"Help" I need your opinion [Archive]

Striker

30-12-2004, 03:57 PM

The USA site was just for reference not for price!

This sale is actualy private but he lives just up the road from me...I know the retailer he bought the package off, so I know what the retail price is and what he payed for it.....and when he bought it.....

He bought the scope of Brian at the Astronomy and science shop at Normon park Brisbane, I asked Brian which he confirmed, Brian is a great help and is always happy to help noobs like myself out. I didn't even buy my dob from him and he said to bring it in for colimatting anytime for free.

With the private sale I may be able to get him to sell around $900...not sure weather to push for a good sale or just go buy a new EQ5 with rings and base plate for close to the same amount?

beren

30-12-2004, 07:49 PM

Striker if the scope is exactly the same as the one in the advert the grand asking price i reckon is a great buy . The cheapest EQ5 price ive seen is $499 from Andrews Communications , add another $250 for a dual axis motors plus a approx $300 for steel tubular legs. With your friends scope you get all this plus a 6 inch Mak OTA ,very nice , good luck on your decision.

PS: if your going for a mount i would go for a HEQ5 {grands worth} or if you willing the eq6. I have a EQ5 , its not bad {except for the aluminium legs} for my short tube refractor but i wouldnt like to have a 8"newt on it . By the time you bulk up a EQ5 youll be in HEQ5 terrioity .

Striker

30-12-2004, 08:10 PM

Thanks Aragorn,

Your opinion is much appreciated.........I will sleep on it or even give it a couple of days...if it sell's.......I will just go for a good mount.......if he gets desperate I may buy it off him at a good price......time will tell.

Thanks again....

mch62

30-12-2004, 08:23 PM

Ditto to Aragorn, As an EQ6 owner go the HEQ5 . Your better off with a larger mount. Nothing worse than a wobble mount when your trying for high powers. With either of these you can put your 8"and any thing else in the way of guide scopes cameras ect on it with ease.
If you have an 8"dob do you need a 6"mak?or a descent mount for your 8"Dob so you can track!
Mark

Striker

30-12-2004, 08:47 PM

Thanks Mark,

I'm trying to put this through on the side without the wife (Monster) knowing about it.....I will just tell her it cost $200...she wont even know....lol

But I will spend the money on a HEQ5 if absolutely necesary!

Thanks again Mark and everyone else for your opinions and comments.

Striker

01-01-2005, 02:27 PM

Ok......I am dreaming now but what do you think about this package model (SK25012EQ6-2IN)...and does anyone know if this is the same as the 1 advertised for $2299 at Andrews......

http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/SK25012EQ6-2IN.html

beren

01-01-2005, 10:22 PM

Aye it is , i have seen one advertised over at Astronomy online for below 2 grand as a factory second and some others at ebay but Andrews has the best advertised price , other dealers sell them as well so if your good you might be able to haggle some better deal . Its a nice package but the price puts you into a realm of tempting choices like Meades LX75 range and Celestrons advanced series range and not far off LX90/nexstar 8.....tempting.

Striker

02-01-2005, 10:06 AM

The best price I have seen so far is actualy from a local dealer on the Gold Coast called Star Optics.

Click here (http://www.staroptics.com.au/index.php?a=telescopes&p=14)

If you honestly think I should be looking at a diff scope...let me know.....

beren

02-01-2005, 12:50 PM

Cool......i guess the big plus with that setup is the mount but man its price {and its GOTO variant } puts you into some interesting and tempting scope ranges . Seeing that you got a 8" Dob that would be suited to wide field DSOs viewing what about a refractor like the Meade LX75 AR5 {sells for 1900 i think ,the larger 6 inch sells for 2400 i think} , the higher focal length will help with plantery viewing and although youll still get some colour fringing {can be lessened with a special filter}as far ive read it delivers fine views . I really havent followed news on how the new LX75 mount performs lately but the Autostar GOTO system works well {Silvie may be able to give details on her LX55} and you get the LPI imager in the package to . If your keen to jump up to 10" aperture from my own experiance i havent noted any dramatic increase in gain with the change , its more subtle.

[1ponders]

02-01-2005, 03:35 PM

Good wrap Aragorn.

And you're certainly right about the ranges of scopes available in the price bracket. I went throught similar issues about 5 months ago. I don't pity you Striker:) There are an awful lot of temptations when you get into the $1500 - $3000 price range.

