The TEC 6's optical performance and workmanship are both very good. It consistently delivers detailed views of the gas giants, and lunar performance is outstanding. On a night of good seeing, I was able to see six Trapezium stars at only 59x (31 Nagler). Planetary views were not as bright as I expected them to be, but closer examination revealed excellent surface detail on Jupiter and Saturn.

Small size and light weight makes the Tec easy to set up. All of the widely available dovetail plates (Losmandy, Vixen/INtes, AP dove08) bolt directly to the TEC 6's mounting block. Micrometer focuser enables fine adjustment and facilitates hitting the sweet spot. The internal recirculating fan settle down the view somewhat, though I'm not sure how effective it would be on a night of rapidly falling temperatures. I live in a climate that seldom experiences rapid temperature changes, so thus far I have not had cooling problems with my TEC.

The TEC 6 delivers pin point star images and would be an excellent choice if you like splitting close doubles. I use my TEC 6 primarily for planetary and lunar viewing and I'm quite satisified.

The TEC 6 is an outstanding small Maksutov. Supply is very limited and they are no longer being produced, so getting one will be challenging. But it will be worth the effort.
Rex

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Ease of Use:10 Value:8
Weight: 5
Date: 03/09/2004 02:32:55 pm PST

Replies: 0

For visual use with 4" apo's and 8-9.25" SCT's, the GM-8 is excellent. Its excellent build quality and no searching for clutches in the dark are plusses. This is my second GM-8 and I recommend it without reservation.

Overall Rating: 10
Performance:10 Ease of Use:10 Value:10
Weight: 5
Date: 11/13/2003 01:40:45 pm PST

Replies: 0

I can't think of anything bad to say about the Superior E 8x32. Optics are sharp to the edge and bright, large FOV, rock solid build quality, and they just feel right in my hands. I use them for astro viewing, wildlife, football et al. Not cheap but worth the price.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:8
Weight: 5
Date: 11/13/2003 01:27:38 pm PST

Replies: 0

The Starmaster 11" F/4.3 Shorty may be the best all around scope available. Its planetary views are magnificent, and with 11" of aperture, most dso's are easy targets. The Zambuto optics are without equal. Views are truly refractor-like, especially when long focal length eyepieces like the 31 Nagler are used with a Paracorr. This scope made me sell my expensive A/P refractors. It's portable, sets up fast, and has far more reach than any refractor costing less than a new home. The relatively short focal length (1201mm, or 1381mm w/Paracorr) means that the Shorty can go "wide" and give a real field of view in the vicinity of 2 degrees with 31 Nagler. I use my Shorty both at my suburban home and at dark sites when I don't want to be bothered setting up a much larger dob. It's a great all purpose scope...and you can use it seated at all times!
Rex

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Mount:10 Ease of Use:10 Value:9
Weight: 5
Date: 06/03/2003 02:02:05 pm PST

Replies: 0

I own a Nightsky 16" truss dob with Pegasus optics. Workmanship is superb in every respect, with outstanding attention to detail. Everything about this scope is first class.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:9 Mount:10 Ease of Use:9 Value:9
Weight: 5
Date: 05/01/2003 12:22:28 pm PST

Replies: 1