Date: Mon Mar 21 2005 - 22:32:17 MST
Hello Everyone,
Over the past few years I've really wanted to own a small high quality refractor. I wanted something that would serve as nice grab and go platform, guide scope, or terrestrial spotter. The problem was I didn't want to invest allot of money.
My first thought was to get the very scope that got me into this hobby in the first place, the Orion ST80. But I had my sights set higher than that. The Stellarview model, while of higher quality, looked too much like the Orion scope, I wanted something that would look good sitting next to "Old School" my TV Genesis SDF.
Then I ran across the new Vixen 80mm short tube. The scope comes with flip mirror diagonal two EP's and a red dot finder for $360. The price was certainly right, and the scope looks nice. I was just about to make the order for the Vixen when I remembered that William Optics had come out with a new 80mm Achromat. I checked it out at the WO web site and after seeing the photos and reading the specs, I was sold! I made the order through their site on Wednesday and received the scope Friday morning at work.
Many years ago a watch company introduced a wrist watch that was so simple yet so elegant in design that the Metropolitan Museum of Art bought one to display in its permanent collection, it's now known as the Movado Museum Watch. Well IMHO the William Optics ZenithStar 80 f/6 Achromat would feel right at home in that same Museum collection!
This scope is amazingly beautiful! The fit and finish is flawless, the 360 degree rotateable focuser is as smooth as silk and the color scheme is to die for! The daytime views I've had with it are very encouraging. Using the 35mm Panoptic I was treated to a very nice wide field view of the park across the street with the entire FOV sharp focus. I can't wait to star test this puppy.
At $399.00 some would say its allot to pay for a 80mm Achormat, but I'll tell you, for what you get this scope is a bargain!
You know, I expected clouds when I ordered my new scope, but not a Tornado!
Rashad
