guide scope choice

[Carl]

Sky watcher 80ed $599. Orion 80ed $699.
So what one would you choose to mount on a Celestron C8 with CG5 mount for guide scope and astophotography?
Both advertisers say there product is the one to go with. I've seen some very good images taken with both. Any suggestions welcome.
Regards
Carl

[matt]

Aren't they essentially the same? ie optics manufactured by the same company?

Think you'd be hard-pushed to tell the diff at the eyepiece.

Just the fit and finish vary

[xstream (John)]

Probably the Sky-Watcher, Carl.

Then put the $100 you save towards rings.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Carl, they are the same scope.

Skywatcher, Saxon, and Orion ED80's are all the same scope. They are just painted different colours and have different brand names stuck on them.

Take your pic

[Rodstar (Rod)]

Carl, my enquiries have resulted in the same answer as given by the others above. All the same, bar for the tone of the paint! I bought a Skywatcher ED80 last year after satisfying myself of the same issue. I am very happy with the Skywatcher.

[Striker (Tony)]

Skywatcher ed80 Pro by a long way.

Its the same scope as the Orion and you also get the tube rings and the finder plus dovetail.

The Orion you get nothing.

$699 for the Orion is over priced whilst $599 for the Skywatcher with extras is a bargain.

[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

Yep, due to the scopes being identical, it comes down to best price and extras included.

Oh, and the Pro is painted Gold and white