Good luck with it. And as someone once said, and I'm paraphrasing here " Any scope that you use is a good buy. Any scope that you don't use is a waste of money"

Paul

Striker

02-01-2005, 03:35 PM

Thanks Aragorn,

You have me now looking at the LXD75 and the LX90,

I just thought the bigger the better in both aperture and length of the scope...when I look at the LX90 its much shorter....

What would be the difference between the LX90 and 8/10" Dob on a EQ6 mount.....

I have never seen the LX range in use...actualy I have never seen any telescopes in use besides mine.....What I want is something that has a lot of WoW factor that I can do Photography eventualy.

Can you see as much with the LX90 as you can with a average size Dob.....or again is the LX200 a much better option to go with.....I know the price is considerable...but if I am going to spend $3000 on a scope...$5000 is not that much further....and is it worth the money......

If you had the money what scope would you all get for photography.

Striker

02-01-2005, 06:27 PM

I am going to need serious therapy after this....is their a 1800 help line for telescope buyers that cant make a decission on what to buy....if not they need one.....

I like the look of this one aswell....Meade LXD-55 AR-6

LXD-55 AR6 (http://www.staroptics.com.au/index.php?a=telescopes&p=29)

I'm definetly going shopping early this week..maybe once I have seen them all the decission may be easier.....I hope.

[1ponders]

02-01-2005, 07:16 PM

Your opening a real can of worms here Striker. Dobs (newt) V SCT's V Refractors. ITs been going on for years :P

Basically Newts (Dobs named because of their mounting) are generally "faster" than SCT's (Lower f/number, good for DSOs and low light level photography, but can be notorious for coma), but its generally (I can hear the screaming now) that SCTs give better contrast on planets, yet still give decent views on DSOs (Higher f/number. They have a corrector plate that "helps" correct coma). Having said that Apo refractors give the best views on planet especially for photography, (don't hear any screaming over that one :D )

Now the LX55 and LX 75. I'd suggest checking out the Meade site for detailed info,

http://www.meade.com/catalog/index.html

but in short:

Refractors, Newts, Schmidt-newts and SCT's mounted on a meade equatorial mount.

The difference in the numbers? The LX75 are the latest models.

Now your wondering about the shorter tube. Because of the triple folded light path in an SCT, the focal length is about 3X the length of the telescope tube (OTA - Optical Tube Assembly).

Basically the telescope you choose depends on the use you're going to put it to.

This page helped me alot when trying to decide what I wanted
http://www.allaboutastro.com./articles.html

Good luck
Paul

Striker

02-01-2005, 07:51 PM

Thanks Paul,

But you could do me a big favor and stop all the stress trauma I am going through and sell me your 8" Meade LX200 with 4 hours free onsite tutorial for $2000....lol...

Sorry for all the telescope questions......its just when your going to spend upwards of $3000 on something you dont know a lot about...meaning all your experience and feedback is taking seriously and much appreciated.

I am not going to rush out and buy the first scope I see but I will be looking first thing this week.....work can wait...this is important...hehe

Striker

02-01-2005, 11:12 PM

Again Aragorn your comments have been very helpful....Thanks to you and Paul (Iponders) who have been replying to my emails, I have more of a understanding at what I need to look at.

I will post the short list of scopes I am looking at once I have had a chance to sight them, I would appreciate everyone's opinion once I have the short list.

Thanks again.

P.S. Bloody clouds have moved in again.....another lost night...grrrrrr

[1ponders]

03-01-2005, 10:38 AM

Be aware Tony that if you post a list of scopes and ask for comments you may never get to make a decision and this post may never end.:P :D :lol2: BTDT (Been there, done that:P )

Starkler

03-01-2005, 12:38 PM

I would put the money towards a nice 15" truss dobbie and forget about photography, but thats just me.
No photo is ever as good as the real :eyepop: you get looking through the eyepiece.

Dave47tuc

03-01-2005, 01:15 PM

Tony,
You really are beating around the bush a bit:confused:

Take a step back enjoy your scope and see if you can make contact with some people with diffrent scopes, so you can have a look through them before making a decision.:)

Good Luck:cool2:

Best.

:astron:

Striker

03-01-2005, 03:18 PM

Good advice Dave,

I am still going to look at the scopes mentioned this week, but I have already organised with Brian from the Australian Science & Space technology Shop at Normon Park Brisbane a viewing night on the 17th january 2005...its their first get together this year and I will attend pending on weather.

