thanks Guys, we're getting a bit off topic though. Its not a question of whether Meade is better than or the same as or worse than a Celestron SCT or vice versa (and I'm only interested in planetary imaging performance), the point is we have two 14inch SCT's, one costs $8700AU (best price) and the other $4865AU, and like, what gives?
How can such a price differential be justified? I doubt there'd be many who'd claim the Celestron is TWICE as good as the Meade (any takers?). But if money's your measure it would need to be to justify.
cheers,