IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ THIS FIRST All prices are listed in CANADIAN dollars, prices are subject to change without notice. Please ask for an estimate on shipping before ordering. We ship anywhere in the world.

We reserve the right to change prices without notice.

ORION & VIXEN

Prices listed here on Orion telescopes (and other Orion products) are meant as a guide only. Actual price is the same as listed in the Orion Web site or Catalogue. To calculate the current price, take the Orion price PLUS the shipping price listed in (brackets), convert to Canadian dollars, and voila! When Orion places an item on sale, so do I. Only some Orion products are listed here, the entire range of Orion & Vixen products as listed in the Orion catalogue are available, just ask.

RETURNS

On most items, 14 day returns are allowed, you must contact us first by phone or e-mail. Shipping & handling charges are non-refundable. 5% restocking fee on binoculars, spotting scopes and telescopes. This fee will not apply in the case of defective or damaged merchandise. No returns on special orders or used items. All products are examined before shipping. If a product arrives damaged in shipment, contact us IMMEDIATELY.

UPGRADES & SUBSTITUTIONS

We supply all telescopes with all accessories as they come from the manufacturer, we do not remove any item . However, if you wish to upgrade, change and substitute eyepieces and finders on some telescopes, this is often but not always possible. Inquire for details ahead of time, but if we can, we will. In some cases we can also sell an OTA without diagonal, eyepiece, etc, on some telescopes.

CONVERSION TO U.S.A. DOLLARS

$100.00 US = $148.00 CDN

DROP SHIPMENTS

We do not drop ship unless specifically asked to do so. We prefer that all products we sell is inspected first on our premises before shipping.

SPECIAL OFFER

A free red led keychain flashlight is given away with every purchase of $100 Cdn or more. Offer good while supplies last. I just received more supplies, so offer is still good. :)

NEW-WEBSITES

I recommend these web sites of my suppliers for more information, pictures, tech data, instructions, etc:

Orion Telescope:

http://www.telescope.com

SkyWatcher Telescope (Synta)

http://www.skywatchertelescope.com

Brunton

http://www.brunton.com

Discovery Telescope

http://www.discovery-telescope.com

.

TELESCOPE MAKING SUPPLIES

We are big fans of the amateur telescope maker here, and we try to keep a number of items always in stock. Usually secondary flats for 6" to 10" primary mirrors are in stock, as are most DAR focusers, and mirror cells. If you have any questions about any telescope making component, or if you need a custom made piece, contact us anytime.

SECONDARY MIRRORS

Sky Instruments Elliptical Flats

Plate Glass - sizes in inches

1.1.......................$25 1.3.......................$29

1.52.....................$32 2.0.......................$50

2.10.....................$57 2.75.....................$72

Pyrex Glass - sizes in inches

Mil spec, enhanced alumizing

1.83....................$74.00

2.10....................$94.00

2.60....................$115.00

4.00....................$525.00

Sky Instruments PARABOLIC Primary Mirrors

Plate glass, China

4.5", F8.....................................$95.00

5", F5........................................$100.00

6", F5 or F8..............................$150.00

8", F5 or F6..............................$200.00

PYREX, Taiwan

6", F5 or F8..............................$190.00

8", F6........................................$285.00

12.5", F5 ..................................$980.00

REFRACTOR OBJECTIVES-Sky Instruments

Commercial grade, coated front surface, airspaced.

61mm, F7 or F11................................................$45.00

82mm, F7, F8.5, F11 or F12...............................$105.00

92mm, F10.........................................................$135.00

104mm, F9.5......................................................$185.00

Research Grade, Japanese made, all surfaces coated, air spaced.

83mm, F11 or F14...............................$165.00

93mm, F11, F14 or F16.......................$215.00

105mm, F9.5, F12 or F14....................$395.00

120mm, F8...........................................$920.00

LENS CELLS

For 80, 90 or 100mm sizes..................$40.00

OMCON SPIDERS & SECONDARY HOLDERS

Made in Canada, 4 vane spiders, includes adjustable secondary holders (specify which size you need). Vanes are thicker than ProtoStar spider, but the whole unit is very sturdy. Good value for the price. Spiders are sized for matching primary mirror. Secondary mirror "holders" go up to 2" in size max, and you glue the secondary (same sized or oversized) onto the surface of the secondary holder. RTV works great.

FVS-6 (for 6" primary mirror)................$27.00

FVS-8...................................................$31.00

FVS-10..................................................$37.00

FVS-12.5...............................................$42.00

DAR FOCUSERS& MIRROR CELLS

1.25" DOUBLE HELICAL FOCUSER

DHF125

Material:...................................Aluminum and Bronze

Fine focus / Coarse Focus....20 Threads/ inch / 5 Threads/ inch

Focuser Height

Min.........1.25" above tube Max...3" above tube

Mounting.................4, 10-24 Stainless Socket head cap screws

Tube dia. min...8" OD round tube (and all flat sided tubes)

Eyepiece lock......................2, 4-40 Brass thumb screws

Weight..................................6 oz.

Price........................................$100 Canadian

2" DOUBLE HELICAL FOCUSER

DHF200

Material.............................Aluminum, Bronze

Fine focus / Coarse Focus........20 Threads/ inch/5 Threads/r inch

Focuser Height

Min..........1.6" above tube Max.........3.9" above tube

Mounting............4, 10-24 Stainless Socket head cap screws

Tube dia. min..........10" OD round tube (and all flat sided tubes)

Eyepiece lock...........................2, 4-40 Brass thumb screws

Weight.....................................15 oz.

Price........................................$160 Canadian

PARFOCAL RINGS

1.25"

Material..........Cast aluminum

Eyepiece clamps...........2, 10-24 Stainless set screws, Nylon inserts

Price..................................$7.00 Canadian

2"

Material..............................Cast aluminum

Eyepiece clamps.........2, 10-24 Stainless set screws,Nylon inserts

Price..................................$9.00 Canadian

6" Mirror Cells

MC6

Material..............................Cast aluminum

Centering screws................Stainless steel with nylon inserts

Mirror support....................Teflon pads

Weight................................23 oz.

