Celestron 80AZ or 100AZ

[iborg]

Hi All


I know someone who recently bought the 80AZ, it seems to be nice simple scope to use, and gives reasonable views.


He has the opportunity to swap it (plus a little cash) for the 100AZ.


He is asking for my advice (the mad fool!) and I am very much in two minds about it.


It should provide a brighter view, but, less magnifcation with the eyepieces (and a barlow will be obtained regardless).


Does it have more chromatic aberation? I am having trouble finding reviews.


Any thoughts on your experience with either of these would be appreciated.


Thank you


Philip

[raymo]

At last a question that has a definitive answer. Stick with the 80AZ; less
CA, as you mentioned, and better value for money. The longer focal length of the 80 will give superior views with the budget eyepieces that come with these budget scopes.
raymo

[iborg]

Hi Raymo


Thanks for the advice, I shall pass on your words of wisdom!


Philip

[Tropo-Bob]

In theory, I would agree with the advice given.

However, having owned both scopes, I found the 100mm (F5) to be far more useful. I found the lens in the 80mm (F5) to perform poorly with soft images, whereas the 100mm had sharper images.

I could not get rid of the 80mm fast enough. Then again, that was 10+ years ago, so maybe they have improved since or maybe I had a dud.

[raymo]

Bob, the latest iteration of the 100mm gets poor to very poor reviews of its optics everywhere I've looked, with one reviewer even saying his was only any good for the moon. The 80 gets quite good reviews; probably similar quality optics, but works better at around f/11.
raymo

[Tropo-Bob]

Sorry, I jumped in thinking that this was about F5 scopes. So I defer to you, Raymo. :)

[iborg]

Hi All


Thanks again for the info, looks like he will stay with the 80.


Philip