ed-80 vs astro-tech at80ed

Hi,
I used to have a Synta ED-80 with excellent optics. In a moment of madness I sold it. I now miss it and wish to replace it.

Has anyone had a chance to compare an ED-80 to the Astronomy Technologies AT80ED?

The astrotech has a much nicer focuser, tube, and fit and finish, but from what I can find on the net it seems as if it is not quite as good optically as the ED-80???

Have also heard that it is a knock off of a William optics scope - if so, which model??

Opinions sought please

cheers
Gary

>>>The astrotech has a much nicer focuser, tube, and fit and finish, but from what I can find on the net it seems as if it is not quite as good optically as the ED-80???

Have also heard that it is a knock off of a William optics scope - if so, which model??
---

It is my understanding that Astrotech and William Optics are are vendors that by from the same manufacturer.

I believe this would be the scope you are considering:

http://www.williamoptics.com/prod_tel/ZS80ED/features0.htm

This scope uses FLP-51 glass where as the ED-80 uses the more expensive FPL-53. William Optics seems or at least did, call their scopes with FPL-53 Fluorite where as Orion just calls it FPL-53...

I looked into switching from my ED-80 to the William Optics WO 80FD because there was one locally at a good price but talked to people familiar with both and decide to stick with the ED-80 because I knew I had good optics.

Jon