I just feal I could really get into Photography.....I have a awesome Computer and can see myself combining my computer skills with the right Telescope.....

Dave47tuc

03-01-2005, 06:28 PM

Tony, good luck with Brian and i hope the weather is clear for you.:cool2:

Best.

:astron:

seeker372011

03-01-2005, 10:37 PM

Tony:
you seem to be inclined towards a Meade Lxd55 or the newer 75-do check out the user groups (yahoo)for these scopes before you buy ..also Cloudy Nights

some people are happy but a lot of people seem to have trouble with the Meade-not the optics but the mount

Striker

04-01-2005, 12:50 PM

Yeah I agree Seeker...alot of negative feedback on the LXD mounts, so I have decided to cross the LXD range off my list.

I went looking at some scopes today....I fell in love with the Meade LX200 10"...I could see this being my baby...well big baby...lol.... but Its probably a bit big so I am seriously looking at the Meade LX90 or LX200 8", My local dealer is a Celstron dealer and said that the Nextar are far superior in quality then Meade in every aspect, but If I was looking to buy a Meade he recommended Bintel as a supplier for their warranty support and best prices.

I dont believe what any retailers says and find forums with actual customers responding give a much better perspective then the Dealers.
From the forums I have read it seams Meade have it over the Nextar in optical quality but what about the whole build product?

Is their really that much difference between the Meade LX200 8" and 10" for the extra $1000 but big difference in size and weight

From the specs of these forums...I see many have the meade range which make me think they are either much cheaper then the Nexstar of better quality or again better value for money.

I will be looking through a Nexstar 11" on my viewing night that has been moved to Sunday 16th January but I may have to go up the coast and visit Paul (Iponders) to see the Meade Lx200 8" in action.
I have decided I will definetly be going to the GOTO range just need to decide on which one......? Meade is looking the go at the moment.

rumples riot

04-01-2005, 02:17 PM

Tony, I have been more than happy with the quality of the Meade that I own. Getting a goto scope is a worthwhile investment and I do recommend the GPS version. As to which is better optically I am not sure. The Meade scope is observatory quality and you would be hard pressed to find any difference between the Nexstar and Lx200. As for the 10 or the 8, The 10 is heavy and less portable but does give better light gathering performance, but not that much of a noticable difference. A friend has the 8 and we have had them side by side and it was slightly less capable than my 10 especially on the more distance objects. The 8 however, is much easier to handle.

If it were me, I would go for the 10 just for light gathering capacity.

Best of luck with your decision.

[1ponders]

04-01-2005, 05:54 PM

Tony,

if you decide to come up we can have a look through my 8" meade and then pop up to the Mapleton Observatory (about 10 min away from me) and have a look through the C11 celestron 11". That might be useful, to you.

To be quite honest I IMHO I feel I get as good (if not better, (for those celestron users:P :D :whistle: )) a quality of image (clarity) with the meade UHTC on the lenses as through the C11, but I've not put them side by side. Though apparently Celestron have a new coating for their lenses now but I don't know much about it.

Paul

[1ponders]

04-01-2005, 06:56 PM

:P Well maybe there is a *bit* of bias there, though not much. When I first received my 8" (and the skies were clear enough) I was very surprised how little difference I percieved between the two scopes.

Having said that however, I will put it into the context of atmospheric conditions. If the seeing isn't good then no amount of light gathering power is going to help. In fact as I understand it during bad to average seeing times a smaller aperture telescope is often less "affected", up to a given magnification to limit of resolution. But in good seeing conditions aperture will win hands down.

So for me I guess I'm yet to make an effective comparison due to continued #hitty seeing conditions. All of which confirms that for me in my situation I bought the right size scope for the majority of experienced conditions, so as to get the most use and still have fabulous view of our stellar neighbour. Plus it a hell of a lot Lighter than lugging around an 11" scope :P

BTW good thread Tony :D Lots of people take interest in these types of threads. I believe it helps push fence sitters over the edge into "Damn it!:family: I will get a telescope:astron::stargaze: "

:cheers:

Paul

Striker

05-01-2005, 05:20 PM

Stuff it whats money.....Very tempted in purchasing a NEW LX200 10" GPS UHTC for $5200 from Star Optics on the Gold Coast......

I a going to the Gold Coast tomorrow so If your going to talk me out it you better hurry......

BTW the wife thinks its costing $2500...she will never know..so shhhhhhhhhhhh.

Dam Brian from the Science and Astronomy shop wants to get me a Celestron Nexstar 9 1/4" GPS for close to the same money.

