Vixen Telescope AP-AE81M・SM

AP-SM Equatorial Mount

You will be able to aim the telescope tube freely by hand, thanks to the incorporated friction stop mechanism, making it easy to point at any celestial object. This ensures smooth operation, even though equatorial mounts have peculiar movements designed for tracking stars.

This model comes standard with the STAR BOOK ONE hand controller. With the R.A. axis driven by the built-in motor, once you have centered a celestial object using the friction stop control, the AP-SM mount will automatically track it.

For precise polar alignment, an optional Polar Alignment Scope PF-LII can be retrofitted. Even if this model is your first time using an equatorial mount, you can enjoy serious astronomical observation with ease.

Sleek and Modern Appearance

Featuring a smooth, streamlined design with minimal protrusions, it dispels the difficult-to-handle image often associated with telescopes. Combined with its lightweight body of just 3.9 kg (counterweight not included), it allows a full-fledged astronomical telescope to be handled with ease.

The power supply (four AA batteries*) is housed within the main unit, and internal contacts eliminate the need for external wiring, successfully reducing the number of cords that would otherwise be exposed.
This design helps prevent accidents such as tripping over cords during observation.

*For extended use, an external power supply (commercially available) is recommended.

Intuitive Friction-stop Control

Thanks to the friction stop mechanism, you can intuitively point the telescope at a target object by moving the optical tube by hand.

Polar Alignment Scope PF-LII for Accurate Polar Alignment

The AP mount is compatible with the polar alignment scope PF-LII (sold separately), allowing you to set the mount’s polar axis accurately and easily.

It offers a method in which three reference stars are aligned with designated positions on the scale inside the polar scope to determine the direction to the polar axis (compatible with both Northern and Southern Hemispheres).

The polar scope features built-in dark-field illumination, which makes the scale appear red against the night sky. You can adjust the brightness in 8 steps to your preferred level. It also has an automatic shut-off function to prevent battery drain from accidentally leaving the switch on.

Vixen offers a free "PFL Assist" app for smartphones and tablets, designed for use with the Polar Alignment Scope PF-L II. The app assists with polar alignment by displaying the polar scope’s reticle on your device screen and showing its correct orientation. This allows you to align the reticle pattern of your polar scope with the alignment stars visible through it.

Quick, Rough Polar Alignment

The mount is compatible with a Polar Meter (sold separately), which provides easy and rough polar alignment. With its altitude scale and magnetic compass, even beginners can quickly turn the AP mount to the celestial pole.

For more precise polar alignment, an optional polar alignment scope PF-LII, can be used by referencing Polaris. However, the Polar Meter is particularly effective in locations where Polaris is behind obstructions and not visible.

AE81M Optical Tube Assembly

This is an entry-level telescope designed to let beginners enjoy serious astronomical observation with ease.
It features a cost-effective design that remains affordable while maintaining essential performance.
The objective lens, a key factor in image quality, is an 81 mm achromatic lens that minimizes chromatic aberration. Its multi-coated surfaces reduce light reflection, producing clear images with minimal light loss.
The focuser is a durable metal rack-and-pinion type. The telescope comes with two eyepieces (140× and 46× magnifications) and an erect-image diagonal prism, which angles the light path by 90° for comfortable viewing.

APP-TL130 Tripod

The compact APP-TL130 tripod features adjustable telescopic legs from 60 cm to 130 cm long, combining the portability of a camera tripod with the stability of an astronomical telescope tripod. The leg tips can be easily switched between metal spikes and rubber-capped feet by twisting them, reducing the risk of floor damage when used indoors.

Tool-free Quick Setup

No tools are required for assembly or disassembly, allowing quick and effortless setup and takedown at the observation site.