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economic excellance
First, I want to state my review concerns visual astronomy. I purchased this scope three years ago for use as my primary grab and go. It has performed that function with great ease. Views of the planets and other bright objects are excellent. There is virtually no observable false color even on the brightest of objects. It is light weight thus pairs well with the many available small Alt AZ mount. Due to the focal ratio of 7.5 and the Ed lens the scope works well with almost any eyepiece. I am able to push the scope to and excess of 200X on almost any night. When the conditions cooperate I have reached 250X. Even though it's aperture is 80MM, it does a credible job on bright DSOs such as the Orion Nebulae, and the Andromeda galaxy. The only drawback concerns the focuser which is a single speed crayford. It would have been a nice touch to have included a two speed focuser. Even so, I have had little trouble reaching critical focus even at high magnification. In all areas this is a fine product. Highly recommended as a secondary and or grab and go scope.
very nice product
First, I must report that I can only comment on the use of this scope as a visual instrument. I do not dabble in imaging. That said, this is is a very good scope; an economically priced APO that really performs. It provides sharp, contrasted views with the barest evidence of chromatic aberration on even the brightest of objects. I have consistently been able to push the usable magnification above 200X, and when the sky cooperated, I have had nice clear views at 225X. Obviously, it is not the scope of choice for use on dim objects, but it actually does commendable job on the brighter DSOs such as the Orion nebulae or the Andromeda galaxy. It has several other strong points such as a FL of 7.5 which makes it go easy on most eyepieces. It is very light weight and thus easily supported by smaller Alt/Az and EQ mounts. Also, it comes with a very nice 2" Crawford focuser. One complaint I have heard is the focuser is only single speed. I can imagine that being a issue for imaging, but for visual use, I have not had a problem obtaining critical focus. I would easily recommend this scope for a good grab and go instrument. When one considers the price it is a winner.