Vixen A80Mf is an Achromatic Refractor with 80 mm (3.2")

[avrojet]

I would like to know if this would be a good first scope?

Vixen A80Mf Achromatic Refractor with 80 mm (3.2")

I'm new and would be interested in seeing the planets and nebula so would I be asking to much from this scope?

Thanks

Mark

[onesmallstep]

Hi and welcome to SGL!

The Vixen is fine as a grab'n'go scope when used with one of the AltAz mounts. This particular model has a high focal length (f/11.4) so it would be very good for planetary, lunar and double star observing and would still show deep sky objects. It depends what your observing interests are. An alternative is the Dobsonian / Newtonian scopes which are good 'all-rounders' and would show a wide range of objects.

Depending on where you live and access to transport would it be possible to contact your local astro group (a list of societies can be found on the FAS website, type 'fedastro' into a search engine and click on the Societies link, goups organised by region and county). If you attend an observing session you can try a range of different scopes and talk to the owners before making any decisions.

HTH!

[JamesM]

Certainly would second John's advice regarding 'try before you buy' approach using public observation sessions. Deep sky objects (DSO's) include things like galaxies and nebula and although some of them can be observed with this scope (Messier did!) the narrow field of view that this scope provides might make getting the whole object within the eyepiece a little tricky. This would be better for planets and for viewing the moon. A dobsonian at this price would be as portable (comes with a mount) and would probably show you more objects.

James

[avrojet]

Hi

Thanks for the advice!

Mark

[Ben Ritchie]

I have the A80Mf; it's a lovely achromat, but slightly specialized due to the relatively long focal length and a bit cumbersome compared to a short focal length refractor. I enjoy using it, but wouldn't want it as my only portable 'scope.

[johninderby]

A nice scope to have in addition to a couple of other scopes, but not something I'd recommend as an only scope. As mentioned above it's a bit specialised and I'd recommend something that's a bit of an all-rounder to start with.

A 6" or 8" dob is a good place to start. Not too big or bulky, easy to set-up, relatively cheap and something that you won't outgrow for quite a while.

John