[f/9.5] I love my telescope and the slow motion control on the tripod is awesome

[1000 mm] High quality small scope. Keep and open mind and adjust your expectations to the small aperture. This scope is as portable and hassle free as you can get in a high quality package.

[1000 mm] The Vixen VMC200L offers excellent value in a telescope. The 200mm primary mirror provides nearly 8 of aperture, which provides sufficient light grasp to observe many astronomical objects. Focusing is done via a smooth operating rack and pinion focuser with a 2 drawtube so the primary mirror does not move while focusing and there is absolutely zero image shifting while focusing as a result. Also unlike a more common SCT, the tube is not enclosed by a corrector plate, which allows the scope to cool down (reach ambient temperature) significantly faster than an enclosed SCT or MCT. Also, no corrector plate reduces the dewing issue unless the humidity is extremely high and the wind is calm. The included attached metal handle makes mounting the optical tube to a GEM much more convenient and feels a lot safer holding the scope while securing the dovetail. Although the spider vanes holding the secondary are fairly thick, the structure holds collimation well and the scope was delivered without need for of collimation. Also this made in Japan optical tube is backed by a Vixen 5 year warranty.

[f/9.5] Excellent Newtonian for imaging and viewing. No false color and I did not do any collimation. It worked out if the box.
I have taken cool pictures of Orion Nebula, Rosette Nebula, Horsehead nebula, Pleiades when mounted on a GEM.
I can upload these images if BH can facilitate.
The porta mount is another excellent piece and highly recommend for alt azimuth viewing. Light sturdy and design is excellent.

[Rack-and-Pinion] Im far from expert in this arena, but based on about 15 years experience with the TV 60 (and associated TeleVue accessories) I remain completely satisfied.  We use this device for planetary and terrestrial viewing, and photography.  Still learning after all this time, but we remain enthusiastic and satisfied owners.

[Rack-and-Pinion] This plate REALLY IDEAL match with my Vixen Porta II mount and make possible mounting my OTA Sky Watcher 4.5' Neutonian. Together with Vixen Red Point Finder and Vixen Eyepieces it makes perfect system for visual observation - very simple, convenient, stable. In fact, I purchased completely new telescope for just$!

[Rack-and-Pinion] Telescope arrived very fast and double boxed. Collimation of telescope was spot on as shipped. Telescope is very light weight for an 8 inch scope at only 12 pounds. The picture incorrectly shows accessories not part of this item number, the text is correct stating it only is the ota and no finder or flip mirror is included. I knew this but other people may not notice, B&H should update the picture. Views are crisp and clear and the focus is excellent. I see no need for an optional dual speed focus knob that is available for an extra cost. Done astrophotography and had no trouble focusing my DSLR. Could resolve the globular cluster M13 with many pinpoint stars. Detail on Mars and Saturn are excellent the large center obstruction is not a problem for me. I find the scope to be better that a SCT as far as edge sharpness is concerned. Very happy with this telescope. I own several high end telescopes and rate this Vixen very highly. That being said it is not comparable to a very high end APO costing 5 or 6 times the cost. You get what you pay for and the VMC200L is an excellent telescope.

[1000 mm] I use the Tele Vue 60mm for bird photography, landscapes and astronomical. The optics are true APO quality showing outstanding resolution. Tele Vue is simply one of the best when it comes to craftsmanship, customer service and their 5-year warranty and 100% quality control. This 60mm is portable and works with the standard camera tripod. The only improvement I recommend is to replace the front plastic lens cap with a metal one like they have on their TV 85 which I also own.

[1000 mm] I have many astronomical telescopes and this one has become one of my favorites,! Powerful and very handy to use, easy to balance on the mount, and having crisp clear optics is an important plus! Very fine optics from Vixen in Japan. Awesome product!

[Yes] Excellent package--got as first scope for beginning astronomer. Wanted a large aperture scope at a reasonable price. Optics superb for the price of this combination mount/optical tube assembly. Altazmith mount is superb, with fine adjustments for tracking. The total combination is easily portable.