Hi Jay, I second the previous comments -- the standard Orion ED scopes have good images due to their relatively long focal lengths and good glass, but the focusers are the weak link. For visual use you don't need as much color correction though, and you'll want an alt-az mount, and the length and weight of those scopes is a little bit of a drawback I think. (Although I'm not familiar with the "weightless" mount.) For strictly low power use the ST80 isn't bad. But Stellarvue, William-Optics, Astrotech, Orion, Meade, Celestron, and others have all sold very good short focal length dual-speed focuser scopes new in the $600 range that I'm sure you could find for under $400 used. There are various mounts but I'm most familiar with the Vixen Porta and Universal Astronomic models. On Sun, Aug 14, 2011 at 11:01 AM, Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> wrote:
On 8/13/11, Jay Eads <jayleads@gmail.com> wrote:
I've read good things on the Orion ED80.
Jay, I own both Orion ED scopes, the 80mm and 100mm. Color correction is outstanding on both. Both fit on my "Weightless" mount and are perfect backyard scopes.
Jim Gibson used the 80mm ED on his own Weightless mount and used to have pics posted on the SLAS website. Not sure if they are still there.
The only weakness is the focuser. I've replaced mine with 2-speed GSO (same as Antares) focusers, although Orion now offers their own 2-speed upgrade. It does add to the cost, however.
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