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Old 15-12-2006, 12:27 AM
beren
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Little Russkie

Gday plenty of action lately with equipment purchases, thought i would add a first impression on a new scope I brought/received. It's a Intes micro MN56, 5 inch F/6 maksutov-newtonian.
The OTA feels quite heavy for a smallish scope {listed at 5.5kg} but the CG5ASGT mount that will carry it does it no worries.The build looks good {colour of the tube is a light beige-white } and solid particularly the impressive baffling arrangement inside the tube. The Meniscus {front corrector plate} upon removing the dust-cap for the first time had a fair amount of particles on the front surface and some on the rear.Found this a little alarming but managed to clear it with a blower brush , the particles looked they came from the felt lining that's used with the dust-cap. The crayford focuser that comes with the scope is OK but the adapter tubes {2&1.5"} have a sloppy fit with some lateral movement when tightening the set screw. This makes it tough for star testing and collimation {have a laser collimator}, but from the brief times I've managed to get the scope outside since I received it results from my rather average star testing skills seem pretty encouraging and positive. A aftermarket focuser is a definite must for the scope along with a new finderscope , the 8x40 issued would be more akin to a kids toybox then a astronomical tool .The scope comes with a soft-padded carry case which isn't bad {not a lot of padding for protection}.Overall so far .....checked briefly to see how a DSLR would go unfortunately there's not enough infocus travel but there may be solutions out there .

PS:thanks to Garry {Beal} for generous advice given and Tony {Striker}
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  #2  
Old 15-12-2006, 12:46 AM
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ballaratdragons (Ken)
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The OTA itself looks very robust, Stuart! The Russians do make good equipment. Pity about the focuser and the floppy adaptor though.

No doubt you'll turn it into a fine instrument

Might be worth getting rid of the felt fluff inside the dust cap somehow too.
Please keep us up to date with your progress.
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  #3  
Old 15-12-2006, 07:31 AM
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h0ughy (David)
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way to go, I have the M500 and it is a wonderful little scope. be good to see the results after you get the focussing issues sorted out
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  #4  
Old 15-12-2006, 09:12 AM
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[1ponders] (Paul)
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Nice Stuart

I like the way it's baffled all the way down.
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  #5  
Old 15-12-2006, 09:26 AM
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Dave47tuc (David)
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Looks great Stuart

Nice sharp images I bet Got to love those Russkie scopes
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  #6  
Old 15-12-2006, 10:01 AM
jase (Jason)
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Great buy. Can't go wrong those optics and certainly at a respectable price. The MN-61 is a favourite of Eddie's @ astroshed - http://www.astroshed.com/observatory/equip.htm. He's produces some stunning images with the Intes optics.

Their dedicated astrographs are appealing - http://www.iteastronomy.com/products...p?cat=TEL%20AG

Enjoy.
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  #7  
Old 15-12-2006, 12:52 PM
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ving (David)
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looks the part stuart... very well built

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Old 15-12-2006, 02:29 PM
gbeal
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While I am a committed Mak freak, I would caution at getting too excited at the link listed and the shorter Mak astrographs. I know of at least one Ocker who wishes he heeded my suggestions on this particular scope, and dealer. This isn't the place to slate the scope or dealer, and I am not sure if the buyer is a member of this forum, but for my money the MN66 is THE best all rounder out there, and of course Houghy's M500.
Let us know what happens with the scope Beren.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jase View Post
Great buy.

Their dedicated astrographs are appealing - http://www.iteastronomy.com/products...p?cat=TEL%20AG

Enjoy.
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  #9  
Old 15-12-2006, 03:16 PM
jase (Jason)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gbeal View Post
I know of at least one Ocker who wishes he heeded my suggestions on this particular scope, and dealer.
I respect your caution gbeal, especially after reading the two CN reviews;
Intes M606 - http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1521
Intes M500 vs ED80 - http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1468
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  #10  
Old 16-12-2006, 02:03 PM
gbeal
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jase View Post
I respect your caution gbeal, especially after reading the two CN reviews;
Intes M606 - http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1521
Intes M500 vs ED80 - http://www.cloudynights.com/item.php?item_id=1468
Yep, and Warren is a member here as well. He is only one of many who have found out the hard way, unfortunately.
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  #11  
Old 16-12-2006, 11:56 PM
beren
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Cheers

Quote:
No doubt you'll turn it into a fine instrument
not sure about that Ken but I can guarantee I wont take it for granted
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