FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: The Orion 120mm ED Refractor

["Jack Jones" <Telescoper@xxxxxxx>]

Your suspicions are most probably correct. And it is impossible to judge the 
120 by looking at the Orion 80 and 100mm EDs. I do find it personally 
distasteful to spend $1000+/inch for a refractor, but this ED niche is a good 
compomise between the dreadful achromats and the exquisite (read expensive) 
APOs. The 80mm is $500 ret. (try Astromart!) and the 100mm is $900 and really 
are right there in the middle between them, I'd say towards the good end, and 
even flirt with the APOs without any of the 'defects' found in the regular 
achromats. I've had both sizes and found them superb, and am very pleased to 
get high quality without the cost, which is what Orion was aiming for and 
achieved. I ordered three 80mm (not at the same time!) to check them against 
each other and hated to send the other two back, very hard decision. The 
100mm, only ordered one and I got a great scope on the first attempt and hated 
selling the 80 (still have regrets occaisionally). That has to say something 
for QC doesn't it?

Jack

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Stan Gorodenski" <stan_gorodenski@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "AZ-Observing" <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, August 04, 2006 11:48 AM
Subject: [AZ-Observing] The Orion 120mm ED Refractor


I am not at present in the market for a refractor, but if I were to get
one it would be a 5". I noticed that Orion has a new OTA 120mm ED
refractor they call an APO. This seems to be a bit expensive considering
that it is probably mass produced, the tube probably does not compare to
tubes for TMB's and Takahashi's, and it probably is not a full APO.
Unless those selling used refractors on Astromart have become even more
greedy since the last I looked a couple years ago, it probably would be
better to get a used one that has a good reputation and is known for
sure to be an APO. Any opinions on the Orion ED?
Stan
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