[jeelan (Jeelan)]

hey all,

just wanted some thoughts on spotting scope vs small 80mm astro refractor.

For context - we currently take a spotting a scope and binos with us whenever we go camping. Its great because we can use the scope for wildlife viewing, birds, and around the beach use it for whale watching as well..

Since getting back into Astronomy, I've been tempted to get something that we can use for stargazing.

So i've been thinking about getting a small (80mm) refractor but wanted something that could potentially replace the spotting scope as well. I'm not fussed about portability (to a certain extent) as camping is done by car/camper trailer so scope would sit in the back of the car.


Currently i'm looking in the $1500-$2000 mark so Skywatcher Esprit 80ED, Orion ED80T, and Williams Optics GT-81 are the front runners..

Just wondering what people's thoughts are on using astro scopes for terrestial viewing? and on the above noted scopes in particular for replacing the spotting scope.

cheers
Jeelan