About to purchase first Scope

[spacezebra]

Hi all

I have been researching a number of scopes and have narrowed my consideration down to the 8" (maybe 10) LXD75. I would appreciate any comments from those that have tried and tested this model.

Regards
SpaceZebra:help3:

[ballaratdragons]

G'day AstroStripes! :lol:

I know nothing about LXD75's or any other type of Catadioptric scope but welcome to the community!

There are plenty of LX people in here to help you. ;)

Cheers
Ken

[spacezebra]

Hi there

I like the AstroStripes greeting.

Many thanks - I could not find any reviews on this site, but maybe I am not looking hard enough. I welcome any comments.

Regards
Petra

[h0ughy]

OK I'll enter in to the frey. How much dosh you got! thats what it comes down to, because accessories will empy your pockets quicker than anything. the other is portability, then you have aparture fever, bigger is better (but not for you back). what car have you got, if it is a wagon the skys the limit, if not then get the smaller scope. the lxd75 mount will handle the 8" comfortably, but the 10" is definitely at its carrying limit.

if you can afford it a SCT is more compact for transportability.

Do you want the scope and setup for imaging?

do a search in the thread and find some information on different scopes and setups, there are heaps to look at. And everyone has their own opinion, just make sure its yours you listen to in the end, its your money!

[spacezebra]

Hi HOUGHY

Budget stands at $3500, Rav 4. I would like to get into imaging one day - but still alot to learn. So a scope that will give that scope in the future would be great.

Regards
Petra

[h0ughy]

next question, do you like to watch the planets or hunt for deep space objects? or just anything and everything you can

[ballaratdragons]

Petra,

I did a quick search in here and there are no actual reviews on that scope yet. There are some threads about them but not reviews. Just go to search and enter lxd75. May be some reviews on google.

But I'm sure some members in here will help you.

[spacezebra]

Hi again

Would like to discover my first Supernova! But love planets.

Regards
Petra

[spacezebra]

Hi ballaratdragons

I thankyou for looking - I agree I could not find anything, yet! I will take your suggestion on borad and read more reviews.

Regards

[ballaratdragons]

Hahaha! Good to see you are starting out small :lol:

I'd love to discover a super nova too! :prey:

[spacezebra]

Hi BD

Yes, I like a challenge. But still a lot to learn.

Regards
Petra

[ballaratdragons]

Yeah, Planets are cool, but Galaxies are cooler!!! and there are millions of them! LOL!

[h0ughy]

Ok ditch the LDX75 and go for the
Meade LX90 - LNT 08" f/10 SCT
The original LX90 just got better with the addition of LNT technology. Set up is now a breeze with auto levelling and true north alignment the date and time is stored in the scope. The addition of a red dot Smartfinder makes identification of the alignment star much easier. The rigid mount even puts short/medium exposure astrophotography within reach!
Click here to learn more.


$2,895.00

this will leave you with a very portable scope with goto and options to expand later. If you can't polar align now this scope is ideal to learn the sky with and you can build onto it for the future. this will leave you with some change for eyepieces and dew heaters and a battery.

I say this IMO because with a goto setup like this you can be up and running very quickly and be chasing objects to you hearts desire easily. I am sure others will disagree, but as I said IMO.

another option is a EQ6 with synscan and an optical tube of your choice, say an ed80 and save your pennies for a clelestron 9.25" SCT.

[ballaratdragons]

Geez, another one calling me 'BD'. Phil, I think that's your fault, you started it! :P

[spacezebra]

Hi HOUGHY

Many thanks for you advice, I will kick into some more reading. Not sure that I know all the Ice Lingo yet IMO?

Regards
Petra

[ballaratdragons]

Nah, get a dob!

Sorry, had to get that in!!!!

[ballaratdragons]

IMO = In my opinion.

Houghy, there is no link in your post above.

[spacezebra]

Hi BD

You will be surprised the number of people that have said "get a dob". I think that I need to see to compare.

