diagonals is there a differance

Hello all. After looking around I have decided that it might be worth going out on the limb to buy a new 2 inch diagonal.With so many out there to choose from, its rather confusing, 99% reflectivity, 97% reflectivity, aluminun vs.silver, dielectric, or enhanced, then throw in the quartz,and then prisms, whats the differance and whats good and whats not. Wow mind blowing to say the least. So I really am hoping a few of you good folks here can really shed some light here on diagonals.Also, would like to know if spending the extra money for the top brand names is really worth it. Now I will be using the diagonal just for viewing. thanks mark

Mark, at this point in time, with so much competition and good prices, and IMHO, I would make sure to get a Dielectric Diagonal... which they all have very high reflectivity and high durability...

And as far as reflectivity goes, when you are in the high 90s, your eyes won't be able to tell the difference, so if you get 96-97-98-99%... it is all GOOD! 8)

As far as reflectivity, it would be impossible to tell the difference between 99 and 97%. The human eye is not that sensitive. Take Ivan's advice and go with a dielectric model. The coating is much harder and will not degrade over time as will standard coatings. It will stand up to cleaning better as well.
I don't feel like you will gain anything by going with a quartz model.
If you can afford it, go with a Televue Everbright or AP Maxbright. Both are highly regarded and one of the best investments you can make in any scope.
While a Williams Optics diagonal is generally a decent unit, it can not be collimated. They claim there is no need, but I've had one that was out of collimation, and have a friend who had the same issue. That said, I would imagine they would replace such a unit, as they have good customer service. Mine was bought second hand, though, and the miscollimation was slight.
Stellarvue also makes a good diagonal, that I believe is a few dollars less.

Hi Mark,
It depend on whether you are upgrading from a standard diagonal(eg. inexpensive 1.25" plastic diagonals that are included with many scopes(meade, celestron, etc).
I have 4 Inexpensive Meade Diagonals , 1 a few others from other Manufactures that are not collimated very well when checked with a laser. I personally own a couple of Williams optics diagonals(enhanced silver) and I am very happy with them . The Williams optics, Astrotech,or any of the Higher end Meade, Celestron , Orion, etc have a good reputation If you dont want to shell out $$$ for a Televue or AP diagonal.

I have an Astro-Tech 1.25 dielectric, and a Williams Optics 2" dielectric----- both are outstanding and much superior to a stock diagonal. Well worth the cost....... although the Astro-Tech was very reasonably priced.

Ivan is 100% correct.