Intes Micro MN-56

I always wanted to try one of these Maksutov-Newtonian scopes. I ran across this one on Astromart and decided to give it a try. This is a  5 inch, f6 optical tube that weighs in at about 11 pounds. This particular instrument is equipped with a JMI craford focuser and 50mm RA finder scope. Views with this scope are quite impressive.  It is shown mounted on a Losmandy/Celestron G-11 mount. After using this scope for several nights, I can easily say that most of the hype on these Mak-Newts are well founded. Excellent contrast and very good star images. Views of Saturn and Jupiter are quite nice. For the price it is an excellent scope. 

I have received several comments asking how this MN compares to the APO refractors. The only side by side comparison I have had with it was next to the TV-76. The differences are there, but very hard to describe. Obviously the MN has an edge in aperture and that does make a difference, however the overall contrast and sharpness at the magnifications I was able to use still favored the TV. Now...before anyone goes jumping onto the "aperture always wins" band wagon, keep in mind that this comparison was done in my driveway and NOT in a dark sky location. My personal feeling is that, under the right conditions, the MN should be clearly superior in overall views.   I have just not seen that yet. 

Here is a full view of the MN56 on my roll out system. Losmandy/Celestron G-11 on a GM8 tripod and set of wheelie bars.

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