Vixen AP-A80Mf-SM 80mm f/11.4 Achromatic Refractor Telescope

Sharp, High-Contrast Planetary Views

Struggling to keep planets in view? The Vixen AP-A80Mf-SM features a friction-control equatorial mount and auto-tracking for smooth, effortless object tracking.

Features

• High-Contrast Planetary & Lunar Viewing – The 80mm f/11.4 achromatic refractor provides sharp, detailed views of the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and bright deep-sky objects with minimal chromatic aberration.
• Smooth & Stable Tracking with Friction-Control Mount – The AP-SM equatorial mount offers precise, effortless object tracking using a friction control system.
• STAR BOOK ONE Controller for Automatic Tracking – Equipped with an RA motor module and STAR BOOK ONE controller, this telescope automatically tracks celestial objects, keeping them centered in your view.
• Premium Multi-Coated Optics – The fully multi-coated lens enhances contrast and light transmission, delivering brighter, crisper images compared to lower-end refractors.
• Sturdy Aluminum Tripod – The APP-TL130 adjustable tripod (60cm-130cm) combines the stability of an astronomical mount with the portability of a photography tripod.
• Clean, Integrated Power Supply – Powered by 4x AA batteries or a USB power source can be used connecting to the provided USB Micro-B termnial.
• Lightweight and Compact Design – Weighs just 11.3 kg, making it highly portable for on-the-go astronomers.

The Vixen AP-A80Mf-SM is for you if…

• You’re ready to upgrade from a beginner telescope – If you’ve outgrown cheap 70mm refractors or shaky tabletop Dobsonians, this 80mm refractor offers a significant optical upgrade without jumping to expensive apochromatic models.
• You want sharp, high-contrast planetary views – If fuzzy Jupiter bands or washed-out Saturn rings have been frustrating you, the long focal ratio (f/11.4) and high-quality multi-coated optics provide clear, detailed images.
• You prefer manual control but want optional automation – The friction-control equatorial mount allows for smooth manual adjustments, while the STAR BOOK ONE controller adds automatic tracking.
• You want a telescope that grows with you – With a modular design, you can upgrade with additional motorized modules, eyepieces, and accessories instead of replacing the entire system when you’re ready for more advanced astronomy.

When you're searching for a telescope, you don’t want just another entry-level model—you want an instrument that delivers sharp, detailed views without the frustration of shaky mounts or blurry optics. The Vixen AP-A80Mf-SM is engineered for amateur astronomers who crave crisp planetary detail, smooth tracking, and a setup that won’t hold them back as their skills grow.

With an 80mm f/11.4 refractor design, 1.45 arc seconds of resolution, and 131× the light-gathering power of the unaided eye, it excels at high-contrast lunar and planetary observation—bringing the intricate details of Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s bands, and the Moon’s craters into stunning focus. Thanks to its limiting magnitude of 11.3, you can even spot fainter nebulae, clusters, and galaxies under truly dark skies.

Tracking celestial objects shouldn’t feel like a battle. Many budget telescopes force you to constantly adjust your view, making it difficult to truly enjoy what you're observing. The AP-SM equatorial mount with friction control allows for precise, effortless tracking, keeping your target in sight for extended observation. Plus, with the STAR BOOK ONE motorized tracking system, you get automated object tracking without the complexity of a full GoTo system, giving you the best of both worlds—smooth manual control with the option for automation.

Portability is key for serious hobbyists. Unlike bulky Dobsonians or complex GoTo setups, this telescope is designed for quick assembly and easy handling, so you spend more time observing and less time struggling with setup. The compact APP-TL130 tripod provides rock-solid stability while remaining adjustable for both home and travel use.

Unlike rigid starter telescopes that you quickly outgrow, the Vixen AP-A80Mf-SM is part of a modular system, allowing you to upgrade components over time instead of replacing the entire telescope. You can swap in advanced motor modules, upgrade eyepieces, and expand your setup as your passion for astronomy deepens. This means you’re investing in a telescope that adapts to your needs, not one that limits your potential.

For those who demand quality optics, precision tracking, and an upgrade path that keeps pace with their skills, the Vixen AP-A80Mf-SM is the perfect next step. It’s built for those who take stargazing seriously but still want an intuitive, frustration-free experience. If you’re ready to experience sharper views, smoother tracking, and a telescope that grows with you, this is the one to choose.

What’s Included in the Vixen AP-A80Mf-SM Package?

• Vixen 80mm f/11.4 Achromatic Refractor Telescope – A high-quality 80mm aperture, f/11.4 refractor with fully multi-coated optics.
• AP-SM Equatorial Mount – A precision friction-control equatorial mount designed for smooth, easy manual adjustments.
• R.A. Motor Module and STAR BOOK ONE Controller – Provides automatic tracking. The STAR BOOK ONE controller allows for precise motorized adjustments.
• APP-TL130 Tripod – A sturdy, adjustable 60cm-130cm aluminum tripod with switchable rubber & metal spike feet for both indoor and outdoor stability.
• 6x30mm Finderscope (7° Actual Field of View) – A wide-field finderscope that makes locating celestial objects fast and easy.
• 20mm Plossl Eyepiece – A versatile, high-quality eyepiece that provides low-power, wide-field views, perfect for scanning the Moon’s surface and framing large celestial objects.
• 6.3mm Plossl Eyepiece – A high-magnification eyepiece designed for detailed planetary and lunar observation.
• 2.2 lb (1 kg) Counterweight – Ensures proper balance and stable operation.

Recommended Accessories

• Vixen Polar Meter – Enables accurate polar axis alignment even when Polaris isn’t visible.