I purchased this second hand back in November last year. This is the Gold Tube version but the previous owner did not like that colour so he has covered it with carbon graphite look alike wrap. Has done a pretty good job as it has fooled quite a few people!!
This also features a GSO dual speed focuser (better than the stock SW one that came with the scope), Vixen narrow dove tail rail, tube rings, 8x50 RACI finder, a 2" diagonal and a dovetail finder scope attachment mount.
All comes in the original case. the foam on the inside of the case has been modified to suit the different focuser.
Couple of small cosmetic issues:
There is a mar on the objective cell, it is covered by the dew shield in normal use (photo below)
Some marring of the dovetail rail from the Sirius mount I have used (photo is below)
The paper/felt that is on the inside of the tube rings just loves to stick to the graphite wrap. It means if you adjust their position it sometimes leaves a bit behind, again purely cosmetic and easy to clean.
The diagonal has a bit of dust on the mirror. I only used it for alignment so never bothered cleaning.
One slightly more serious issue is the eyepiece on the finderscope is loose. It still works but not perfect. Again, I never used it as for imaging all I used was a red dot finder for rough alignment and then fine tune with the camera on liveview.
Overall I have been impressed with this scope as a first imaging scope and would be comfortable selling it to a beginner. optics are fine.
Just updating on this ad. As I and the SWMBO are heading of to Europe for a month in about a week and a half, I will be withdrawing this ad later this week if it hasn't sold and will readvertise when we return.
Hopefully with the election over when we get back it may move a little easier!!
