Vixen Optics PORTA Manual Altazimuth Telescope Mount w/ Tripod USA
The Vixen PORTA Manual Altazimuth Telescope Mount is very likely the finest light-duty altazimuth mount ever created. Beyond workmanship you don't see at this price, the PORTA's main trick is its dual movement. It features precision, geared altazimuth movement as well as rapid free movement, but you don't have to engage/disengage anything to switch from one to the other! When you want rapid movement, simply grasp the telescope's tube and move it where you like; the mount immediately accommodates your desire. When you get it pointing in the ballpark and want to refine its position, use the dual-axis geared slow-motion controls. PORTA's reputation has become that it is the only altazimuth mount to rely upon for high-magnification viewing free of annoying shaking.
Porta's quick release dovetail mounting slot with locking mechanism and safety screw facilitates quick and secure assembly/disassembly of telescopes, and the plates are the same as for Vixen's GP, Great Polaris, Sphinx, and SXD mounts (as well as Celestron's CG-4, CG-5, and Meade's LXD55/75).
Note! Dovetail plate not included.
- 120-Tooth dual axis worm gearing with coarse and fine mechanically-adjusted motions
- Adjustable tripod height range of 35.4-51.1" (90-130cm)
- Includes a small round accessory tray (triangular tray available optionally)
- Designed to be folded and carried without needing to disassemble any parts
- Optional JMI Telescopes Microslew motor drive
| Mount Type | Altazimuth |
| Load Capacity | 11.0 lbs (5.00kg) |
| Motor | No |
| GO-TO Capability | No |
| Latitude Adjustment Range | Not applicable |
| Polar Axis Scope | Not applicable |
| Includes Tripod/Pier | Yes |
| Power Source | None |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.50kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 1 review)
Ratings Distribution
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 1 customer
Displaying review 1
Pros
- Compact
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Hard to find anything bad
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Bird Watching
Comments about Vixen Optics PORTA Manual Altazimuth Telescope Mount w/ Tripod:
I purchased this mount/tripod combination to hold my new (for me) Antares 1056 Vixen spec 4 inch f6.3 refractor. I have a couple of GEMs that I use for bigger scopes, but I wanted light, portable grab and go. The unit arrived well packaged and in fine condition. While I waited for its arrival, I read as many reviews as I could find and one of the biggest complaints I read was about the substandard Alt and Az slow-mo knobs/handles. Everyone recommended buying flex handles to replace the ones that come with the mount. Vixen sells these for about[$] each, but I had a few stored away from old scopes I no longer have. To my surprise, when I dug out the contents of the shipment, there were two Vixen slo-mo flex extenders in the box at no extra charge.The mount moves smoothly on both axis in either the "push-to" or slow motion mode. The aluminum tripod is steady as aluminum tripods go, particulary with an f6 scope. Even with a 5mm eyepiece at ~125X splitting Gamma Leonis, the view was quite steady and damp down time was less than 2 seconds.I have a set of wooden legs from Hands On Optics I may try on this mount to determine if there is any improvement, but for now, I'm quite pleased with the fit, finish, and overall quality of my purchase.
Displaying review 1
Motor Drives
- Price: $237.50
This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
Viewing Aids
This item is usually Drop Shipped from the MFR/Distributor within 7-10 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of placing the order with the MFR
- Price: $38.22
Mounting Plates
This item is usually Drop Shipped from the MFR/Distributor within 7-10 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of placing the order with the MFR
This item is usually Drop Shipped from the MFR/Distributor within 7-10 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of placing the order with the MFR
Cases
- Price: $59.59
What's in the Box
- Accessory Tray
- 5-Year Warranty
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