Astronomica 152mm Maksutov Cassegrain

[starscy]

Is anyone using the Astronomica 152mm Maksutov Cassegrain? Are there any known issues with this telescope? How does it perform compared to telescopes of the same type from other manufacturers?

[beamish]

see here

http://stargazerslounge.com/equipment-help/55274-anyone-know-about-astronomicas-152mm-maksutov.html

[starscy]

I did but I was hoping that maybe someone had updated information about this.

[philsail1]

Hello "starcy"

It was me that bought a 152 Maksutov from "Astronomica." I know it was some time ago, but it was a sobering experience I can tell you. I got my money back from "Astronomica" without any problems. They did admit that they had, had some "quality" control issues with some of these scopes. (I also got in touch with someone in Ireland who had bought one - and he had had the same issues).

As I said, this was quite a while back so I don't know what the scope is like now. The construction and optis were very good, but there was definately a mechanical problem with the focusing mechanism. I think this was a design fault with the way the main spring (which keeps the focuser on Maks and SCT's under tension so you get a smooth action with minimal mirror "flop" and "shift").

If you do decide to go for one, I would tell "Ian" or "Richard" from Astronomica that you have spoken to others that had problems with this scope - and depending on the reassurances they can give you, make your own decision whether to buy or not. Also, if you do decide to buy, ensure with Asronomica, that they will give you a "full cash refund" if you are not happy with the scope.

I may have put you off! I hope not, as if the scopes problem has been cured, it would be a nice scope.

Regards,

philsail1