Hey Mike I’m looking at purchasing a used ST80 but am having trouble finding tube rings for the scope. Can you point me in the right direction to purchase a set with a dovetail bracket like yours? Steve
Hi Steve, sorry for the delay. So I found some 90mm rings that fit it well on CloudyNights classifieds, but they sell them new online in the usual astronomy shops. The plate I want to say I got from Agena Astro.
I want to do both astronomical and terrestrial viewing, and would like to get the 80-A instead of the 80-T, but would I need to get a separate correct-image 45-degree diagonal just so I can view terrestrial images or will the supplied 90 degree mirror diagonal on this work just as well? I plan to mound this on the Orion Paragon HD-F2 tripod that I already have. thx
Hi Mike I am a novice trying to grow astronomy as a hobby & more What would you suggest buying for 1st time novice beginner ? Orion ST80 ( telescope ) or Celestron Skymaster 25x100 ( binoculars ) ?? Which will give better coverage for sky, better & further images clear bigger views. I heard it is better to buy a binoculars than a telescope 1st ( Logistics and handling is not a concern )
Hi Chintan, I'd actually recommend bins to start but the 25x100s are challenging because they require a tripod/mount and it's hard to observe at the zenith. Something 8x power can still be handheld for the purpose, and is quite a bit lighter. Hope this helps! =)
I got the Gskyer version of the short tube 80. Will be using it for astrophotography.
I've got the Skywatcher version of this scope. With practice you can use it by hand using your knee as a pivot for the ultimate pick up and go scope.
Loving that positive energy!
nice concise review. would love to see images of the moon, saturn and a few star clusters. That would make this review even better.
I've got 3 Meade ST80s! I retrofitted them with GSO Crayford focusers. One of those focusers has linear bearings for the weight of a camera.
Hey Mike I’m looking at purchasing a used ST80 but am having trouble finding tube rings for the scope. Can you point me in the right direction to purchase a set with a dovetail bracket like yours? Steve
Hi Steve, sorry for the delay. So I found some 90mm rings that fit it well on CloudyNights classifieds, but they sell them new online in the usual astronomy shops. The plate I want to say I got from Agena Astro.
I want to do both astronomical and terrestrial viewing, and would like to get the 80-A instead of the 80-T, but would I need to get a separate correct-image 45-degree diagonal just so I can view terrestrial images or will the supplied 90 degree mirror diagonal on this work just as well? I plan to mound this on the Orion Paragon HD-F2 tripod that I already have. thx
The 90º can work for daylight/terrestrial, but obviously 45º correct-image has a benefit for that, where gravity applies ;)
Hi Mike
I am a novice trying to grow astronomy as a hobby & more
What would you suggest buying for 1st time novice beginner ?
Orion ST80 ( telescope ) or Celestron Skymaster 25x100 ( binoculars ) ??
Which will give better coverage for sky, better & further images clear bigger views.
I heard it is better to buy a binoculars than a telescope 1st
( Logistics and handling is not a concern )
Hi Chintan, I'd actually recommend bins to start but the 25x100s are challenging because they require a tripod/mount and it's hard to observe at the zenith. Something 8x power can still be handheld for the purpose, and is quite a bit lighter. Hope this helps! =)