Choice: 10" meade or 9 1/4"Celestron for about the same money of $5200
http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/nx914gps.htm
http://www.meade.com/catalog/lx/8_10_lx200gps.html

HELP..................

gaa_ian

05-01-2005, 06:16 PM

Well Paul...
I think you would be happy with that Scope.
Our Club has an LX90 & have been very happy with it & the LX200 10" is its big brother.
The only thing we had to change with the LX90, was the ordinary 1.25" prism diagonal that came with it, we just upgraded to the 2" Meade 929 Mirror Diagonal, I expect a further improvement over the 1.25" mirror diagonal we had been using in the interim.
Just make sure you are happy to Lug & Lift the bigger 10" scope :eyepop:
I think you will still find the Dob easier for those "quick peeks" when time is limited.
Good luck:astron: :D

[1ponders]

05-01-2005, 06:35 PM

What eyepieces do you have Tony?

Better allow another few hundred there. :eyepop: At least for moderate quality lenses

Battery power in the fork arms won't last you long. How about a 12 powerpack ($50-$100) . A 2 amp Regualted power supply to run of mains ($100).:jawdrop:

Photography? Wedge $350 for an 8". Focal reducer? (f/6.3) $240 :camera: Off-Axis guider $140. Piggyback bracket $80
(This is also part of the reason I got the 8" and not the 10", gave me more money left over for accessories. 8" plus all the above accessories about the same price as the 10" when I priced them (within a few hundred bucks or so))

I'm not trying to put you off Tony. Beleive it or not quite the opposite actually, just doing my civic duty of warning you of the bottomless money pit you could find youself falling into if you don't watch where your putting your feet. :face:

Clear skies :astron: :cloudy: after you buy your scope. You don't have that much money:P :D

[1ponders]

05-01-2005, 06:39 PM

ps You'd better up you internet hours too. You'll be spending a lot more time here:) Oh and at other forums as well I suppose.

beren

05-01-2005, 06:51 PM

Wow Tony your moving fast , two tough choices , the Celestron 9"1/4 SCT format has a great wrap for optical performance some even claim it to be the best for a schmiddt-cassgrain.....:confuse3: .....but you cant go wrong with either ...good luck .....hopefully you can get a hands on sampling before you decide to purchase.

[1ponders]

05-01-2005, 06:55 PM

This sort of purchase does sorta have a way gaining its own momentum doesn't it Aragorn:lol2: :rofl:

Striker

05-01-2005, 07:13 PM

Yeah I understand their will be many other costs.....but either of these scopes can be used directly out of the box I hope.
I will no doubt buy many accessories as time goes on I just hope there not accessories I absolutely need straight away...I'm sure its going take some time just learning the skies and how to operate the scope before I start looking at serious accessories.

And Paul I have unlimited Cable internet so that wont be a problem...anyway your only 2hours up the road so if I run into major problems I suggest you get the BBQ out....lol....

P.s I have 4 x plossl eyepieces 25, 15, 9 and 6.5mm....none are expensive..any you recommend as a start.

Thanks to everyone, you all have been a great help...."Thankyou"

[1ponders]

05-01-2005, 07:33 PM

Yep they can be used straight out of the box (well my meade was) except for batteries. IMHO there are one of two groups of accessories that I think would be an essential. (These are the Meade ones, Celestron would have equivalent)

either

1. A twelve volt jumpstart powerpack (min 15-18 amp) and a meade #607 power cord (for LXs up to 14") with cigarette lighter plug to plug into jumpstart pack. Even though the Meade manual says that the batteries you install in the fork arm will last 20 hours, it will depend on how much slewing you do. And you will do a lot initially :) driving all over the place. (my preferred if mobility to other unpowered sites is important)

or

2. The power cord and a 240 volt to regulated 12 volt adapter to run off the mains.

Either way you will then be independant of the smaller multiple batteries in the fork arm.

Starkler

05-01-2005, 07:54 PM

You are getting a scope likely double the focal length of your existing dob, so you might want to invest in a longer FL eyepiece too, preferably in 2 inch format.

Striker

05-01-2005, 08:22 PM

Hahaha.....I just showed my wife the 2 scopes in question....told her they $2500 each...she thought that was expensive.....oh and she liked the meade if it was her choice.....she likes the blue color...lol....

