Vixen VC200L with GP2 Mount and Hal 110 Tripod

The VC 200L is an 8" f/9.0 highly-corrected, highly-specialized telescope for astro imaging. With its elaborate aspherical optical design it achieves an excellent image correction throughout the large illuminated field. (42-mm diameter fully illuminated)

Astro Imaging

The VC200L is designed around Astro Imaging. Even at the edge of the 35 mm film format (larger CCD chips) stars are sharp (smaller than 15 micrometers). This is smaller than the resolution of fine quality CCD cameras, which means that the telescope does not limit the image quality. With the recommended f/6.4 reducer, you get much shorter exposure times.

The basic configuration already contains a piggy-back camera holder. You can then take photos both through the telescope and using a telephoto lens parallel to the main instrument or you can use the VC200L for guiding while the camera sits on top.

The GP2 equatorial mount comes standard with tripod and counterweight. It is easy to use and functions well for both the visual observer and astrophotography. The declination and right-ascension functions with 144-tooth aluminum worm gears allowing accurate tracking. Motion is controlled by included control knobs for accurate slewing. The polar altitude adjustment varies from 0-degrees to 62-degrees in altitude.