Thanks Allan.
Very true, the issues with being new can certainly be frustrating and painful
.
I suppose what makes me particularly disappointed with this scope is that AOE also sell the Saxon 80ED, which is $200 less, so I would have expected the AOE 80ED to perform at least as good as the Saxon. But from what I've seen of Mikes pics (he uses a Saxon), there is no comparison, the Saxon is far better. (As well as the Orion 80ED, from Paul's experience).
So based on the claim from their website and an email I have from one of their staff saying the AOE 80ED is based on the Williams Optics platform and I wouldn't be disappointed, I think I'll try for the return option and get a Saxon. Hopefully AOE will be understanding and not make this difficult.
Thanks to everyone for your help and information, it's much appreciated.
Cheers,
Markus
CS (with hopefully no purple)