Ultra RARE Quantum 6 Maksutov Telescope QUESTAR 7 Comparable
Item History & Price
Reference Number: Avaluer:509444 | Brand: Questar |
wanted (or wants) one. It’s a little surprising, then, to find out Optical Techniques produced a
measly 288 of the 6-inchers. The small number was no doubt due both to the relatively high price this
f/15 scope commanded, $2595.00 in 1980, and, perhaps, the apparent difficulty OTI had
producing them. The thing is, though, that 2600 smackers, if you had ‘em then (I didn’t), was a
positive bargain compared to the price of the equivalent Questar, the Questar 7 (called the
“doctor’s scope” and not just because of its beautiful operating-room-instrument appearance).
Actually, in several ways the Quantum was a superior scope. Cool-down time for the 6 is
reasonable; it’s pretty horrendous for the Questar 7 except in mild climates. The 7 is a big scope
that needs a big mounting. The Q6 is more manageable. Really portable.
Which is not to say this is a perfect CAT. The optics were of the same high order as those of the
4. If you could get your hands on a Quantum 6, you’d have something. You’d have
to be a REAL Maksutov fan to seek one out, since you’d have to be willing to spend a lot of
money in either tracking down and paying for a mint specimen or in having a banged-up
example resuscitated, but you’d have something, alright. An MCT that is, yes, I’ll say it, better
than the Questar 7 (whatever that means), and definitely has an air of sophisticated panache!"Only 280 of these were made and I've seen several in worse condition got for 4-5k. This one is in nice shape and you can get at fraction of cost. Comes with power cord, eyepiece adapter, and some extra hardware.