Jump to content

Banner.jpg.b89429c566825f6ab32bcafbada449c9.jpg

Vixen ends HR production


mikeDnight

Recommended Posts

It seems that Vixen have decided to cease production of their HR (High Resolution) eyepiece line. This has been suspected for some time as the HR's are more of a specialist eyepiece designed for high res double star and planetary viewing, so it's target audience is relatively small. On CN its been suggested that Vixen are ending production because most who are drawn to this specialist 42° eyepiece with 3.4, 2.4, 2 and 1.6mm focal lengths have probably already bought them. Plus they are superbly engineered internally to eliminate any stray light and so are not cheap. However, it seems that FLO are still able to obtain them at the moment, so if you've been sitting on the fence with this one, there may still be a chance to grab them. Vixen have apparently already stopped producing the 3.4 and 2mm, and the 2.4 and 1.6mm are to stop in October. If in doubt, read Bill P's Vixen HR review on CN.

2037464940_2020-07-3011_07_22.thumb.jpg.2afd9876ecf1c179cae4a55818b959a8.jpg

  • Like 3
  • Thanks 1
  • Sad 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Mike (and what a lovely display box!).

I've only been lucky enough to use/own the 3.4mm and it was simply the best high power eyepiece I've ever looked through, period.

It has exemplary build (real engraving, (no stick-on screen printing here!), but what really struck me was the comfortable eye relief and viewing experience, and the fantastic contrast, scatter control and sharpness.

I predict these will become sought after in the future, and prices will likely rise, as these were never thick on the ground anyway.

Thanks for sharing, and I'm really looking forward to reading your reports on Mars with these beauties this Opposition!👍😊.

Dave

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Shame. I guess they were a "niche" product but at least they were available unlike most of the now "legendary" planetary performers.

They will soon become very expensive items and very hard to get like the ZAO's and Pentax XO's have become.

Unless .............. something else is found / launched that performs in the same way :smiley:

 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, John said:

Shame. I guess they were a "niche" product but at least they were available unlike most of the now "legendary" planetary performers.

They will soon become very expensive items and very hard to get like the ZAO's and Pentax XO's have become.

Unless .............. something else is found / launched that performs in the same way :smiley:

 

 

01CDACAD-2F52-4310-9BD8-8EF0F9DF1585.jpeg

  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

23 minutes ago, Highburymark said:

 

01CDACAD-2F52-4310-9BD8-8EF0F9DF1585.jpeg

I've wondered about getting the 4mm TOE to add to my high resolution eyepiece collection Mark, but I've tended to shy away from them because they are Tak eyepieces. It sounds silly I know, but I've been let down by a number of eyepieces from Takahashi in the past and its left a nasty taste. I haven't used any of the TOE's up to press but have heard great things about them.  Over the years I've had both the Hi LE's which both had ghosting, likewise with a 5mm LE that many rave about, but it turned out to be the worst eyepiece for ghost images that I've ever used. Then I bought the 30mm LE, but it was a poor eyepiece and was thrashed by an old Japanese 32mm volcano top Erfel which had far superior edge correction, and even by a 28mm RKE. Loyalty to a brand doesn't always pay off and I felt the legendary Tak scope quality doesn't translate to their eyepieces, despite their high prices. The TOE however still has some appeal to me, but whether I bite the bullet remains to be seen.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, mikeDnight said:

It seems that Vixen have decided to cease production of their HR (High Resolution) eyepiece line

So glad that, like you, I managed to collect the compete set, Mike. Started off with the HR 3.4 two years ago for the last opposition of Mars. What a stunning eyepiece! As are the others when object/seeing allow.

But I can understand why Vixen might want to stop. The rest of my high power set doesn't get much of a look in, apart from the TeleVue Nagler Zoom, when I'm travelling.

IMG_03161.jpg.b9721b5bf47a7829a31ca2557e151cac.jpg

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, mikeDnight said:

I've wondered about getting the 4mm TOE to add to my high resolution eyepiece collection Mark, but I've tended to shy away from them because they are Tak eyepieces. It sounds silly I know, but I've been let down by a number of eyepieces from Takahashi in the past and its left a nasty taste. I haven't used any of the TOE's up to press but have heard great things about them.  Over the years I've had both the Hi LE's which both had ghosting, likewise with a 5mm LE that many rave about, but it turned out to be the worst eyepiece for ghost images that I've ever used. Then I bought the 30mm LE, but it was a poor eyepiece and was thrashed by an old Japanese 32mm volcano top Erfel which had far superior edge correction, and even by a 28mm RKE. Loyalty to a brand doesn't always pay off and I felt the legendary Tak scope quality doesn't translate to their eyepieces, despite their high prices. The TOE however still has some appeal to me, but whether I bite the bullet remains to be seen.

