I though I should add to this thread to maybe clear up some misconceptions. The scope we know as the Saxon ED80, Orion ED80, Skywatcher ED80 and the Celestron C80ED are all manufacture by Synta Technology Corporation (China)
The ony difference between the Saxon ED80, Orion ED80 and Skywatcher ED80 is the colour, decals and price. The Celestron C80ED has a smaller diameter tube and is fitted with a rack & pinion focuser as apposed to the crayford focuser fitted to the the Saxon ED80, Orion ED80 and Skywatcher ED80
As for which one is the best scope to buy, my money would be on any of the three models that are equipped with the Crayford focuser (I own the Saxon ED80 and use it for Astrophotography).
Celestron itself is now owned by SW Technology Corporation, a Delaware company, an affiliate of Synta Technology Corporation(http://www.aoas.org/article.php?story=20050406200033853), therefore most or all of Celestron produce are produced by Synta. You may also have notice that produce sold under Celestron, Saxon, Skywatcher and Orion (maybe Meade as well?) look similar that is because they come from the same factory, so really, you are not buying anything special other then a Brand Names.
