Vixen 70/700 AZ refractor telescope with alt-azimuth mount
Looking for your first serious telescope to explore the night sky? The Vixen 70/700 AZ is a classic entry-level refractor from one of Japan's most respected optical manufacturers. Vixen has been producing quality astronomical instruments for decades, and this model reflects that tradition - delivering genuine optical performance that suits not only absolute beginners but also those already taking their first steps in amateur astronomy.
Stable platform, smooth tracking
The telescope comes mounted on an adjustable aluminium tripod that provides a solid, vibration-dampening base. Shaky views are one of the most common frustrations for new astronomers, and Vixen addresses this directly with a sturdy construction that keeps the image calm and sharp even at higher magnifications.
The alt-azimuth mount is equipped with slow-motion controls on both axes, allowing you to follow a drifting celestial object with ease. This feature is often absent from basic beginner models and makes a noticeable difference in daily use - especially when tracking the Moon or a planet moving slowly across the field of view.
Two Plossl eyepieces included
A particularly welcome inclusion is the set of two Plossl-type eyepieces supplied with the telescope. Plossl eyepieces are normally associated with more advanced instruments, offering a wide, well-corrected field of view and good eye relief. Having both eyepieces in the box from day one means you can start observing at different magnifications without any additional purchases.
What can you observe?
The 70 mm aperture and 700 mm focal length (f/10) make this telescope well suited for a wide range of targets:
- The Moon - individual craters, mountain ranges and valleys are rendered in striking detail, making lunar observation a highlight of every session
- Bright planets - Jupiter's cloud bands and the Galilean moons, Saturn's rings and Mars during opposition are all within reach
- Messier objects - open and globular star clusters, bright nebulae and nearby galaxies such as M31 or M42 become accessible targets
- Daytime nature observation - the telescope performs equally well for terrestrial use, offering clear, detailed views of landscapes, birds and distant scenery
Technical specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Optical design |
Achromatic refractor |
| Aperture |
70 mm |
| Focal length |
700 mm |
| Focal ratio |
f/10 |
| Focuser |
Rack-and-pinion, 1.25″ |
| Mount type |
Alt-azimuth with slow-motion controls |
| Tripod |
Adjustable aluminium |
| Eyepieces included |
2x Plossl (typically 20 mm and 8 mm) |
| Finder |
5x24 finderscope |
| Maximum useful magnification |
approx. 140x |
| Limiting stellar magnitude |
approx. 11.4 mag |
| Manufacturer |
Vixen (Japan) |
Who is this telescope for?
The Vixen 70/700 AZ is an excellent choice for anyone entering amateur astronomy and wanting to start with a well-built, reliable instrument rather than a purely decorative telescope. It is also a thoughtful gift for younger observers - the manageable size, intuitive mount and included accessories mean that setting it up and pointing it at the sky is straightforward and genuinely enjoyable from the very first night.
Summary
With its quality optics, slow-motion alt-azimuth mount, stable tripod and two included Plossl eyepieces, the Vixen 70/700 AZ offers a complete and well-rounded package for beginning astronomers. It is a telescope you will not quickly outgrow - and the views it delivers, particularly of the Moon and bright deep-sky objects, are the kind that inspire a lasting passion for the night sky.
Specifications
Type of telescope:
Achromatic refractor
Optical scheme:
Achromat
Focal length:
700 mm
Aperture:
70 mm (3″)
Aperture ratio:
10
Resolving capacity:
1.64"
Limit value:
11 magnitude
Light gathering capacity:
100x
Max. useful magnification:
140x
Connection type:
1.25″
Mounting:
Azimuthal
Recommended for:
Kids, Beginner
Application area:
Astrophotography, Deep Sky observation, Planets observation, Nature observation
Package contents of "Vixen 70/700 AZ telescope":
✅ Vixen Space Eye 70/700 Telescope
✅ Aluminum tripod
✅ Plössl eyepiece 20 mm 1.25″ (magnification 35x)
✅ Plössl eyepiece 10 mm 1.25″ (magnification 70x)
✅ 5x20 mm finder scope
Typical magnifications
The recommended magnification is highlighted in yellow.
D = telescope aperture in millimeters
