I think it's because 80mm makes for a reasonable wide field scope.

That said, I don't exactly disagree with you. An 80mm scope is really in
the
toy category for intermediate and avid amateurs. It's a play thing.
Something you take along on the family trip. You convince yourself that
it's
for observing nature, but deep down in your heart you know it's just a
pacifier for when you start jones'ing for the scope you would have
brought,
if you hadn't brought the family. g



That is the finest put down I have ever read. *laugh*

So the question remains. Why an 80 after soooo many years?? What is it with
the
companies?