80mm SkyWatcher Refractor

Hello,
I was just wanting something new and since I have never tried this telescope, I ordered the skywatcher 80mm, 910mm FL. I was very surprised at it's quality, it is a goto, and has really good optics especially for the price I paid which at the time a few months ago was 149.00. I have never had a goto that is this accurate and has an object list that blows Meade out of the water. It actually goes to what you are wanting to see. I have a friend at work that had his Meade 5" reflector with the barlow in the focuser to give a longer focal length, and it had more false color than did my skywatcher. Mine had beautiful views of jupiter while his was a weird color of blue. This telesope info isn't that important to most of you, but I wanted to just mention that if you want a very satisfacory grab and go with goto, this little guy should be on your list. It's great for deep space also, but it is 80mm.
When I dont wanna set up the AR5, this one is ready in less than 5 minutes and the views doesn't look like it's coming from a toy. I was just surprised at it's quality for such a low price. The weight is very lite, and I use my celestron power tank with my AR5 ac cord adapter. I have used the battery pack also with the same results. I hadn't ever seen the stargate before and have not seen it on the list of Meade goto objects and it hit dead center, nice object to view. I'm not making any money from Celestron by bragging on it, I thought maybe a couple of A'marters may like to try it. It's not a waste of money. I have enjoyed mine totally. Just check it out if you need something lite with goto and wont break the bank.

Clear Skies,
Darrell

It is indeed a sweet little scope. I purchased one this past summer. I had bought it just for the mount (I purchased the AZ4 version for $179 at at time when just the AZ4 was selling for $199, so it was like they paid me $20 to take the telescope!). I liked the scope so much I ended up keeping it. I also have a Meade AZ90 and this scope has proven to give better planetary views then the Meade (the Meade only bests it on deep sky, but not by much). It's sharp optics have also made it my prime solar scope (when used with a white light filter). This is essentially the same scope as Orion's F/11 that they sell as a guide scope, so this one's a real steal!
Craig

Darrel, you got me curious on this scope. I went to the OPT site. The skywatcher AZ4 sells for $159 but it is not a "goto" telescope. You mention that it is a goto and ..it has an object list that blows Meade out of the water. What am I missing?
Joe.

Darrel, you got me curious on this scope. I went to the OPT site. The skywatcher AZ4 sells for $159 but it is not a "goto" telescope. You mention that it is a goto and ..it has an object list that blows Meade out of the water. What am I missing?
Joe.