Do you recognise this vintage 80mm/910mm f/11,3 refractor?

[West83]

Does anybody recognize this D=80mm F=910mm (f/11,3) refractor?

Apparently the manufacturer brand is no longer on the tube, but it's vintage (sort of). Does anybody know which scope could it be, I am looking to add it as my first refractor.

[Lady Fraktor]

It is a Celestron refractor.
Is there a model number anywhere or lettering on the lens cell?
Depending on what year it was made it will either be a made by Vixen for Celestron or just a Celestron.
These were generally very nice refractors and worth getting if not to expensive.
Are any of the original eyepieces with it? Did it originally come one a wooden tripod or the one it is currently on?
That will help pinpoint which it is.

In this picture I have circled is where the factory stick would be. Something is there, either a reflection or a sticker.

[West83]

I saw it on local ebay, going for 30€. Since I was looking for an affordable refractor to add as a second scope it immediately caught my attention, unfortunately I have no other info, the seller only stated that there is a sign with "D=80mm F=910mm".

I think this is the original tripod, no mention of eyepieces, but could be on on the diagonal, can't tell. I believe the seller also found it in the attic and is not really familiar with it.

[Lady Fraktor]

At 30 € it would be worth it if the objective is clear, have they posted a image of it?
If that is the original it will be a FirstScope but still a nice refractor.

[West83]

No images of the objective, the description only states "suitable for excellent observation of the moon and nearby celestial bodies, is of Chinese production".

And after asking for more info he said the above regarding the aperture and focal length. Also this is the third and final image on the posting:

[Lady Fraktor]

If you can afford 30€ then I would suggest to get it if you want to start with a decent base refractor.
The diagonal, finderscope and tripod/ mount are the weak points but these are replaceable over time.

[West83]

Thanks [mention]Lady Fraktor[/mention]

I appreciate your take! I hope to get it (and that the optics are in good condition), and looking forward to having a starter refractor in my possesion

I will post updates should I buy it.

[Lady Fraktor]

Excellent!
If the objective is in good condition then you have a fine base to improve on and enjoy for years.
People are still discovering just how good these older refractors really are.
Good luck with the purchase.

[West83]

So I bought myself my first refractor I believe that for 30€ it's a value purchase even if it's not of highest quality.

I just brought the scope back home, got:

- 2 eyepieces (Labeled: Super 20mm and Super 10mm)
- baader astro filter to go with it.

The scope appears to be a no-name telescope. There is absolutely no markings what so ever to indicate the manufacturer. The scope itself was purchased roughly 16-17 years ago. There seem to be a few spots on the lens, hopefully it's seen on the photos. Is it ok to clean the lens with the baader wonder fluid and cloth?

Can't wait to try it out

[West83]

I got blessed by the weather this evening (I know it's not common when someone buys any new astro related item). So I took my new (old) 80mm frac for a spin, didn't have much time so it was a quick session.

Well, simply WOW!

This peculiar little (not so little actually) refractor produced amazing views of Jupiter and Saturn! The sharpness and contrast were simply amazing. I used 6mm (x150) and barlowed 10mm (x206). The 6mm produced a breathtaking image, and the barlowed 10mm very good image! Neodymium filter produced even better contrast. I am amazed. Cassini division clear, GRS seen first time for me...

I am not still not sure about the manufacturer, but whichever it is kudos to them, the views are outstanding from my perspective, really didn't expect to be amazed by it.

As [mention]Lady Fraktor[/mention] skillfully noticed the finder (although not exactly garbage), mount and diagonal are the weak links, it is definitely worth upgrading.

Can anybody provide any advice about the mount and tripod, what should be comfortable with this scope? Will also look at the used market, but it's probably hard to find.

And those spots on the lens seem to be of no importance

[Thefatkitty]

First off, great deal! I did the conversion to CDN$, and that's just under $50 here. And you're very happy with the views it seems, so that just makes it even better!

