[glend (Glen)]

Richard, I have a Skywatcher MN190 and say it is without any issues at all and a great all round scope at its medium focal length and relatively fast optics. If I could only have one scope it would be the MN190. Visually it gives performance close to a large APO at 1/3 the cost, and true colour rendition, undectable coma, and great contrast. It is great for both visual and imaging use and I have not had any problems with the focuser. I'd be cautious about reading people complaining about the focuser and trying to change to Moonlights etc - there were a string of problems tha emerged on some forums when people tried to 'upgrade' the focuser; due to the need to get the focuser near the front of the scope and most of the 'upgrades' don't have suitable adaptors for the MN190. I'd forget about a focuser upgrade unless you can prove it's going to be better, the stock one is that good. Importantly, if you buy one make sure it is the recent model with the dual speed focuser. Early MN190s and it's Orion clone had single speed focusers. Also avoid the early Orions as they had a larger secondary which created a larger central obstruction and reduced contrast compared to the MN190. Imaging wise it is good with a DSLR using the APS-C sensor size and there is no issue with the corners. The focuser easly handled my cold finger Canon 450D with its big heatsink and fan and never slipped. The focuser come with a sliding internal extension tube, so it's unique in that regard I believe, and this comes in really handy for visual use as you don't need to carry an extension tube - the one in the focuser can slide out exactly the length you need for any EP. For imaging you just slide the extension in fully and it's out of the way, and your DSLR or other camrera will focus with some spare intravel.
Remember that any Mak-Newt is going to be heavy compared to say an equivalent sized plain newt, and the MN190 is on the heavy side. Not so heavy that it can't be managed but you will need at least a NEQ6 mount if your planning on imaging with it.

Now to the RC08, which I also have, they are scopes that always need some setup tuning and collimation is a drama unless you have the right tools (like the TAK Collimation Scope) to help. At f8 they require a good mount and usually guiding to get the best out of them. Even though they are lighter than the MN190 I'd still prefer a NEQ6 for imaging with the RC08.

Hope that helps. I will PM you a link to some images that i have taken with both scopes.

Cheers