Vixen VMC200L or Celestron B" SCT

I am warming up to buy an 8" OTA, and I have (almost) nailed down my selection to two options:
- Vixen VMC200L
- Celestron 8" SCT (w/XLT coatings)

Which is better? Has anybody had a chance to compare these scope side-by-side?

S. Bucki

I've never compared these scopes side by side but I have used both of them. I would pick the C8 w/ XLT coatings. The central obstruction on the VMC200L is huge (40%) and the thick spider vanes are a distraction on many objects. The C8 is also easier to collimate since there is only one set of collimation screws for the secondary mirror vs. 3 sets on the VMC200L. It's also easier to find accessories / focusers for the C8 if needed. You would think that the VMC200L would cool down faster but the one I had didn't - it had annoying tube/ mirror currents visible for about 2+ hours on a cool winter night. I think this was due to the closed back design of the scope. As far as optical performance the VMC200L is good but the C8's I've looked through that were collimated did just as well or better. If you were planning to do just astrophotograpy then the VC200L (not the VMC200L) may be a better option than the C8.

Joplin

Slawomir Bucki said:

I am warming up to buy an 8" OTA, and I have (almost) nailed down my selection to two options:
- Vixen VMC200L
- Celestron 8" SCT (w/XLT coatings)

Which is better? Has anybody had a chance to compare these scope side-by-side?

S. Bucki

The VMC is NOT a bad scope...and I've considered her (optically different) sister the VC a time or two...the thing with this one? Its images are about the same as those of a C8, the rack and pinion focuser provides a small focus range, and, formerly, it was more expensive. All these things are still true, but the cost of one (in the U.S.) is becoming more competitive. It would be nice not to worry about dewing up a corrector...that's its single advantage.