Which scope to buy?

[strummer4]

Hi. I have had a 10 inch Dob. But found it too big to set up and difficult to collimate so didn't use it much. I now want to buy something a lot more portable and user friendly but with similar power. I have been researching and have narrowed down to 2 or 3 choices. I just wondered if you could give me some advice as to which is best. I'm an old coot with a dodgy back and can't lift too much (hence the reason for selling the Dob). I would like to get into some astro photography as well. The scopes I am considering are Celestron CPC 800 ; Celestron Nexstar 8 ; and Meade LX90. Happy to buy second hand if I can, but will consider new as well. Also I notice the prices are a lot cheaper out of America. Is it safe to get one delivered from overseas?
Appreciate any advice. Thanks. Steve.

[Camelopardalis]

Steve - neither the CPC 800 or LX90 are light, but everyone has their own definition of that. The CPC models have handles on the main unit and it is supposed to be pretty ergonomic to carry, but the CPC 800 is still 20kg plus the tripod (which is separate) and given you mention a dodgy back, it'd really be something to see and try before you buy.

If you're decided on an SCT, then a C8 on a suitable equatorial mount might work well for visual as the mount would break down into smaller chunks and the ota weight is less than 6kg. An equatorial mount would be better for astrophotography too. The long focal length of the SCT might make it extra tricky though for fainter stuff, but should do a good job of planetary. Celestron's new Advanced VX mount gets decent reviews from the US, but for the relatively lightweight C8 tube there are a lot on the market that should do a good job, depending on your pocket depth and preferences.

Have you considered a smaller Dob for visual? An 8 inch would be quite a bit lighter than the 10.

[el_draco]

Hi Steve,
you can't ship Celestron from retailers in the U.S. Celestron has embargo in place. You can sometimes bypass but its not real easy.

You might also consider hyperstar with a small SCT. exposures are shorter which means less fiddling with mounts but initial setup can be a challenge

Rom

[strummer4]

Thanks all for your advice. I just noticed a new Meade Lx 90 on eBay from an American seller for $999 us plus about $350 for shipping....about half of the cost of Aussie sellers. Advice??
Thanks

[Camelopardalis]

Don't forget duty and gst when it arrives in Australia.

Personally I'd be weary of importing such a high cost item from ebay overseas with no support for, the vendor.

[strummer4]

Yeah, I agree. Thanks for confirming what I was thinking !:)

[casstony]

The 8" GoTo scopes you're considering are easy to find second hand since many owners upgrade to larger sizes; they also devalue substantially from the new price. You could search the archives to see what they've been selling for and place a wanted ad.

The 8SE is the lightest and most portable but a little shaky; the LX90 is more stable but the tube and forks weigh about 30 pounds; the CPC is heavier than the LX90. These scopes are all much more convenient for visual use (easy to set up and use) than an equatorial mounted scope, while the equatorial is more complex and better suited to imaging.

[strummer4]

Thanks for the advice. I have been told the other way around though. That the CPC 800 is lighter than the Meade Lx 90. I was also wondering if the Celestron optics are comparable with Meade acf. Maybe to get as good as acf I should be looking at a Celestron edge hd? Even after duty and get and freight, these are about 1000 cheaper to buy out of America.
Steve :thanx

[casstony]

I owned an LX90 and the fork/tube was about 31 pounds. I'm almost certain the CPC fork/tube is about 41 pounds - perhaps an owner could chime in?

There are substantial savings and risks buying a fragile scope with electronic drives from OS. You might get a bargain or you might get that sinking feeling when you see a broken corrector or malfunctioning drive.

The main reason to chase the EdgeHD would be if you wanted to use Hyperstar for imaging - otherwise the Meade ACF optics are very nice. (I currently own a 10" ACF and 8" EdgeHD)

[strummer4]

Hi Tony I just checked the specs of both on the respective websites the total weight of Celestron CPC 800 (scope plus tripod) is 42lb whereas the total weight of the Meade Lx 90 is 52lb (33 for the scope and 19 for the tripod.)
Hope that makes sense. I got told tht the CPC uses plastic whereas the Meade is still using the metal.
I was just wondering if the extra 1000 or so for the edge hd is worth it over the normal CPC 800 and whether the uhtc on the 800 is just as good visiually as the acf on the Meade? Sorry to be a pest. Just wanna make the right decision seeing its my life savings !
Regards
Steve.

Ps...hey you wanna sell your 8" CPC??

[casstony]

It's an optical tube only, not a fork mount scope :) I mount my optical tubes on a T-Rex alt/az mount or a HEQ5 that I have.

