Ideal for visual observation as well as prime focus, eyepiece projection, and afocal imaging astrophotography techniques, the Vixen Optics SD115S 115mm f/8 ED APO Refractor Telescope has the largest aperture and longest focal length in the series, boosting its light-gathering ability and magnification potential up from the smaller models—making this an ideal optical tube for any astronomer or photographer who wants to view and photograph the moon, planets and deep sky objects.

Optically, Vixen outfitted the SD115S with FPL53 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, in a fully multi-coated apochromatic lens system that corrects for both 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. It can accept both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces and accessories for visual use, and threads on the drawtube allow direct connection of T-rings and other camera mounts.

Included with the the optical tube assembly (OTA) is a flip-mirror diagonal with dual 1.25" holders. The light path can be directed to the upper holder with the mirror in the Up position, and to the rear holder by flipping it down. For visual observation, the mirror can hold two eyepieces to allow easy changes from low to high magnification. When using it for imaging, the camera or imaging system is placed in the back, and an eyepiece can be attached at the top to check alignment and tracking between exposures.

Vixen offers the OTA without a mount and tripod for users who already have a reliable support system, but include a mounting ring assembly and a Vixen-style dovetail plate to make it compatible with a wide variety of mounts. An integrated carry handle makes set up and break down easier and safer.

115mm Refractor-Style OTA    890mm Focal Length, f/8 Focal Ratio    FPL53 Extra-Low Dispersion Glass    Apochromatic Lens Configuration    Anti-Reflection Multi-Coated Optics    60mm and 42mm Adapter Threads    1.25" Dual-Holder Flip-Mirror Diagonal    Mounting Rings with Vixen Dovetail    7x50 Illuminated-Reticle Finderscope    OTA Only, Mount Head and Tripod Required

• Designed to capture the entire field of view of a DSLR camera with a full-frame image sensor
• Large 115mm aperture draws in enough light to view the moon, planets, and deep sky objects
• Fast f/8 focal ratio makes it ideal for long exposure astrophotography and imaging
• Long 890mm focal length produces a high magnification potential for viewing and imaging near and deep-sky objects
• Refractor-style light path delivers clear and sharp image
• FPL53 extra-low dispersion glass corrects chromatic aberration across the entire visual spectrum for clearer views and images without halos or fringing
• Apochromatic lens configuration eliminates spherical aberrations that cause distortion at the edges of the field of view, and further corrects chromatic aberrations
• Anti-reflection multi-coated optics improve light transmission to produce bright and clear high-contrast images with accurate color fidelity
• Resolution: 1.01 arcsec
• 60mm and 42mm adapter threads accept T-ring and camera mounts for astrophotography and imaging
• Rack-and-pinion focusing mechanism; focus lock ensures images remain tack-sharp during long-exposure image capture
• 2" and 1.25" visual back for eyepieces and accessories

• Optical tube assembly only — mount head and tripod required for proper use
• Vixen-style dovetail plate is compatible with a wide variety of mount heads
• Tube rings enable the OTA orientation to be adjusted for proper balance and to avoid interference with mount and accessories
• Integrated carry handle for a secure set up and break down
• Weight: 13.5 lb

Flip-mirror diagonal:

• Flip mirror down to direct light straight back or move it up to use upper holder
• Enables the use of two eyepieces or a guider eyepiece and imaging system
• 1.25" holders are compatible with a wide variety of eyepieces and accessories

• 7° field of view
• 7x power ensures a wide field of view to make alignment easy and star-hopping navigation fast
• Large 50mm aperture allows dimmer celestial objects to be seen for more alignment options with the ability to more easily find observable objects without star charts or navigation/GoTo systems
• Illuminated reticle with rheostat to control brightness intensity
• Includes mounting bracket

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What is the difference between this A80MF and the A80M? Why is the A80M twice the price when they have nearly identical specs? Is it the quality of the glass? Or China vs. Japan manufacturing? Vixen website states A80M fully manufactured in Japan , with no mention of place of manufacture for A80MF.

A: Whenever Vixen's scopes has an f at the end, it means it is made in China. Otherwise, it is made in Japan. That is the only difference.

Q: 2. Can It Fit My Skywatcher EQ5 Mount ?

A: It mounts to a vixen saddle which is what the EQ5 comes with.

Q: 3. HiIn what country was this scope made?

A: This item is manufactured in China

Q: 4. After a 120 mile road trip my TV-85 is fringing and wavering on top in a green color and the bottom black and white. Did I break something? Can it be repaired? Thanks

A: This is something that will have to be checked and repaired by Tele Vue. Telephone# 845-469-4551. Website http://www.televue.com/

Q: 5. Hi, i have a very good video tripod, but the scope will not attach. Do you have a link to a part that will secure this scope to my tripod? I have a pic of tripod if you need it. Thanks.

A: You will need the Farpoint Vixen-to-Losmandy-D Dovetail Adapter BH #FAFVS2D • MFR #FVS2D to make the connection.

Q: 6. Does this come with supplied eye pieces and view finder?

A: In the Box Vixen Optics ED80Sf 80mm f/7.5 APO ED Refractor Telescope with Porta II Mount Flip-Mirror Diagonal Finderscope with Bracket Hard Carrying Case for OTA Vixen Optics Porta II Alt-Azimuth Mount Limited 5-Year Warranty OTA and mount only. No eyepieces No tripod

Q: 7. what does it weigh?

A: The Sky-Watcher Evolux 82 ED APO 82mm f/6.45 Refractor Telescope (OTA Only) weighs 6.5 lbs.

Q: 8. Is there a custom hard case available for this scope?

A: There is no dedicated case for the Explore Scientific 102mm f/7 FCD100 Apo Triplet Refractor Telescope (OTA Only) BH #EX102F7ARTO • MFR #FCD100-10207-02 that B&H sells.

Q: 9. Mounting rings for the TV-85? You need these AND a mounting plate for this scope.

A: For the Tele Vue TV-85 85mm f/7 APO Doublet Refractor Telescope, the B&H # TEVSM MFR # AVT-1011 is needed to mount it to a standard Vixen style telescope mount or the BH #TE3RMS • MFR #RS3-8003 is needed to mount it to a standard 1/4-20 tripod.

Q: 10. Can you explain how this would mount on a camera? What adapters would be needed for a Nikon D3500? What stand is recommended .

A: You woud need the Sky-Watcher 0.85x Focal Reducer/Corrector for ED80 Telescope BH #SKFRFP80 • MFR #S20200 to attach to the scope and a Celestron T-Ring for Nikon F-Mount Cameras BH #CETRN • MFR #93402 to attach to your camera body. Those (2) pieces will now screw together. A manual tripod and mount example would be the Explore Scientific FirstLight EXOS Nano Mount with ST1 Tripod BH #EXFLENEQ3M • MFR #FL-EXOSNANOT1-00