skywatcher 90mm mak

Kelvin · Post by **Kelvin** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 1:56 pm

hEY, i just got an offer on Sky-Watcher MC90 selling about $500, any pros got a short story in this scope, ? is it a good steal ?

blurblock · Post by **blurblock** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 2:00 pm

http://www.cloudynights.com/reviews2/mc90.htm

Synta is the OEM manufacturer for Skywatcher.

Post by **acc** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 9:29 pm

Kelvin wrote:hEY, i just got an offer on Sky-Watcher MC90 selling about $500, any pros got a short story in this scope, ? is it a good steal ?

What is included in the price of $500?

I had received a quote from a US dealer (Sights and Sounds) of about S$320 for an ETX90RA OTA shipped to Singapore via airmail (but he doesn't accept credit card, so u gotta fork out extra for a bank draft or wire transfer).

I think Chris paid about S$370 for a complete ETX90RA shipped, which is a great bargain.

But of course the advantage of buying locally is that you can hound the dealer should there be a problem with the scope

harlequin2902 · Post by **harlequin2902** » Tue Jan 27, 2004 2:10 am

hEY, i just got an offer on Sky-Watcher MC90 selling about $500, any pros got a short story in this scope, ? is it a good steal ?

For the price, assuming no mount etc..., I also feel that the ETX90RA is a better deal.

Another thing about the Skywatcher MC90 is it's *very large* central obstruction. For those particular about image quality, they'll tell you that the MC90 will lose out quite a bit on contrast as compared to 90mm Refractors or other 90mm Maksutovs with smaller central obstructions.

Post by **weixing** » Tue Jan 27, 2004 10:06 am

Hi,
Apparently there are two version of MC90. A f13.89 (Focal Length 1250mm) and a f5.56 rich field (Focal Length 500mm) version.

I think local and UK vendor are selling the f13.89 version of MC90 not the f5.56 rich field version, which can only be found in the SkyWatcher Canada and Germany website.

Anyway, the rich field version is the more interesting one.... Great for wide field low power viewing/astrophotography with only minor false color(according to the review in cloudynight).

Have a nice day and happy Chinese New Year!!!

Kelvin · Post by **Kelvin** » Tue Jan 27, 2004 10:40 am

No, it with the mount. and a EQ mount, i like GOTO and motor mounts. cause they are more precise and easy to use. useless they break down which WILL be a headache ! :x

I do hope the motors

will last !

Post by **acc** » Tue Jan 27, 2004 12:31 pm

Kelvin, don't exactly understand what u wrote but if it comes with an EQ mount, than $500 seems like a good price. But whether an EQ mount suits u is something that you have to decide for yourself.

The big central obstruction/contrast issues highlighted by SAM ONLY applies to the F6 version. Its longer focal length counterpart is fine.

Anyway, I still advice the ETX90RA instead of the MC90. But if ur budget allows, I recommend the Mak127mm OTA which is avail from Mcgill at $850.

cheers and happy shopping
cc

blurblock · Post by **blurblock** » Tue Jan 27, 2004 1:00 pm

But I think the $850 package is only for the OTA only, corret me if I am wrong. With a mount it would be $1300.

Post by **acc** » Tue Jan 27, 2004 1:04 pm

Yup, OTA for $850. Maybe the ETX90RA is best for Kelvin after all, since it can be placed on any stable surface for observing, no need tripod.

Post by **VinSnr** » Tue Jan 27, 2004 2:26 pm

Kelvin wrote:No, it with the mount. and a EQ mount, i like GOTO and motor mounts. cause they are more precise and easy to use. useless they break down which WILL be a headache ! :x

I do hope the motors will last !

dude, eq mount, although seems like an essential for astronomy, can turn out to be quite a headache for a newbie to operate. I think you should really learn the sky first with a simple scope and a simple mount. If you want to jump into it, fine...but be prepared for a lot surpises and frustrations.