Vixen VC200L and VMC200L?

Say, have I just stumbled upon the perfect 8" reflector? And I can sit down and view from the rear end like my TV-102 ;-). I shy away from the SCT and the MCT (weighs a ton).
http://www.vixenamerica.com/Products/Default.asp?TopCatCode=TS&Fam_or_Cat=VC200L (f/9)
http://www.vixenamerica.com/Products/Default.asp?TopCatCode=TS&Fam_or_Cat=VMC200L (f/9.8)

Looking at the Vixen web site, it's apparently **not** an SCT ;-). Open tube means quick cooldown time. And it weighs an unblievable featherweight 14 lbs. And the price is so right ;-).

Does anyone have experience with these two scopes? What sort of design is this? Any one know if the central obstruction is petite or huge? Are there any gotcha? Might these just be the perfect 8" reflector?

Thanks,
Ron B[ee]
PS My wide field need is taken care of by my TV-102 ;-).

Maybe the statement about 4 - 5" aperture being the maximum is true for planetary observers at very unfavourable locations. My experience is, however, quite different. I have just made the step from 8" to 12.5" aperture, and I admit I was a bit concerned about high power work since the focal ratio of the 12.5" is 1/4.5. In practice, however, the 12.5-inch proves to work beautifully both for planetary observation and close double stars. The last year I have been observing with an 8-inch f/6 Newtonian with a Zambuto mirror which delivers just great images of Jupiter under good seeing conditions. However, the contrast is almost as good in the 12.5-inch and the resolution is greater. The 12.5-inch also proves to be a powerful double star splitter, and I expect to be able to reach Dawes' limit (about 0.4") when it stops raining. And for observation of clusters and nebulae there is no question. The number of objects within reach increases with aperture, and the amount of detail also increases.

Concerning Vixen scopes: I think they generally are high quality instruments. However, If I was to purchase a new Vixen today, it would definitely be a Newtonian.

Oh no, aperture loses :-(. I need an 8" to combat the light pollution when observing in the city (while everyone else heads out to the mountain/desert ;-).

Ron B[ee]