[1ponders]

05-01-2005, 09:27 PM

I agree with Starkler. At least 1 lense @ around 35mm or longer. Hmmmm! I know I had a list of Nagler prices here somewhere :)

iceman

06-01-2005, 06:32 AM

Wow you only got an 8" dob 2 weeks ago!

What don't you like about the dob? Do you desperately want tracking and goto?

Are you sure you should rush into such a purchase after only 2 weeks into the hobby? Do you know if your interest in astronomy is going to last?

I'm not trying to put you off or anything, it's your money to do with what you choose, but i'm just thinking of other beginners who started out just like yourself (mintsauce and frosty are 2 that have signed up, there may be others lurking as guests), who think that their 8" dob is a great purchase, as everyone recommended it as a good first scope, but now 2 weeks later you're off to much better and more expensive pastures.

I'd hate for other beginners to think that this hobby requires you to spend > $5000 just 2 weeks after they've already spent $500 on their first scope.

The reason people start out with cheaper scopes like dobs is because they are cheap, convenient, easy to use, and it lets you get into the hobby and all its joys without outlaying too much money, at the very least to see if you actually enjoy stargazing. You might find that the combination of bad weather, clouds, wind, cold, dark, light pollution, dew, bad seeing all put you off actually getting out under the stars and observing.. so that's why more experienced people than myself recommend dobs for beginners.

As Dave47Tuc says, the best scope you can get is the one that gets used.. You've only had your dob for a couple of weeks - how many nights have you actually been out and spent a couple of hours observing?

Anyway of course it's totally your decision.. if you can afford another new scope straight away then that's great.. i'd be careful about lying to the wife about its cost though - the initial outlay is only the start as Paul and Stuart have said.. this can be a very expensive hobby if someone wants it to be. If you start lying now you may never be able to go back and you'll always be hiding your purchases from her. Anyway again that's your decision and isn't really my business.

I'll stop ranting, I just don't want other beginners to think that 8" dobs are no good and that they'll have to spend > $5000 on a new scope 2 weeks later. It's not a common timeframe for such a transition. Many people have had (and continue to have) many years of enjoyment with dobs and enjoy pushing it to its limits.

Also remember, all of my thoughts above are my personal thoughts and opinions only, of course you can choose to ignore them or take them with a grain of salt of whatever you wish.

Good luck with your next decisions, it sounds like you're learning a lot which is great.

Striker

06-01-2005, 08:26 AM

Good to hear from you Iceman....its been awhile.....your comment could not be any truer........my 8"dob is great...the only thing I dont like about the dob is the comfort level....I dont have the best of a back, so I decided to put the dob 8 on a EQ, so I originaly started looking at HEQ5 or EQ6 mounts.....the cost of these mounts then pushed me onto a complete package with 10" reflector not costing that much more then buying the mount on its own.......then with this cost the LX90 come into view price wize....I may still get the LX90 but I would love to get into some Photograghy.....I am a pro when it comes to computer's I have built my last 3 computers on my own.......I can just honestly see my self scanning the skies through my computer taking photo's more so then using the dob 8. I understand completely that pictures are very difficult to take and dont turn out anywhere near the real view you get in you FOV but thats what attracts me to this sport more then anything.....I have plenty of time on my hands....I am married...I have no Kids...and I want a long term sport such as this to keep me busy......for the last 5 years of my life I have be playing competative online gaming such as Day of Defeat, Counter Strike and many more games..I am sick of that scene and at 35 years old (man thats old), so combining my computer skills with a sport such as astronomy looks the best option for me.

I understand your concern Iceman and appreciate your comment.......if I didn't decide to get into astrophotography I would have just put my dob on the EQ or even a homemade stand I have seen on these forums.

Going back to a good scope is one you use, well thats how I feal about the dob...dont get me wrong..the Dob 8 is great but not for my back and from what I understand not for photograhy aswell......

Anyone out their with a Dob...please dont get put of by my comments I am only a noob with stuff all experience who has to much time to himself who loves to buy expensive items.

iceman

06-01-2005, 09:49 AM

Hey Tony.

This whole thread was started while I was away, so I had some catching up to do :D

What's uncomfortable for you and your back about the dob? Is it the leaning over? It's true that by default you'll have to lean over when looking through your dob, but you'll still have to lean over (perhaps to a less extent) when looking through those LX200's or Celestrons.. you'll still be bent at the top of the back/neck looking down into an eyepiece. You can't really get away from it if you choose to stand while observing.

There are other options than a whole new scope though..

