I picked this scope up yesterday on facebook marketplace for $120. Immediately used it to look at the moon. I love it. The EQ mount is a little hard to grasp, just because there are so many knobs that you need to tighten. Actually aligning it though took 2 seconds. I don't understand why some people hate EQ mounts. It was super useful trying to keep just the moon in frame. I can't imagine trying to keep the moon in frame without it
Bought the Saxon 909EQ2 today after watching this video, basically same telescope in black. Orion's were on back order I already got the shipped notification with Saxon granted it's coming from Australia. Factor in the exchange rate it worked out to $338 vs $464 AUD
Skywatcher 102/500 Startravel is also a very nice alternative, very compact and very nice optics as well. Simple to balance on an EQ mount, love this thing. Upgraded it with an Artesky diagonal and please do yourself a pleasure: spend some money on better eyepieces, it will upgrade your scope in an instant. I bought my first APO as well this month, the TS 102/1122. I am surprised about the builtquality, heavy machine, not one flaw found yet, I hope the skyes are clear tonight so I can test my first run with my first APO :) But for beginners, Orion 90mm, Skywatcher alternatives or Celestron will do. Perfect scopes for affordable prices. Clear skyes everyone!
I just received my 90 mm but I've got the Observer .I want to thank you because you made my mind up. A way better telescope than I had which I'd like my reflector but I like this refractive too.keep up the good work.
I bought one and its great! Change the finder to a 90 degree and your life will change. Tripod is a little wobbly but I can live with it. My biggest problem it dark clear skies. Indianapolis sucks with light pollution. Im new to astronomy but its worth the money! Thanks for your video!
They need more like you out there to be demonstrating these telescopes you're straightforward and that's what I liked about you but yeah I ended up going down that road you're talkin about keep up the good work
Since I am an actual beginner and, so far, a happy client, I want to point out that almost the same telescope can be found with an Alt-Az-3 mount from SkyWatcher (and possibly from Orion as well), with the same equipment/eyepieces (even the same screwdrivers, I noticed hahaha). Only difference is that with the AZ mount they give a 45 degree diagonal, which I found pretty nice since it gives you the ability for daytime stuff (which I have not tried yet, but hey). Nice review!
@@AllanHall YT keeps deleting my detailed post :/ Anyway, to keep things short, the "skywatcher 90/900" can be found both in AZ3 mount and EQ mount, usually with a 10 euro/pound difference in *firstlight optics* if you are in the *UK* . For the *EU* market you can try *astroshop* which also has them both. For the *US* market I cannot find it in the shops I know of, but even though I've heard that Celestron and Skywatcher use the same factories I would *not* suggest buying the Celestron 90/900 because *the mount legs seem flimsy* (plus the AZ version is just a camera AZ mount). So, for that kind of telescope in the US market, the Orion which you reviewed seems to be the best choice :) Now for the Skywatcher 90/900, with the standard eyepieces I could see Jupiter easily and clearly, Saturn's rings and great crisp views of the moon. By updating the diagonal to a 90degree and getting a 30mm quality eyepiece from explore scientific I could even see a bright red band on Jupiter even on the low 30x magnification. Now, I know more about shopping telescopes than actual astronomy, but that seems to indicate to me that the optics on the scope are quite good :) Hopefully this comment will not get auto-deleted by the algorithm that hunts for links in posts. Be well and clear skies!
Bought the Saxon 90/900 AZ3 last week here in Australia (AU$360/US $250) for my wife as she’s started to take an interest in Astronomy. I have a Tak FS-78 and GP EQ mount for visual obs. I plan to progress her to the GP EQ mount. The scope is amazing value. I believe this scope is made by Synta in China for Orion (white tube) Saxon and Skywatcher (Black tubes). Good optics and the EP’s are really good for the price of he whole setup. The AZ Mount is quite good although the control knobs feel a bit sharp on cold hands. Just need to get a 90 deg diagonal for her as it only comes with a 45. We’re using my Tak diagonal at the moment. As a quick look scope this thing is just great and the Terrestrial views are really excellent. I think you’re spot on with your recommendation. I’m looking forward to using it in stable and dark skies to test the optics a bit further. Great video. Thank you. 🤓👍
What's your experience with the Celestron? I had it before and it's like a cheap telephoto lens and i see 3 different color image so I return it the next day.
