Calling all "80mm" APO fans.. help deciding on one.

[kriss13]

I kinda "force" my Astrotrac with my 102ED on top so I'm out shopping for something more appropriate... an 80 mm

FPL53 is a must for both doublet and triplet.

It will be used for astrophoto and visual g'n'g.

After tons of reviews and articles I came with a very shortlist.

And here comes my indecision, since the tubes are more or less "identical" but labeled by different companies.

-triplet represented by

Orion ED80T CF

Astro-Professional APO 80 Carbon

TS 80mm f/6 (not Carbon)

Tecnosky Triplet FPL-53 APO 80/480

-doublet (more or less alike) made by

TS 80/500mm

Altair Lightwave 80mm F6.25

The budget is 1000$ (~800e) not a cent extra

Altair Lightwave doublet and AstroProfessional triplet are my favorites, but can't decide which.

thank you

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

My APM 80 mm F/6 is a clone of the TS, and it is a cracking visual performer. Haven't used it for imaging except lunar and white-light solar, where it works very nicely. I got the APM one because they had a nice offer, and they have good quality control before shipping

[kriss13]

Yeah, this is also a concern of mine... quality control and collimation.

That's why I oscillate between Altair and AstroPro, the shops checks before ship.

[Earl]

If your considering Imaging you will need to take a reducer / flattener into account.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

I got the TS flattener included in my case.

[kriss13]

Yup, flattener and everything taking into account, I just have to decide about one of those OTAs.

I am already imaging but my 102mm apo puts too much strass on my astrotrack, and not realy a g'n'g

[kriss13]

I decided to Astro Proffesional triplet carbon.

Now I need a flattener suitable for it.

[iksose7]

Just out of curiosity, how come the Altair Wave 80 wasn't on your list? Or is it the same as one of the other trips on the list?

[kriss13]

Wave is over my budget by 400e.

Budget is 800e, not a penny more

There are a lot of 80mm out there but I 'm usually "stick to the project" guy.. I dont drift away or tempted

[iksose7]

Ahh,  sorry. Never noticed that $. I thought we were talking in £s

[kriss13]

Just ordered this one
http://www.optical-systems.com/astroprofessional-apo-80480-carbon-telescope-p...
Identical to Orion 80CF but less expensive + a small discount for paying in advance
Cant wait to look at/thru it, only if the 2 month fog will let me...
My first triplet.
I have another AstroPro (signature)and I enjoined it, but CA in photos is too strong (it is up for sale now).

[ollypenrice]

I would never decide on the glass specification, only on the results posted with the scope.

Of course, I'd advise the Tak FSQ85 (a scope I worship) but I'm a bit sad so please excuse me...

 lly

[kriss13]

My budget was 800e

Tak is too "pro" for me as a hobbyist.