Orion Optics Tube Rings: Mod or Replace ?

[John]

I've recently taken delivery of my 1st Orion Optics scope - an immaculate, 2 year old, 10" F/4.8 Europa Deluxe tube assembly. This replaces my 12" Lightbridge dobsonain which I loved but proved just too big and heavy to get as much use as it deserved.

I've only had a short 1st light with the OO 10" but I'm impressed with the scope so far and it's so much easier to move around

The one feature of the scope which I'm not too overjoyed about are the tube rings. Other OO newtonian scope owners will probably know what I'm talking about here - they are quite thin - tube bands would be a better description and have quite basic latch / screw type tensioners. They do the job but I've found fine adjustments, eg: to rotate the scope tube, move the centre of balance, very difficult to achieve.

So I'm thinking, shall I replace the tube rings and, if so, with what ? - the tube diameter is 280mm - I'm not sure that matches the Skywatcher 10" equvilent OTA ?.

Or maybe there is a good modification I could do to the latch / screw arrangement on each tube ring to make adjustment easier / smoother ?.

Anybody whose owned an OO scope got any suggestions ?.

Thanks

John

[inapottingshed]

I'm looking forward to some replies, also!

[russ]

It's a shame, OO have gone to great lengths to improve the rest of the OTA but those nasty rings and, in my case, badly machined dovetail remained.

Pretty sure none of the SW rings match up.

[johninderby]

OO does CNC tube rings to fit, but very pricey. Stayfocused also does CNC rings to fit:

http://www.stayfocused.co.uk/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=14

John