Celestron/Vixen 1.25" Deluxe Zoom w caps VERY RARE

This is one of those eyepieces you see in the listings as "wanted", but rarely see them actually up for grabs. These Celestron 18mm-6.5mm DX Zooms are quite rare for a few reasons; they were the most expensive of the Celestron zooms, they do not wear out easily, and their optics are unsurpassed. View-for-view in the FC-100N, the ONLY zooming ocular that equaled it's edge-on resolution was the TeleVue. The Vixen LV is very close and those eyepieces will have better eye relief, but this zoom can be ranked in the planetary study class; especially in an apochromat refractor at f/8 or longer.

LV Zooms and the TV variant are identical in internal construction and optical properties, but TV has an edge on quality control. Vixen's is high, but not as high as TeleVues....But enough of that, where here to talk about this Celestron.

I acquired this by accident with a C5 back in 2004 and have used in only on the very best nights. It has spent well over a decade locked in my glass hutch, sealed away from dust and with all the desiccant packs, it has been saved from any chance of having mold or fungus problems. In short, this is probably going to be the best preserved DX Zoom you'll find for a long while.

Those not familiar with the eyepiece, it runs from focal lengths 18mm to 6.5mm. A very nifty window on the side shows you the current focal length in use. Unlike a click stop, this is smooth in and out. In my Taks it is parafocal; you don't have to keep focusing as you change the focal length. So you can zoom in and out as if you are fast approaching/leaving the object of interest.

Conditions on this unit are collectible mint inside and out except for the chrome barrel, which is still very excellent. Both caps are original and not cracking. No need to even puff air with your blower bulb before use.

This will only go insured. You cannot go buy one of these in this condition. Make sure it has maximum protection to your door!

All nations welcome to bid.