APO time?

[stargazer769]

Don't forget to look at the SkyWatcher 80ED which is the same optics as the Orion, but with better build and accessory package. In fact the SkyWatcher and Orion are both the same as the old Celestron C80ED; it's the one scope I sold that I regret.

[chartram]

If your plan is to use it solely for visual, why not go for the extra 120mm of focal length in the ED80 (or Skywatcher) doublet?

If imaging were ever on the table, I'd recommend the triplet all day long. The ED80 (Orion doublet) has been my primary imaging scope for a couple of years now and I absolutely love it... but from an imaging standpoint, I am hoping to finally get a triplet just to get that extra degree of crispness. However, looking through it visually with a good EP & 2" diagonal, the views are very sharp and very clear... but I admittedly have never peered through a triplet and therefore have nothing to compare the views to, and only a half-cocked opinion to give

Mike

[thelim3y]

I quite like the ED80T CF BUT I'm not a huge fan of the crayford focuser thing and will likely be upgrading it at some point. Saying that if you don't have a heavy imaging train then it's probably fine. I got the Stellarvue rings for mine which are really quite nice.

[Rogan]

I forgot about having to order the custom dovetails for the ES80CF, it only took a week or two but it was worth it. A small price to add for a great piece of equipment.

I might want a longer dovetail plate to be able to obtain different balance points.

[Rogan]

Don't forget to look at the SkyWatcher 80ED which is the same optics as the Orion, but with better build and accessory package. In fact the SkyWatcher and Orion are both the same as the old Celestron C80ED; it's the one scope I sold that I regret.

The one reason why I haven't seriously considered the SkyWatcher is because everything that I have heard indicated that the focuser is subpar.

[stargazer769]

That's interesting Rogan I hadn't heard that about the focuser. Thanks for the tip.

[Rogan]

That's interesting Rogan I hadn't heard that about the focuser. Thanks for the tip.

It's just hearsay so maybe some actual owners will offer their opinions.

[Leveye]

SV80ED in my book. That or the current 80mm SV equivalent scope.

[DeanD]

I agree with Leveye: if you can afford the extra over the ES (assuming the ES is still on special) then the SV80 looks like a great scope. Great reviews, a nice r&p focuser and vixen-style rail with moveable balance point. Plus each apo they sell is individually star tested, and great service too. I like the idea of f7 rather than f6 too: great for visual, but still reasonably wide field for ap.

Have fun choosing!

- Dean

[Gabby76]

If it is in the budget then another vote for the Stellarvue, first rate optics and build quality to match.