Orion 80mm (3.15") ED APO Refractor Telescope OTA
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Orion 80mm (3.15") ED APO Refractor Telescope OTA
Orion 80mm (3.15 inch) ED APO Refractor Telescope OTA
It's a sweet scope all right. With a focal length of 600mm (f/7.5), the ED80 is wonderfully suited for visual applications on both solar system and deep-sky objects as well as for prime-focus astrophotography and CCD imaging.
The Orion ED 80 refractor sports a fully multi-coated 80mm objective lens doublet, one element of which is crafted from Extra-Low Dispersion, or ED optical glass. This high-grade glass greatly reduces the chromatic aberration inherent in standard achromats. Images appear more sharply focused and color fringing around bright objects is lessened dramatically.
The objective lens of the Orion 80mm ED is held in a machined, black anodized aluminum cell and shaded by an aluminum dew cap. Internal tube baffles ensure high contrast and prevent ghosting.
The Orion ED80 features a superb, backlash-free 2 inch Crayford-style focuser, which accepts both 2" and 1.25" diagonals. Notice the focus wheels: classy, brushed-aluminum hubs with ridged rubber grip rings. Nice touch. Set the focuser tension or lock it for imaging with the focus lock knob. The molded-in dovetail base accepts the optional Orion finder scope of your choice, and the tube has a built-in 1/4 inch-20 plate.
Orion Product Number: 9895
SPECIFICATIONS
| Aperture | 80 mm (3.25") |
|---|---|
| CD ROMs Included | Starry Night SE |
| Dew Shield Included | Yes |
| Exterior Color | Gloss White |
| Focal Ratio | f/7.5 |
| Highest Useful Magnification | 160x |
| Limiting Stellar Magnitude | 12.2 |
| Manufacturer | Orion |
| Optical Design | Doublet |
| OTA Length | 23.5" |
| OTA Weight | 5.7 lbs. |
| Warranty | 2 Year Warranty |
- Reviews
- Questions
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.
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.