Jim wrote:
I'm in the market for a 80mm short focal length scope,F7 or less. Who
do you think offers the best
value...Orion,Celestron, Willaim-optics,Stellarvue, Meade? I'll use it
for both birding and astronomy.
I'm looking for quality optics, mechanics and least amount of color.
Thanks.

I'd compare (carefully to be sure it's the same optic set - depending
on the scope, some use FPL-51, others FPL-53) between SV, WO or
Astro-Tech. These little scopes have an awful lot in common (thanks to
the choice of subcontractor), so I'd tend to go by price. While I
haven't seen the SV, I have been following it (and reports about it)
with interest.

I haven't seen much to indicate QC is markedly better or worse with any
of these. They all seem to be pretty good.

Rod, y'all best be careful or they're gonna make a refractor junkie
outta you.



Tom T.