My scope is a "hybrid". Before the Celestar Deluxe version came out, the dealer (S&S Optica) offered an upgrade to the heavier duty tripod and equatorial head now used by the Celestar Deluxe. Optically excellent,my only issue is that the focuser resistance seems to increase right at the point of focus--I do manage to get a good focus but it is irritating. I am told that this is an issue that can be rectified by an adjustment. The drive tracks very well for visual use (all I will be using it for). The scope has been upgraded using an 8x50 finder on a removable dovetail mounting (won't fit in the case otherwise). This has created some problems in balancing the scope which is my major gripe. Most of the time I dispense with the finder and use a lighter telrad and NGC-Max to locate objects. Highly recommended for the visual observer--the primary optics are this scope's strength.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:10 Mount:8 Ease of Use:8 Value:9
Weight: 10
Date: 12/22/2001 10:19:45 am PST

Replies: 0