Any William Optics owners out there?

MortonH · #1 11-05-2007, 08:25 PM

Hi, now that I've sold the ED115 I'm thinking about upgrading my tired old Megrez 80. Options under consideration are an ED80, or another WO scope such as the latest ZenithStar 80 FD (Fluorite Doublet) or the new Megrez 90. Budget would be $2k max, including a new diagonal.

Obviously the ED80 would be much cheaper, but I love the WO finish and quality features.

Anyone own one of these WO scopes or anyone have opinions on alternatives? I'd also consider a used TV-85 or Sky 90, but neither become available very often and may not fall into my price bracket anyway.

Morton

matt · #2 11-05-2007, 09:06 PM

Go the Megrez 90.

You know you want to!

You're a long time dead, mate.

mick pinner · #3 11-05-2007, 09:11 PM

another option may be the Orion ED 100, great scope and real value at around $1100.00.

casstony · #4 11-05-2007, 09:16 PM

One thing in favor of the ed80 and ed100 is that they are quite lightweight.

g__day (Matthew) · #5 11-05-2007, 09:23 PM

What about the 80mm Meg upgrade kit to APO for $700 - I'm trying to go down that route at the moment - awaiting gear that didn't arrive at Andrews last week!

Miaplacidus (Brian) · #6 11-05-2007, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casstony

One thing in favor of the ed80 and ed100 is that they are quite lightweight.

Anyone have exact figures for these weights?

MortonH · #7 11-05-2007, 10:59 PM

I had previously considered the ED100, but it's the same length and weight as the ED115S, which was too much for the Panormamic mount. Weight is around 4.5kg, give or take.

The APO upgrade kit won't work for my Megrez cos the focal length is too different. I think the version II can take it but mine can't.

Having said all this, my little scope performed quite well tonight. It's just got so much false colour compared to what's 'standard' these days.

Decisions, decisions

g__day (Matthew) · #8 12-05-2007, 02:17 AM

Erg - must double check mine, when I asked Andrews I recall they said it fits the SD and SD II with an longer extender tube - must double check this!

The SD has a 480mm effective focal lenght versus the SD II has a 500mm EFL. Going to APO means you need to hit a 555 mm EFL. So I presume instead of adding a 50mm tube extender you adopt a 75mm one and all is well?

Fingers crossed - have sent an e-mail to W.O. and Lee Andrews

g__day (Matthew) · #9 12-05-2007, 03:06 AM

Hmmm, W.O. forums say you can

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/W...s/message/7826

Re: CLONE THIS (if you can...) ! APOGRADE to WO-TMB FLUORITE DOUBLET

Hi Stephen,

Yes,your M80 1 can be done too,any clone with thread 90mm X 1.0 can
be APOGRADE!

William

From: David Yang [mailto:bruinsdkny@...]
Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 9:12 PM
To: William-Optics@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [William-Optics] CLONE THIS (if you can...) ! APOGRADE to WO-TMB
FLUORITE DOUBLET

Yes, please contact us for more detail.
Pearl white paint? If yes, no problem.

Toll Free-1866-918-6888

David Yang

From: "Stephen Hamilton" <shamilton@...>
Reply-To: William-Optics@yahoogroups.com
To: <William-Optics@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: RE: [William-Optics] CLONE THIS (if you can...) ! APOGRADE to
WO-TMB FLUORITE DOUBLET
Date: Mon, 6 Mar 2006 11:29:00 -0500

I believe my Megrez 80 is a 1, not a 2. Will it be possible to upgrade this one?

Stephen P. Hamilton
http://astro.hcadvantage.com
36?45' 28" , -76?15' 40"

xelasnave · #10 12-05-2007, 03:20 AM

Are upgrading because the paint is chipped? you have worn out the focuser? I thought they were a pretty good scope. I have often put one on the short list if you change ap size why not keep it?
alex

xelasnave · #11 12-05-2007, 03:30 AM

Sorry what I ment to ask was would it not make a decent guide scope or a grab and go for those times you were not really going to be observing..you know weddings parties.. always in the car sorttta thing.
alex

gbeal · #12 12-05-2007, 06:11 AM

PM sent. I have a sniff that Robby is selling his 80mm.

casstony · #13 12-05-2007, 10:06 AM

The ed100 ota is listed at 3.4 kg. My bathroom scales would tend to agree with that figure. It feels very light and easy to pick up and carry.

MortonH · #14 12-05-2007, 11:01 AM

Just checked Orion's website. 100ED is indeed around 3.4kg. However, the tube length would still be an issue for me, I think. If it was f/7.5 like the 80ED I would consider it.

G-day, thanks for that info. I would be much happier paying a small amount to upgrade the lens.

Morton

casstony · #15 12-05-2007, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MortonH

Just checked Orion's website. 100ED is indeed around 3.4kg. However, the tube length would still be an issue for me, I think. If it was f/7.5 like the 80ED I would consider it.

Morton

Yeah, any long ota would look ungainly on your mount - the ed100 really needs an eq mount. I posted that weight figure as another poster asked for the weights.

paninaro · #16 14-05-2007, 09:26 PM

Why not go half ed80 and half W.O!

Buy an ed80 and replace the focuser with one of the W.O synta replacement focusers, best of both worlds, cheaper ed80 scope and a fine W.O 10:1 focuser.

MortonH · #17 14-05-2007, 10:02 PM

Although there's not much difference optically, I really prefer the look and feel of the WO scopes compared to the 80ED clones, even if it costs a bit more.

Morton

Miaplacidus (Brian) · #18 14-05-2007, 10:47 PM

The new Skywatcher Equinox range might fill the bill...

stellarquest · #19 18-05-2007, 05:37 AM

I own both the 80ED type 2 and the ED66. Both are superb. The 66 gets mounted on a Velbon Sherpa tripod. I can set this up, carry it ( scope and tripod ) in one hand while carrying my eyepiece case in the other, and be obseving in under two minutes. Perfect for Lunar and planetary. I recently bought the 3.2 and 9.5 lenses from Andrews and they compliment the setup perfectly.The 80 is mounted on an EQ5. Rock solid stability, and Saturn and Jupiter are incredible. Will also give fantastic views of Orion, not to mention M55 and the Jewel Box. The EQ5 is way overkill, and I am thinking of buying a Velbon V7000 Video tripod to match. Much less setting up time, and the lighter weight of the ED80 also makes this a viable option. Quality is heirloom on both scopes, with the best focuser out yet. Both are identical. You cannot go wrong with any WO scope, and the 80 represents outstanding value. There is simply no better outfit at the moment for the price and quality. I have been known to simply set up the 66 and look at it in the lounge room when it is raining or overcast outside, just because I think it is a piece of art. But that's only my opinion.

MortonH · #20 18-05-2007, 07:55 AM

I agree - I like a scope that's also nice to look at.

Morton