Orion ShortTube 80 dropped $50 off price today

Just a heads up for anyone interested - Orion has their ShortTube 80 on sale as of today for $149 - $50 off the normal $199 price.

I'd been looking for a nice but inexpensive portable to add to my LX200 8" and several members of my club recommended the 80.

I went ahead after this price drop and ordered. Couldn't resist.

Has anyone used this scope before? Is it a decent "cheap" scope?
The price is appealing. I'm considering as a finder for my dob, plus just as a toy. Wanted to hold out for the 90, but may go for this instead.
Thanks
Tom

I've owned a ST80 for over 4 years now. This telescope has given me an inordinate amount of pleasure and has been used far more than I ever anticipated. My ShortTube 80 has been to the 1998 Caribbean solar eclipse and to the Southern Skies Star Party in Bolivia and it's served as the subject for a chapter in a book on small telescopes.

Dave Mitsky

I have an Orion XT 4.5 dob and its great, but I have been thinking about getting a smaller scope just for quick views and was trying to decide which scope to get. I happened by Orions website and saw that sale for 149.00 and just couldnt resist. So they got my (little bit) of money and now I'm anxiously awaiting my new ST80. I really don't think they'll ever be a better deal than this one. At this price I'm betting Orion will sell out within the week, so get'em while they last!

I had to buy one for that price.
What is a good sun filter for this scope?
Also, does anyone make a dovetail bracket gizmo that I can use this as a finder on my LX200 and dob?

Hope I brought rain only to my yard!
Thanks
Tom