I have just joined the forum and am looking at purchasing a decent scope,
i have a Bushnell spacemaster ll 60mm objective spotting scope, but am interested in purchasing a Tele Vue Pronto 70mm ED or a Tele vue tv76 preferably the latter if money permits which it probably wont, any help would be greatly appreciated as i am a complete beginner, i have found this interest due to having disability through an accident and had to find a pastime to keep me sane, also looking for eye pieces for the Bushnell, wanting to take photos through both in the future, any help in this area or all areas would be an asset to me.
looking forward to seeing stars but not through a head injury.
Not sure that astronomy will keep you sane, it sure can be frustrating waiting for that "perfect" night.
Be aware that the Pronto is merely a super spotting scope that can be pushed to 200x in the right conditions. They are a beautifully built scope but not colour free. I have easily observed satellite transits of Jupiter with one. Second hand they go for around $400 - $600 depending on what accessories are included.
An 80ED will show as much or more, but they do not have that same "carved out of a solid billet" feel.
I have had both the ED80 and Pronto and like said the Pronto is an awsomely made bit of telescope design and manufacturing , but the ED80 blows it away in all areas these are the best bang for buck APO ever made yes , basic but the optics more the make up for this and with a nice GSO 10/1 focuser fitted ... well .
Hi Derek, welcome to the forum from another Tasmania (originally NSW, but I think i qualify as such after 30yrs)
I agree with the others. The 80ED is an excellent scope, largely colour free (as in, no Chromatic Aberration), and the price of a second hand one is reasonable. The GSO 10:1 focuser is almost mandatory, and especially for photography.
Also, of course the TV76 is an impressive refractor with a decent price tag.
If David will publish the photo he took of a swan? here that he took through his Skywatcher ED80 (over about 80~100mtrs) you will get an idea of it's capability).
Of course the various Williams Optical stuff is also worth a look.
Have fun what ever you decide - Trevor
Welcome Derek! Fair warning should be given at the outset, Astronomy is addictive. Along with the Sun Warning on scopes there should be a Wealth Warning on scopes.
There is considerable expertise in this forum and constructive help is provided whenever this highly technical "hobby-addiction" creates a road block. I am constantly amazed with the technical prowess of the more seasoned Astronomers that inhabit this forum.
I have had both the ED80 and Pronto and like said the Pronto is an awsomely made bit of telescope design and manufacturing , but the ED80 blows it away in all areas these are the best bang for buck APO ever 
made yes , basic but the optics more the make up for this and with a nice GSO 10/1 focuser fitted ... well 
.
