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Stellarvue
- 5m m 10 0 ° 1. 2 5"/ 2 "
Optimus Eyepiece
We profiled Stellarvue’s 9mm Optimus
eyepiece last year. Since then, the family
has grown by one, with a 13.5mm ver-
sion joining the lineup. It perfectly fills
the gap between the 9mm and 20mm
Optimus eyepieces. Fully sealed against moisture and with multicoated
optics, the 13.5 Optimus delivers well-defined images across an expansive
100° apparent field of view. Its 15 mm of eye relief and foldable rubber eye-
cup lets everyone enjoy the spectacular views comfortably. Best of all, it does
all this at a cost 40 percent less than the competition.
$349 • http://www.stellarvue.com
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Vixen Sphinx SXP2 Mount with PFL Polar Scope
Vixen’s Sphinx SXP2 German equatorial mount is the product of more than three decades of
research and development that began with the company’s Polaris and Super Polaris mounts.
Incorporating the latest 21st-century technology, the Sphinx SXP2 is designed with astroimag-
ers in mind. The heavy-duty design can carry 50 pounds (23 kg) and deliver perfect tracking
results for astroimaging or 60 pounds (27 kg) for visual observing. Inside the sculpted mount,
the dual-axis tracking system uses pulse motors to drive 180-tooth wheels mated to
worm gears. Best of all, the SXP2 comes with the latest Star Book Ten hand controller
and the Polarie PF-L II polar alignment scope. The full-color LCD screen displays a
detailed star chart that serves as a go-to guide as well as a controller for the mount’s
tracking. Users also can add an optional autoguider.
$4,299 • http://www.vixenoptics.com
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Stellarvue SVX080T-3SV PremierApochromatic Triplet Refractor
Stellarvue’s
SVX080T-3SV
refractor pro-
duces remark-
able results,
whether it is
used as a photo-
graphic instru-
ment or for
visual observa-
tions. Those exceptional views are thanks to a state-of-the-art 3.1-inch f/6
triplet objective lens that is hand figured in Stellarvue’s California optical
shop to ensure zero astigmatism, spherical aberration, and coma. It’s then
enhanced with the company’s extreme broadband coatings. Accessories
include a 3" dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser, adapters, riser blocks, and
a Losmandy-style dovetail mounting plate.$1,995 • http://www.stellarvue.com
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Vanguard BA-185
Binocular Tripod
Adapter
L-shaped tripod binocular adapters are
common, but most share the same problem: Space
is usually so limited that it’s difficult to get a good
grip on the adapter’s thumb knob and tighten it
into the binocular’s threaded socket. Vanguard’s
BA-185 Binocular Tripod Adapter solves that prob-
lem with a longer, slimmer knob that can also be
extended for a better grip. It works well on my
16x70 binoculars, which are difficult to secure
with more traditional L-brackets.$16.99 • http://www.vanguardworld.us
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VixenHR 2.4mm
eyepiece
Many of today’s
top-end tele-
scopes have such
precisely crafted
optics that the old
“60x per inch of
aperture” rule can be readily violated on nights of
steady seeing. For those special circumstances, Vixen
Optics’ series of 1.6mm, 2mm, and 2.4mm HR (high
resolution) eyepieces are perfect accomplices. Of
those, the 2.4 has the widest appeal. The view of the
lunar surface through it is especially breathtaking.$279 • http://www.vixenoptics.com