Legs are the weakest link. I suspect with good legs this thing will be even better.

Update: I have tried a Synta 6" F8 Newtonian on it and it is adequate. Vibrations damper out in around 2 seconds. I've used this set up for digi-cam imaging Saturn with success.

Overall Rating: 7
Performance:6 Ease of Use:7 Value:9
Weight: 10
Date: 03/27/2007 12:16:00 pm PST

Replies: 0

Installed on Astroview Mount.

- Quiet Operation
- Great Price

The drive powered by 4 D Cells, though I've hooked mine up to a 6v sealed lead acid unit.

With rough polar alignment, this drive allows me to finally do decent digi-cam imaging of the planets.

Only complaint - I wish there was a quick-disconnect or 16x speed option.

Overall Rating: 9
Performance:9 Value:10
Weight: 10
Date: 03/27/2007 12:13:53 pm PST

Replies: 0

I picked up the 8mm X-cel gently used at a local dealer.

I didn't know much about the ep design, but that big piece of glass and long eye relief sold me on it.

I bought this EP with my skywatcher 150mm F8 Dob in mind. The 8mm and x2 barlow get me up to 300x which is pretty much as far as I want to push the dob. I also bought the ep with digicaming in mind. I've been using a skywatcher 15mm wide angle and it's been OK, but this 8mm X-cel is far superior as far as contrast and clarity goes.

This lens is a good deal if you're looking to pick up a relatively inexpensive long relief ep and so far it has been quite good for digicam use. So if you hate tiny peep holes, need an 8mm or want to replace the junk that may have come with your low priced medium to long f/l scope, and don't want to spend $300 on an ep, this could be a good choice for you.

The only negative is the massive ep barrel - make sure your digiscope adapter fits! (At least you feel like you're getting your moneys worth!)

Update 12/2006
The ep does suffer from blackouts and doesn't seem to barlow very well (black-outs get worse). If used as a straight 8mm it does a fine job.

Overall Rating: 8
Optics:7 Value:8
Weight: 10
Date: 12/08/2006 01:54:38 pm PST

Replies: 0

Used in 6" F8 and 80mm F8.5 - Extremely crisp high contrast, best planetary ep I have ever used.
Barlows nicely but Eye relief is a tiny bit tighter than I would like but is still not bad.

Regardless of eye relief, I am very tempted to pick up the 9mm as well.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Value:10
Weight: 10
Date: 12/08/2006 01:48:56 pm PST

Replies: 0

I guess for the money it might be *ok*. Not a great spotter, not great for astronomy. May be useful as a guide scope, though the eyepiece is fixed, so maybe not...

Overall Rating: 3
Optics:3 Mount:1 Ease of Use:5 Value:4
Weight: 10
Date: 07/19/2006 10:43:46 am PST

Replies: 0