Vixen Optics VMC260L OTA (Varied Options)

Vixen Optics modified the classic catadioptric design and created a unique Cassegrain reflector: The VMC260L 260mm f/11.5 Catadioptric Telescope, which outperforms a traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain. The design consists of two mirrors and a double meniscus corrector lens. The incoming light is reflected off the primary mirror and then passes through the corrector in front of the secondary, eliminating spherical aberration and field curvature while delivering outstanding contrast, and the meniscus correcting lens offers a large corrected field for today's imaging sensors. With its open tube design, the telescope cools down quicker than a conventional Cassegrain, making it ideal for imaging and astrophotography.

This version of the VMC260L comes with a large 2" visual back for observation purposes and 60mm and T-2 threads for imaging systems and astrophotography rigs. A Vixen-style dovetail rail and a convenient carry handle that makes setup and breakdown easier and safer are included, and the handle is outfitted with a piggyback mount that allows you to mount a camera to perform wide-field astrophotography during your observation or imaging sessions without the need to set up a second tracking system. A 7x50 finderscope and 90° flip mirror diagonal are supplied as part of the standard accessory pack. With the diagonal installed, the light path can be directed to the upper holder with the mirror in the up position, and to the rear holder by flipping it down. For visual observation, the mirror can hold two eyepieces to allow easy changes from low to high magnification. When using it for imaging, the camera or imaging system can be used in the back, and an eyepiece can be put on top to check alignment and tracking between exposures.

The VMC260L is offered here without a mount or tripod for those who already have a reliable support system and are looking to add a high-performance optical tube assembly (OTA) to their inventory.