Regards
Petra

[h0ughy]

IMO = in my opinion

don't blow your dough on something you don't or can't setup easily and quickly, you will loose interest unless you can link up with some devoted Mad people (thats what my wife calls us) :P

[h0ughy]

wasn't meant to be one BD, just an example of how to spend someone elses money :lol:

[spacezebra]

Hi BallaratDragon

Sorry, will try to remember full name

Regards
Petra

[spacezebra]

Hi HOUGHY

I am a member of the Albury - Wodonga Assoc, so I am learning alot - still it does not hurt to have a second opinion

Regards
Petra

[ballaratdragons]

Petra, the advantage of a dob is big apature for less bucks but if you want it to track, the dollars start going up.
They are a terrific scope to start out on (or stay with) but the bigger you go the harder they are to carry or transport.

SCT's have the advantage that at bigger apartures they are still fairly easy to transport, but cost a lot more.

It's all up to you which way you want to go after researching the good and bad with different scopes.

[spacezebra]

Hi all

I will dream about scopes tonight, too many choices - Should never have brought that Ozzie Sky and Telescope Mag - it will forever burn a hole in my wallet.

Keep the comments coming - I am taking notes.

Regards
Petra

[ballaratdragons]

:lol: LOL!!!! Ken will do! :lol:


Have you had contact with our members in Albury/Wodonga?

[h0ughy]

or you could try this Meade Lightbridge Deluxe 12" Dobsonian
It's not just a big telescope. It's a big telescope that goes anywhere. New LightBridge truss-dobs from Meade take down and set up quickly. So you can take one of these massive windows on the universe out to your favorite dark sky locations with ease.

Diffraction Limited Optics (Bk7 optical glass) Meade optics consistently outperform telescopes of similar and larger aperture. Consumers know that “Meade Optics Inside” means that what they see through our telescopes will be views that are detailed, crisp and full of contrast.

• Meade Optical Coatings Aluminum Coatings with magnesium fluoride over coat provides bright images full of detail.

• 2" Crayford-Style Machined Aluminum Focuser With 1.25" Adapter Smooth precise focusing is achieved with this classic design. A unique focus tension knob and focus lock design gives complete control over focus.

• Built-In Primary Mirror Cooling Fan Bring the telescope into thermal equilibrium quickly and efficiently with the battery powered



$1,499.00




Stock code: 7113

[spacezebra]

Hi HOUGHY

Interesting option - I would never have considered this model, - silly question now! It looks strangely unbalanced.

Regards
Petra

[ballaratdragons]

Houghy, you sound like a commercial on telly! LOL!

I think the 16" GS Truss Dob might be the go (in March) ;)

[spacezebra]

Me again

I anticipate that I will be participating in a number of deep sky nights - so this is a very good option.

[spacezebra]

HOUGHY, is a very good rep for meade - but I agree that every review that I have picked up recommends Meade products.

Regards
Petra

[ballaratdragons]

Go the 16", go the 16".

[spacezebra]

Many thanks to all

Its getting late and me and my S&T are off to bed, happy slewing and keep the comments comming.

Regards
Petra

[ballaratdragons]

Hah! Meade Schmeade yucky poo! Get a tasco!! 3 million buyers can't be wrong
:lol2:

[spacezebra]

:scared: You cant be serious!!

[h0ughy]

oh he is !!!

[spacezebra]

And on that note

[ballaratdragons]

No, but I had you going there for a while! :lol:

[spacezebra]

:zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz:

[h0ughy]

NOw I am not on any commission, wish I was though!! just wanting to put out the best "cheap" quality options out there. The GSO "Andrews" truss is due in March 2006, if you can hang out until then. I am!!

[h0ughy]

WAke up Pitpony :nerd:

[ballaratdragons]

I reckon GS will sell their 16" Truss dobs faster than they can make them!

[spacezebra]

Hi again

The GSO??? "Andrews" truss is due in March 2006. I can wait - if worth it!!

Regards
Petra

[h0ughy]

Good Night, clear skies

[ballaratdragons]

It will be a good scope going by the quality of thier optics.

GS 16" Truss Dob available March 2006 from Andrews Communications Sydney. $2400

[janoskiss]

Stop the silliness people!

Petra, for little over 10% of your budget, you could get an 8" Dob. They are very easy to use and move around (also have reasonable cooldown time as opposed to the monster dobs our fellow iceinspacians are recommending). You cannot beat an 8" Dob for value and ease of use, and it is a great way to get more than a taste of what the heavens have to offer. If you like what you see (which you will :)), you could sell the dob and move onto getting your dream scope.

[spacezebra]

Hi all

Many thanks again for your comments - good night and very clear skies

Regards Petra

[ballaratdragons]

Who Steve? Us?? LOL!

