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Skymax 127 or Vixen VMC-110?


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Hi all

As per previous post I have moved countries for at least the next few years and have decided I might just forgo some of the hassle of moving over my Mak102 (and create an excuse to treat myself) and get a new scope, then just bring over my mount/EP collection.

I'm looking at either the Skymax 127, or the Vixen VMC-110. There are some obvious pros and cons to each:

VMC110

Pros: Very light and portable, quick cooldown due to open front design, cheap (€260), experience of a different scope design/manufacturer, slightly faster scope at F9.4 so a tad wider FOV

Cons: No EPs included so would have to wait for mine (not then end of the world), not sure of build/optics quality, pretty much same aperture as my 102

Skymax127 

Pros: Know the build/optics quality is good, extra aperture, two basic EPs to keep me going until I get my own over which I can then sell for a small recoup

Cons: Heavier scope so slightly less portable, more expensive (+€60)

I'm still bouncing round between the two and I really can't decide. 

Can anyone offer advice or comparison perhaps from first hand experience? Are there any other pros/cons that people can add?

TIA

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I had heard from people and also read reviews saying that the Vixen 110 did not like high powers, views being a little 'soft'.   And that spoilt the party for me, as this is geared to being a small lunar and planetary scope but couldn't take the required magnifications.  (If you want DSO / wide field / low power a small refractor would fit the bill).

Although not the 110, here's a review of the smaller 95 model which echoes what I heard about the 110.

http://www.scopeviews.co.uk/VixenVMC95.htm

Now...I'm puzzled as Vixen products usually excel.   I don't know why these reports came about...

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I had a 110 for a short while and it failed to inspire me, shame as i really liked the design and build quality, i would look at the 127 mak, or the celestron 127 omni XLT f10

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Thanks all. Well, I *had* been looking at those two, but mention of the Celestron has put the cat among the pigeons! Doing a bit of research, there appears to be the Celestron 127 XLT which I think is a Synta Mak and therefore just a different badging of the Skywatcher (in which case unless someone could say otherwise, I might as well get the SW as it is cheaper).

But then there's the C5 which is, from what I can find, significantly cheaper than the Omni 127, and I think is an SCT? I've found it for just €440 on a well known online retail site sold as a spotting scope.

Anyone have experience of the C5? I'm in the process of researching as I don't know tonnes about Celestron scopes but it's my understanding that the higher end SCTs are very well respected, does this translate to the C5? And would it be better/worse than the Omni 127?

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Hmm. Looks like the C5 is actually about €120 more than the SW. But would it be worth it?

I've owned both scopes. The 127mm mak is a better lunar / planetary scope. The C5 is decent enough and perhaps a little more versatile but looses a little contrast on the planets because of it's larger secondary obstruction. You are going to need a dew shield with either scope of course !

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depending on what you prefer to view, be it deep sky or Solar system and depending if you use this at a fairly dark site i would say the 127 mak, they are very good scopes if matched to the right eyepiece

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+1 for the 127 Mak. They're very nice little work horse general purpose type scopes. The views are small but they usually carry a lot of clarity, sharpness, and contrast. I use mine often as a grab 'n' go when I just want a short, problem free, and relaxing observing session. :)

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Well, the 127 will be a nice upgrade to my 102 at home and I'll likely sell the 102 to recoup a bit of cash. I liked the idea of trying out a different scope but to be honest the C5 is probably a bit beyond my budget and it looks like the VMC110 might not be a great investment.

I know I can trust the build and optic quality of the Skymax series, so I guess if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Thanks all for the input, as usual :)

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I keep seeing a bresser 127 maksutov on ebay looks to be the same as the skywatcher but in white, it looks superb in the colour scheme and they have been going for about £160 ish

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The only slight downside to the Skywatcher mak-cassegrains is that they operate at a bit less than their stated aperture. The 180mm is a "true" 170mm, the 127mm is around 117mm I believe.

That said, I've had some great planetary views through them on occasions :smiley:

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