Vixen Mobile Porta Travel AZ mount
If you are the kind of observer who does not want to spend precious minutes of astronomical twilight assembling a tripod and mount, the Vixen Mobile Porta is exactly what you are looking for. This compact travel alt-azimuth mount was designed with a single goal in mind: to get your telescope ready for observing in the shortest possible time, whether you are in the garden, in a field outside town, or deep in the mountains. Compared to the original Porta series, the new design brings significantly reduced weight and smaller dimensions without compromising stability or functionality in any way.
Smooth friction clutch - the heart of the mount
At the core of the mount is the proven friction clutch system that is the defining feature of the entire Porta series. The principle is straightforward yet elegant: the telescope can be moved freely in all directions - in azimuth and altitude - and once you release your hand, it stays precisely where you pointed it. No jumping, no unwanted drift. Fine-tuning controls are available for precise position correction, so centering an object in the eyepiece takes just a moment. This system is particularly appreciated during visual observation of the Moon, planets, or open star clusters, where quick and accurate position correction is needed without having to remove your eye from the eyepiece.
Tilting arm - a practical solution for zenith objects
The mount arm can be tilted in 15-degree steps. This is not merely a cosmetic feature - it is a practical solution for observing objects near the zenith. Fixed alt-azimuth mounts often cause accessibility or ergonomic issues in that region of the sky. With the Mobile Porta, you simply adjust the arm angle, and a longer telescope tube will not press against the tripod legs or force you to twist your neck into an uncomfortable position. The arm can also be rotated laterally, so an optimal eyepiece position for comfortable observing is always achievable.
Aluminium tripod with adjustable height
The tripod is made from aluminium, providing a good balance between rigidity and weight. Telescoping legs allow smooth height adjustment in the range of 65 to 110 cm, so the mount works comfortably whether you are seated or standing. The central leg spreader includes a mounting point for a small accessory tray where you can place an eyepiece, a star chart, or other small accessories - a practical detail that you will genuinely appreciate in the field. The mount has a payload capacity of 3.5 kg, meaning it will comfortably carry most compact refractors, smaller reflectors, or travel telescopes available on the market today.
Key specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Mount type |
Alt-azimuth (AZ) |
| Payload capacity |
3.5 kg |
| Tripod material |
Aluminium |
| Tripod height adjustment |
65 - 110 cm |
| Arm tilt steps |
15° |
| Motion system |
Friction clutch (smooth) |
| Fine adjustment |
Yes (azimuth and altitude) |
| Accessory tray |
Yes (mounting point on central spreader) |
| Compatible telescope types |
Refractors up to ~90 mm aperture, reflectors up to ~700-800 mm focal length |
Who is this mount for?
The Mobile Porta is an ideal choice for beginning astronomers who are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use mount without having to learn polar alignment. At the same time, experienced observers will appreciate it as a lightweight backup or travel mount. It is an excellent match for refractors with an objective diameter of up to approximately 90 mm or for reflectors with a focal length of up to 700-800 mm. If you own a Vixen A70Lf, ED80Sf, or a similar compact optical tube assembly, the Mobile Porta is practically an ideal combination for trips to dark sky locations.
Suitable optical tube assemblies
- Refractors with aperture up to approx. 90 mm
- Compact achromatic and apochromatic refractors (e.g. Vixen A70Lf, ED80Sf)
- Reflectors with focal length up to 700-800 mm
- Travel telescopes and spotting scopes with standard dovetail or tube ring attachment
Fast setup - every minute of darkness counts
The Vixen Mobile Porta Travel AZ is a mount that does not get in your way and lets you focus on what matters - observing the sky. When every minute of dark sky counts, you will appreciate that all it takes is unfolding the tripod, attaching the optical tube, and you are ready to observe. No alignment procedures, no cables, no batteries. Just the telescope, the mount, and the sky above.
