William Optics vs. TeleVue

Hi, I wanted to ask if anyone had directly compared the TeleVue 60 to the William Optics ZenithStar 66 SD? Is there a significant difference between these two scopes (other than cost)? Thanks.

Yes I have. At low powers they are identical, but get over 100x the TV-60 shows its superiority. Slip in a 3mm Radian, look at something bright like Vega and the difference is quite obvious. The quality of the TV-60 feels more superior. The helical focuser of the TV-60 is great for fine focusing. I did not notice the brightness due to the extra 6mm of aperture....it was easy for me to make the choice to sell the WO and keep the TV.
Ivan

Michael McNeely said:

Hi, I wanted to ask if anyone had directly compared the TeleVue 60 to the William Optics ZenithStar 66 SD? Is there a significant difference between these two scopes (other than cost)? Thanks.

I'd say so. At about twice the price of the 66 for the base TV model there oughta be.

That said, you have to axe yourself if the price jump is worth the performance increase. These are both small aperture scopes, afterall.

Me? I find the WO 66 just the thing. Visually, it's great...it's not like I'm gonna push a 66mm scope to 300x. I've also had very good luck with it for imaging with the ST2000.

IMHO, the 66 and the similar scopes from Astronomics are the worthy successors to the vaunted Short Tube 80. Capable (far more so than that old warhorse) yet still cheap.

And yet...if you're engaged in pursuits like demanding imaging with a large chip camera, I wouldn't fault you for choosing the TV. Can't go wrong there if you are willing to pay the fare.