I have owned and used various Schmidt Cassegrain telescopes but the CN-212 is by far the best in its class and above. As the saying goes, nothing is perfect, therefore I give this a score of 9.  Can you say  Refractor type images ? My first view when I purchased the 212 was of Jupiter in suburban light poluted conditions. With my trusty FS-128 side by side I was hard pressed to keep my eyes away from the CN-212, Unbelieveably clear with no false color I felt as if I was out in space viewing Jupiter rather then earthbound. I highly recommend this scope to anyone who is looking for a well crafted, visually stunning instrument. You wont be disappointed...More to follow!

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:40 PM

Optical quality: superb. No problems there. In Newtonian mode, the focus is far from the tube, allowing for use of ST-7s and CFW8 at the same time. Focus shift is minimal: almost non-existent. It is a fast scope with very bright and high contrast images.
Mechanical quality: Also superb. It is light enough for a G11 and is somewhat portable. Collimation is kept between swaps of the secondary mirrors. Once collimated in each mode, there is no issue. The provided tools make this an easier chore. While never fun, collimation is a requirement to obtain the very best from any scope.
Use: No problems at all. The focus knob is a bit away from the Newtonian viewing end of the tube, but with long arms it is not an issue. Dewing is not a problem. In a domed observatory, cooldown time is about an hour on a hot summer evening.
Star Test: no words to describe it. It was nearly textbook perfect in both modes. Contrast is excellent. I have poor vision with astigmatism, so must use glasses, but there was no obvious coma in Newtonian mode. With the field flattener, CCD images are pinpoint without any coma nor vignetting. I have not done film work with it yet.
Why not give this scope a 10... I always hesitate to say that anything is perfect. Even though image shift is minimal, I do not like having to focus by moving the primary mirror. Ok. This is my issue, not the scopes. Those wishing for a lifetime of viewing enjoyment should seriously consider these optics. It is the equal to two high quality telescopes in one package.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:38 PM