I can sympathise to a degree Mike. I tried a couple of LEs a few years ago and found them ok but no better than an average plossl. But these were fairly old and well used.

However, I’ve read some more positive reports about the current LE range. And the 30mm in particular interests me, as it’s a pseudo Masuyama.  Very effective for solar binoviewing apparently. Made more attractive since Baader discontinued its Eudiascopics. So I wonder if the LE optics were redesigned when the casing was updated (and lost the green lettering in favour of white)?

But the TOE range comes highly recommended. Lots of reports on CN rate them alongside some of the best planetary eyepieces ever made. It appears Takahashi was rather stung into action by the success and quality of the Vixen HRs, and immediately set about developing its own niche range. This time there seems to be general agreement that it succeeded in producing a class leading eyepiece to match its telescopes, or at least on a par with the excellent HR. I only have the 3.3mm, and it’s a beautiful eyepiece (when conditions allow). Extremely sharp, ghosting very well controlled, and yet comfortable - can’t remember the specs but think it offers 50 degree afov with 10mm eye relief. Worth checking out reviews for the 4mm on CN. Typically for Tak, it’s pricey. But if Vixen has ended production of the HR, I wonder how long Tak’s TOEs will be around?

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I very nearly bought the 3.3mm TOE a little while back. Like Mike, I've not had a great Tak eyepiece experience to fall back on though.

Anyway, I'm happy with what I've got eyepiece-wise now :smiley:

"There will always be grass that looks a little greener" :grin:

 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Highburymark said:

But if Vixen has ended production of the HR, I wonder how long Tak’s TOEs will be around?

Indeed - good point, Mark!

Nice to see these two high quality Japanese firms trying to outdo each other (or at least keep up) - it's good for all of us!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

My 12.5mm Tak LE offers a soft view of the planets/moon and sub par contrast on nebs. In addition the transmission is average at best, at least to my eyes. It was one of my most disappointing EP purchases.

My Tak orthos are good but no better than my other Fuji orthos- but- the eyecup is a big plus.

For these reasons I'm hesitant to buy the TOE's.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

31 minutes ago, laudropb said:

I better keep hold of my 3.4 then. I bought this to try them out but I just did not get on with the 10 mm eye relief.

10mm eye relief is pretty good for a 3.4mm eyepiece. An ortho of that focal length would have about 2mm. But if you wear glasses when observing 10mm is usually not enough. I think glasses wearers would find many of these "top tier" short focal length eyepieces very challenging to use. Luckily the DeLite's, Delos's and Pentax XW's are in the next tier down (so still very good) and have a lot more eye relief :smiley:

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I’ve got on order a Vixen 4 mm SLV, however the delivery time has gone out to 30-40 days the same as a HR planetary 3.4 mm. One reason to go with the SLV was 20 mm eye relief and deliver of 7 days.

Other options are 4 mm versions of:

Tele Vue Delite 62º Eyepieces

Takahashi TOE Eyepieces

Is the planetary HR that much better then the others, worth the wait? This I imagine is the last opportunity to aquire them new?

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 minutes ago, Deadlake said:

I’ve got on order a Vixen 4 mm SLV, however the delivery time has gone out to 30-40 days the same as a HR planetary 3.4 mm. One reason to go with the SLV was 20 mm eye relief and deliver of 7 days.

Other options are 4 mm versions of:

Tele Vue Delite 62º Eyepieces

Takahashi TOE Eyepieces

Is the planetary HR that much better then the others, worth the wait? This I imagine is the last opportunity to aquire them new?

 

From what I've read, the Vixen HR's are very close to the best planetary eyepieces that you can get and in the same league as the Zeiss ZAO's, TMB Supermonocentric's, Pentax XO's.

The Takahashi TOE's and Tele Vue Delite's are excellent but just a step down in terms of outright planetary performance. The Vixen SLV's (which I have used and reported on) a small step down again. Still very competent though.

The very best mentioned above are out of production and practically impossible to acquire now at any price. The Vixen HR could well be in a similar situation soon so picking one or two up while they can be got and at a reasonable cost makes sense if you are looking for that type of eyepiece.

 

 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Deadlake said:

Is the planetary HR that much better then the others, worth the wait? This I imagine is the last opportunity to aquire them new?

If you have good optics and seeing then the HR's will strut their stuff. By good optics I mean at least a true 1/4 wave (or .8 strehl) or better. @John I totally agree with your assessment regarding the tiers of the mentioned eyepieces.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 hours ago, John said:

From what I've read, the Vixen HR's are very close to the best planetary eyepieces that you can get and in the same league as the Zeiss ZAO's, TMB Supermonocentric's, Pentax XO's.

The Takahashi TOE's and Tele Vue Delite's are excellent but just a step down in terms of outright planetary performance. The Vixen SLV's (which I have used and reported on) a small step down again. Still very competent though.

