looking for a good refractor

Hey guys, any suggestions on an excellent refractor within the $500-$700 price range, also w/ great planetary viewing, ie- cassini divisions?

Currently the best deal in a small refractor is the Orion 80ED, APO-like color free performance at a price that is usually reserved for Achromats. The problem with this scope is that everybody wants one, it is such a deal, they are back ordered until december.

The problem with 80mm scopes is that they lack aperture and in the end that will be the limiting factor. 80 mm is 80mm.

For that same $700 you can buy a larger refractor like the Synta 120mm EQ (F8.3) that will provide brighter images, show more DSOs and more planetary detail but will have false color to boot. A minus violet filter is a help with the false color.

One can also buy a large Newtonian that will have no false color, really light up the DSOs but will require collimation and more cool down time. If you have $700 and want to really see what is out there to see, an 8 or 10 inch reflector is certainly the way to do it.

jon