Mag 1 Instruments 8" f/5.5 PortaBall

5.0 Mag 1 Portaball 8" f6

ergonomics, optics, overall quality, customer service

price, lack of DSC's

Pete Smitka has been custom crafting the Portaball for over a decade now and needless to say, they are a refined and beautiful instrument in all regards. I have been the proud owner of 3 of these unique dobs, the 8" f6, 12.5" f5 and 14.5" f4.3 and for all the money spent, I could not ask for more. The 8\" is hands down the most portable and versatile scope I have owned with a fine primary from Carl Zambuto, this f6 scope has enough light grasp to enjoy the Messier objects and other deep sky targets as well as knock your socks off on the planets and or Lunar work. This particular scope is fully loaded with all of the options available from Mag 1 including the fan, heated secondary, integrated battery source in sphere (with smart charger) and the self powered Rigel red-dot finder. Needless to say, here in the Southern climes, the dew can get pretty bad especially when the marine layer is blowing in however, the electrical package on this scope keeps me viewing well after the other club members have packed it in! The ease with which the Portaball operates is also a huge feature in my opinion. You can merely rotate the smooth fiberglass sphere in the teflon support ring to achieve the eyepiece position you are most comfortable with and tracking, even at high power, is buttery smooth and hesitation free. In addition to the tremendous attributes found in this labor of love, the portability factor is beyond convenient with the ability to place my complete scope full assembled in the back seat of a Jetta, seat-belting it in place and driving a modest distance (5-8 miles) to one of my favorite areas for observing. While I, nor Pete, recommend any long distance drives of this nature, for the short cruise, it is the pinnacle of convenience and mobility. If you have been shopping for that special grab and go scope, take a good look at the Portaball by Mag 1 Instruments, you will be glad you did.