What 80mm refractor would you vote for?

[BlueAstra]

OK, just had a successful imaging test using an ST80 to give me a wide field option to complement my C8. The ST80 + 1000D gave me about 3 deg compared with 1 deg for the C8, and to be honest I was quite surprised at the quality that could be achieved with the ST80. However, close up you can see the colour fringing. So the question is, which 80mm (or 90mm?) do I go for (£500-£800). It would be used on an EQ6 with 1000D.

I've had one vote for a WO Megrez 80 II FD, what else should I be looking at?

http://stargazerslounge.com/imaging-deep-sky/96389-st80-imaging-experiment.html

[skye at night]

Ascension 80ED Triplet refractor telescope.

[NickH]

Ed80...triplets can be hit and miss...but depends on your budget.. TMB/Tak/AP all superb

all big money!

[BlueAstra]

Ascension 80ED Triplet refractor telescope.

I've heard that the Ascension is the essentially the same as the Meade 5000. Anyone else hear this?

[NickH]

It is..

for more money, and less of a chance that one of the best optics experts in the world has set it up!

The Meade is a superb scope for the money...having used one for 2 months I can happily say that

[Merlin66]

You could do much worse than a Skywatcher ED80pro....

I'm VERY impressed with this one... infact I now have two of them for Solar Imaging!!!

Ken

[Cornelius Varley]

I've heard that the Ascension is the essentially the same as the Meade 5000. Anyone else hear this?

It looks like it and also has a dual speed crayford that the Meade doesn't.

Peter

[skye at night]

and a few ok ep's and diagonal...

If you can test the one you might buy then you still have a good scope..

i am not too impressed with Meade QC myself from experience.

Steve

[NickH]

I am...but then I know the guy who does em...(refractors that is)

Dual speed is not a major issue on that scope...nice to have but not a showstopper

[George]

You could do much worse than a Skywatcher ED80pro....

I'm VERY impressed with this one... infact I now have two of them for Solar Imaging!!!

Ken

I'll second that, the ED80 pro is good bang for buck.

[NickH]

Yup...thirded (as in original post). Had an ED80 for 3 years...

[Darren B]

The WO80FD is a great scope, I've had mine for about 4 years now, it's a keeper. Best budget has to be the Skywatcher/Orion/Celestron ED80. Best of the Best has to be a TMB/LZOS triplet, I have seen second hand WO version of this telescope going for around £650.

[NickH]

TMB triplet indeed :-)....only reason I sold the ED80

[BlueAstra]

Thank for all the advice. I think SatN went for the Meade 5000 or the SW ED80. Had a few people go for the WO Meg 80 (or 90) too. I think it will be between these three.

[NickH]

You'll not be dissapointed by any of them. Had or owned all three at some point, the ED80 for 3 years, the WO80 for two and the Meade on test for 2 months...all will do you well

[johninderby]

I notice that Astro-Professional has just brought out their version of the 80mm Triplet priced £375.00.

http://www.astro-professional.com/html/ed_80mm-3.html

John

[NickH]

That looks very nice