Price..................................$90.00 Canadian

8" Mirror cells

MC8

Material..............................Cast aluminum

Centering screws................Stainless steel with nylon inserts

Mirror support....................Teflon pads

Weight................................

Price..................................$110.00 Canadian

10" Mirror cells

MC10

Material..............................Cast aluminum

Centering screws................Stainless steel with nylon inserts

Mirror support....................Teflon pads

Weight................................

Price..................................$160.00 Canadian

12.5" Mirror cells & 13.1"

MC12

Material..............................Cast aluminum

Centering screws................Stainless steel with nylon inserts

Mirror support....................Teflon pads

Weight................................

Price..................................$210.00 Canadian

13.1" cell ready April 2001.....$220.00 Cdn

16" Mirror cells - Now Available

MC16

Material..............................Cast aluminum

Centering screws................Stainless steel with nylon inserts

Mirror support....................Teflon pads, 18 point

Weight................................

$550.00 for Dobsonian cell, - now ready

$600.00 for EQ mount cell (March 2001)

$650 for EQ , astro-photo (locking) cell. (March 2001)

NOTE-although all parts are in stock, all 16" cells are custom made. Allow minimum of 45 days after order for cell to be made.

Eyepiece Reducer

Material......Aluminum,Price....$20.00 Canadian

Ajustable Eyepiece Reducer

Material......Aluminum, Bronze,Thread.............20 Threads Per Inch

Price..................................$60.00 Canadian

Custom Machining on DAR Mirror Cells

Resizing to fit smaller tube diameters:

No extra charge, but no returns either

Three Extra Holding bolts for CCD & Astro-Photo Work

$20.00 extra on 6" to 13.1" cells

NOTE: All DAR mirror cells are assembled as orders come in as 80% of our work is now custom orders. Although all parts are in stock, allow one week for assembly on all cells.

Burgess Custom Made Focusers - USA

Basic Focuser, made to fit any telescope, inquire for details

1.25" B&D focuser......................................................$425.00

2" B&D focuser...........................................................$600.00

2.7" B&D focuser........................................................$750.00

4" B&D focuser .........................................................$1,500.00

COMPASSES

All compasses listed (except for international models) balanced for northern hemisphere. Others available.

Brunton ECLIPSE,

8099 Hand Sighting Compass, dual inclinometers.... $100.00

8097 Base Plate Sighting Compass.............................$50.00

Brunton (U.S.A.) & Nexus (Silva-Sweden)

Brunton Pin-on Ball.....................................................$5.20

Brunton 1.75" Key Chain compass.............................$6.50

Nexus Star 7DNL Map..............................................$12.50

Brunton Basic Map....................................................$14.50

Nexus Expedition 33NL map.......................................$22.00

Nexus Pioneer 26DNL floating, mirror.......................$25.00

Brunton GPS Map......................................................$28.00

Brunton 8040GMirror Map (inclinometer)...................$50.00

Brunton Cadet Training Transit (inclinometer)...........$60.00

Nexus 115TDCL (inclinometer)..................................$75.00

Nexus 225 TDCL Pro(inclinometer)...........................$85.00

Brunton 16B Braille Compass.....................................$70.00

Brunton "Outback" Digital Compass...........................$140.00

Brunton Professional - The Pocket Transit

I usually keep a Pocket Transit in stock, ComPro 360 version.

Com-Pro Military Transit ( 360 or MILS).....................$290.00

ComPro International Transit ,WP(360 or quad).........$290.00

Survey & Clinometers

Sight Master Aluminum ............................................$135.00

Survey Master Aluminum, dual instrument ...............$280.00

LED FLASHLIGHTS

Sky Instruments Duel Red LED (China).......................$20.00

SUNDIALS - SHEPHERD'S WATCH

Made in Canada wearable jewellery, pewter with bronze and copper finish (silver models available), historically accurate, and they work! All models range in size of around 1.25" to 1.5". Not compatible with daylight's saving, but completely Y2K bug free!

Aquitaine Dials, based on 1152......................................$26.00

Explorer Dials, sphereical design....................................$30.00

Nocturnal Dials - work only at night, using Polaris and Ursa Major, most difficult and most accurate of all models......$30.00

Saturn Dials, simplest and least accurate, most fun. Two models

Key Chain ...................................................................$12.00

Pendant Style...............................................................$14.00

Chains, copper & chrome plate, 32" size,......................$2.50

PLANISPHERES

"The Night Sky" by David Chandler, Made in USA

5" Planisphere.........................................................$10.00

10" Planisphere........................................................$15.00

"ALPHA 2000", by Maurice Provencher, Made in Canada

8" Planisphere..........................................................$12.50

SOFTWARE- CD-ROM

Earth Centred Universe (ECU) by David Lane, CD-ROM, Win 3.1 & Win95, newest version .....................................$65.00

Starry Night Beginner CD-Rom....................................$45.00

Starry Night Pro, Win 95 & Mac, CD-Rom.................$190.00

Starry Night Backyard....................................................$89.00

BINOCULARS "EL" means Eye relief.

ORION (Japan, Bak4, MC lenses)

The Orion UltraView is probally the best all around binocular for the price if you are looking for astronomy binoculars. The Vista series have leather covering, are slightly smaller, and remind of a "Gentleman's Instrument", whereas the rubber covered Ultraviews are just as good optically, and better suited for outdoor use.

The improved Mini-giants, specifically the 9x63's are a real pleasant joy to use. With an eye releif of 26mm, the new eyepeices on them are very flat, not quite tot he edge, but pretty good, almost comparable to the UltraViews.

The improved Scenix binocualrs are nice now too, with Bak-4 prisms instead of the Bk-7 prisms int he past. Much easier on the eyes, pretty good field and sharpness for a Chinese made binocular.

