Maksutov-Newtonian opinions??

Anybody have any opinions regarding 6" to 8" Mak-Newts? Does a 7" compare favorably to a 6" apo refractor?? The 7" model appears to be at a good price point.

My C-14 got flooded in Katrina and until I rebuild it or buy another one the 7" Mak-Newt has my interest as an ultimate image quality scope maybe in lieu of the 6" AP that I have been on a waiting list for over 5 years. Would it be a big mistake?

Ralph Junius

Ralph,
I used to own an MN66 and loved it. In fact, I felt that it compared very favorably to a 5" apo (I also used to own an AP 130), so I think that a 7" MN would compare pretty well to a 6" apo. Keep in mind, however, that these scopes are heavier than the aforementioned apos, just in case that's a problem.

In fact, I miss my MN66 so much that I am contemplating the MN76 myself, especially while it's on sale at ITE. The 7" comes with the rotating rings, which are pretty much required when using a Newtonian design on a GEM.

Doug
Midway, FL