Celestron C80ED-RGT Refractor

All, Celestron has just introduced a new apochromatic refractor that I'm interested in getting..

www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/c80rgt.htm

It's an 80mm objective with an apochromatic lens and a cg5 motorised mount, A&S have a review of this scope in the June 2005 issue, and it's caught my attention
:shock:

Does anybody know where i can shop around for one both here in Ireland and the UK??

Thanks,
Keith..

Several companies have 80mm ED refractors on the market of identical focal length. Orion (US) were one of the first companies to bring it out and others companies such as Skywatcher et al have followed suit. As most telescopes are now made by two chinese companies, there's a very good chance these refractors are, for all intents and purposes, the exact same. However, feel free to correct me on this.

As for the cg5 mount, I'd check out the reviews on cloudynights.com and make up your own mind. It's a good place for an unbiased opinion.
www.cloudynights.com/category.php?category_id=88&pr=1
Personally, I wouldn't pay too much attention to a review of a product which that same entity sells. However, mabey that's just me.

As for shopping around, from what I recall Any McCrea is a Celestron dealer. I doubt if anyone will be able to beat him on price. I'd send him an e-mail if I were you and enquire.

BTW, here's Andy's site. FWIW, I don't have any connection with him or his business. I just know a few people he has looked after and they rate him very highly.
www.mccreaa.freeserve.co.uk/

C80 ED R - 3.1" f/7.5 ED Refractor on CG-5 Equatorial Mount
Celestron
C80 ED R - 3.1" f/7.5 ED Refractor on CG-5 Equatorial Mount [CE-21021]
Use the 80mm ED refractor with supplied CG-5 mount for astronomy and astrophotography, or put the OTA on a photographic tripod for daytime use! ED optics delivers sharp, color-corrected views and makes a great camera lens. Add optional dual-axis drive to the mount for automatic tracking and electronic control. We are currently accepting pre-orders for this item. Shipments should begin in Spring 2005.
More info... New Item Pre Order Item
Our Price: $799.00

C80 ED R-GT - 3.1" ED Refractor on CG-5 GT Mount
Celestron
C80 ED R-GT - 3.1" ED Refractor on CG-5 GT Mount [CE-21022]
Use the 80mm ED refractor with supplied CG-5 mount for astronomy and astrophotography, or put the OTA on a photographic tripod for daytime use! ED optics delivers sharp, color-corrected views and makes a great camera lens. Sturdy, equatorial mount provides great platform for visual or photographic work. Easy-to-use hand controller has 40,000+ objects onboard for a smorgasbord tour of the universe! We are currently accepting pre-orders for this item. Shipments should begin in Spring 2005.
More info... New Item Pre Order Item
Our Price: $1,099.00

This might well be identical to the orion scope, I hope it is as the orion scope has got some great reviews. I'd nearly go for it myself.!

Hey guys, thanks for the quick replies!! It's interesting to hear that since these are made in China, than there's a good chance that celestron and orion scopes are more or less the same, this is not the first time i've heard of this.

Still, what matters is the optical quality, I'm still interested, so i'll give andy a shout.

Cheers
Keith..