Hi All,
I have updated my review of the 1278 here:
http://home.earthlink.net/~emeryh/burgess.htm
Keep in mind that this is a 5" refractor that costs less than some finder scopes or eyepieces. As such, it is an incredible bargain.
I suspect that there must be some variations from unit to unit since some report chromatism while viewing Saturn and others do not. Mine is one that shows no color aberrations on Saturn. It's lenses are also pristine without any markings even under the "flashlight test".
The 1278 is better corrected than all the Synta scopes I've owned and is more similar in optical quality to my Meade 7" APO (which is not what I would consider a true APO).
The 1278 cannot compete with a _good_ 8" SCT or Newtonian on deep sky or planetary resolution, but it does provide that pleasing "refractor view" in so much that stars will focus to more intense pinpoints and there is more contrast (blacker sky) than non-refractors can usually show. Compared to the average 8" reflector, the 1278 can provide better planetary detail.
While I prefer my larger aperture scopes in most circumstances, the 1278 is still good enough to evoke a satisfying viewing session. At only $300 that is quite an accomplishment.
I have updated my review of the 1278 here:
http://home.earthlink.net/~emeryh/burgess.htm
Keep in mind that this is a 5" refractor that costs less than some finder scopes or eyepieces. As such, it is an incredible bargain.
I suspect that there must be some variations from unit to unit since some report chromatism while viewing Saturn and others do not. Mine is one that shows no color aberrations on Saturn. It's lenses are also pristine without any markings even under the "flashlight test".
The 1278 is better corrected than all the Synta scopes I've owned and is more similar in optical quality to my Meade 7" APO (which is not what I would consider a true APO).
The 1278 cannot compete with a _good_ 8" SCT or Newtonian on deep sky or planetary resolution, but it does provide that pleasing "refractor view" in so much that stars will focus to more intense pinpoints and there is more contrast (blacker sky) than non-refractors can usually show. Compared to the average 8" reflector, the 1278 can provide better planetary detail.
While I prefer my larger aperture scopes in most circumstances, the 1278 is still good enough to evoke a satisfying viewing session. At only $300 that is quite an accomplishment.