The very best mentioned above are out of production and practically impossible to acquire now at any price. The Vixen HR could well be in a similar situation soon so picking one or two up while they can be got and at a reasonable cost makes sense if you are looking for that type of eyepiece.

 

 

I've gone for the 3.4 mm HR planetary, hopefully I'll be able to get hold of one. Thanks for the advice.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

57 minutes ago, Deadlake said:

I've gone for the 3.4 mm HR planetary, hopefully I'll be able to get hold of one. Thanks for the advice.

In the time taken to post above Vixen EU are out of 3.4 mm HR and will not be getting any more in (source: FLO)

Back to original question, which of the below:

  1. Tele Vue Delite 62º Eyepieces
  2. Takahashi TOE Eyepieces

Or any others I should look at?

Edited by Deadlake
Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, Deadlake said:

Back to original question, which of the below:

  1. Tele Vue Delite 62º Eyepieces
  2. Takahashi TOE Eyepieces

Or any others I should look at?

At one time, when I had outrageous overlap at short focal lengths, I gave up my HRs and kept the DeLites. The views were so very nice and the extra FOV and comfort carried the day. Couldn't comment on the TOEs. :happy11:

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

39 minutes ago, Deadlake said:

In the time taken to post above Vixen EU are out of 3.4 mm HR and will not be getting any more in (source: FLO)

Back to original question, which of the below:

  1. Tele Vue Delite 62º Eyepieces
  2. Takahashi TOE Eyepieces

Or any others I should look at?

Delites are in my view about as good as modern, (semi) widefield, all-purpose eyepieces get. Double the eye relief of the Taks in addition to 62 degrees AFOV. Light, adjustable eye guard, super comfortable, bright, sharp across fov. 
Tak TOE’s are specialist planetary eyepieces, which some experienced observers rate more highly than the HRs, while others marginally prefer the Vixens. I’ve tested my 3.3mm TOE against Delites 3 and 4 on a few occasions - none of them perfect for planetary observing. Also the mag differences (247x and 185x for the two Delites against 224x for the Tak) make direct comparisons tricky. But what I can say is that the Tak is very sharp, and seems to draw out extra detail when atmospheric conditions allow. Its fov is also wider than the Vixen HR - useful at high magnifications when like me you’re tracking manually. There are very few reviews from this side of the Atlantic. Have a look on US forums for more thorough reports.
 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Highburymark said:

Delites are in my view about as good as modern, (semi) widefield, all-purpose eyepieces get. Double the eye relief of the Taks in addition to 62 degrees AFOV. Light, adjustable eye guard, super comfortable, bright, sharp across fov. 
Tak TOE’s are specialist planetary eyepieces, which some experienced observers rate more highly than the HRs, while others marginally prefer the Vixens. I’ve tested my 3.3mm TOE against Delites 3 and 4 on a few occasions - none of them perfect for planetary observing. Also the mag differences (247x and 185x for the two Delites against 224x for the Tak) make direct comparisons tricky. But what I can say is that the Tak is very sharp, and seems to draw out extra detail when atmospheric conditions allow. Its fov is also wider than the Vixen HR - useful at high magnifications when like me you’re tracking manually. There are very few reviews from this side of the Atlantic. Have a look on US forums for more thorough reports.
 

At the moment I’m using a Scope Tech zero mount, has slow mo’s however wider field of view would be good. Main use case would be planets, I’d revisit later with different EP’s for other cases. Looks like I’m going to have several EP’s of the same size for different applications.

Also these,

  1. Pentax XW 3.5mm
  2. Vixen SSW 83° 3.5 mm

 

 

Edited by Deadlake
Link to comment
Share on other sites

17 hours ago, jetstream said:

If you have good optics and seeing then the HR's will strut their stuff.

Agreed.  Without excellent optics the ‘strut’ might not be apparent.  In the TEC 140 I’m fortunate to use, the quality edge of the HRs and the Tak TOEs is clear. I honestly think that these are both very special eyepieces.  I have the 4mm Tak and the 3.4mm Vixen, the latter giving me x288 and an exit pupil just below .5mm, which is way more than enough to see all that the scope will resolve and about as much as my floaters want. I’ve tried to compare the ‘quality’ of the two, taking account as much as possible of the difference in focal length. For a while, I preferred the HR but, staring long and hard into lunar detail, I concluded that the Tak was as sharp, showed just much detail and showed tonalities just as well, perhaps even a little more subtly.  Or did it?  I wouldn’t be able to rank them  in terms of ‘quality’ -  I think both are stunning. I don’t feel the need for shorter lengths than I have - incidentally, if you like the idea of playing with truly ridiculous mags, they Barlow remarkably well - but if I was, I’d grab them while they’re available, and I wouldn’t be quibbling about whether to go for the HR or the TOE.

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.