A major bargain. I've seen three of these now, and they're all excellent. When the ED first appeared on the market, there was a third version with a removable dew shield and a fitted hard case. The idea of the case is attractive, but the dew shield was the source of ire among owners. In order to fit inside the case, it had to come off and be placed backwards on the OTA. The shield would often scratch the paint on the tube, so ES supplied a piece of curled foam that had to be placed in between the dew shield and the OTA, and even then you had to be careful.
I have also been told the older dew shields are heavier, but have not been able to verify this. If you run across one of these versions and are thinking of buying it, be sure that none of this bothers you.
The quality of construction is good. You are paying for optics, not a work of art if the latter is important to you, there are plenty of manufacturers out there to accommodate you. The scope has a generously wide, oversized dew shield, which is becoming something of a trademark with this brand. I like the two speed focuser on the ED better than the one on the AR It feels more solid and is less prone to slippage.
As with the AR, it comes with the convenient carrying handle this sample had its handle removed. Any 5" refractor is bound to be a substantial piece of equipment, but I give credit to ES by keeping its dimensions and weight reasonable. Only when hefting the tube do you feel something serious is going on. Close to the lens cell means it's an ED The lens cell can be collimated although this one didn't need any adjustments.
Extend the legs and the eyepiece will be at a convenient height for most of your observing. These mid-sized mounts are OK for visual use, but the 22 lb OTA weight and long tube length are going to cause you fits.