Buy or make an observing chair, like I have done (http://www.iceinspace.com/?chair). These chairs are great for viewing with a dob, because with the adjustable height you can get a comfortable position where you're sitting, back isn't strained, and you can look for many minutes at a time through the eyepiece without getting strain on your back or neck. You can see heaps more detail when you're sitting comfortable and not wobbling around and having to stretch and stand up all the time.

Another option is to make (or buy) another base (or table) to sit your existing dob base on.. this will lift it up much higher so you can stand comfortably and not have to bend over much when looking through the eyepiece. Late_crataceous (forum member) has made one of these, it lifts it up about an extra 30cm.. do a forum search and you'll find his pictures.

As for astrophotography, I won't kid you and say it's easy to take photos through a dob, but it can be done easily.. it's simply that the results generally won't reach the same level that you will get with a computerised tracking scope. But that's really just the mount, not the scope. An EQ mount with your OTA will work fine for that.

But you just don't know yet whether you'll be into astrophotography.. trying it with a dob is a good way to start, simply with a digital camera (or webcam) pointing straight into the eyepiece (or focuser). That's the method I use for all of the images I've taken (http://www.iceinspace.com/?images). It can be frustrating, but there's also a challenge in pushing your equipment to its limits. Astrophotography is really more photography than astronomy.. it takes a lot of time, patience, and money to do it well..

Anyway your background in computers and gaming is very similar to my own, but I didn't play CS or DOD :) Skills in computers definitely can help in this hobby, as if you get into photography there's a lot of post-processing skills and techniques needed, and any background in computers and software will help.

With time on your hands and money at your disposal, I can see the reason for the direction you're choosing.. if I had the money i'd probably be looking at exactly the same scope(s), but I'd probably only be looking at them now, rather than after only 2 weeks of owning the dob.

But with a mortgage and kids, my priorities in life are different and I can't afford to upgrade yet.. when I do I imagine i'll be getting a SkyScan EQ6 goto mount and keep my existing OTA..

Good luck anyway Tony, good to have some frank and open discussions!

Striker

06-01-2005, 02:20 PM

Funny you say you would get a goto EQ mount..that is still an option for me, I can get this for much cheaper price and possibly add GPS for as little as $600extra at a later date.

http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/c10ngt.htm

Then I wouldn't have to worry about extra's such as a wedge.
I may sound desperate and come to think of it probably am, but most retailers dont have any scopes that I like in stock and wont be available for approx a month anyway, I have definetly decide to get a new scope so that is confirmed...but what I have found from reading these forums, is they are all as good as each other as long as use them...when I started the post I was expecting someone to jump in say buy this but from what I have learned their is many types and many brands that can do the job, so I am going to take a step back and look at wider range...may even look at just a goto EQmount for my Dob? time will tell.

If I was to buy a new Scope I would love to purchase this of A.S.S.T Norman park which is the group that I am viewing with on the 16th January 2005...but he only deals with Celestron not Meade, he has his own shop and is always so helpful....I can gain much experience and information of this group and would feal much more comfortable purchasing off then some unkown retailer that dont care about their customers..just the purchase, as you all know I am noob so I need guidance.

Starkler

06-01-2005, 08:28 PM

Just a few thoughts to add to this thread.

Myself, Dave47tuc and a few others had a mini star party (http://www.iceinspace.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=420) last weekend and guess what, the views through my ole gso 10 inch dob were just as good on dso's and viewing saturn as with his 10 inch LX200. Perhaps just slightly more light scatter on mine viewing saturn, but I put that down to my using a barlow to get the required magnification.

As for comfort improvements, I find the RACI finder and my stool a big help. The only time I'm contorting into unusual positions is to look through the Rigel quickfinder, although still usually seated.

Setting up the LX200 requires some weightlifting, whereas for me home observing is just a matter of wheeling the scope out on a trolley.

Geoff

P.S If you just like spending money, buy yourself a 12mm nagler type 4, and a 27mm panoptic. You might just see viewing through your dob in a whole new light :)

jackenau

06-01-2005, 10:15 PM

Don't get me wrong here, but with a back ailment and the scopes you are looking at, will this still pose a problem with portability etc.

Astrophotography etc will obviously be more of an advantage with the new scopes, but will be no good if its to the detriment of your back?

Either way good luck with your descision.

Ken M

Striker

07-01-2005, 07:37 AM

OK.....last question regarding this thread.....Sorry

Comparing the Meade LX200 series to the Celestron advanced series C-9 1/4 SGT with the CG-5 mount...plus the GPS ad on.

