Gary Seronik gives a very favorable review of this scope in February S&T. I think for outreach giveaways this is the scope to give away if your going to give one away. You won't do as much but it seems to Gary to hold collimation, though collimation should be checked before giving it out as the secondary was out of whack from being shipped and handled roughly. There is a counter weight system, motions are good, gives good views, he split the double double one night with it, and it has a helical focuser; the only bad part of the helical is here the eyepiece can be turned right out of the focuser. With some basic support it would be a fine first scope and show the moon, doubles, and the basic summer objects (Messier) off quite well I would think. Mirror had no evidence of a TDE or astigmatism just under corrected. The size ensures a brighter image then other table top versions. Mirror was 5.3 inches with f4.8. The extra inch goes to providing more brightness and if your purchase. you supporting AWB which is a worthy cause. Anyway, if you get S&T read the review. Quite favorable by a man who knows scopes.