I don't think that Celestron CPC800 weight of 42 pounds for the complete scope is correct - I think it's 42 pounds for just the tube/forks - hopefully an owner will see this thread and set us straight.

Transmission is essentially the same for the latest versions of Meade and Celestron Schmidt Cassegrains. (UHTC & XLT optics).

The EdgeHD improvements over the standard scope include vents for better cooling and sharp stars across the field of view. The Meade ACF optics are also more or less sharp across the field of view. The standard Schmidt cassegrain shows distorted stars near the edge of field due to coma and field curvature, though it's still a useful scope if you happen across a good deal on one.

You're not being a pest Steve - I and others will happily answer your questions as best we can :)

[Camelopardalis]

I'm pretty sure the CPC800 weighs more than 42 pounds... Amazon list the tripod (alone) shipping weight at 37 pounds. Not sure how reliable that is, but it sounds about right, it's a sturdy setup! This is about the same as the 8SE :D (incidentally, they also show the shipping weight for the CPC800 as 64 pounds, so I'm not entirely convinced)

The main difference between the Edge HD and the ACF is that the Edge HD also corrects for field curvature. Whether or not you will care about this will depend on your eyepieces and how well your eyes can accommodate it otherwise. The vents are also quite useful to help with cool down.

[SkyWatch]

Hi Folks,
Just saw this thread. I have a CPC800, a few years old. It is a really nice scope (although it moans a bit in cold weather!), but it is way heavier (and more solid) than the LX90. My scales say around 20kg for the tube and mount, and 10kg for the tripod.
It does have "ergonomic" handles, but it is still not easy to set on its mount.

- Dean

[strummer4]

Thanks everyone. By the sounds of all that, I reckon the Meade Lx 90 might be the way to go for me, all things considered. I was mainly concerned about weight (portability), ease of use, and of course spectacular sharp images for both visual and ap. I reckon the meade 8" acf will do the job nicely . I've been quoted 2999 delivered for a newy but will keep an eye out for a good second hand one for around 2. Thanks again for all your help and advice,
Steve:hi:
P,s any advice on accessories , a good starting camera etc appreciated.

[casstony]

The LX90 is a good choice, more stable than the 8SE but not too heavy and a very reliable model. If you buy second hand you should be able to get one in excellent condition for $2000. If you store it on a table or bench you can move the scope to and from the tripod without ever having to bend to lift the scope.

What accessories do you already have Steve? You need an observing seat, a flexible dew shield and 2 or 3 eyepieces.

[strummer4]

Thanks tony. I had planned on leaving it set up on the tripod, just covered with a sheet or something to keep the dust off when not in use. Just carrying the whole thing out when I want to do some observing. I don't have any accessories, I sold them all with the Dob.
Thanks

[Poita]

Of course you could always take my 10" LX50 for about a grand :)

Whatever you get, consider a telegizmos cover, then you can leave it setup outside if you have a secure area.

[casstony]

There's a 1000 different choices in eyepieces, from cheapish but decent up to expensive Televue Naglers, etc.

From a cheaper but decent perspective I'd recommend a pair of William Optics binoviewers and a Baader Hyperion Zoom.
http://www.extravision.com.au/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1613
http://www.williamoptics.com/wo_shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=26_44&products_id=477

A 2" SCT dielectric diagonal (GSO or William Optics) would also hold accessories more securely and allow use of a low power, wide field 2" eyepiece. It needs to be the SCT type that screws directly onto the rear of the optical tube, otherwise there may not be enough clearance with the base. http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Diagonals/Bintel-2--SCT-Dielectric-Star-Diagonal/532/productview.aspx

[strummer4]

Ok. I've taken the plunge and picked up a nice near new Meade Lx 90. It came with one 26mm eyepiece which is fine. If I were to get say another 2 eyepieces, what size would you recommend? Also is it worth getting any other accessories? Thanks:)

[linkpng]

Suggest that - before you buy more items - first use it for a few months and take it to a field night of a local astronomical society to get advice from others with similar instruments. Check the BINTEL "Night Sky" newsletter (on their web site) for a list of nearby societies.

Note that, if your first eyepiece is of good quality (most important), you may look out for others of the same brand and type. For example, if your eyepiece is a Meade Series 4000, then if you buy other Series 4000 they will be parfocal. I have had a Celestron 8 for 30+ years and my most used eyepieces are in order of use: 17 mm, 32 mm, 10 mm. Your 26 will do the job of the 32. Also discuss with other people whether you like to use a Barlow or not. Some people do, others do not. But to repeat, first take time to become fully familiar with what you have already and seek advice.