All Orion 70 and 80mm binoculars now include an "L" bracket for mounting to a tripod.

Giant 11x80, 16x80 or 20x80....15mm EL..................$625.00

Little Giant II 11x70 ..18mm EL.................................$400.00

Little Giant II 15x70 or 20x70...8mm EL....................$400.00

Mini Giant 9x63 ...26mm..EL....................................$300.00

Mini Giant 8x56 ....18mm..EL.................................$240.00

Vista 10x50.......16mm..EL.......................................$300.00

Vista 7x50 ........22mm..EL.......................................$300.00

Vista 8x42 ........18mm..EL.......................................$300.00

Ultra View 7x50 or 10x50....22mm EL....................$270.00

Ultra View 8x42 WA .......22mm EL.........................$240.00

Scenix 10x50 or 7x50...............................................$125.00

Scenix 8x21 or 8x40 WA...........................................$110.00

Neoprene Binocular straps - Orion - very nice:

Wide strap (1.75").....................................$18.00

Extra Wide strap (2.4")..............................$20.00

ORION (Vixen) heavy Duty Binocular Adaptor...........$42.00

BRUNTON BINOCULARS

Brunton is a company based in the USA, who's products are all geared towards outdoor adventure. Through them I purchase GPS units, the famed Pocket Transit, and their line of extremely high quality binoculars.

ETERNA BINOCULARS from Brunton

Made in Japan, built to last. All are heavily armoured, Roof-Prism design, nitrogen purged, waterproof, thick rubber grips, high resolution Multi-Phase coating on all surfaces, long eye relief - 17mm to 20mm on all models, BAK-4 prisms, and very close focus 5 to 10 feet on all models. The one place they differ form other high end binoculars such as Fujinon is they are all Centre Focus, not individual eyepeice focus.

The only complaint I have is the largest Eterna is 42mm, whereas a 50mm pair is more desirable for astronomy, but if you are looking for a tough pair of binoculars that can stand being dropped off the side of a cliff, in a swamp, and something that will not fog up in -40C weather, the Eternas are it. Eternas will go head to head with any premium brand, mil-spec binocular out there. Please specify if you want the Grey bino-glove model or the Camo bino-glove model. The full sized Eternas weigh 30 oz, the compact models weigh 12 oz.

Eterna 7x42...............................................................$525.00

Eterna 10x42 ............................................................$535.00

Eterna 12x42.............................................................$560.00

Eterna 8x25 Compact................................................$280.00

Eterna 10x25 compact...............................................$290.00

My personal favourites are the full sized 7x42. The other full sized models are identical, and all you are paying for extra is the higher power, however, the 7x42 has the widest angle view, the best close focus, and the longest eye relief of all models. The 10x model is good for high power, but I do not like the 12X model unless you absolutely need 12x.

LITE-TECH BINOCULARS from Brunton

Lite-Tech are a mix of Japanese and Chinese made binoculars. I used to sell a lot of 7 and 10x50 Lite-Techs, made in China, because Brunton has the best quality Chinese made binoculars I have seen from any company. For example, the current 7x50 Lite Techs are abotu 8 ounces heavier a pair than Orion 7x50 Scenix binoculars. A couple years ago they dropped their 7x50 in favour of 20x50 9dumb!). But their year, starting Feb 2001, they have redeemed themselves - 7x50 and 10x50 - NITROGEN PURGED & WATERPROOF! Made in China, and all have BAK-4 prisms. Full multi-coatings on all surfaces.

The roof prism Lite-Techs are very nice, but they are not as heavily armoured, do not have the long eye releif nor the close focus of the Eternas, or quite as good optical coatings, but again they are waterproof and nitrogen purged. A good outdoor binocular for a budget.

8x25 Lite Tech roof Prism, 12 oz................................$140.00

10x25 Lite Tech roof Prism.12 oz...............................$145.00

8x32 Lite-Tech roof prism, 21 oz ...............................$290.00

10x42 Lite-Tech roof Prism, 25 oz..............................$300.00

7x50 or 10x50 Lite-Tech, porro prism, 39 oz..............$170.00

FUJINON Binoculars

New prices are comming and will be posted when ready.

EYEPIECES

A note about eyepieces. Orion Ultrascopic, Antares Ultimas and Celestron Ultimas all come from the same factory in Japan. Orion Sirus and Omcon Super Plossls come from the same factory in Taiwan. Speers-Walers are Japanese cut lenses, but assembled in Canada. "EL" stands for eye relief.

ORION LANTHANUMS - Long Eye Relief

Made in Japan, chome body, 20mm eye relief on ALL sizes, soft rubber eyecups, 1.25" size, 50 degree FOV. Work best at F8 and above. For F6 and below I recommend SW lanthanums

Below 7.5mm theya re only 45 degree FOV, so I reccomend 7.5mm and above..

2.3, 21 or 25mm.......................................................$190.00

3.8, 5.2, 7.5, 9.5, 10.5, 12.5 or 14mm......................$175.00

ORION (VIXEN) LATHANUM SUPERWIDES

20mm eye relief, 65 apparent FOV, 8 element, MC, Japan

These are my personal favourites. I think the 8mm is the best one. Tack sharp to the edge even at F4.

3.5mm, 5mm, 8mm or 13mm...............................$330.00

17mm or 22mm....................................................$340.00

ORION ULTRASCOPICS -5 to 7 element, MC, Japan

35mm...................................................................$200.00

30mm...................................................................$185.00

25mm, 5mm or 3.8 mm........................................$140.00

20, 15, 10 or 7.5mm..............................................$125.00

ILLUMINATED GUIDING EYEPIECES

Orion 12mm Kellner - cable powered........................$120.00

Orion 12mm Kellner - wireless...................................$155.00

Orion 12.5mm Plossl - wireless.................................$205.00

Orion Ultrascopic 10mm - wireless............................$205.00

Orion Ultrascopic 5mm - wireless.............................$230.00

Antares Plossl 12mm - wireless.................................$140.00

SPEERS-WALER - Made In Canada, Fully MC, 7 & 8 element FOV varies form 70 to 80 degrees, average eye relief is around half of an inch. The 10mm is my personal favourite.

