Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Ease of Use:8 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date: 01/14/2004 10:44:17 am PST
By: Anonymous (xxx.xxx.206.107)
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=333549

This scope continues to impress me.  I originally stated that there was a noticable loss in contrasts on the planets when compared with say an 80mm apo refractor due to the large central obstruction.  However steadier skies has improved the contrasts on the big planets.  But where this scope is impressing me is on the fainter objects where its blacker background allows it to outperform longer focal length scopes such as the xt4.5.


>I purchased the 102mn for $248 including shipping.  My rating of the scope takes in consideration that it is half the price of its nearest competitor.  The things I liked about the scope: 1. (PORTABILITY/TRANSPORTABILITY)built in finderscope won't be damaged when transporting scope
>2.(OPTICAL QUALITY/COATINGS) Once cooled scope star tested very well, edge to edge pinpoint stars
>3.(BIULD QUALITY) Solid tube, metal focuser and camera adapter, 
>
>The things I didn't like:
>1. cool down times of one hour or more are a little long for a portable quick look scope
>2.  the large obstruction introduced by the built in finderscope does reduce low contrasts detail on Mars and Jupiter for example. Not bad though, grs and shadow transits still visible
>
>The scope handles high powers very well.  Absolutely no sign of breakdown when looking at Jupiter and Saturn at high power. Sky appears very black and stars are pinpoint giving evidents of a very well directed cone of light coming off the primary. However the central obstruction of 1.5" does reduce contrasts slightly.