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Rating: 
Summary: Not So Good
Review: Book is not so good, There is a discussion of different brands of SCT but besides that you can't get much of the specifics on things to help you with SCT. At least nothing that you can already get from the internet. Also doesn't seem to discuss much on the possible accessories for SCT's. Practically his discussion relates more to visually using SCT, but for astrophotography nothing, doesn't even mention equatorial wedges. All in all this book just whets your appetite regarding possibilities of SCT but you have to look for details in some other book. Look at Wodawski's book on Astrophotography as it discusses quite a bit regarding astrophotography using SCT. The rest look at Star Ware by Phil Harrington
Rating: 
Summary: Choosing and Using as Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope
Review: The author provides a complete review of SCT and Makstovs covering all the basics of operation. The chapters on setup, testing and observing are much clearer then the manuals that come with a new scope. If you are considering spending a $1000+ on a new scope you should get this book first. The section on "keeping Your Cat Happy" shows ways to improve your scope's operation without spending a lot. This is stuff that works from dew shields to warning lights. The only limit I have seen in the book is that the goto technology described is changing yet again with new scopes. Celestron has just introduced units with a built in GPS & electronic compasses that find their own location and time. I am sure that Meade can not far behind in introducing their own version. Exploring the stars with SCTs has never been easier, but don't start the trip without this book.
Rating:
Summary: Extremely helpful suggestions
Review: The book has great information, including, how to set up your scope, tips on filters, how to collimate the scope, how to transport and care for your telescope, choosing a telescope, and much more. The book is targeted toward owners of Meade and Celestron telescopes with fork mounts, but this should not dissuade you. Much of the information in the book is useful for owners of equatorially mounted scopes, as well. Examples of tips are-- to reduce tripod vibration, hang a gallon jug of water from the bottom of the mount or the tray. Or, to safely transport your scope to a dark site, use a foam-lined cooler. Very comprehensive, well-written, and far reaching in its coverage of all aspects of telescope ownership and use. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Full of valuable information
Review: This is a good book with lots of valuable information. The book is divided into logical sections, and includes enough information about all topics to be useful for a long time. The telescope information is outdated already, of course, but the basics have not changed in years. I was pleased to see that the book had a very useful section on the practical aspects of Astrophotography, without diving into too much jargon. The author, Rod Mollise, has a great deal of historical knowledge that he presents in a well organized way and in a plain english writing style that is easy to understand. Highly recommended to anyone who is interested in buying a new or used "Cat" scope.
Rating:
Summary: Best book I could find
Review: This is an awesome book. It answered about a million questions that I had about equipment, accessories, a bit of telescope
history, etc.. It held my hand step-by-step during the search for a new telescope and then again once I had my new telescope in my hands. I found the author's writing style to very very good for the person brand new to Astronomy. I've already recommended this book to 5-6 other folks. It contains enough information that it will be useful for quite a while as there are many aspects of my new telescope that I'm not ready to try yet. This book is pretty darn expensive but worth every penny. With good telescopes costing from [X], the price of this book isn't much. The tips alone on new telescope assembly, setup, checkout,
etc.. are invaluable.
Rating:
Summary: A Valuable Reference
Review: This is the book I wish I had read before I purchased my SCT (to understand what I was getting into) and that I wish had come as its user's guide. While it provides great explanations and many useful tips on setting up and using an SCT, it also honestly describes potential drawbacks (e.g., weight, transportability). Mr. Mollise also understands -- and wryly comments on -- "reality" for many amateur astronomers: At one point he descibes the many amateurs who talk about astrophotography but never quite get to the point of taking a picture -- which is true of many amateurs.
Rating:
Summary: A Valuable Reference
Review: This is the book I wish I had read before I purchased my SCT (to understand what I was getting into) and that I wish had come as its user's guide. While it provides great explanations and many useful tips on setting up and using an SCT, it also honestly describes potential drawbacks (e.g., weight, transportability). Mr. Mollise also understands -- and wryly comments on -- "reality" for many amateur astronomers: At one point he descibes the many amateurs who talk about astrophotography but never quite get to the point of taking a picture -- which is true of many amateurs.
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