Does any one have any experience with, or opinions on truss dobs from MC Telescopes?  Highpoint Scientific offers them, but I can't find much about the company.  Their website is "under construction".  They offer Nova and Royce mirrors at a pricepoint between the entry level dobs like Mead, Zhumell, and Orion and the premium scopes like Obsessions and Starmasters.

apparently not.  

Terry,

Doesn't seem to be much info available yet. Maybe when some web site work is finished.

From the list of components used they sound like they could be nice scopes. A Nova or Royce mirror would guarantee some excellent optics. 

I've the dob structures listed at Highpoint for quite a while, but this is the first time I'd seen them offered with optics.  I'm hoping to be in the market for a big dob in a few months and just wanted to cover all the bases.

The new Astro Tech 16 seems to be highly regarded. Only available in 16". A different take on structure and a GSO mirror.

There's a fresh review at Cloudy Nights. 

Thanks for the tip about the review, John.  The author of that really knows how to review a scope.

I purchased an 18" truss tube telescope from MC Telescopes about a year and a half ago.  I have since had adequate time to shake it down.  It is unbelievable!!!  While you certainly won't be disappointed with optics from NOVA or Royce, I chose optics from Waite Research because Gordon Waite is kind of regarded as absolute top of the line at my club (http://www.njaa.org), a "renaissance man" when it comes to grinding and polishing mirrors.  It took about 6 months to build and deliver the scope, and this is the only item I have ever purchased where I truly "spared no expense".  I chose a "Feathertouch" focuser and  "Sky Commander" digital setting circles, to name just a few of the options.  This scope, when compared side by side, and feature by feature with an Obsession will not disappoint.  It was even a few dollars less than the Obsession.  The price tag (a little over $6K - all in) is not for the faint of heart, however, in this class of scope, there are only a few choices, and I've been very satisfied with my choice.

If anyone would like more details, I would be happy to post them.

Regards,

Joe M.

Thanks for the response Joe.  I appreciate it very much. I'd definitely be interested in more details as I am getting close to making my decision on a scope.  Did you order the scope directly from MC, or through a retailer like Highpoint Scientific?  Do you have any pics of the scope you could post?  Thanks again.

 I was a longtime customer of High Point Scientific going back to when they were Pocono Mountain Optics, so I was more familiar with them.  At any rate, as I remember, there was little or no price difference going through High Point, so I decided to "spread the wealth" and went with them.  At this point in time, with the current state of the MC web site, your best bet for purchase info would be to call Dave (extremely knowledgeable) at High Point Scientific (800-266-9590) directly.  I saved on shipping charges because I live in NJ and MC delivered the scope from their location in PA to High Point in NJ, where I drove ~2 hours to pick it up myself.  Should you buy an MC telescope, you would do well to request a primary from Waite Research primarily because of the quality and expertise, and secondly, communication between Waite and MC is frequent because they are also members of the same Astronomy clubs.

I'll take a picture of the scope and post it for you (give me a few days).  It is a thing of beauty!  I hope this was helpful.

Very helpful, Joe.  Thanks very much.

Just an update for anyone interested.  According to Highpoint Scientific the gentelman who built the MC Telescopes is no longer doing so.  Another one bites the dust.