SW 5-8 mm Zoom ...............................................$345.00

SW 7 or 12 mm....................................................$275.00

SW 10, 14 or 18mm....................... .....................$190.00

SW 24 mm ...........................................................$170.00

OMCON 2" ERFLES 6 element, full MC, Japanese lenses, designed and assembled in Canada, work best at F6 and above, but I have used them in F4.4 scopes. They are not panoptics, but impossible to beat for the price.

52mm, 50 degree FOV., .....................................$150.00

40mm, 65 FOV.....................................................$150.00

32mm, 65 FOV......................................................$150.00

32-W, 70 FOV.........................................................$150.00

Antares Ultima Plossls - 5 Element, Fully MC, Japan , Rubber eyecup (removeable)

7.5, 10, 15 ,20 or 25mm each..................................$100.00

5mm, 7 element.........................................................$110.00

Omcon Super Plossls - 4 element, MC, Rubber Eye Cup (Fixed) Taiwan

7.5, 10, 12.5, 17, 20 or 25 mm .................................$70.00

32 mm ......................................................................$90.00

Sky Watcher Plossls - 4 element, MC, China, available in both 1.25" and 0.965"

32 or 40 mm .............................................................$70.00

25, 20, 17, 10, 6.3mm..............................................$50.00

Sky Watcher Kellners - 3 element, China, 1.25" or 0.965"

10, 12.5, 17 or 25 mm ........................................$35.00

Sky Watcher SuperSet Kellners

Modified achromats, a bit better eye relief, wide angle

3.6, 10 or 20mm..................................................$35.00

BARLOWS

ANTARES ULTIMA BARLOWS - Japan

2X Ultima Barlow ..................................................$90.00

3X Ultima Barlow...................................................$95.00

2X, 3 element APO Barlow....................................$110.00

Omcon & Skywtacher Barlows China

2X...............................................................................$60.00

ORION Barlows

2X Shorty, 2 element......................................................$65.00

2X Shorty-Plus, 3 element............................................$100.00

3X Tri-Mag, 2 element, Japan......................................$70.00

Orion Deluxe 2X barlow, 1.25"......................................$75.00

Orion Delux 2" , 2X barlow...........................................$155.00

Orion Ultrascopic, 2X, 3 element FMC........................$110.00

DIAGONALS

Orion (Vixen) 1.25" mirror diagonal............................$95.00

Omcon prisim 0.965"..................................................$25.00

Omcon prisim 1.25" ...................................................$55.00

Omcon mirror 1.25"....................................................$55.00

Omcon Hybrid - 0.965 to 1.25"....................................$45.00

Omcon 45 prisim 1.25"...............................................$55.00

Omcon Hybrid 45 - 0.965 to 1.25"...............................$55.00

Antares mirror 2".......................................................$140.00

Antares Mirror 2", for SCT.........................................$140.00

Orion 2" Mirror diagonal............................................$160.00

Orion 2" Mirror SCT diagonal....................................$160.00

FILTERS

Orion SkyGlow 1.25".................................................$105.00

Orion SkyGlow 2" .....................................................$175.00

Orion UltraBlock 1.25"..............................................$155.00

Orion UltraBlock 2" ..................................................$250.00

Orion ND Moon Filter 1.25".........................................$25.00

Orion variable polarizer 1.25"......................................$64.00

Orion Colour Filters - 1.25", 13 colours, ......... each $26.00

Orion sets of four colour filters, 3 sets ...... .....per set $75.00

Antares Colour filters - 1.25", seven colours.....each $18.00

Antares set of FOUR colour filters (your choice)........$60.00

Antares 1.25" polarizing filter.....................................$45.00

Antares 1.25" light pollution filter................................$87.00

Antares 2" light pollution filter....................................$145.00

Antares ND25 (25%) Moon Filter............................... $20.00

Antares ND13 (13%) Moon Filter................................$20.00

SOLAR FILTERS - ORION

Full aperture glass solar filter, made in the USA. If you are unsure of the size you need, contact us ahead of time. Sizes listed are in inches. I have no idea why the 5.81" is less expensive than the 5.50" filter.

4.00" - 80mm refractors, all brands.....................$105.00

4.10" - ETX-90....................................................$105.00

4.19" - C90, non-armoured..................................$120.00

4.33" - 90mm refractors, most brands..................$120.00

4.50" - armoured C90, Orion 90mm refractors.....$120.00

4.75" - Tele Vue 4" refractors, Meade 2045..........$120.00

5.50" - C5, NextStar 5, ETX-125..........................$160.00

5.81" - 4.5 reflectors.............................................$160.00

6.94" - 6" Mak-newts and mak-cass scopes..........$180.00

7.13" - SkyQuest 6" dobs, Orion 6"" reflectors...........$180.00

9.43" - 8" SCT's, Meade & Celestron.........................$210.00

11.63" 10" SCT's.......................................................$230.00

12.45" - 11" SCT's.....................................................$270.00

FINDERS

Omcon 5x24 finder, w/bracket.............................$20.00

Omcon 6x30 finder, w/bracket.............................$60.00

Antares 8x50 Straight finder, .................................$95.00

Antares 8x50 right angle finder, ........................$125.00

Antares 8x50 right angle finder, correct image....$130.00

Antares 8x50 45^ finder ....................................$130.00

SkyWatcher 9x50 straight finder...........................$85.00

SCT dovetail bracket for 50mm finders..............$45.00

Pair mounting rings for 50mm finder...................$20.00

Antares 11x80mm finder, w/bracket...................$210.00

Extra base...........................................................$25.00

Vixen dual purpose 10x50 finder, w/bracket.....$390.00

Vixen 70mm guide scope/finder, includes bracket, eyepiece and diagonal sold sperately...............$530.00

SIGHTS

Orion E-Z Finder.........................................................$65.00

Rigel Quickfinder.....................................$60.00

Includes 2 bases, pulse circuit and battery.

