Telescope Reviews: Re: planetary travel scope: ed80 vs. orion 127mm m

I think I would opt for the 127 mak for these reasons. In really dark skies I would want as much light gathering as possible for planets, and I know you did not specifically mention DSO's, but we all get there, wanting to view open clusters, globs and yes..even galaxies, sooner or later especially when we are presented with dark skies.
I have had both a Starmax 127 and a WO80 FPL-53 doublet. Yes, the 80 had a nice expansive and sharp view, but sooner or later you want to bring objects to bear..a bit more image scale so to speak. Planets will benefit from an increase in resolution and most Messier objects will fit in the FOV of the Mak. There are a few extended objects..ie double cluster, M45, M31, and regions of Sagittarius, that would benefit from a short fl 80 ED. Most everything else will benefit from the increase in aperture. With the 127 you will actually start resolving stars in larger globs under dark skies. With the 80 you will be hard pressed. Now if we were talking a 100 or 102 short FL ED scope I would be preaching something different, but an 80 I believe is too challenged on Planetary and DSO's for me to recommend it.
Another note..you will find getting decent powers with med fl. length fl ep's much easier with a f10 system than with the 80. Just my thoughts...
BC

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B Cuddihee

On the quest to find the best for the least!
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1968 Jason Empire 60X700mm refractor (my buddy from way back)
Celestron Nexstar8SE(a remarkable 8" grab and go)
Feathertouch Microfocuser
Stellarvue 50mm "Sparrowhawk" finder
Denk bino's with Power x switch
Pair of 26m Celestron Silvertop Plossls
Pair of Smart Astronomy 19 EF's
Pair of Smart Astronomy 16 EF's
Agena 38 SWA
Agena 26 SWA
Garrett 2" 2x ED Barlow

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