The VSD100 100mm f/3.8 Astrograph APO Refractor from Vixen Optics is a purpose-built telescope for astrophotography and astro-imaging, with an imaging circle designed to completely cover sensors up to medium-format size. Optically, it's designed with both super-low dispersion (SD) and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, in a fully multi-coated five-group/five-element apochromatic lens system that corrects for spherical and chromatic aberrations, astigmatism, and off-axis comas. This correction creates a wide flat field of view without distortion and removes the blue-tinted "halo" effect for true high-contrast color transmission. Front M112x1 and rear M58x0.75 threads allow the use of filters that can stay on, even if the user wants to change cameras.
The scope can be used for multiple astrophotography techniques including prime-focus, afocal imaging, or eyepiece projection. A traditional focuser is replaced by a strong non-rotational helical focus system that moves the drawtube to precisely place the focal point onto the camera's imaging sensor. An engraved vernier scale on the drawtube won't wear off over time, makes repeatability easy, and enables precision measurements to as little as 20 microns. Three different size camera adapters are provided to accommodate the most common camera-specific T-rings and accessories. The VSD100 is offered here without a mount or tripod for users who have a reliable support system; an optional mounting ring assembly will be required for proper connection to any mount. For safe transport and storage, Vixen includes a hard aluminum carrying case with a custom-cut foam lining.
- Large 100mm aperture
- Fast f/3.8 focal ratio
- Short 380mm focal length
- 5-group/5-element apochromatic refractor style
- Super-low dispersion (SD) and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass corrects for spherical and chromatic aberrations, astigmatism, and off-axis comas
- Views show a wide and flat field of view without distortion (spherical aberration) at the edges
- Colors are faithfully rendered by eliminating the blue "halo" effect of chromatic aberrations
- Anti-reflection fully multi-coated optics
- Resolution: 1.16 arcsec
- Precise over-sized knurled non-rotational helical focus ring with ring lock
- 2.4" and 1.25" eyepiece holders
- Hard aluminum case with custom-cut foam insert
- Use for prime focus, afocal imaging, or eyepiece projection astrophotography
- M84x1.0, M60x0.75mm, M42x0.75mm camera adapter threads
- Large-diameter 89mm focusing drawtube is designed with an imaging circle big enough to cover medium-format camera sensors
- 70mm imaging circle, with approximately 60% illumination at the edge
- Focus ring lock sets drawtube in place with an etched vernier scale for exact focal point placement to 20 microns
- 58mm filter thread
- Optical tube assembly only; mount and tripod required for proper use
- Optional VSD tube ring assembly with Vixen-style dovetail plate recommended
- OTA weight: 10 pounds
