Orion 120mm f/8.3

4.0 Orion 120mm F8.3 Refractor

Decent build quality for price; good optics

Nose heavy; focuser needs work

I picked up the Orion 120mm refractor and Orion EQ-3 on Ebay many years after the combination was introduced by Orion. I found the combination to be excellent for quick looks. I eventually replaced the EQ-3 with an EQ-5, but it still is light enough to pick up and carry out in a single trip. The optics are at least 1/5 wave and color isn't objectionable except on bright objects. The scope with the included dew shield is nose heavy, but replacing the included 1.25" diagonal with a 2" diagonal brings the balance point closer to the middle of the tube. I also replaced the 6x30 finder with a RACI 50mm finder. Under dark skies the scope makes a decent deep-sky scope, while under suburban skies it works well as a double-star and lunar/planetary scope. The focuser could use some work, but I haven't replaced it.