Intes Micro MN-66

Ratings:Top:Astronomy:Equipment Reviews:Telescope Reviews:Intes Micro MN-66

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Brand and Model:Intes Micro MN-66
Price ($USD):1,399
Type:Maksutov-Newtonian
Attributes: un-checked Go-To un-checked PEC
Aperture:152mm (6")
f Ratio:f/6
Focal Length:914mm
Finder:10x55
Electric Power:None
Mount:None
Tripod:None
Weight (lbs):lbs.
Dimensions (w/h/d):
Description:Tube rins, 2" Crayford Focuser (low profile), Ventilated holes in rear of tube,

Knife edge baffls.


Vote Highlights Vote
Intes Micro MN-66
This is my 3rd MN. I've owned an MN56 to begin with and have since been impressed with their quality and value time and again. I now have a 76, but it's much more of a semi-permanent scope that will find it's final home in my observatory.

Having sold my 56 and Ultima 8 to get the 76, I was w/o a small to mid sized scope. I've been through an ST80, Alter M603(nice scope), TV101(also nice), and ST120 to compete w/the 66. None come close to matching the overall performance and value of an MN66.

It's better than a 150mm MC or a 4" apo. The difference in image quality is not small. I picked up mine used for $800. With that in mind, and after exhaustive testing between these scopes, I can upgrade any weak spots in the MN66's package and come out even farther ahead!

With a midrange mount(GP/DX, GM8, HEQ5), a better focusser(JMI DX, FeatherTouch), rotating rings(Parallax), and a right angle finder(UO, Lumicon)this is one very serious scope package for the buck. The rings, r/a finder, and focusser($700-$800)are items you won't need to get with a 5"-6" apo. If you think these expenditures are silly, how much is the apo?

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Ease of Use:8 Value:10
Weight: 10 (Trustworthy Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=109348

Intes Micro MN-66
This is a great scope! I bought mine used about 3-4 months ago, and am just amazed at how much detail can be seen on the moon. Craters seem to pop into view inside of larger craters. My first attempts at imaging Mars exceeded my expectations. The only problem with this scope is that the length of the tube (35") requires a solid mount to minimize damping times. Optics are superb, construction solid. Focuser is functional, but I am saving to replace it with a JMI.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:10 Ease of Use:7 Value:9
Weight: 5 (Veritable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=306818

Intes Micro MN-66
I bought mine used, for a very good price. The scope is just plain awesome! Built like a tank, performs like a champ! I changed out the finder to a RACI and put a Rigel finder on it. What a fantastic value!

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=252241

Intes Micro MN-66
The ratings on the Intes and Intes Micro scopes on this site are really misleading. The MN66 is really superior in every way, except weight and portability, to the MN56. It is also superior to the MN61 by Intes and better too, except for astrophotography, than most of the other types of Intes and Intes Micro scopes rated here that are equal to or smaller to it in aperture, in regard to the quality of the visual image presented on not only planets, but deep sky objects as well. Views thru the MN66 are very refractor-like, with pin point stars, sharpness to the edge and good dark backgrounds. It really is the equivalent to a good 5" or 6" refractor at a very much reduced price. The optical system is really superior. The focuser and finder do need to be upgraded, however, so budget those items in. I use a JMI DX3 and a Telerad and like both.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Mount:9 Ease of Use:9 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=227729 

I'm not quite sure what you are refering to as "misleading" considering all of the reviews of the MN66 have been quite positive. If you are refering to the fact that the MN56 has a higher overall rating than the MN66, then I don't see why it would be misleading considering that "overall" rating takes price, size, and any other minor factors into consideration. Otherwise,the ratings would become directly proportional to resolution capability (aperture) and thus your MN66 would get womped by a 16" dob (but because SIZE and PORTABILITY are usually issues, it doesn't...).




>The ratings on the Intes and Intes Micro scopes on this site are really misleading.  The MN66 is really superior in every way, except weight and portability, to the MN56.  It is also superior to the MN61 by Intes and better too, except for astrophotography, than most of the other types of Intes and Intes Micro scopes rated here that are equal to or smaller to it in aperture, in regard to the quality of the visual image presented on not only planets, but deep sky objects as well.  Views thru the MN66 are very refractor-like, with pin point stars, sharpness to the edge and good dark backgrounds. It really is the equivalent to a good 5" or 6" refractor at a very much reduced price. The optical system is really superior. The focuser and finder do need to be upgraded, however, so budget those items in.  I use a JMI DX3 and a Telerad and like both.
Intes Micro MN-66
Superb optics! Sharp pinpoint star images and textbook photo views of planets. The only drawback is the cooldown time required for stable viewing (inherent to some degree to all Mak-Newts)

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:10 Ease of Use:8 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=53366

Intes Micro MN-66
Terrific optics.I have an AP 6" and this scope performs equal to or better optically.Finder scope was marginal.It really need a 90 degree prism and 1.25 drawtube.so that you can replace the reticle.BUT the p-v is 1/9 lambda and 98.3% Stehlratio.Built like a Stalin Tank. During airshipment from Germany the tube was severely damaged as was the focuser. I replaced the focuser with a JMI motorized unit and pounded out the dents until I can get a replacement tube. I checked the scope with a lazer and it was still in perfect collimation.

Overall Rating: 9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41234

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