Comparing 6" mak-cass scopes

[yagon]

I'm considering a 6" maksutov-cassegrain for backyard astronomy, primary lunar and planetary, but with occasional DSO use and transport to dark skys. I don't need goto or motorised drives.

I've identified the following telescopes for sale locally:

http://www.astronomyonline.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=52&ProductID=124&cid=197

http://www.astronomyonline.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=52&ProductID=2041&cid=197

http://www.astronomyonline.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=52&ProductID=122&cid=197

Each scope has a different price, which is partly attributable to the alternate accessories. However, the optics, while similar, are also different and I suspect that this is the main cause of the difference in prices.

I'm trying to understand what additional value (in terms of observing experience) I would receive by buying the premium scope. How much difference would there be in the optics of these 3 scopes for visual observing?

[janoskiss]

The two Skywatchers are the same I believe, except for the colour. The Saxon is a poorer quality unit all round, or so I heard.

Another option is the Orion 6" Mak OTA from Bintel which was going for under $1000 last time I checked. It's possibly the same scope as the Skywatcher, but I'm not certain. Stick it on an EQ5, and for around $1500 you'd have a decent setup for visual.

[maksutover]

hey yagon

I've got the 8" saxon mak. I dont think the quality of the optical tube is hugely inferior to the skywatchers but then again i dont own a skywatcher. I terms of price there is a huge difference though as skywatchers u have listed are both about 2000 and i bought mine for 1995 (with 50mm more aperture). Im not entirely happy with the mount and ill probably put a motor on it in the near future.

Hope this helps.