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I have heard that some 8" gs mirrors are really good and others so-so.
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Hi David,
I have used a fair number of 8" and 10" GSO scopes (over 20) and I have yet to see one that I would call "so so". The worst of them has still had reasonable optics and certainly of an acceptable standard, further there have only been 2 samples below the level that I would class as good to very good. At the other end of the scale I have seen 4 scopes that have had outstanding optics, particularly considering that they are mass produced and their price level. The performance level offered by these scopes which cost less than $1,000 is equal to or better than the performance level of scopes costing $3,000 to $5,000 15 years ago, so it aint all bad.
In terms of your own scope I think I only took a quick look through it at low power last time we were at Kulnurra and wasn't looking to test it in any way, but if you would like me to check out the standard of the optics and collimation accuracy next time we are at Kulnurra I will be more than happy to help you out there. I would also be happy to show you my own scope if we get there before dark and show you how I have baffled it internally, which you might consider doing to your own scope, this improves contrast immensely.
FWIW the Synta manufactured newtonians, particularly those produced prior to Orion Telescopes USA's involvement with Synta in 2002 are somewhat more variable in quality than the GSO scopes, I have seen a couple of pretty poor early Synta mirrors, although they also seem to have got their quality fairly consistently good in recent times.
CS-John B