Is there a better 18 inch telescope? Maybe. Is there better customer service than Rick Singmaster. No. Probably the most devoted man to his craft I have ever had the priviledge to meet and know.
The scopes now come with legendary Zambuto mirrors. You can't do any better. Mine gets bounced around in the back of a pickup, and every joint and fitting is like brand new.
And what an investment: With all the goodies, GOTO, tracking, Feathertouch focuser, it was $8k two years ago. Now they are almost $10k.
You cannot go wrong, and if you get tired of it, you more than likely will be able to sell it for more than what you originally paid!
I give it a 5 on ease of use, only because this is NOT a beginner's telescope. It's NOT a set out the tripod and plop the scope on it to start viewing telescope. But once you do have it setup, the views are... well, invite your friends over to look through your eyepiece, and enjoy the raves!

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Mount:10 Ease of Use:5 Value:10
Weight: 10
Date: 01/29/2004 06:32:12 pm PST

Replies: 0