Could you talk a little more on what this carbon tube looks like? Is
this the next generation carbon fiber tube i read about that is also
available on the GPS11?
What color is the tube and whats its finish like.
Does it look plastic?
thanks for any info....Ralph
--- In C14@y..., "paulatkinson22" <paulatkinson22@a...> wrote:
Well I got my brand new C14 from Celestron and thought I would share
my initial impressions. I had a chance to use it for a week on a
G11
at the Winter Star Party so I am somewhat familar with it now. I am
reviewing the OTA only here and not the mount.
FIT AND FINISH - I was a little diappointed here. In several
places
the the black crackle paint looks carelessly done. There are areas
that look like they are heavier with what appears to be some very
minor running or build up. In addition, there are some knicks and
dings to the back of the OTA that look like they were there prior to
painting and then just painted over. I could go on. You would have
to see the areas to understand. I may seem picky but the bottom
line
is that for $4000+ I expected a little more. I also do not like the
new Carbon color tube as much as the old black tube. However, this
is purely a personal preference and really not an indication of
overall quality.
MECHANICS - I guess the only real mechanics is the focuser. Right
now it is very smooth and easy to operate. I love the knob. Much
better than my Meade 12".
OPTICS - It was slightly out of alignment when I recieved it.
However, after a little collimation it was dead on. The optics are
superb to say the least. I have a friend with a Takahashi Mewlon
300
and he was very impressed (side by side at WSP) with my star images
and clarity. Contrast was also excellent. Mewlon (in my opinion)
was slightly better overall. However, I paid 4k and the Mewlon goes
for 12k. I'll take the C14 over the Mewlon all day for that kind of
savings.
BOTTOM LINE - Excellent scope. Side by side with one of the worlds
best in this size range, the C14 more than held up. I'd say it is a
winner and a bargain to boot, if you call $4000 a bargain. Given
the
choice between the superb optics or fixing the blemishes I would
take
the optics. Now if Celestron could bring OTA up to match it would
be
a solid 10.
Paul Atkinson