TELESCOPES

SKY INSTRUMENTS TELESCOPES

Sky Instruments has 4 product lines: Sky Watcher - a mix of equivalent to department store telescopes and to other brand names at the high end. Vista - Chinese made telescopes equivalent to low end lines from Orion, etc, Omcon - Japanese or USA optics in a mix of USA, Canadian and Chinese housings, and Antares - Japanese and USA optics, in housing same as Omcon, but all heavy duty parts (IE: 2" focusers vs 1.25" focusers.

SKY WATCHER

PLEASE NOTE: Many of the former Vista telescopes sold by Sky Instruments are now being sold under the Sky Watcher brand.

DOBSONIANS

These are nice. 2: focuser, open back mirror cell, tension springs, 6x30 finder on removeable dovetail, 20 and 10mm kellners, 4 vane spider, and larger secondary (1.83" on the 8" for example, to accomidate the 2" eyepeices). Wood base, metal tube. In fit and finish I give the Orion XT series the nod, and the wood base form Orionis USA made and better quality than the Chinese made wood base of the SkyWatcher, but the SW has the better focuser, spider, and removable finder, not to mention a lot lower price here in Canada.

8", F6............................................................... $550.00

6", F5............................................................... $475.00

10", F5.............................................................May 2001

EQ6 MOUNT

Summer of 2001. I had the opportunity to inspect one, but not try one out in actual use. Here are the stats I do know:

Weight of head alone, without counterweights: 35 pounds

Weight of tripod : 16 pounds

Load capacity - at least 40 pounds or more.

Overall impression:

It is a large, massive mount. Two models to be available - one with built in motor drives, one with built in GOTO system. Overall fit and finish is not as good as Vixen, but a step above other Synta products.

Price - who knows? :(

Sky Watcher telescopes are sold by many dealers under different packages. You will also see many similar telescopes under different brand names that otherwise look identical. Please compare apples to apples when looking at our packages and prices.

1) MOUNTS: We supply each SW telescope on the heaviest mount possible, usually an EQ3 (Polaris clone) or an EQ4 (Super Polaris Clone)

2) EYEPIECES: When possible we supply not one, but two plossl eyepieces. We do not sell H or SR eyepieces, and kellners only with some of the basic telescopes.

3) BARLOWS: When supplied, the barlow is always a dual lens achromat, not a single lens barlow.

Sky Watcher - REFRACTORS

Chinese refractors (Sky Watcher) suffer more colour and cannot be pushed as high a power as the Japanese (Vixen) objectives that are used in Antares and Omcon telescopes. Often a single Japanese objective lens will be worth as much as an entire Chinese telescope. The Japanese lenses use different types of optical glass to keep colour down, and while not true apochromatics by any means, they are far better than the Chinese lenses that use glass that is essentially the same as what is used in eyeglasses. The terms "commercial" and "research" grade, as used by Sky Instruments, refers to front surface coated lens as opposed to all four air to air surfaces coated.

This all being said, I find that evenif you have a traditional Vixen Achromat beside a Chinese clone, most people do not mind hte performance of the Chinese refractors. Why? Cost. A true Vixen 4" F9.7 refractor will cost you $1,900.00 Cdn. The Matching Chinese SW1021 package will cost you $750.00 Cdn. Now mind you, with the Vixen package you have a real lanthanum eyepiece, a good star diagonal, and a real GP mount, but still you are looking at half the cost.

The only recommendation I have with the Chinese refractors is to eventually replace the star diagonal. The Orion 1.25" star diagonal is made by Vixen and is very good.

All 70mm SW telescopes have 5x24 finders and 1.25" focusers, all 80 and 90mm SW telescopes have 1.25" focusers and 6x30 finders, anything 100mm and above has a 2" focuser with 1.25" reducer. Only the 150mm refractor comes with a 50mm finder as standard equipment.

SW 804 (formerly the VISTA 508 Short Tube) 80mm, F5, 1.25" focuser, 45 or 90^ diagonal,20mm & 10mm PL, 6x30 finder, mounting rings and tripod bracket .....$290.00

SW 705/AZ3 or EQ2 - 70mm refractor, F7, 45^ diagonal, 1.25" PL 2omm, aluminum tripod, 5x24 finder.................$325.00

SW 709 AZ3 or EQ2 70mm refractor, F13, 1.25" PL25mm & PL10mm eyepieces, 90^ diagonal............................$325.00

SW 809 EQ2 80mm refractor, F11, 1.25" Kellner 25 & 10mmeyepieces, 6x30 finder, 90^ diagonal.....................$425.00

SW 909 EQ2 90mm refractor, F10, 1.25"Kellner 25 & 10mm eyepieces, 6x30 finder, 90^ diagonal.....................$525.00

SW 1021 EQ2 100mm refractor, F10, 1.25"plossl 25 & 10mm eyepieces, 6x30 finder, 90^ diagonal.....................$750.00

SW 1201 EQ4 120mm refractor, F8.3 2" focuser, 1.25" PL25mm & PL10mm eyepieces, 6x30 finder, 90^ diagonal......$950.00

SW 15012 EQ-4 6 inch (150mm) REFRACTOR telescope,, 9x50 finder, 1.25" PL 25mm & PL 10mm, 2X barlow, 2" Focuser, 90^ diagonal. .............................................$1,425.00

SW Optical Tube Assemblies -REFRACTORS-

At this price you get only lens caps, tube rings, and the finder scope (usually a 6x30). However, this is an economical alternative for those who already have mounts and eyepieces.

