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Old 03-04-2007, 04:26 PM
PeteMo (Pete)
Bagdad astro nut

PeteMo is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Chelmsford, UK
Posts: 156
You could even add the Baader Hyperion 8mm into the equation which has near identical optical performance to the Stratus but costs the same as the Pentax XF 8.5. I love my Hyperion, but it is heavy so I was forever adjusting the counter-balance on my dob. It is also modular, in that you can unscrew the barlow element and insert 14mm and or 28mm extensions, giving 4 different focal lengths from the same eyepiece. There is also an M43 thread underneath the eye cup, for photographers.

The Orion will be a similar weight around 13-15oz (sorry thats about 380 - 430g) compared with 3-5oz of typical plossls, so be prepared to be altering your counter balance. The Pentax will be closer to the weight of your plossls, so won't have 'nodding dog' syndrome as I call it.

If you need 68 degrees and don't need the bells and whistles of the Hyperion go with the Stratus otherwise go with Steve's recommendation of the Pentax XF which is incredible optical performance for the money.
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