This scope is great for anyone wanting to capture smaller DSO targets like star clusters or galaxies. Let's in a lot of light, and stars are pin point sharp. It can also be used as a Solar System imaging scope with a nice long focal length of 2,032mm. I can't speak to its use for visual astronomy, since I only use my telescopes for astrophotography.
The focuser is smooth. I haven't played too much with the focus lock, so I don't know much about that from my own experience. There is no visual back included with the scope itself, but the rear threads will accept a standard SCT visual back of either 1.25" or 2". Also, as it standard with most OTAs, there is no finderscope included. It has a bracket for a Meade finderscope, which isn't compatible with the standard mini dovetail base. There are finderscope base plates that can be purchased, I believe, which will replace the Meade plate. Alternatively, Meade sells their own finderscope, which I looked into. They seem quite nice. If you're already a Meade owner, this will likely be a non issue. If this is your first Meade telescope, like mine, it's a very minor issue which can be solved very easily.
The dovetail bar is a Losmandy wide bar, which requires a mount that can hold a wide plate. I'm using a SkyWatcher EQ6-R, which has the capability, and the scope rides on that mount like a daydream on a Sunny afternoon. The tube construction is very solid, and feels like a million dollars. The front dust cover is a solid aluminum, I believe, and is lined with foam to protect the OTA outer finish. Very classy on Meade's part. The rear cells are covered with a cap that screws on. If you decide to keep a visual back on the OTA, then the cap is no longer necessary, but still good to keep around.
The optics are very nice, and the secondary is held on place with three screws on the outside of the housing. The three inner screws are used for collimation. Collimation is very simple, as with any SCT. If rating this OTA on a scale from 1-10, I'd rate it 9. Light weight, yet solid, large aperture for collecting lots of light, produces beautiful views.