1)What are the benifits over these 2 different mounts?

2)Wouldn't the EQ mount be better then having additional cost for a wedge in the Meade or celestron Nexstar GPS Range?

3)Potability should be easier then the fork mount?

4)For the same dollars would you consider the C-11" SGT with the GPS ad on to the Meade LX200 10".

Celestron C-11 SGT (http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/c11sgt.htm)

Celestron C-9 1/4 SGT (http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/c914sgt.htm)

Meade LX200 8" 10" (http://www.meade.com/catalog/lx/8_10_lx200gps.html)

I know their both great scopes...and I am prefering the Meade at this stage but the Celestron advance series has caught my eye and then I can also purchase localy.

I am mainly intersted in comments about the mounts....

Positive and negative feedback welcome.

[1ponders]

07-01-2005, 10:47 AM

Tony

Physical benefit of Eq over fork: no need for a wedge (can increase likelihood of movement in mount/fork junction), overall the mount would be a lot lighter to move around and set up.

Benefits of fork (with auto align etc) over eq: no need for polar aligning in Alt/Az mode, just point roughly north-south (within a couple of degrees) and let the computer set it up (apart for picking your alignment stars)

You will find yourself getting into some pretty uncomfortable positions for viewing at times with an eq, (particularly near the zenith) but initial visual polar aligning with a wedged fork is not as straight forward as it would seem either.

None of the models you've listed would be considered lightweight and "easily" portable. The 10" tube and fork (without tripod) weight nearly 30kg, which then has to be balanced on a protruding bolt until you can slide the fork mount around for the bolt to find the hole to slot into. I'm sure Rumples Riot and Aragorn can attest to the fun of this. Its hard enough with my 8" (until I built a "springy thingy").

Personally having had both I wold go back to a *sturdy* eq over lx200 mount if given a choice again, if only from the weight perspective, and being more used to setting up a eq for polar alignment. Having said that thoughI do enjoy using the versatility of the LX200 mounts drivability and ease of use in Alt/Az mode

BTW the mount that the 10'' newt is mounted on in this link http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/c10ngt.htm is very light weight for the job being asked of it. You could find a lot of flexure in it, especieally if you start mounting cameras etc off it.

Having said all this it is only IMHO.

Good luck with your choices Tony.

Striker

07-01-2005, 02:01 PM

Thanks paul......

It looks like I am going to go for the Celestron C9 1/4 SGT with XLT coating and ad on GPS.

http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/accessories/nav_accessories.htm

http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/tel/c914sgt.htm

Accessories I am looking to get are as follows.

1) Power tank 17, http://www.celestron.com/prod_pgs/accessories/power_supplies.htm

2) AC adapter, in same above link

3) Next Image solar system Imager, http://www.celestron.com/neximage/index.htm

4) Not sure on the Nexremote kit so Brian is checking this out and looking for alternatives.

5) Ad on GPS,

Eyepieces are going to wait till after I have had a chance to see some in action through the club or if I get a chance to see what paul has.

Brian did recommend the Ultima Series 1 1/4" 30 or 35 mm but again I will wait before spending hundreds on a single eyepiece.

I do want good eyepieces.....I would rather a few good quality then a heap of cheap'os.

[1ponders]

07-01-2005, 07:55 PM

You can save yourself some cash if you go to Repco/Autobarn.Supercheap Auto for the powerpack. And is the Solar system imager any better than the ToUcam (How do the prices compare?)

Whats the Nexremote

beren

09-01-2005, 03:08 AM

http://www.cloudynights.com/lab/mounts/asm.pdf

Tony you might find this review on the CG5 mount interesting . I would feel a little cautious about how well the mount can hold the 91/4 OTA plus any future accessories you might add later on.Doing a little snopping around the package seems to get favourable views but for peace of mind i would be questioning its max payload capability {half that for dedicated imaging}etc. Im biased to fork mounts ,although heavier the ease of use for ALT/az makes the effort worthwhile and with the wedge both modes feel well supported for imaging , i think it would take some time to reach a stage where ability exceeds the performance rendered by a fork mounted SCT {well for me anywhy}. But this pathway will cost more but i would rather be troubled by a overmounted scope{:P } then a undermounted one....{nexstar 9 1/4 :) }

The add on GPS , with the meade gps i feel its more gimmick ,entering time and date takes 10 seconds manually to get the same result , dont know how much the celestron add on costs but use the money elsewhere.

