The ZenithStar 81 may not be the best choice for visual astronomy, given its very high cost and small size, but it can still provide enjoyable views with the right eyepieces and a star diagonal, atop a lightweight alt-azimuth mount or whatever equatorial you are using for imaging. Its short focal length is ideal for wide views of open clusters, large emission nebulae, and the Milky Way, especially with a 2” diagonal and eyepiece – though most nebulae are best observed with a filter and/or dark skies. You can also split plenty of colorful double stars at high magnification with the ZenithStar 81. Globular clusters and most planetary nebulae remain unresolved, however, and only the brightest galaxies show up, with a few revealing hints of detail, such as dust lanes, under the best viewing conditions.