I have to say when I first saw your pictures I couldn't believe how much it looked like my Celestron C80-HD, which was made in 1997. Everything from the dew shield cap, tube rings, even the focuser colour are all the same as on mine. The only difference is mine has the orange Celestron sticker on the tube, and the focal length on mine is 900mm, not 910mm like yours. Other that that I would swear they're the same scope:

Mine also has a few what looks like small chips or stains on the objective, same as yours, and they haven't marred my views either. I think the mirror in my 10" is dirtier...

As for the mount, mine came with the stock (albeit old) CG-4. I found some advertising for the scope here, and it states, "This heavy duty refractor telescope stands out from the other 80mm telescopes on the market by having by far the best mount." Well, that might be a stretch, but the scope rides very solidly on it, and I believe the new version of the CG-4 has steel legs. And my scope didn't come with as many counterweights as in the advert...

I'd personally say a CG-4 would be a good starting point for sure, though others may have better thoughts

Regardless of that, again I think you got a great deal! I've had my C80-HD and orange C80 for about 5 years now and I wouldn't part with either one. Just something about a long f/l 80mm achro... I can see you doing the same

All the best and good luck on a mount,

[Lady Fraktor]

Great that you enjoyed the views!
These are Celestron refractors called a Celestron Firstscope, they were made right after Celestron finished their partnership with Vixen.
Now yours does not have the original tripod and mount but this will give you an indication of what the package is worth. (You got a very good deal actually)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/CELESTRON-FIRS ... 3648445009

[West83]

First off, great deal! I did the conversion to CDN$, and that's just under $50 here. And you're very happy with the views it seems, so that just makes it even better!

I have to say when I first saw your pictures I couldn't believe how much it looked like my Celestron C80-HD, which was made in 1997. Everything from the dew shield cap, tube rings, even the focuser colour are all the same as on mine. The only difference is mine has the orange Celestron sticker on the tube, and the focal length on mine is 900mm, not 910mm like yours. Other that that I would swear they're the same scope:

I agree, I am very happy with the purchase, honestly been wanting to expand my scope range, but I can hardly afford any decent fracs. So this opportunity came at the right time
And it looks so similar almost identical, so must be as Lady Fraktor said, it's a Celestron FS80.

Mine also has a few what looks like small chips or stains on the objective, same as yours, and they haven't marred my views either. I think the mirror in my 10" is dirtier...

As for the mount, mine came with the stock (albeit old) CG-4. I found some advertising for the scope here, and it states, "This heavy duty refractor telescope stands out from the other 80mm telescopes on the market by having by far the best mount." Well, that might be a stretch, but the scope rides very solidly on it, and I believe the new version of the CG-4 has steel legs. And my scope didn't come with as many counterweights as in the advert...

I'd personally say a CG-4 would be a good starting point for sure, though others may have better thoughts

Regardless of that, again I think you got a great deal! I've had my C80-HD and orange C80 for about 5 years now and I wouldn't part with either one. Just something about a long f/l 80mm achro... I can see you doing the same

All the best and good luck on a mount,

I am certain I won't part with this one CG4 seems to be a very solid mount for this scope. And it looks great on your image!

I am just thinking should I invest some time and try to fix up the existing mount, but at the same time, might as well save me the frustration and try to buy a new mount. For this I would be inclined to buy an AZ mount. But still, decent ones are around 200€, so that's an issue for me atm Also love how the RACI looks on yours, will definitely get one in the future. But at the same time, since I am used to the red dot finder, it seems like a better choice for me.. Will have think about it. I also noticed the diagonals are somewhere north of 70€ (decent ones at least).

Great that you enjoyed the views!
These are Celestron refractors called a Celestron Firstscope, they were made right after Celestron finished their partnership with Vixen.
Now yours does not have the original tripod and mount but this will give you an indication of what the package is worth. (You got a very good deal actually)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/CELESTRON-FIRS ... 3648445009

Yes I thought it was from your previous posts, but when I saw there is no reference anywhere I wasn't sure. And I agree a very good deal, only the OTA seems to be worth more. And it definitely looks the part too!

