Same here , I have a Saxon branded 150mm f/8 from around 2004 , and a friend has the Sky Blue Skywatcher from 2009 you speak of and there is no difference we could see in the optics , as Warpsl said the sharpness and clarity of these big boys is awsome
, a great scope .
I have since fitted a thing called a ' Chromocor ' made in the Ucraine by an optical manufacturer called " Aries " these components are the bees knees for these refractors , turn them into a world class scope , not to say they aint in their standard form .
Notice I said Big Boys ? these are big scopes , so be aware they are a loy of scope to set up and use , but as said , awsome .
Here is mine .
Go for it if you can set it up and use it easily .
Brian.