SW 705, 707 or 709 (70mm, F7, F10 or F11)...$170.00

SW 804 (80mm, F 5).........................................$250.00

SW 809 (80mm, F 11).......................................$280.00

SW 909 (90mm, F 10).......................................$320.00

SW 1025 (100mm, F 5).....................................$370.00

SW 1021 (100mm, F 10)...................................$435.00

SW 1201 (120mm, F 8.3)..................................$525.00

SW 15012 (150mm, F8).................................$1,175.00

SkyWatcher 1025 Refractor 100mm (4 inch), F5

These things are weird. I mean, even with a 25mm plossl, you can see field curvature. Drop in a 35mm Panoptic, not bad, but otherwise expect colour and coma at the edge of field. Centre field they are nice and sharp.

But despite all the obvious (well, to me) optical flaws in this system, everybody who tried it out, loves it. I can only assume the Chinese hae hired some industrial strength witch doctors to cast love spells over these refractors. I have had comments ranging from "world's most awesome finder" to "it's soooo cute" to "wow, what a lot fo fun to use, I can find stuff so much easier than in my ETX!"

However the real charm lies in it's size and portability. Most people who buy the SW804, the Omcon 708 or this scope already have a larger telescope, but as one person said to me; 'My other scope is too large for a quick look outside after a long day at work. I want something quick to setup and fun to use."

Realistically expect a good 125X out of it, sharp in the centre using a plossl, and a lot of fun.

OTA Package #1 - Refractor tube, painted blue, tube rings, 6x30 finder, 2 inch focuser, lens caps. .......................$380.00

OTA Package #2 - Same as #1, except includes: 25 & 10mm plossls in 1.25", diagonal in 1.25", 2X barlow (2 element Chinese). ..................................................................... $450.00

AZ3 or EQ2 package - same as OTA #2 package, except includes choice of alt-ax or EQ2 mount. .......................$550.00

EQ3 Package - same as OTA #2 package, except includes EQ3 mount.$ ..............................................................$650.00

EQ4 / Orion SkyView - same as OTA #2 package, except includes choice of either Orion SkyView or EQ4 mount. For US customers, I reccomend ordering the SkyView mount direct from Orion. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, $760.00

Substitutions of eyepieces for better types or 2" size, dropping the barlow or replacing with Japanese made Ultima barlows, improved 1.25" or 2" diagonals, upgrades to 50mm finder, etc. certainly are available. E-mail for a specific quote on your package choice.

Sky Watcher - REFLECTORS

SW-767 3" Newtonain, F9, alt-az mount, 1.25" K25mm & K 10mm eyepieces, aluminum tripod, 5x24 finder......$195.00

SW 1149EQ3 4.5" (114mm) newtonian, 6x30 finder, 1.25" PL 25mm & PL 10mm eyepieces, 2X barlow ...........$450.00

SW 1309EQ4 5.25" (130mm) newtonian, F7, aluminum tripod, 6x30 finder, 1.25" PL25mm & PL 10mm eyepieces, 2X barlow .................................................................................$600.00

SW 1507 50P EQ4 6" (150mm) newtonian telescope, F5 parabolic mirror, 1.25" PL 25mm & PL 10mm, 2X barlow, 6x30 finder, aluminum tripod.............................................$775.00

SW 2001P EQ4 8" (200mm) F5 parabolic mirror, aluminum tripod, 1.25" PL 25mm & PL 10mm eyepieces, 9x50 finder, 2X barlow......................................................................$1,050.00

OMCON REFLECTORS

Omcon 515G - 6" Newtonian, F5, EQ mount, a26mm plossl, 2X barlow, 6x30 finder.............................................$850.00

ANTARES REFLECTORS

Antares 520GP - 8" Newtonian, F5, "GP" EQ mount, 2" focuser, SW 30mm & PL 10mm , 10x50 finder......$1,300.00

Omcon Refractors

Vixen Japanese Objectives, all come with adjustable aluminum tripod, Omcon 25mm plossl, Omcon 2X barlow, diagonal, 1.25" rack & pinion focuser, 6x30 finder. Motor drives are sold seperately.

118SE 80mm, F11, Alt-Az, research grade ................$550.00

118E 80mm, F11, EQ"G", research grade .................$550.00

OMCON 708

80mm, F7, 25mm Pl, 6x30 finder, 1.25 R&P focuser & diagonal, tube rings, this unit very similar to the Vista 508 except it uses a Japanese commercial grade lens.........................$375.00

OMCON 708E or 708 SE

Same as above, except with a 17mm PL, and either a small equitorial mount or alt-azimuth mount & slo-mo controls.

708E (equitorial) or 708SE (alt-az)...........................$520.00

ANTARES REFRACTORS

Optical glass: If you notice, the price difference between 93mm and 100 and 120 mm lenses is dramatic. Part of the reason is the 100 and 120mm lenses are shorter focal length than the 93 and 80mm. So to keep colour aberration down, the optical glass used in the larger lenses is a higher quality, a sort of "semi-ED", for lack of better words.

THE TELESCOPES

Vixen Japanese research grade objective, comes with adjustable aluminum tripod, 2X barlow, 1.25" rack & pinion focuser, 6x30 finder. Motor drive sold seperately.

119GRG,93mm,F11,EQ"G",26mm Omcon Plossl .....$830.00

951GP,105mm F9.5, "GP"EQ,24mm Speers-Waler ...$1,1400.00

ANTARES 812 GP120mm (4.7"), GP mount, aluminum tripod, 2" focuser, 2" mirror diagonal, 8x50 RA finder, 52mm Earfle (2"0 and 1.25" PL 20 & 10mm........................................................$1,580.00

SKYWATCHER - SYNTA - DOBOSONIANS

Metal tube, wood base, 6x30 finder, 25 and 10mm PL, plate glass mirror, made in China. Come in 6, 8 and 10 inch sizes in early 2001. Price includes assembly and collimation.

