Mass Produced Truss Dobs

Well, I have been waiting for it to happen and now it has: the first mass-produced truss-dobs are reportedly on their way to market from Meade. I was suspecting truss dobs might be mass produced from Synta or GSO but Meade has beaten them to it.
The first units are supposed to be available in December but Meade's track record of having it's new product line available when they say it's supposed to be available is equivocal, at best.
I'd like to see an independent review of these scopes along with independent testing of the primary optics above and beyond the usual amateur reviews that lack any independent professional analysis of the optics but appear regularly in review forums...

Well, if they are good, then that is a good thing for all, but if they are of varying quality , then it is another mess.
I for one would like to see it be a good product.

I am a Starmaster owner, but am happy to see this. I bet Steve Swayze and others capable of turning mass produced optics into excellent performers will have all the business they want. If Meade can make good to excellent mechanicals and for a low price, this could have a big impact. Hopefully, they won't have the same plastic focuser or particle board mirror cells Meade used on the solid tube dobs.

Randy

My, my..... Looks nice for a mass produced scope.... 8)

Attached Image:

Hmmm...for the 8 and 10 inch versions, I think I'd prefer one of the solid tube types that are available these days - but an inexpensive 12inch f5 truss, NOW we're talking. Not that I'm going to be one of the pioneers who buys one early, mind you.

I wouldn't be surprised if Meade made the product announcement just to beat the others to market. And that Orion (or whoever) will actually deliver scopes before Meade.

But I think the scopes are a good idea. Now (hopefully) all a buyer will have to do is rebuild the base and ground board. And maybe replace the altitude bearings.

FYI,

Meade now has more photos and specs on the LightBridge Truss scopes on their website.

http://www.meade.com/lightbridge/index.html

Also, check out this website, they show specs for a 16" listed there.

http://www.bintel.com.au/MeadeLightbridge.html

Don't get me wrong,it looks great but it also looks like the ASM scopes