|
It would be interesting to put the FastMAx up against an MN190. Of course I don't have a FastMax as I was never on that list.
AP comes down to the fact that everything is perfect though. The optics will be sharper. They will be far less susceptible to thermal currents. The focuser will be perfect and won't need an immediate replacement. There will be no mirror shift. I can't say anything about MN scopes as I have never had one but as I recall from others the focuser is a weak point and perhaps some mirror shift but I could be wrong.
Certainly a scope like this is not for everyone and value for money is an important aspect of any purchase.
These types of scopes could face a revival with the popularity of smallish sensors like the Sony ICX694 and the KAF8300. Small and light. Look at the wonderful images on this site being taken with 4 inch refractors and KAF8300's or Sony ICX sensors.
Also keep in mind that if it performs similarly to a high end 6 inch APO what is the cheapest high quality APO? Tak TOA150B is about US$10,500,
AP155 2nd hand is about the same, TEC160FL is US$12,000+,
APM (not sure they are in the same league) around US$8500.).
A 6 inch APO is a versatile instrument though being able to handle large chips as well as small ones and things like flatteners and reducers that work are readily available.
Greg.
|