8", F5............................................................................$550..00

ORION TELESCOPES

A few notes about Orion telescopes. Many Orion telescopes that do not come from Japan (Vixen) come from Taiwan, (Not mainland China), and I have noticed that on Orion products, quality control and finish is usually a bit higher than average. Often I can find a competing product that is a bit lower in price, but when you compare the Orion product, which has obviously come out of the same factory that a competing product has come out of off, you can see why the Orion product is higher priced. Other times, such as with Ultrascopic vs ultima eyepieces, this is not true. One reason too Orion products are sometimes higher is the Americans have an 8% import duty on telescopes, whereas we do not, so this is one major reason why Antares Ultima eyepieces are less money than the Orion Ultrascopic.

ORION SKYQUEST XT DOBSONIANS

Metal tube, Aluminum R&P focuser (1.25"), aluminum primary mirror cell, 3 vane spider, 25 & 9 mm Plossls, moon filter, 6x30 finder, 4 hole eyepiece rack, friction/tension bar. Base assembly required, we will do this at no extra charge if requested. These are excellent telescopes for the person looking for a first 'serious" telescope.

XT4.5"........................................................................$335.00

XT6", F8 - 39lbs, 50" tube.........................................$650.00

XT8", F6 - 43 lbs, 51" tube.........................................$850.00

XT10"........................................................................$1,050.00

Orion Short Tube 90mm RF Refractor

90mm, F5.6, Chinese lens, 6x30 finder, 25 & 9 mm Kellners,, 1/4-20 mounting plate, 90^ diagonal, 1.25" R&P focuser..$495.00

ShortTube 4.5" EQ reflector, 25 & 10mm Kellners, wood tripod, 5x24 finder,......................................................$390.00

ORION SKYVIEW TELESCOPES

These are nice mid range telescopes. For the money, thy are about the best in thier class. Finish and attention to small detail is pretty good for a telescope in this class. The SkyView mount, while I could not recommend it for astro-photo use, is a very nice visual mount. All SkyViews come with two 1.25" plossl (25 & 9mm), a 1.25" moon filter (it is around ND1, as compared to the ND moon filter sold seperately),6x30 finder, a polar alignment scope in the mount, aluminum tripod, slow motion controls, and a seperately sold motor drive is available. Best of all, Orion has dropped the price on all SkyView telescopes!

SkyView Delux 90mm refractor- F11......................$795.00

SkyView Delux 4.5" Newtonian................................$650.00

SkyView Delux 6" Newtonian...................................$870.00

SkyView Delux 8" Newtonian.................................$1,100.00

AccuTrack RA motor Drive, 9V - for SkyView Mount...$155.00

AccuTrack Dual Axis drive controller & Motors............$390.00

Orion Argonaut 6" GP-DX Maksutov-Newtonian, F6, 2" Crayford focuser, 10x50 finder,dew sheild. Eyepiece extra.....call

VIXEN REFRACTORS & REFLECTORS

The "ED" versions are really designed first with astro-photography in mind. They will make fine visual instruments, but IMO, if you want a refractor for only visual use, go with the NEO-ACHROMAT or the fluorite versions.

The Neo-Achromats - these are the 4 element refractors - are, in my opinion better suited for visual use. Either ED or Neo-Achromat can be used for cross purposes, but if you want photography, go ED, if you want visual work, go Neo-Achromat.

Secondly, the GP mount from Vixen is great for visual work, and both Orion and Vixen say it is fine for astro-photo use, but I do not. Serious astro-photo use needs the GP-DX, IMO. The GP mount has the precision, but the extra precision of the GP-DX and the extra weight capacity makes it superior.

Note on prices - these prices are calculated on the Canadian dollar being $1.50 = $1.00 US. Please call for exact quotes. Also I can at times offer package pricing on large orders placed all at once on some, but not all Vixen scopes. Inquire for details

COLOUR CORRECTION

I am often asked how good is the colour correction. I am colour blind, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt. The Flourite refractors are almost truely colour free, right up there with other major brands, but then you pay as much as other major brands too.

The Neo-Achromats are equivalent to a standard achromat of around F12 to F15, except they are giving you this colour correction at F6 to F7.

The ED refractors are not completely colour free, but at F5 to F6 give you the colour correction of a standard achromat of around F20.

These are just approximate estimates as a guide only, and not meant as a promise of performance.

One last point about Vixen refractors as supplied by Orion. For some odd reason they are all supplied with what I consider to be an inferior, low cost, prism diagonal. I HIGHLY reccomend upgrading to either the Orion or Tele Vue 1.25" mirror diagonal, both made by Vixen in Japan.

Orion VX80 Alt-Az 80mm, F11.4 refractor, wood tripod, diagonal, 6x30 finder, 26mm Plossl eyepiece...........$960.00

Orion VX 102-ED GP, refractor, F6.5, GP mount & tripod, 6x30 finder, diagonal, 20mm Lanthanum ..............call

OTA Only.......................................................call

Orion VX 102 Flourite GPRefractor, F9, 6x30 finder, diagonal, 20mm lanthanum eyepiece...............call

OTA Only........................................................call

Orion VX120 GP 120mm, F6.7, 4 element "neo-Achromat", GP mount, diagonal, 20mm lanthnum eyepiece, 7x50 finder....................................................................call

OTA Only..............................................................call

Two Inch visual backs, tele-extenders, focal reducers and other accessories are available. Inquire for details.

NEW Neo-Achromat Refractors

Prices are for optical tube assembly only. I highly recommend at lead a GP-DX mount, not the GP mount with any of these telescopes.

THESE ARE SPECIAL ORDER UNITS

These Vixen telescopes are not considered part of the standard Orion stock, as such, there is a 15% Restocking fee on any special order telescope returned ot orion before 30 days are up. Please e-mail or call before ordering for any questions or information you may need.

Call or e-mail for models available.

MOUNTS

ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY

I can only in good conciseness reccomend the Japanese made Vixen mounts for even piggy back astro-photography. I do a lto of photography myself, both day and night, and I can tell you the eye will forgive a thousand sins while the camera forgives nothing.

