Refractor Opion Needed

I am currently looking to get a refractor to compliment my LX90 and to use as a grab and go scope. I am looking at the Orion Astroview 120ST and the Apogee Widestar 127. Any recommendations onthese 2 scopes? Or any recommendations for a different refractor in the 400-600 dollar price range?

How about the Stellarvue AT1010? 80mm, f6, $450. Several people have purchased one for use as a guidescope but ended up using it as their principal visual/photographic scope. If you decide to go with a 5" scope, you'll need a beefier mount, one that would be hard to "grab and go" with.

The Orion just came out an F8.3 120 I think its called the pro view on a similar looking CG5 style mount which would hold the 120 much better and has an ajustable lens cell for around $599. The Widestar 127 is on a CG5 clone so there's no problem there but the cell is not adjustable so only if Apogee is willing to swap ota's in case you have a problem would be the big "if" on that purchase. The Wide satr is a faster scope and may have more false color than the Orion at F8.3 plus that lens has been in production for over 3 years so the chances of gettong a good one by know should be much better than 3 years ago. If you don't like the Orion scope they are very easy to work with if you want to return it for a refund if not satisfied. IMO I feel the Orion on the slighly better mount would be the way to go, the EQ3 mount is not sturdy enough. Good luck.

You can't go wrong with the Stellarvue AT1010. This is an awesome scope!! I had a Celestron G-8 and a Celestron C-102. I wanted some thing that was wide field, compact and easy to get out side quick, not to mention I'm on a buget. After reading lots of reviews and one review by Ed Ting on the AT1010 I decided to take a chance. And I wasn't disappointed. This scope out performed my C-102. There wasn't any comparsion between the two. The AT1010 had better color correction (mind you that this is an f/6 compared to an f/10 focal length) contrast was better, easier to find the sweet spot in focusing. Not to mention that this is an f/6 and mechancial this scope is built like a tank. Vic really out done himself with the little scope. It's hand made and tested several times before shipment. And all of this for about $470. I used this scope so much that I ended up selling my C-102 and I haven't missed it. Vic also offers other apertures but this little 80mm refractor really performs great. It's not like other achormat, trust me.

Clear Skies,
David Pope

I'll chime in and second what the others have said about the Stellarvue AT1010. I have two small refractors, a Chinese-made Celestron 70mm and the AT, and in comparison, the Stellarvue is much better built, shorter in length (therefore easier to transport), and takes greater magnification. It's small enought to mount nicely on top of an 8" SCT, too.

Well, just to equalize the choices a bit, there's now the high quality Japanese Vixen 102-GP f/9.8 achromat that Todd Gross gave a very high mark (the old Celestron/Vixen C-102 achromat which Synta has cloned) for a little over $700 from Anarcortes, thanks to Tele Vue for taking on the distribution ;-). Orion has also introduced a new 102mm f/6 achromat (don't know who makes it or how good it is) with the usual generous return policy.

One of the data you haven't provided us Samuel is what would you use the refractor for (grab and go is a little too vague ;-). Some people got a grab and go scope to end up going into the closet pretty quickly ;-). Then, perhaps, we can help you narrow down your choice.

Ron the 4-inch Tall Evangelist B[ee]

Thanks everyone for all the advise. After reading all the replies I have decided on the Stellarvue AT1010. I originally wanted the bigger aperature, but decide on the Stellarvue for portability and quality and I can piggyback it onto my LX90. I still may buy the Orion 120ST for its widefield views at a later date. Thanks again everyone.

Sam

Yes, I have an opinion. I bought the Orion 120ST. It's OK, but don't try planets. I used my 4.8 Meade UWA on Jupiter, and it's pretty ugly. Anything over 100X breaks down. With the 35 Panoptic the view is very nice but that is 17x. I would go with a longer OTA.

Jerry