Saxon ED80 v Orion ED80

[Rodstar]

Anyone know if there is any difference in the relative performances of these scopes? They sound much the same. :help3:

Here is the blurb on the Saxon version (I am sure you have read all about the Orion elsewhere):

Saxon ED80 80mm x 600mm Refracting Telescope
$599.00

The new sharp, high resolution saxon ED refractor contain one element made from ED (Extra-low Dispension) FPL-53 glass.
This glass minimizes chromatic aberration, provides higher resolution and superior contrast. Color fringing around objects is completely eliminated with this type of optics.
The saxon ED refractor also feature a backlash-free 2" Crayford focuser. The focuser wheels contain brushed-aluminum hubs with ridged rubber grip rings.
These ED refractors are ideal for visual applications as well as astrophotography.

[h0ughy]

add this one to the list too rod http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-103

[Rodstar]

HOughy, stop confusing me!

That price at Myastroshop is very good, especially as it includes the mounting rings.

Is the Skywatcher the same basic OTA too???

[h0ughy]

Yes RoD

[h0ughy]

its 80 * 600 too, but white and gold instead of black or blue

[Rodstar]

Gold might accessorise rather well with my navy blue LX200!

[janoskiss]

My Saxon and Geoff's Orion side by side were effectively identical in performance and every respect other than the colour of the tube.

MyAstroShop's ED80 for $549 with tube rings and mounting plate has to be the best deal on the planet! Go get it!!!

[RB]

Hey Rod - get a DOB.
Oh that's right you one won (dyslexic).

Seriously mate, the Skywatcher looks like a great deal.
:thumbsup:

[Starkler]

Yep the only difference is the colour of the paint and the brand decals.

[ausastronomer]

Mug lair :lol:

And on a serious note the Skywatcher version with rings and dovetail plate is a steal at $549

CS-John B

[johnno]

Hi John,

I paid $599.00 for mine (Skywatcher version) from Andrews,mid last year
and I STILL think its a steal.

A very nice little grab and go Telescope.

FWIW,
Darrens (Dhumpie,s)9mm gso Plossl eyepiece,I bought from him last month,works a treat in it.
I dont have any good quality eyepieces,to compare it to,But looking at the Pleiades,it seems sharp TO ME,right across the FOV.

Saturn,appears Sharp,and Crisp,and when Barlowed the Cassini division is quite obvious.

Just ordered a 7mm UO standard from Daniel,at Frontier Optics,
Cant wait to get that one to try.

All the best.
Regards.
John

[Dennis]

Hi Guys

Just navigated to the link at http://www.myastroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-103 and read the following text:

Mounting rings, finderscope and other accessories are optional

Careful!

Cheers

Dennis

My Bad - further down the page they are included :confuse2:

[astronut]

Hi Rod, The saxon and orion are both made by the same supplier in China.
So save the money you would pay for the orion and buy the saxon. Cheers, John;)

[h0ughy]

I have spoken to Steve and ordered one, the tube rings and eq6 type mounting bar are included :)

[ausastronomer]

Houghy,

You have a disease. Not sure what it is but they will invent a name for it someday.

Telescopitis?

cured by a telescappendectomy ? commonly known as another scope purchase ?

CS-John B

[Dennis]

Now that hilarious diagnosis and perfect remedy is surely worthy of an IIS sticky. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

I’m waiting for the medical paper and text book.

Cheers

Dennis

[janoskiss]

Buy two, Houghy! ED80 binoculars!! :D

[acropolite]

Hmm I might get one too, good value with the included accessories....obviously this desease is transmissable... :P

[janoskiss]

Geez, I just sold mine, but I'm almost tempted to buy one too. :P

Two would make very nice pair of binocs if someone went to the trouble of mounting and aligning them properly in an AZ mounted rocker box. :) Go on Houghy! Buy one more! ;)

[dhumpie]

Hey Johnno,

I was pleasently surprised by the 9mm GSO Plossl as well. Very nice FMC coatings and the contrast was very good in comparison to my 9mm Expanse clone. But I need the extra eye relieve and that is why it had to go. Anyway I think all the ED scopes come from the same factory. The only one I can think that is slightly different is the Celestron one that comes with a smaller body. The rest use the same body as the 102mm f/5...

Darren

[johnno]

Hi Darren,

Yes,the 9mm IS a pleasant surprise,I doubt it would be as good in a fast scope,but as I said in the ED80,at F7.5 it,s great.

I find the eye relief quite ok for me,(I dont wear glasses),
Even my .965 5mm Vixen is ok (JUST)

Regards.
John

[asimov]

The Celestron version is a better build quality than the Saxon or Orion according to reviews. Dearer of course though.

[anthony2302749]

I though I should add to this thread to maybe clear up some misconceptions. The scope we know as the Saxon ED80, Orion ED80, Skywatcher ED80 and the Celestron C80ED are all manufacture by Synta Technology Corporation (China)

The ony difference between the Saxon ED80, Orion ED80 and Skywatcher ED80 is the colour, decals and price. The Celestron C80ED has a smaller diameter tube and is fitted with a rack & pinion focuser as apposed to the crayford focuser fitted to the the Saxon ED80, Orion ED80 and Skywatcher ED80

As for which one is the best scope to buy, my money would be on any of the three models that are equipped with the Crayford focuser (I own the Saxon ED80 and use it for Astrophotography).

Celestron itself is now owned by SW Technology Corporation, a Delaware company, an affiliate of Synta Technology Corporation(http://www.aoas.org/article.php?story=20050406200033853 (http://www.aoas.org/article.php?story=20050406200033853 )), therefore most or all of Celestron produce are produced by Synta. You may also have notice that produce sold under Celestron, Saxon, Skywatcher and Orion (maybe Meade as well?) look similar that is because they come from the same factory, so really, you are not buying anything special other then a Brand Names.


P.S. Cloudy Night review on the Celestron C80ED http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1272

[h0ughy]

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=7450

for the Skywatcher real photos