TheSkySearchers

I have troubles with astigmatism and field curvature for visual use in SCT and RC designs. The field always looks gauzy or hazy to me. I discovered that aplanatic designs were (to my eyes) crisper and sharper with better contrast. I used to own an Edge 9.25 which was very satisfactory almost refractor like and would give my Z12 a run for the money on features in bright galaxies. Currently lacking a medium to large Cat in my toolkit I'm considering another Edge or a Vixen VMC design. I had already taken a VMC110L and it's my workhorse for grab and go sessions. But there are significant differences in mechanical design and likely optical fabrication between the smaller VMCs (95 and 110) and the larger ones (200, 260, 330mm). So it seemed prudent as a risk reduction exercise to opt for the VMC200L. The fact that it was on sale with no accessories for under $1k was an offer I couldn't refuse.

https://www.vixenoptics.com/Vixen-VMC20 ... /58291.htm

So what is the VMC design? Vixen describes it as a "Field Maksutov" design but there are other names for it. "Sub aperture Maksutov" and there are some who prefer to call it a Klevtsov Cassegrain because of some superficial similarities.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klevtsov– ... _telescope

A careful study of the VMC layout show significant differences! The Klevtsov design is more complex with a secondary group that consists of a Mangin mirror

Brian Deis of Vixen Optics and MrStarGuy Inc was helpful in answering a few questions about collimation mechanics, The order was placed and the OTA arrived swiftly.

Here is the scope just out of the box. A look down the open end of the tube reveals zero dust or debris. A first light report is at viewtopic.php?f=6&t=9872

A last look down the OTA (farewell to cleanliness And ready to go! Despite first light being in a brightly lit suburban area the scope performed as expected. Will continue to a dark site observing opportunity ASAP so I can compare with the Edge design. This scope is definitely a keeper on its own merits though.

She's a fine looking telescope! I hope her optics match your own.

Regards

Graeme

Graeme1858 wrote: ↑Mon May 11, 2020 5:34 am She's a fine looking telescope! I hope her optics match your own.

Regards

Graeme

Thanks! So far so good....

Congrats nFA! Looking forward more reports with this beauty.

Congratulations! I have been very happy with mine. What diagonal are you using? I use the TeleVue Everbrite dialectric.

I know you like Panoptics. I often use my TeleVue 22 mm Panoptic with it, unfortunately a discontinued EP. I would like to try either the 27 or 35 Panoptic.

Voyageur wrote: ↑Mon May 11, 2020 6:56 pm Congratulations! I have been very happy with mine. What diagonal are you using? I use the TeleVue Everbrite dialectric.

I know you like Panoptics. I often use my TeleVue 22 mm Panoptic with it, unfortunately a discontinued EP. I would like to try either the 27 or 35 Panoptic.

For first light I borrowed the Stellarvue 2" diagonal. I have the Vixen flip mirror but haven't tried it out yet. There's likely a dedicated diagonal lurking in the future.

A very nice looking telescope nFA, I hope the views are as good as it looks!

nFA, that is a stunning looking scope! Good for you on the purchase, and glad you're so far happy with it. Must go read your first light report; hopefully no neighborhood hounds...

"farewell to cleanliness" So true!

All the best,

Lady Fraktor wrote: ↑Mon May 11, 2020 8:29 pm A very nice looking telescope nFA, I hope the views are as good as it looks!

Weather isn’t going to cooperate for some days, perhaps a week. I’m going to compare lunar/ planetary with the MK66 and evaluate nebulae from a proper dark site.

Thefatkitty wrote: ↑Mon May 11, 2020 8:37 pm nFA, that is a stunning looking scope! Good for you on the purchase, and glad you're so far happy with it. Must go read your first light report; hopefully no neighborhood hounds...

"farewell to cleanliness" So true!

All the best,

Thanks! The hound population has decreased by one.

I believe you will like it. The one I tried was sharp and had great contrast. The fat vanes show a bit strong though. The Vixen really liked a Nagler 22 and Pentax 10.

Bruce

Congrats on a great new scope, notFritz!

bladekeeper wrote: ↑Tue May 12, 2020 3:43 am Congrats on a great new scope, notFritz!

Thanks. Of course clouds until the weekend, but I did get a first light in.

OK since I've decided that the VMC200L is a keeper, I've been accessorizing. A shout out to Brian Deis at Vixen Optics NA / Mr Star Guy who helped me correct some errors in judgement with regarded to the balance issues I mentioned up thread. I didn't want to get rid of the super handy handle and install tube rings so for the balance issues I chose magnets and weights.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083C ... UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W8 ... UTF8&psc=1

There is very little ferrous metal in the OTA but there is enough on the cladding of the dovetail plate that it works fine.

In addition I got the flip mirror diagonal, an extension tube, and a pair of 60 to 50.8mm eyepiece adapters.

https://www.vixenoptics.com/Vixen-Flip- ... p/2680.htm
https://www.vixenoptics.com/Vixen-Exten ... p/2956.htm
https://www.vixenoptics.com/Vixen-Eyepi ... /37293.htm

In addition I got a pair of 42mm to 50.8 adapters and a soft case.

https://www.vixenoptics.com/Vixen-Eyepi ... m?CartID=2
https://www.vixenoptics.com/StarGuy-Lar ... m?CartID=1

So now I am ready to travel!

notFritzArgelander wrote: ↑Fri Dec 25, 2020 7:10 pm OK since I've decided that the VMC200L is a keeper, I've been accessorizing......

So now I am ready to travel!

Looks like a fine set of accessories!

Where will the first location on the itinerary be?

Regards

Graeme

Graeme1858 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 25, 2020 9:07 pm

notFritzArgelander wrote: ↑Fri Dec 25, 2020 7:10 pm OK since I've decided that the VMC200L is a keeper, I've been accessorizing......

So now I am ready to travel!

Looks like a fine set of accessories!

Where will the first location on the itinerary be?

Regards

Graeme

It looks like I’m going to be able to try the COVID-19 vaccine early. Family in SLC first then dark sites in UT and NM maybe SW CO. The plan is to find a better place for living and observing. I’ll take a refractor too, the SV or the TS.

That sounds like a great adventure!

I hope virus control reaches a level where you can realise your dream!

Regards

Graeme

Graeme1858 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 25, 2020 9:36 pm That sounds like a great adventure!

I hope virus control reaches a level where you can realise your dream!

Regards

Graeme

Thanks! I think we are all hoping that control reaches a level where some normalcy can be attained.

Congrats on the new toys nFA! I hope you will have a chance to try them soon.

I hope all goes well and the location scouting is a success

Somewhere along I-10, between Odessa TX, AND Tucson AZ.
Dark, dry, 300 clear nites a year.