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"Change the face of astronomy" Yeah for those with DEEP pockets or a real desire just to have the best.
I just don't get it. I'm not saying it is not a REAL nice piece of equipment but lets be honest about a few things.........
1. It's not a TRUE RC. It's a hybrid. A Modified SCT if you want to get technical.
2. An RC type scope is designed primarily for imaging and not visual use. Sure they can be used for visual use but far from it's strong point.
3. $5000 for a 10" scope built primarily for imaging and they go and put it on a fork mount. And a FM that uses the OLD style meade wedge no less. Sure the drive is very nice from what it seems but your still going to suffer from a FM's inherent flaws (Ringing, Hard to balance etc) Problems with the wedge unless you modify it.
4. Why not a GEM? If I'm spending a minimum of $5K on a scope built to image that would be my first choice.
5. all the electronics are great sure but lets think about this. The more there is, the more there is to break. One point I do not like is what happens if you have no power. To me the scope, with electric focus, electric coll. is rendered useless. Again, the features are nice but let's look at past history of Meade here before we all jump on the 400 bandwagon.
Lets look at this realistically for a second. If your looking to build a system to image with your realistically looking at $7-9K. Out of the reach of 75% of us who live in the REAL world. For what? Is it really going to give me that much better images than my 12" LX200 when properly collimated? You'll still need an AG with it for long exposures. You'' still need some sort of focal reducer because f/8 really doesn't cut it for serious imaging. I would love to see the 12" 400 go up against a 12" Classic on a NICE GEM. I don't think the difference would be as great as one thinks. Factor in the ability to image planets better with the Classic I can't see upgrading.
As an owner of a 12" classic LX200 I really hope Meade pulls it off with this one.
JMO's
CS's
Bobby
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