: The SCT is a good scope. It will gather more light than the 6" Mak-Newt. Though the Mak-Newt isn't a scope to shake a stick at either. I think it has something to do with budget or preferences. The SCT can be rigged for Astrophotograpy or CCD imaging better than the Mak. Though the SCT will require a little more maintance. The Mak has a corrector lens in the front like a SCT, but the maintance is lower. If you buy either, I highly suggest you get a dew sheild. The corrector lenses in both will dew over quite quickly in cooler nights. In my opinion, if I had a choice over both scopes, I would pick the SCT. The 9.25" mirror is a little better in light gathering than the Mak. Good Luck!!

KIP, APPRECIATE YOUR THOUGHTS. YOH HAVE CONFIRMED MY SELECTION OF THE SCT.DON