The Vixen VC200L: Catadioptric Telescope Optimized for Astrophotography
The Vixen VC200L is a catadioptric telescope optimized for astrophotography, thanks to its unique "VISAC" (Vixen's Sixth-Order Aspherical Cassegrain) design. This advanced optical system offers a flat, corrected field of view, ideal for capturing sharp, detailed images with modern sensors.
Optical characteristics
- Opening : 200 mm (8 inches), offering excellent light-gathering capacity.
- Focal length : 1800 mm, with a focal ratio of f/9.
- Corrected field : Fully illuminated 42 mm image circle, suitable for full-format sensors.
- Theoretical resolution : 0.58 arcsec.
- Magnitude limit : 13,3.
Mechanical design
- Open tube : Allows rapid cooling, reducing internal turbulence.
- Length and weight : Compact 600 mm tube weighing 6.9 kg (6 kg without accessories), for easy transport and compatibility with medium equatorial mounts.
- Camera connection : Standard 2" eyepiece holder with M60x1 thread for extended compatibility.
Astrophotography performance
- Suitable for astrophotography thanks to its flat, corrected field of view.
- Excels at capturing deep-sky objects such as galaxies, nebulae and star clusters.
- With an optional focal length reducer (0.62x), it can achieve a faster focal ratio of f/5.6, ideal for reducing exposure times.
- Stars remain punctual over the entire field of view up to 42 mm in diameter, even with full-format sensors.
- Performance comparable to that of Ritchey-Chrétien systems, with simpler collimation.
Key benefits
- Flat, corrected field: No external flattener required thanks to the integrated corrective lens.
- Fast cooling: The open tube ensures rapid warm-up, ideal for impromptu observation or imaging sessions.
- Versatility: Optimized for astrophotography while offering good visual observation performance.
- Easy collimation: simpler than a Ritchey-Chrétien, yet offering similar performance.
Main applications
- Wide-field astrophotography: Precise capture of extended deep-sky objects.
- Visual observation: Excellent performance in planetary and lunar observation.
- Scientific research: Ideal for applications requiring advanced optical correction.
Accessories included
- Vixen-type dovetail for mounting on equatorial mount.
- Illuminated, reticulated 7×50 optical finder.
- Flip-mirror Vixen for easy use with eyepieces or cameras.
In a nutshell
The Vixen VC200L is a telescope specially designed to meet the needs of demanding astrophotographers. Its unique VISAC system guarantees sharp, corrected images across the entire field, while its lightweight, compact design makes it a practical, high-performance choice for exploring the wonders of the deep sky.
