I'm really pleased i bought this telescope. I've had a couple of cheap refractors in the past so this a big step up for me. It feels like a quality product, bought primarily for visual astronomy, although I'd like to have a go at some basic astrophotography at some point. Already had some great views of Jupiter and Saturn, the moon looks fantastic, although i definitely recommend purchasing a moon filter as it is blinding bright through this scope. The mount feels very solid and smooth and was quite easy to assemble. I had to collimate the primary mirror as it was out a bit, but FLO gave me some great advice with this, and once you know the procedure its quite easy to do. I think for the price this a great bit if kit.

Excellent product and excellent service!
Many thanks. Ian

I've had the scope for about 6 months now - so time for a review.

After much angst about which telescope to buy (who knew there was so much choice) I finally came to the conclusion that an 8 inch dob was the most sensible choice. All the advice seemed to suggest it would be a good all rounder and best bang for your buck. This scope appealed in the latter category being a little cheaper than other 8 inch dobs around and that confirmed its selection. The staff at FLO were very helpful and answered all the questions about it I could find before I pressed the buy button. Delivery was quick, and after a little bit of DIY building the base was done, and the scope ready to use.

And, since then and now it has had a fair amount of use too! It's been fabulous. My very first night of use paid for the scope with great views of Jupiter. I'd never imagined I would see the cloud bands on that planet and there they were. I've seen detail on the Moon I never dreamt of. And double stars (again, who knew such a thing existed - now I'm friendly with Alberio and the double-double, etc). Globular clusters, nebulae, the lot. All visible, even from my light polluted skies (small town rather than city - but still). And, for me, the great thing about the manual AZ mount is that it teaches you the skies and the skills to find your way around (I'm still learning, it would be lovely if each night the stars just stayed where they started).

At FLO's suggestion I did supplement the accessories with a 2x Barlow and a moon filter. Both have been useful. What I didn't expect to do was add a 32mm eyepiece for wider views (surely stargazing is about getting close - apparently not) and a small red torch so I can sketch what I see. I suspect the fact that the telescope is so good means that it is encouraging me to do this. Oh, and, I'd recommend you have a seat of some sort. A garden chair is doing for me at the moment.

The scope is highly recommended if a manual operation, slightly cumbersome (you need to be happy to carry it outside) telescope is what you you want. Personally, I love the ability to plonk it down, let it cool and then get looking without having align it etc. If you want computerised gizmos this will not be for you.

Once again I'd like to thank FLO for fantastic service and for delivering me an instrument that is providing so much fun (though I am losing sleep). Now I just need to take it somewhere dark and get a whole new chapter of "wow"!