Took your advice but can’t find this one new or used since the video is several years old. Do you have another suggestion? The one that took its place does not get good reviews. Thanks, Marty
Great video Allan! First time viewer found your video looking for my first beginner scope. Didn’t wanna get the wrong one and I’m so glad I found this video. You give me 100% confidence with this in depth high quality video that Orion is the way to go for my first refractor. I’m willing to invest as this will be a new long term hobby of mine. Is this the latest model or can you send me a new link for the newer/newest model? Thanks for a great video, I don’t leave comments. 10/10 product review 👍🏻
I agree it has good optics. I once took my Skywatcher 102 Maksutov to look at the moon side beside with the Astroview 90mm. The image was better on the refractor (surprise surprise) so I put the Mak back up. Unfortunately they have replaced the Astroview with one called the Orion Observer 90mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope. It is not the same scope. It does not look to be made by the same people as the former scope. The optics are not the same and I know this due to the slightly shorter F ratio. It has a plastic focuser and inferior finder. They improved the mount with an EQ mount like that of Explore Scientific EXOS Nano and a Vixen dove tail. We will have to see how it does when they start shipping them.
Interesting that it's not a Dobsonian like so many recommend. Would be interesting to have a comment on that. However - i enjoy the fact that's it's not a Dobsonian - being particular to refractors as well.
There is nothing wrong with a dob. A 8” dob will actually collect a lot more light than this will. On the other hand, refractors typically have higher contrast, are faster to cool down so you can start observing much faster, are easier to use as you can sight right down the tube, get you to learn EQ mounts which is a requirement for long exposure astrophotography, and are lighter and easier to transport.
I was torn between recommending a Dobsonian or refractor for friend in American Samoa. His skies are super dark but his house is on the ocean so I was worried about the salt air destroying the mirror coatings. The refractor will be easy to carry out and use and may last a while as long as he keeps it oiled up.
This video was very helpful, I recently decided to buy a telescope and after the reviews and listening to you this is the telescope I would like to buy but my problem is no store is carrying it and I can’t find one.
I've looked at several of your videos and none are available. My daughter wants one for xmas. I don't know a thing about telescopes. I want to get her a nice one but don't want to spend too much. She's 10 but been asking since she was 9... any suggestions?
Unfortunately, Orion discontinued the Astroview line and replaced with the lower quality Observer line. In fact, most of the telescopes I see reviewed on YT are not available anymore....unless you get them used.
Hi you said that a cheap plastic Barlow wouldn't be good but what if you used orion's barlow on this scope? Would that be something worth getting for increased magnification?
Watching this vid again made me wonder, do you think the Orion Astroview 90mm scope has optics to your old Orion Skyview 90mm (at least I think that is what you have) or does the Skyview edge out? I know the Skyview has a longer F ratio.
I honestly don't know. They are both very good for the money. I can't really make a fair comparison as I have modified my Skyview with a new focuser that takes 2" eyepieces. It shortened the scope tube a few inches but allows me to use my Nagler eyepieces ;-)
Great review and advice. Thanks ! ...I intend to buy one but I can't find it offered now in my country (Romania, East-Europe). However, is the reviewed Orion 90mm essentially identical to the Skywatcher offer " 90/900 Skywatcher Evostar EQ-2 " ? (which I can buy here)...Seems so looking at most specification but, for instance, Skywatcher does not mention anything about the tube being made from aluminium (I would like that, not plastics).
La noi se gasesc modele identice de la Skywatcher si Bresser (Explore Scientific in Europa). Eu am ales modelul ceva mai mare 102/1000 mm de la Bresser cu EQ3 la doar 1500 lei (300 euro).
What refractor telescope would you recommend for someone wanting to get into astrophotography with a DSLR? Kind of want to try to find the best of both worlds as far as being able to capture both planetary/moon and things like nebulas.
A small, expensive, high quality refractor on a very large, expensive, stable , driven eq mount rated for 3x or more the weight of the refractor/ camera/ guidescope setup.
Right now pretty much everyone is out of them because of the holidays. That should tell you how popular they are! I would be very careful about buying look-a-likes. They are probably virtual exact copies with inferior materials. Exceptions might be for large brand names like Sky Watcher and Celestron.
I picked this scope up yesterday on facebook marketplace for $120. Immediately used it to look at the moon. I love it. The EQ mount is a little hard to grasp, just because there are so many knobs that you need to tighten. Actually aligning it though took 2 seconds. I don't understand why some people hate EQ mounts. It was super useful trying to keep just the moon in frame. I can't imagine trying to keep the moon in frame without it
Bought the Saxon 909EQ2 today after watching this video, basically same telescope in black. Orion's were on back order I already got the shipped notification with Saxon granted it's coming from Australia. Factor in the exchange rate it worked out to $338 vs $464 AUD
Skywatcher 102/500 Startravel is also a very nice alternative, very compact and very nice optics as well. Simple to balance on an EQ mount, love this thing. Upgraded it with an Artesky diagonal and please do yourself a pleasure: spend some money on better eyepieces, it will upgrade your scope in an instant. I bought my first APO as well this month, the TS 102/1122. I am surprised about the builtquality, heavy machine, not one flaw found yet, I hope the skyes are clear tonight so I can test my first run with my first APO :) But for beginners, Orion 90mm, Skywatcher alternatives or Celestron will do. Perfect scopes for affordable prices. Clear skyes everyone!
