Maximum Useful Magnification: 206x

• Tube Weight: 4.6 kg

• Tube Diameter: 115 mm

• Tube Length: 687 mm

• Tube Material: Aluminium

• Coating: Multiple

• Stray Light Baffles: Yes

• Tube Construction: Full tube

• Lens Design: Triplet

Focuser:

• Eyepiece Connection: 2 inch

• Camera Thread: 60mm and 31.7mm (T2)

Mount:

• Type: Sphinx SXP2

• Mounting Type: Equatorial

• Mounting Saddle: Vixen-Style

• Motors: Stepper motors (250 PPS)

• Polar Elevation Setting: 0–70°

• Load Capacity: 17 kg

• Mount Weight: 13 kg

• GoTo Control: Yes

• Counterweight Bar Diameter: 20 mm

• Database: 272 objects

• GPS: No

• Software: Star Book Ten

• PEC Correction: Yes

• GoTo Language: Multilingual

Tripod:

• Type: Aluminium tripod

• Accessory Plate: No

• Maximum Height: 130 cm

• Weight: 5.5 kg

Included Accessories:

• Eyepieces: 20mm and 5mm (1.25 inch)

• Finder Scope: 7x50

• Dew Shield: Included

• Flip Mirror: Included

• Counterweights: 1.9 kg and 3.7 kg (2 pieces)

• Carrying Handle: Included

• SX Half Column 2: Included

• Polar Finder Scope: Included

• Integrated Corrector: Included

General Information:

• Series: SXP2

Areas of Application:

• Astrophotography: Yes (very good)

• Moon and Planets: Yes

• Nebulae and Galaxies: Yes

• Nature Observation: No

• Sun: No (only with appropriate solar filter)

Recommended For:

• Beginners: No

• Advanced Users: Yes

• Observatories: No