new Saxon premium ED 80mm

[janoskiss]

This is one sexy looking scope. Andrews have it listed on their website for $799 (with tripod :shrug: ). Anyone know more about them? Focal length? Looks a bit like one of the WO scopes. From the Saxon website:

SPED 80

Saxon premium ED APO models. Super air-spaced Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass doublet optics eliminate chromatic aberration remarkably to deliver true color and edge-to-edge sharp images. Crayford 11:1 Dual-speed focuser and Graduated scale mark. Precision CNC-machined all-metal construction. Superior, lasting anodizing finish. Deluxe aluminum carry case.

Check out pics here: http://www.saxon.com.au/m_refr.html

[yagon]

having just bought the saxon ed80, i can now say i've got scope-envy! looks great

[mick pinner]

it looks like about a 480mm f/l, maybe a modified Zenithstar.

[h0ughy]

I agree with you on that one Mick

[Roger Davis]

No not a Zenithstar. The Zenithstar is like an Orion Express 80. There is no focusing reference marks on the barrel at all and the machining doesn't look the same. Only thing in common is the optics being ED.

[janoskiss]

Looks a lot like the 80mm Zeinthstar Fluorite doublet apo: http://www.william-optics.com/wowebs/prod_tel/zsfd80/features0.htm

[h0ughy]

whats the price?

[JohnH]

Sure looks like the Zenithstar ED80 doublet:

Check these out also:

http://www.stellarvue.com/body_nh2.html

WO for less :-)

Oh and Bugger! I have just ordered a 66....

[ving]

S-E-X-X-Y!

http://www.saxon.com.au/e/s400.jpg
:D

[janoskiss]

Read the first post in this thread, Houghy. :poke: :P

[vespine]

wow, that's pretty stunning!

So argue with me fellas:

Why would a newb like me spend a grand on a 12" dob when I could get me this stunning piece of work?

Ok, apature obviously, I'm guessing faint DSOs would be easier to see in the 12" but seriously, this thing would out-perform the dob on the more bright objects wouldn't it? Sharpness of image and contrast I'm guessing? There are still hundreds of 'brightish' obects, am I right?

Ok, maybe the mount too, who knows what you get in the andrew's deal but probably wouldn't be crash hot, so there'd be a cost involved in upgrading if that part is lacking... Ok, and EPs, would you even get one? There'd be a few hundred bucks to get a couple of EPs... Ok, I think I've mostly figured it out.. Anyone want to add more?? :lol:

Would I be correct in thinking that well looked after this would have a pretty decent resale value too?

[Striker]

I want one....gimmie.

Vespine...visualy this little refractor wont give you the WOW factor a 12" dob does....and I'm not a dob lover either...I had a bad experience with an 8" dob that scared me for life...lol

[janoskiss]

Vespine, You should really look through some scopes before buying anything to appreciate the difference aperture makes. Let me put it this way: If the 300mm Dob was a big V8 that does the 1/4 mile in 13 seconds, the 80mm apo would be a carbon fibre racing pushbike with precision machined light alloy parts fit for the Tour de France. They might cost about the same, but they are very different animals.

[Daniel Beringer]

Hi guys,

Regarding the Zenithstar 80 and Megrez80 TMB Fluorite scopes

Just to clear a few things up here, the Saxon premium ED 80mm is no Zenithstar/Megrez Fluorite clone. The TMB/William Optics doublet fluorite lens used in the William Optics scopes are exclusive to William Optics. What and where the Saxon lens comes from I don't know but the TMB Fluorite doublet lens is pure quality.

The only thing I expect they have in common is the colour!

William Optics makes available a APO package upgrade which is suitable for Megrez 80 II SD, ZenithStar 80, ZenithStar 80 Short, Orion Express, Stellarvue Nighthawk 2, Revelation 80, Astronomica 80, Geoptik 80, and all the other ZS80 achromat clones

It includes the TMB/William Optics fluorite lens cell, 2" extender and retro fit dual speed focuser!

Regarding the ZS80 and clones

William Optics are the original designers of the Zenithstar and have since improved and modified their original Zenithstar design . Things to consider when comparing a William Optics scope and a clone are.

The quality of the lens
Clear aperture
Surperior baffleing
Warranty
Package deals

Hope this helps

[acropolite]

Probably explains the specials on ED80's over the past couple of months. I read somewhere of a "Slim tube 80" maybe a reference to this OTA.:confuse3:

[h0ughy]

Sorry All I registered was new scope:lol:
:D

[snowyskiesau]

I just spoke with Andrews Comms and this is a spoting scope (and they advertise it as such).
It has a screw in zoom eyepiece so it wouldn't be possible to add alternative eyepieces, at least not with out some serious modifications.

The Saxon web site lists this in the telescope section as opposed to in the spotting scopes.

Would this still be a useable telescope given the eyepiece limitation?

[janoskiss]

I would go and confirm first hand any advice you get from Andrews over the phone or via email. The scope has what looks like a quality Crayford focuser with fine slow-motion control. I very much doubt you could only use it with specialised eyepieces and/or diagonals.

[snowyskiesau]

Saxon also list an SSV80 as a spotting scope, looks similar.
I've asked Saxon for more details, I post what I get from them.

[Roger Davis]

Saxon site says it has an 11:1 Crayford focuser, definitely not screw in!

[ving]

too right :) that the the retainer screw in the diagonal are a give-away :P

i cant help but to think of clothes when i see your name roger.... :P

[janoskiss]

But maybe Andrews is talking about the spotting scope on this page: http://www.saxon.com.au/m_zspot.html
But that is not an ED so god only knows. Some of our Sydney members could go visit Andrews and tell us what they are really selling. :whistle:

[ving]

i have often wondered what it would be like using a large spotting scope astronomically... :confuse3:

anyone done so?

[Roger Davis]

Sorry David, but I get confused too, I also play golf and am a Real Estate agent! Astronomically the large spotting scope ain't too crash hot (unless you remove the erecting system and use it that way [but then what's the point?]).

[snowyskiesau]

I still haven't heard back from Saxon re the SPED-80 but I did get a call back from Pete? at Astro Optical.
The scope wont be available until mid to late May and will be between $1200 and $1300