I just received my 90 mm but I've got the Observer .I want to thank you because you made my mind up. A way better telescope than I had which I'd like my reflector but I like this refractive too.keep up the good work.
I bought one and its great! Change the finder to a 90 degree and your life will change. Tripod is a little wobbly but I can live with it. My biggest problem it dark clear skies. Indianapolis sucks with light pollution. Im new to astronomy but its worth the money! Thanks for your video!
I've got the celestron astromaster 90 f11...the optics are great! Lots of contrast 👍
I just ordered one from Costco for 159$. It’s my first telescope that I’ve owned and not just used.
They need more like you out there to be demonstrating these telescopes you're straightforward and that's what I liked about you but yeah I ended up going down that road you're talkin about keep up the good work
Since I am an actual beginner and, so far, a happy client, I want to point out that almost the same telescope can be found with an Alt-Az-3 mount from SkyWatcher (and possibly from Orion as well), with the same equipment/eyepieces (even the same screwdrivers, I noticed hahaha). Only difference is that with the AZ mount they give a 45 degree diagonal, which I found pretty nice since it gives you the ability for daytime stuff (which I have not tried yet, but hey).
Nice review!
Have you got a link? I would love to see it and maybe get a chance to play with one.
@@AllanHall YT keeps deleting my detailed post :/
Anyway, to keep things short, the "skywatcher 90/900" can be found both in AZ3 mount and EQ mount, usually with a 10 euro/pound difference in *firstlight optics* if you are in the *UK* .
For the *EU* market you can try *astroshop* which also has them both.
For the *US* market I cannot find it in the shops I know of, but even though I've heard that Celestron and Skywatcher use the same factories I would *not* suggest buying the Celestron 90/900 because *the mount legs seem flimsy* (plus the AZ version is just a camera AZ mount). So, for that kind of telescope in the US market, the Orion which you reviewed seems to be the best choice :)
Now for the Skywatcher 90/900, with the standard eyepieces I could see Jupiter easily and clearly, Saturn's rings and great crisp views of the moon.
By updating the diagonal to a 90degree and getting a 30mm quality eyepiece from explore scientific I could even see a bright red band on Jupiter even on the low 30x magnification. Now, I know more about shopping telescopes than actual astronomy, but that seems to indicate to me that the optics on the scope are quite good :)
Hopefully this comment will not get auto-deleted by the algorithm that hunts for links in posts.
Be well and clear skies!
Hey, now that they don’t make this scope anymore could you do an updated beginners suggestion with scopes that are still on the market?
Bought the Saxon 90/900 AZ3 last week here in Australia (AU$360/US $250) for my wife as she’s started to take an interest in Astronomy. I have a Tak FS-78 and GP EQ mount for visual obs. I plan to progress her to the GP EQ mount. The scope is amazing value. I believe this scope is made by Synta in China for Orion (white tube) Saxon and Skywatcher (Black tubes). Good optics and the EP’s are really good for the price of he whole setup. The AZ Mount is quite good although the control knobs feel a bit sharp on cold hands. Just need to get a 90 deg diagonal for her as it only comes with a 45. We’re using my Tak diagonal at the moment. As a quick look scope this thing is just great and the Terrestrial views are really excellent. I think you’re spot on with your recommendation. I’m looking forward to using it in stable and dark skies to test the optics a bit further. Great video. Thank you. 🤓👍
In Europe a Bresser (Explore Scientific) 102/1000 mm F10 with EQ3 mount and 2 Plossl eyepieces costs just 300 euro / 320 $.
Great video...is it possible to record fo us what this telescope can do. I would love to see images thanks
I stated with celestron 15x70 skymaster binoculars. Then upgraded to a skywatcher heritage 150p.
What's your experience with the Celestron? I had it before and it's like a cheap telephoto lens and i see 3 different color image so I return it the next day.
