I received the telescope a few days ago. It was in good condition. The original packaging didn’t seem very good though, but FLO had added additional padding in the box. Originally it is only a few thin polystyrene supporters that can easily break down. So if you order, make a note reminding FLO to put in additional padding around the telescope before shipping.

The telescopes has a nice dual speed GSO focuser (the only part made in China), a nice solid but lightweight tube, solid tube rings, with felt inside the rings, with a very long and handy vixen rail. It is impossible not to love a long refractor like this.

Last night it was at last possible to test out the telescope. It was only partially clear, but at least Jupiter and a few stars where visible. The main goal for the evening was to star test the optics.

The test showed that this is excellent optics. The diffraction pattern inside and outside focus is among the best I have seen in my 30+ years as a telescope user. Due to the clouds it was not optimal testing conditions, but as a quick test it was good enough. I don’t think a more extensive testing will change my first impression very much.

After the star testing I observed Jupiter. Nice details, subtle but nice colors. I used up to 250x, and even at that magnification the image didn’t show signs of braking down.

And I forgot to mention, the telescope needed a very short cooldown time.

For those of us of a certain vintage there is a 'something' about a good quality Japanese long focal length refractor. The Jscope is a classical F/15 achromat which strongly channels a Unitron vibe. The objective lens is of excellent quality with a superb coating, weight is minimal and it has a nice smooth dual speed focuser (the latter is very nice to have but, at F/15, its more of a luxury than necessity). Over the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to put it through its paces and its the kind of telescope that puts a smile on your face every time. Good sharp and high contrast views with very well controlled CA. I have also resurrected some long-neglected eyepieces - an F/15 can really make some of those old orthoscopics sing. I've paired the telescope with a good Tak prism diagonal; anything else just seemed like bad manners! This is a very forgiving telescope: low weight, rapid cool down time, tolerate to viewing conditions and range of eyepieces (on one early morning shift Jupiter, at high magnification, was a beautiful sight) and accepting of a range of mounts. So, who is this telescope aimed at? Clearly, for those of us who remember the glory days of the long focus Japanese refractor, then this high quality performer will create nostalgic chills. Would I recommend to somebody starting out in visual astronomy? After all, at this price-point, you could have a decent Dob with far more aperture. Well, yes, I probably would recommend. Excellent quality optics at a very relaxed F/15, essentially maintenance free, excellent quality views using eyepieces that won't break the bank, tolerate of a range of viewing conditions, sits nicely on budget mounts, cools down during the time it takes to make a cup of tea (stove top kettle, not electric, we're keeping this old-school) - the Jscope offers hassle free observing, allowing you to focus on what's important - the stuff 'up there'. I own a number of refractors, including apo's, but this telescope holds its own and it will be getting a lot of use in the future. Recommended.