I found the MAK to be less than ideal in our location. The 8" TEC I had seldom reached thermal equilibrium. Active cooling is almost a must. I went the refractor route. If it needs to be a Case then I agree with Don. The 7" Nears has an internal weight that needs cooling. Not my favorite design. Sent via DROID on Verizon Wireless -----Original message----- From: Chuck Hards <chuck.hards@gmail.com> To: Utah Astronomy <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thu, Dec 2, 2010 15:27:39 GMT+00:00 Subject: [Utah-astronomy] Mak or SCT? Trying to choose between a 7" f/15 Mak and 8" f/10 SCT for the CGEM. Bear two things in mind...I've always wanted a Mak and think it a better choice for my usual suburban viewing of "round stuff", double stars and clusters, while still being fairly good for deep-sky from dark sites. Secondly, I will probably spring for a C-11 OTA sometime in the next six months, so an 8" SCT OTA would get sold when that happens, while I would keep the Mak. Opinions sought. Help Chuck spend his money before the soon-to-be-ex wife gets it. Thanks! _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Visit the Photo Gallery: http://www.slas.us/gallery2/main.php Visit the Wiki: http://www.utahastronomy.com