[mic_m (Michael)]

Originally Posted by norm

I agree to the above. I find it so annoying. That said, they have been in business (Crows Nest) for yonks, so they must be doing something right.

As for the cost difference, I think the Orion uses pyrex for there mirror blanks. Whether that justifies the price hike is another thing.

A really good thought about the Pyrex and this used to be the case, but not anymore; the Orion XX12 now uses “low thermal expansion glass” like the SW dobs; click on the XX12 product link here, then scroll down and click on specs. It’s my guess that an Orion mirror is therefore no different in any respect form a SW mirror and consequently the mirror material can not contribute to the price premium of Orion dobs.