[AZ-Observing] Refractor Comparison

It seems refractors are getting more attention. I would like to order 
one, but it is difficult to determine what to buy without comparing 
f-ratios, aperture sizes, achromat vs. apo (or ed), and all the 
manufacturers (Meade, Celestron, T-V, Orion, RR, etc.). I propose all 
refractor owners getting together for a special event to compare each 
others refractors. I am leaning toward the Orion refractor because they 
have good reviews and are relatively inexpensive. What I am planning on 
doing is ordering the new 100mm ED, the 120mm f8.3, and the 100mm f6. 
The 120mm f5 is an interesting possibility, but I just cannot see how 
such a short focal length refractor can give a very good image even 
being restricted to deep sky. I would return all except the one I will 
keep (or possibly all if I am not happy with any one) within the 30 day 
time period to return refractors. If anyone already has one of these, I 
would not have to order it which could save me a return cost if it is 
one of the ones I end up not being happy with.

How does this sound - a special get together of refractor owners? We 
hear individual accounts of performance, but we never really know what 
this means because we have nothing to compare with at the moment.
Stan

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