Vixen ED80SF on Portamount

I am looking for an 80mm refractor for quick looks when I don't want to drag out the 10 inch Dob. I also am looking for airline carry-on capability.

Any feedback on this scope and mount combo? I gather some of the Synta 80 EDs have had quality issues with collimation and the focuser. Is the Vixen any better in this regard?

The other scope I am thinking about is the Stellarvue 80D (the new, airline transportable version of the 80/9D) on the SV M1GG mount and tripod combo.

Any thoughts on how these two would compare? Thanks,

Jeff Bennett

I have this combo and I think its a great scope. I used it next to my old 102 orion mak and found the vixen had overall better views. The porta mount is easy to use but I would not call it a lightweight mount. Its a tad bit heavy for a portable mount. Nothing major, mind you I can pick it up easy with scope and walk from my basement upstairs and outside really easy. For airline portablity the WO might be better.The only real fault I find with the mount is the leg spreaders are made from plastic.