Orion Optics?

[Canopus Lim]

I have read that Orion Optics (UK) is the not the same as the USA Orion brand. They seem to be producing optics that are good and relatively cheap.

http://www.orionoptics.co.uk/acatalog/E ... model.html

Includes the Vixen mount and all for 500 pounds. If add 1/6 to 1/8 PV deluxe optics it would be 540pounds (S$1620)! The OTA for the 150mm Reflector with deluxe optics will be only 340 pounds (S$1020)! That is rather good price for the quality. The OO optics from what I read are well praised and tested by interferometer. 150mm f/5 reflector is good for the size, performance on wide field and planets. Can be a 'grab and go' scope too. It is rather hard to find a quality 150mm f/5 reflector OTA.

Anyone has this brand of scope?

[Robin Lee]

The performance sounds promising. Are you going to get one?

[Canopus Lim]

NO..just found this company interesting only.

[Robin Lee]

I just find that their mirrors are used for nuclear fusion research as well.

[Traveler]

I wonder if their equatorial mounted OTAs can be converted to dobsonian mount and vice versa. If so it'll be the best of both worlds cause it can be used for astrophotography too!

[Canopus Lim]

They have a compact lightweight dob base and tube rings (for dob) for the 150mm reflector. I think it is possible to mount the 150mm f/5 reflector onto the dob base but it will be short. Probably have to observe while seating on the ground or on a small stool. It would be possible if you use a green laser pointer as a finder so that there is no need to bend at awkward angles. Most compact dob.

http://www.orionoptics.co.uk/acatalog/OD150SS.html

[Jeremy]

Folks,

Orion Optics are located about 10 miles from my residence and I have visited their plant. They have an excellent reputation for their optics. I have their SPX200 F4.5 OTA and this is a brilliant performer. Each has a Zygo test report: mine has a Strehl of 0.992.

Go well!
Jeremy

[VinSnr]

I have read that Orion Optics (UK) is the not the same as the USA Orion brand. They seem to be producing optics that are good and relatively cheap.

http://www.orionoptics.co.uk/acatalog/E ... model.html

Includes the Vixen mount and all for 500 pounds. If add 1/6 to 1/8 PV deluxe optics it would be 540pounds (S$1620)! The OTA for the 150mm Reflector with deluxe optics will be only 340 pounds (S$1020)! That is rather good price for the quality. The OO optics from what I read are well praised and tested by interferometer. 150mm f/5 reflector is good for the size, performance on wide field and planets. Can be a 'grab and go' scope too. It is rather hard to find a quality 150mm f/5 reflector OTA.

Anyone has this brand of scope?

The problem is shipping to Singapore. I enquire their prices before. Even after deducting VAT, you can expect the deluxe OTA to be in the region of 500++ pounds.

Almost SGD500 bucks for shipping such a light scope is crazy. Mind you, I ship my whole 11" Astrosky dob from US for only around SGD400.

[Canopus Lim]

VinSnr,

Your shipping of S$400 is more an exception rather than the rule. I do not know what freight forwarder you used but S$400 is really cheap. If you use USPS (United States Parcel Service) the cost will be more than S$1000 excluding GST. For courier USPS is already the cheapest. It is 'crazy' for UPS, FEDEX etc. I have once sent a small parcel (of a few grams) using FEDEX and the cost was like S$80; the item I think cost 1/4 the shipping cost. Even internally in USA, shipping of a large scope with courier amounts to US$100s.

[Tachyon]

Yeah... my dob just cost me US$720 shipping via UPS!