Vixen GP2

[Jim Steele]

A bit of a newbie question but what's the difference between an EQ5 and the Vixen mount?

Why does it cost £410 without tripod

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/vixen-mounts/vixen-gp2-gem-mount.html

Yet a Vixen, wood tripod and scope is just over £500?

http://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/Products/EUROPA_150_6_Hilux_Vixen_.html

Jim

[paulastro]

Hi Jim. The EQ5 is a clone of the Vixen mount. The Vixen is engineered far better than the EQ5 and is far more sturdy and will have a greater weight carrying capacity. The Vixen mount is unusual in that it is capable of carrying more than what the manufacturer claims it will. Having said that the EQ5 is very good value if you use it within its useful limits.

It's often the case that if you get a 'package' of telescope, mount and tripod it can be cheaper than buying all the components separately - though this isn't always the case. Also retailers have special offers at times so it's always wise to shop around. Having said that, I would pay a little more and buy from an established source rather than some outfit I've never heard from. You never know when you might need some after sales support. Regards, Paul

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

I have the slightly older Vixen GP and it is a very nice mount indeed. Carries my C8 with a lot of added kit (14x70 finder, Denkmeier Filterswitch diagonal, Nagler 31T5, etc) with ease, and has done so for nearly 18 years. I would go for the Vixen any time, especially at that price, and certainly with such a scope attached. Looks like a quality combo. The wooden tripod is also very nice. I much prefer it to some aluminium tripods I have seen,

[spudlet]

That looks a like a great deal! As for buying it from widescreen centre I would think they have a pretty good reputation. If you've ever been to the shop in London you'd know the staff are (imo) knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly.

[StevieDvd]

There's a used Vixen GP2 with a hard-wood tripod on ABS http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=72521

Not mine, sort of hoping it will still be there when a friend is back from holiday as it would be of interest to him (so why am I posting this) but I guess it'll be snapped up soon.

[E621Keith]

You should check with Widescreen Centre about the price. I have a suspicion the price of the scope & mount package is outdated. Orion UK used to be UK's Vixen importer, but Opticron has taken over a few years ago. I suspect this package and pricing is left over from the Orion days.

Widescreen Centre is a reputable dealer, although they are not known to be cheap. (In fact they are probably the most expensive specialist astro retailer in the UK and usually deals with very high end stuff). Customer service is variable, sometimes they are very enthusiastic, sometimes they cannot care less.

Edit: EQ5 is a Chinese clone of the Japanese GP(2). Mechanically the Japanese ones are better, but the GP comes naked. No motors, no tripod, no polar scopes.

Electronically, the Chinese EQ5 (when equipped with Synscan GOTO) are years ahead of the Japanese original. Vixen discontinued their GOTO (SBS) for the GP.

Which to choose depends on your budget and application.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

My GP came with polar scope and single RA motor, so mileage will vary. I am thinking about replacing that with a Skywatcher Synscan set (not so much for GOTO, but for the guider port). There is a set to upgrade the EQ5 which fits the GP.

[Shibby]

I though that (admittedly this is just hearsay) the newer Vixen mounts don't have the same tracking accuracy as the old models? I love my wartime GP, but I hear rumours that the newer ones just aren't up to scratch (at least for imaging) Am I just talking nonsense?