Ianfuk

10 minutes ago, Franklin said:

"Buyee" Japanese auctions have them from time to time, that's where I got it and for under £100.

Thats a good saving , I’ll have a look 😬

8 hours ago, Franklin said:

Yeah, I thought the More Blue micro was a touch better than the Vixen one, being 1:12 v 1:7 and a bit cheaper as well.

I’m still looking for one , hopefully FLP will get one

7 hours ago, Franklin said:

@F15Rules, I see from this pic above, that you're not the only one with the idea of using focuser knobs to hold the rings.

 

That’s what the tube rings came fitted with , I thought that was normal but just looked at the SD 103 rings  🤔

10 hours ago, Franklin said:

It does indeed but I replace the stock APZ conical weight (1.65kg) with the long bar off the AP and a 3.7kg weight. Slo-mo's on the APZ are buttery smooth and the "freestop" design, when the friction levers are set correctly, works very well.

Sadly this lovely scope is no longer with me but has gone to a very good home with a fellow SGL'r.

 

Edited July 12, 2023 by Franklin

Looks good on the APZ , 2nd photo have you got the blue micro focus fitted 

9 hours ago, Franklin said:

I used the SD103S, which is a bit lighter than the AX103S, on the APZ and it worked well, with the SD115S it still worked ok but was better with the extended AP counterweight shaft and a 2.8kg weight.

Lovely setup btw.

Thanks .  The AX weight wise is about 6.5 kg , I’ve used the Baader BHSS diagonal and Pentax 40XW eyepieces mount has been great , I wouldn’t mind seeing the SD 115 on the mount🤔

11 hours ago, Franklin said:

I bet that's a cracking scope for visual, it bests the FL102S according to Vixen's catalogue specs. Must be a bit heavier than the SD103S though, does the APZ cope ok?

It’s really great for visual  , first night I used the 32mm masuyama and 16mm 85 degree eyepieces  the view was excellent looking at the moon and the crater Aristarchus the detail was jumping out.

the APZ mount and the AX both work fine , I did find this picture below of the setup and asked the shop in Japan I got the ax from and they said , it will be fine and no extra weights needed😬

16 minutes ago, John said:

Great scope and mounts 👍

You don't see many T-Rex's around., at least here in the UK. I have a black one and it's superb 🙂

Welcome to SGL as well 🙂

Thanks for the welcome  , I’m originally from hampshire moved to Australia and picked up the T-rex here .   I got the AX directly from Japan  along with the clouds 🙄

Here’s my vixen AX103S on  the T-rex