Bargain Watch

[Ambermile]

Only in as much as a mini and a rolls royce are cars...

[OXO]

[GazOC]

Good comparison

Those are pretty much top of the range for achros that size.

[OXO]

I knew someone would take the bait!

[GazOC]

I knew someone would take the bait!

..it's still just a archro.... :whip2:

[Ambermile]

True. But build quality also comes into the equation. That focuser is *not* going to flex with a dslr on the end..

[PrivateWiddle]

Stellarvue scopes are very well built. The Nighthawk is about six/seven pounds, which is a lot for an 80mm refractor. They have very good baffling, and the focussers are very good particularly compared to Chinese makes. The optics on this one are Russian and made to Stellarvue specs, there is no variance in quality from lens to lens. Every telescope is star tested by the proprieter Mr. Vic Maris before leaving the workshop in Auburn, California.

If the owner has been careful with it, I would suggest that it is a better buy than a new Skywatcher.

Here's a link, bear in mind that the current model may have some updates.

http://www.stellarvue.com/body_at1010n.html

and a review by Alan Dyer in Sky & Telescope September 2003 said:

"In short, the Nighthawk performed better than any short-focus achromat I have seen, rivaling telescopes billed as semi-apochromatic. The Nighthawk is more expensive than imported short-tube achromats, but it also outperforms them to a degree that even novice observers will quickly appreciate. Fans have dubbed this little scope the "king of the short tubes," and I certainly agree."

some reviews

http://cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=923&pr=2x6x14

this one has a comparison table with the Orion(USA) ST80, which is the same as the Skywatcher 80mm short-tube, very informative.

http://cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1305&pr=2x6x14

another

http://cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=682&pr=2x6x14

As has been said its an achro, but a very fine one that sells for hundreds when bought new. It would make a fine companion to a larger scope, and a stonking starter scope, bearing in mind the usual caveats about buying used equipment.

[tom.yates]

I have the 80mm Night hawk it's a scope i will be keeping for a long time

[FLO]

Celestron Ultima eyepieces - 35 & 18mm.

Bidding ends 40 mins!

http://tinyurl.com/chpyw

[OXO]

Ooo i say what a nice pair!

[PrivateWiddle]

I couldn't have said it any better myself.

[lunator]

Changing tack slightly (the thread was heading downhill fast )

I have just picked up an EQ5 with dual drives for £295 brand new.

Pulsar Optical may have some more.

Cheers

Ian

[GazOC]

http://tinyurl.com/am7oo

Celestron 10" Newt on GOTO mount, with less than 1 day to go.

[daz]

And GPS - currently £360 .....

[GazOC]

It needs picking up in Swansea but theres a few from that area on the forum.

[GazOC]

The seller should have sold the GPS seperate, he's going to end selling the scope for the same amount anyway. I'd guess 600 quid.

[OXO]

My Guess 630

[GazOC]

I followed it right to the end. Far do's Damien you know your stuff!!!

I was refreshing the screen, during one refresh the price jumped from 380 to 560. "Oh well...", I thought.

[OXO]

http://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=5044

Whats this like chaps? seems really REALLY cheap?

James :shock:

[OXO]

Can't help it Damien

James

[FLO]

Trust me on this one

This little scope is fantastic! OK, its not an astro scope but for a compact scope suitable for keeping in the car glove-compartment, for holidays or the kids, it cannot be beat.

At £16.99, its a steal!

Like most Russian optics - don't look at them, look thru them.

http://tinyurl.com/dqz33

[OXO]

Nice one Steve

James

[Rob]

That SCT looks interesting!!.... oh, [removed word] this ebay addiction

[GazOC]

Just bagged an Orion Stratus 17mm for £41 on Ebay!!!

I got outbid for the 13mm Stratus though (which is the one I'd of prefered)......ho hum!!

[OXO]

Stratus

:shock:

Hope it doesnt end up in ya Magic Draw Gaz

Nice one mate

James