[janoskiss]

No, not you, Ken! I meant the other silly people. :P

[Jonathan]

Hi Petra,
There's a Meade LX90 in the Buy & sell forum at the moment - http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=5981

Also, have a look at http://myastroshop.com.au/, or http://www.andrewscom.com.au/, there's a few mount & telescope combinations that may interest you.

Good luck with your choice :)

[asimov]

I won't give you any advise on what to buy, I think you've had enough options thrown at you lol.

Welcome to the forum!

[iceman]

Hi Petra

:welcome:

xstream and anna (forum members) live in Wodonga, and they have an 8" LX90. They're also members of the Albury/Wodonga astro society. I strongly recommend you try to get along to their next viewing night, so you can see the difference between an 8" dob and an 8" LX90.

As Jonathan pointed out, there looks to be a nice LX90 in teh Buy/Sell forum at the moment. Would be a good opportunity to pick up a bargain as it's practically new.

btw how did you hear about us?

[spacezebra]

Hi Iceman

Yes I have met both xstream and anna (they are both very experienced scopers) - yes I am a member too. I have not yet seen their scope yet, only thing stopping me has been time. I will bee seeking their advice on this also.

Regards
Petra

[Starkler]

A little birdie told me that Andrews has ordered 60 units :whistle:

[gaa_ian]

Welcome Petra :welcome:
Our club has & uses most of the scopes mentioned above.
As I see them the rules are as follows:
#1 rule: Appeture Rules
#2 rule: The scope that you can use easily, is the scope you will use most
#3 rule: If you are having fun using the scope, you will keep using it for a long time.

IMHO ;)

[xstream]

Welcome aboard Petra, good to see you in the forums.

Just give a yell when you want to have a play with Anna's scope. But don't look through Micks 18" or Robs 30" first, or you'll never be happy with an 8". ;) :lol:

[fringe_dweller]

Steve's right - I love my little handmade f6.3 8.3" dobbie - even tho I have a handmade f7 10" dob (for special occasions these days :) ) the 8" gets used the most due to the quick cool down and conveniant size - usually only around half an hour for cool down.
a mate who has made dobs of all sizes - still likes having an 8" around for quick use - and you can use it sitting on a chair of course as well

[ving]

:hi:
well you seem to have been turned off the lxd75. shame cause i found some reviews. :P

for what you are willing to pay you should be able to get a great scope :)
welcome aboard racing stripes :P

[xstream]

Well! Come on Dave, let the rest of us see. :P

[ving]

:rolleyes:
dont you guys know hao to use google? :P

neurohack.com/Astrophotography/FirstLight.html
www.cloudynights.com/documents/lxd75.pdf
www.astromart.com/articles/article.asp?article_id=267

[xstream]

Yeah! But why when someone else does it for you. :lol:

[spacezebra]

Many thanks Astrobelle

Not turned off the LXD75 just quite yet - still researching - thanks again for the links.

Regards
Stripey

[josh]

hey spacezebra.
I had the same prob when trying for my first scope.
i ended up getting a 10" dob. Very nice views of the planets,moon and some deep space stuff. After some time i traded it in as i found it to difficult to track down alot of things{didnt know the sky very well at that time} and i wanted to get into imaging.
Got a LX90. Did notice the drop in app but once i got the knack of setting up i saw more in 1 hour than id been able to track down by star hopping with the dob in months{my own prob,not the dob}.
Anyway, you might find you go through a few scopes till you find the one thats best for you, it all works out in the end.
Good luck

[Stu]

I would put the "rules" in reverse order: :P

#1 rule: If you are having fun using the scope, you will keep using it for a long time.
#2 rule: The scope that you can use easily, is the scope you will use most
#3 rule: Appeture Rules


I have an LXD75 and it's a very sturdy mount that I can lift by myself. Just be aware that it may not work straight out of the box. You might have to stuff around for a week or two:mad2: , but then it will work.:)

[spacezebra]

Manythanks for the advice - I agree that I will probably go through a few scopes in the end, but at the moment I will keep reading reviews and take in as much advice as possible

Regards Petra ;)

[spacezebra]

Hi Stu

Its good to hear from someone that has a LXD75, what was the drawcard for you on this scope?

Regards
Petra