@@kenwan5525 very good. If nothing else, good spotting scope. Can see large and small Magellanic clouds, 47 turane, orion no issue
Took your advice but can’t find this one new or used since the video is several years old. Do you have another suggestion? The one that took its place does not get good reviews. Thanks, Marty
Great video Allan! First time viewer found your video looking for my first beginner scope. Didn’t wanna get the wrong one and I’m so glad I found this video. You give me 100% confidence with this in depth high quality video that Orion is the way to go for my first refractor. I’m willing to invest as this will be a new long term hobby of mine. Is this the latest model or can you send me a new link for the newer/newest model? Thanks for a great video, I don’t leave comments. 10/10 product review 👍🏻
I agree it has good optics. I once took my Skywatcher 102 Maksutov to look at the moon side beside with the Astroview 90mm. The image was better on the refractor (surprise surprise) so I put the Mak back up. Unfortunately they have replaced the Astroview with one called the Orion Observer 90mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope. It is not the same scope. It does not look to be made by the same people as the former scope. The optics are not the same and I know this due to the slightly shorter F ratio. It has a plastic focuser and inferior finder. They improved the mount with an EQ mount like that of Explore Scientific EXOS Nano and a Vixen dove tail. We will have to see how it does when they start shipping them.
Interesting that it's not a Dobsonian like so many recommend. Would be interesting to have a comment on that. However - i enjoy the fact that's it's not a Dobsonian - being particular to refractors as well.
There is nothing wrong with a dob. A 8” dob will actually collect a lot more light than this will. On the other hand, refractors typically have higher contrast, are faster to cool down so you can start observing much faster, are easier to use as you can sight right down the tube, get you to learn EQ mounts which is a requirement for long exposure astrophotography, and are lighter and easier to transport.
I was torn between recommending a Dobsonian or refractor for friend in American Samoa. His skies are super dark but his house is on the ocean so I was worried about the salt air destroying the mirror coatings. The refractor will be easy to carry out and use and may last a while as long as he keeps it oiled up.
This video was very helpful, I recently decided to buy a telescope and after the reviews and listening to you this is the telescope I would like to buy but my problem is no store is carrying it and I can’t find one.
I've looked at several of your videos and none are available. My daughter wants one for xmas. I don't know a thing about telescopes. I want to get her a nice one but don't want to spend too much. She's 10 but been asking since she was 9... any suggestions?
what eyepieces do you recommend for this telescope for viewing planets sharply?
Orion Observer 90mm Equatorial Refractor
Would u recomend this one
Thank u so much 😊
Unfortunately, Orion discontinued the Astroview line and replaced with the lower quality Observer line. In fact, most of the telescopes I see reviewed on YT are not available anymore....unless you get them used.
Agreed. Try the Celestron amzn.to/3Tnm0of version of this scope, it is pretty nice. I am working on a review of it.
Hi you said that a cheap plastic Barlow wouldn't be good but what if you used orion's barlow on this scope? Would that be something worth getting for increased magnification?
Watching this vid again made me wonder, do you think the Orion Astroview 90mm scope has optics to your old Orion Skyview 90mm (at least I think that is what you have) or does the Skyview edge out? I know the Skyview has a longer F ratio.
I honestly don't know. They are both very good for the money. I can't really make a fair comparison as I have modified my Skyview with a new focuser that takes 2" eyepieces. It shortened the scope tube a few inches but allows me to use my Nagler eyepieces ;-)
Great review and advice. Thanks ! ...I intend to buy one but I can't find it offered now in my country (Romania, East-Europe). However, is the reviewed Orion 90mm essentially identical to the Skywatcher offer " 90/900 Skywatcher Evostar EQ-2 " ? (which I can buy here)...Seems so looking at most specification but, for instance, Skywatcher does not mention anything about the tube being made from aluminium (I would like that, not plastics).
All the tubes are aluminium. It is just many of the surrounding parts are made more and more of plastic
La noi se gasesc modele identice de la Skywatcher si Bresser (Explore Scientific in Europa). Eu am ales modelul ceva mai mare 102/1000 mm de la Bresser cu EQ3 la doar 1500 lei (300 euro).
What refractor telescope would you recommend for someone wanting to get into astrophotography with a DSLR? Kind of want to try to find the best of both worlds as far as being able to capture both planetary/moon and things like nebulas.
Did you ever figure this out? I am new to this as well and I am trying to find the right scope for my needs.
A small, expensive, high quality refractor on a very large, expensive, stable , driven eq mount rated for 3x or more the weight of the refractor/ camera/ guidescope setup.
I found a Starblast 102mm travel, is this model just as good?
No longer available on Amazon but I do see something LOOKS like it, by any chance it rebrand under other names?
Right now pretty much everyone is out of them because of the holidays. That should tell you how popular they are! I would be very careful about buying look-a-likes. They are probably virtual exact copies with inferior materials. Exceptions might be for large brand names like Sky Watcher and Celestron.
@@AllanHall thank you.
@@kenwan5525 here's one from the official webpage
@@MrBlue-wg8cd Thanks.
Cost???
he said in the video, a tad on the pricier side 300-400
Yup, $300-$400 depending on the bundle and sale. Very much worth every dime.