WEIGHT RATINGS

Save for the Vixen GP mounts, the weight ratings listed here are my own estimates.

MOTOR DRIVES

Call for pricing and avalability, but I will tell you right now that even for low end mounts, motor drives are terribly expensive. I can often buy a one HP motor for a table saw for less money that I can buy a motor drive for a cheap equitorial mount.

MOUNTING RINGS & ACCESSORIES

Call ahead here too. Sometimes I can find a Chinese made substitute that works as well as a Japanese made model. For example, my price on a 4 lbs Vixen GP counterweight is $85, while for an identical one, made in China, the price is $30 Cdn. However, soemtiems you have to buy the actual Japanese made accessories, so call ahead for pricing and availability.

SHIPPING

Shipping mounts, in and out, is expensive. Blame it on all those counterweights. UPS and other shippers will often charge "oversize" or "overweight" charges on heavier mounts. Call ahead of time for shipping charge estimates.

ORION PARAGON HD-F2 Photo Tripod

Made in Tawain this is a very nice tripod. It does not have the same level of workmanship as a Manfrotto or Bogden tripod, but for the price you will not find anything better in the big chain camera stores. It will easily handle an 80mm, F5 refractor or 80mm binoculars or even a medium format camera. I think it would be pushing it to try and mount a 100mm, F5 refractor on it

Tripod.............................................................................$150.00

ALT-AZIMUTH MOUNTS with slo-mo controls.

VISTA Alt-Az - aluminum tripod, short handled slo-mo controls , carries around 4 lbs, good for 80mm refractors.........$225.00

1/4-20 adaptor..............................................................$25.00

ORION AZ-3 Alt-Az mount..Aluminum tripod, long handled slo-mo controls, carries about 5lbs, good for 80 & 90mm...$275.00

1/4-20 adaptor................................................................$25.00

VIXEN CUSTOM D Alt-AZ.....very expensive, but very beefy. Comes with a 10 lbs counterweight. Will carry large loads - I estimate up to 15 lbs. Very fine movements............$750.00

1/4-20 adaptor plate....................................................$80.00

GERMAN EQUATORIAL MOUNTS

EQ-1 - Sky Watcher. Same mount seen on 60mm department store refractors............................................................$125.00

EQ-2 - ORION - wood tripod, carries 5-6 lbs, most frequently seen under 4.5 reflectors.......................................$245.00

EQ-3 Also known as "Polaris", 9V or GC mounts. Omcon & Sky Watcher. These mounts are a step down from the "GP" mounts, will carry around 8-9 lbs, come with aluminum tripod....$525.00

ORION SKYVIEW - while IMO not suitable for astro-photo use, it is the best mount for the money in it's class. Finish and quality is a tad above most non-Japanese, Asian made mounts. Will carry around 9 lbs. Polar alignment scope included. Excellent visual mount for small telescopes up to 8"..................$360.00

EQ-4, "GP" - Antares, Sky Watcher - these are the Chinese made copies of th eVixen GP mount. Outside they look identical, but take one apart, examine closely botht eh metals used and the quality of the castings & machining, and the difference becomes apparent. Excellent mounts for visual use, not suitable for astro-photo use. Will carry around 14 lbs.

With aluminum tripod.................................................$575.00

With wood tripod........................................................$600.00

VIXEN GREAT POLARIS mount & tripod, load capacity of 15 pounds, motors extra. Excellent for astro-photo use in the area of piggy back photography..........$1,275.00

VIXEN DX-POLARIS Mount, polar scope & Tripod, load capacity of 22 pounds, excellent for astro-photo use, motors extra..................................................$1,890.00

SkySensor 2000 for either GP or DX Vixen mounts, included both RA & Dec motors, dual axis drive correction, PEC, fast & slow slewing, hand controller.....................................$1,325.00

COUNTERWEIGHTS - China, Fit GP & EQ4 mounts

4 LBS - $20 each, 8 LBS - $30 each.

NOTE: Shipping costs on these weights is often more expensive than the cost of the weight!

CAMERA ADAPTORS

T-Rings - specify brand ...............................................$20.00

1.25" to T-Ring.............................................................$25.00

2" to T-Ring..................................................................$35.00

1.25" combination to T-Ring.........................................$35.00

Orion C to T adaptor (video to camera)........................$50.00

Orion Vari-power eyepiece tube, 1.25".........................$67.00

Orion Tele-Extender.....................................................$45.00

Orion vari tele-extender................................................$65.00

Orion 36.4mm T-Adaptor..............................................$45.00

Orion SCT T-adaptor....................................................$55.00

Orion 2" prime focus T-adaptor....................................$50.00

Orion Off-Axis Guider..................................................$180.00

DIGITAL SETTING CIRCLES

Orion Sky Wizard, Model One....................................$300.00

Orion Sky Wizard, Model Two....................................$410.00

Orion Sky Wizard, Model Three.................................$585.00

Encoder kits, specify telescope .............$285.00 to $480.00

SPOTTING SCOPES

Fujinon 80mm Field Scope - body only......................$790.00

Fujinon 80mm ED Feild Scope -body only..............$1,400.00

Fujinon Eyepieces

25X WA, Long eye relief...........................................$290.00

30X WA....................................................................$300.00

50X...........................................................................$315.00

80X...........................................................................$330.00

20X-60X Zoom.........................................................$390.00

ORION Spotting Scopes

OutLook 50mm, 12x-36x zoom, fixed eeypiece........$245.00

20X, 50mm Orion Waterproof, fixed eyepiece..........$230.00

Highlander 60mm, 25X.............................................$310.00

Phase III, 60mm, 20X ..............................................$485.00

JX66, 66mm, 20X ....................................................$550.00

Orion Spotting Scope Eyepieces

20X, 40X or 60X..........................................................$95.00

20X, long eye relief....................................................$185.00

22X, Wide Angle........................................................$105.00

20X - 60X Zoom.........................................................$215.00