The celestron powerpack looks impressive but you can get something else for much cheaper , i got a 17amp one from Kmart for 95 and lasts about 3 good nights of viewing before recharging. I ended up getting a 35 amp lead sealed battery to run a orion dew zapper {and a laptop}which draines the powerpack in about 3 hrs {its recommended to run only one device off a 12v source}

If the AC adaptor is expensive like meades i would consider the car adaptor , but thats me i have both and use the car adaptor more.

Nexremote is the Autosuite comparsion , and youll need it to run the Nexstar imager unless its like the LPI and you can use some other capture software.

The Ultima 30mm/35mm has a hefty price tag for basically a 50 "AFOV plossl , theres some widefield budget eyepieces that would be a better alternative .

Striker

09-01-2005, 11:15 AM

Thanks Aragorn..you have given me something to think about....

I have organised to visit and speak to a Customer that has the same package as I am looking at........

I think the biggest factor to my choice is that I can get all the help I need from someone local.......

But I am looking at cost, ease of set-up and portability into the equasion aswell......

A.S.S.T at Norman Park Brisbane only deal with Celestron and would feal more comfortable and looked after purchasing from him....

The price he has given me have virtualy been cost plus a small percentage but he is happy to make just a few hundred dollars on the complete package....he has shown me the Celestron book with the cost and retail prices.

Prices Quoted

9 1/4 SGT with XLT Coatings = $ 3950
Add on GPS $ 450
Celestron 17 amp battery pack $ 180
AC adaptor $ 30
NexImage Retail $295 awaiting price...said to get it at cost price.

the best price I have had for the Meade LX200 10" is $5200 plus a wedge and without any support........

For me I am not sure the extra $1200 for the Meade LX series is justified....

Is the fork Mount really that good and popular......I have been reading up on many magazines and have rarely seen fork mounted scopes displayed in group photo's...they all seem to use EQ mounts whatever the scope is......Dont get me wrong I love the Meade range but Brian from the A.S.S.T shop would like to see me with a EQ mount then Fork mount....as a seller you would think he would try to get me into the more expensive Nexstar GPS fork mount range that I previously asking for if that was the case........Oh well I have a lot to learn yet and I'm sure I will be happy with either the Meade LX 200 10" or the Advanced Celestron range in the 9 1/4 SGT.

Once I get to see Paul's (1ponders) set up on Tuesday and the Celestron range in action I will make my decission probably by the end of the week.

Thanks for your comments everyone.

Striker

11-01-2005, 02:29 PM

After meeting up with Paul (1ponders) today I have decided the Meade LX200 8" or 10" is the go for me....I may even purchase the Meade today......come on Striker you can do it....hehe

Thankyou to everyone who has given feedback to this post, all you opinion are fully justified and much appreciated.

Thanks again

P.S BTW Paul I forgot to ask you for friggin $5000 worth of Meade scope can you train it mow the lawn considering it only works at night and has all day time to rest....hehehe

iceman

11-01-2005, 02:33 PM

What are you going to do with your dob? I reckon there'd be a taker or 2 if you chose to list it in the buy/sell forum.. some guest browsing might sign up and take it off your hands.

Good luck with the new scope!

[1ponders]

11-01-2005, 02:54 PM

Put it to work during the day. Spend $45 and get some solar filter material and look at sunspots. Then of course you've go Ha filters too.:D

Keep you Dob. Its still nice to have a quick whip out scope (keep it clean guys :eyepop: ) for those nights when the clouds suddenly clear for half an hour.

Striker

11-01-2005, 06:16 PM

OK I have my Meade LX200 10" UHTC in my possesion.....

I will be selling the Brand new 8" dob.....and will throw in a free set binoculas aswell (10 x 32 ) brand new valued at $49...still in box.

No need to keep both...anyway I need the cash for extra eye pieces and Battery pack...and laptop and more.....not getting the wedge for now..I want to learn a lot more about this sport before I look at wedges.....got heaps to learn so major adons can wait....

The only extra I bought was the 240v powers supply.....
I will be getting a battery tank but will look around first and eypieces will also wait till i have a chance to see them on scopes myself....

Star Optics does have the Meade Series 4000 2x Apochromatic Barlow Lens (1.25") for $139 if anyone is interested....

Paul (1ponders) will be helping me out setting up the scope and showing me some features.....probably this friday night....Thanks Paul.