This is my second scope. My first was a wal-mart special meade. I was looking for a nice mid-level scope to do further astrophotgraphy with and get deeper into viewing the sky. This scope is very nice. It has all the features you would want in a mid-level scope. It is very easy to setup as well. The only thing that shocked me was for the size of the scope, the tripod was quite heavy and a bit bulky. Overall this is an amazing scope and I would recommend it to anyone. My experience with OpticsPlanet.com has been amazing! I would recommed them to anyone. The package was shipped packed and marked very well and came very quickly. Keep up the great work Opticsplanet..... and Meade, you continue to make great products for those of us who cannot justify spending thousands.. One suggestion for Meade. How about including a soft case for the telescope? If you dont buy the hardshell case, then you have to keep the scope mounted on the tripod when not in use in order to keep it safe. Unfortunately my first night with my new scope was a rainy one!