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Message: <blockquote data-quote="giosblue" data-source="post: 3336616" data-attributes="member: 134930">I did a comparison with the Optlyth and the ES80ED at Martin Mere WWT. The Opticron had the SDLv" zoom and the Optolyth had the 30xWW. There was very little difference between the two. Certainly not enough for me to trade mine in @ £200 and pay an extra £600. Apart from having the zoom I would be any better off.I also had an ES80ED and the same time has I had a HR66ED, both current models.The ES80 was every so slightly brighter, but the contrast was slightly better on the HR66 and to my eyes I could not detect any CA on the HR66. It was only minimal on the ES, and then you have have the right circumstances to see it.Unfortunately  I had sold my Optolyth by this time so I couldn't make a comparison between the three.I've just found the receipt for the Optolyth. I bought it new in Aug 1992. the scope was £549.00 the 30x EP was £135 and the SOC was 42.00  total £726. Anybody any idea how much that would be today?I wouldn't rush into anything, wait till the weather improves and make sure you get a side by side comparison. Memory is a very fickle thing.  I don't know how the older HR66 compares with the latest ES80ED, but If I had to choose between the current ES80 and the Current HR66ED I think I would probably go for the HR66ED. It's a close call and the be honest I would be happy with either.I think I've seen the ones you're looking at, the ES80ED has the HDF zoom, I've also tried this against the SDLv2 on the ES80ED scope. If you google you'll see some people prefer the HDF zoom to the SDLv2 zoom on the ES80. And having tried both on the same scope I can see why, there is nothing to choose between them really. I personally wouldn't pay the extra 100 for the SDL zoom on the ES80ED.  If you sold the Optolyth, say £200, got the Opticron for £350. It's only cost you £150 and you have scope that's only a few years old complete with quality zoom.It's tough at the top. lol</blockquote>

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