Vixen’s apochromatic refractor telescope AX103S

Vixen Ltd.’s AX103S is a high-quality 4-inch apochromatic telescope with an f/8 focal ratio. Its superb optics allow high magnification views.

Astronomy: William Zuback

This review, “Vixen’s new refractor outperforms its specs,” appeared in the May 2010 issue of Astronomy magazine

Being a budget-minded individual, I usually work with lower-end telescopes. For this review, however, I decided it was high time to try out a luxury instrument. My road-test vehicle has a name with a sports car ring — the AX103S. This 4-inch (103 millimeter) apochromatic refractor from Vixen Ltd. is to the backyard astronomer what a Porsche or Ferrari would be to an automobile fancier.

First impressions and features
The AX103S has the sleek, shiny look of a high-performance sports car – a gleaming pearl tube embossed with red lettering. Its maker, Japan’s Vixen Ltd., has produced high-quality telescopes for more than 60 years.

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