It's safe to say I understand why people love refractors, a different experience altogether.

Waiting to see if I get some clear skies tonight, going out again

Oh and 2 questions:

1. How does one check the solar filter (if it's still good). It seems to have been in some old case with soft fabric interior. I am quite scared to give it a try though
2. Any idea if these eyepieces are any good, I haven't tried them last night, but will check them this evening. I am guessing they are below BCOs that I already own.

Thanks,
West

[notFritzArgelander]

Oh and 2 questions:

1. How does one check the solar filter (if it's still good). It seems to have been in some old case with soft fabric interior. I am quite scared to give it a try though
2. Any idea if these eyepieces are any good, I haven't tried them last night, but will check them this evening. I am guessing they are below BCOs that I already own.

1. Being scared is the correct response. Discard it. Either use a front end filter or a Herschel wedge at the back end. The eyepiece filters are unreliable. There are threads that show proper solar kit.
2. The BCOs are better.

[West83]

Oh and 2 questions:

1. How does one check the solar filter (if it's still good). It seems to have been in some old case with soft fabric interior. I am quite scared to give it a try though
2. Any idea if these eyepieces are any good, I haven't tried them last night, but will check them this evening. I am guessing they are below BCOs that I already own.

1. Being scared is the correct response. Discard it. Either use a front end filter or a Herschel wedge at the back end. The eyepiece filters are unreliable. There are threads that show proper solar kit.
2. The BCOs are better.

The filter is the front end filter if I am correct. The old man seems to have taken good care of his gear, as the scope is in great condition (better than on pictures). He even still has the receipt for the filter. But I guess it's better to discard it.

Thanks for the input

[helicon]

Glad that you could catch Jupiter and Saturn through the scope. Pretty cool addition!

[Lady Fraktor]

When you hold the filter to the sun does it appear white or orange?
When looking at the sun are there any pinpoints of light showing?

The filter may work but from your images it is very poorly made, I would not use it until t has been re-made properly.
https://www.astro-physics.info/tech_sup ... f-axis.pdf

The filter must fit snug on the telescope so that it cannot be bumped or blown off the tube.
When doing solar observing remove the finderscope so you do not accidentally look in it while pointed at the sun.

The 25mm and 10mm should work fairly well as they should be actual Plossl eyepieces and not the cheap things they include with telescopes today.

[LDW47]

If the finder is mounted on the focuser its a C80 made by Vixen Japan for Celestron in the late 80’s to mid 90’s ! If its in good shape grab it quick it is an all round great scope with great performance. I put a GSO 2” focuser on it for around $100 US, had it mounted in about 29 minutes. It expands its exceptional capabilities. Here it is mounted on my Porta II.

[randolph patterson]

That's not exactly a common combination of aperture & focal length, so this makes me tend to guess it's made at the Synta factory in Taiwan. A person in one of my FB groups is posting halfway-decent photos taken with an iPhone X through an eyepiece into his Helios 80 x 910, and Synta owns the Helios brand in addition to the Celestron, Acuter, & SkyWatcher brand names. Synta didn't begin making refractors until 1993. A ton of low-cost refractors are all made in the same 2 or 3 giant factories on the Asian continent, no matter which brand is displayed on the sticker. I guess it's plausible that it's basically a Synta scope, if only indicated as such due to the fact that the vast majority of these budget 80mm scopes will be limited to just 900mm at most, while the majority of those in 80mm versions are f/5's (400mmFL). An f/11.375 would seem to be a rare bird that's more likely being made at only one place in the entire world. There's hopefully a little background info for you, on a possible origin of your scope, if not an exact brand name.

[Lady Fraktor]

Actually Synta does not make any of the refractors they sell, they are supplied by various factories for Hi-Optic to GSO