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The optics are the same in both Bintel & Meade scopes. They are produced by GSO and are pretty decent for the money.
I don't think there is much advantage to the LB as the inconvenience of erecting & disassembling the thing outweighs any weight savings.
My own experience is that its better to start with an 8" and spend some money on quality accessories (particularly eyepieces) than go for big aperture right off the bat.
An 8" is an inexpensive and easy to use 'scope that will give excellent views of 99% of the sky. The 12"ers can be a handful, especially with their heavy bases and the difference in visible detail is far less than many would have you believe.
I had a 12" Bintel Dob, and while the views were fabulous, I mean really great, it was a pain to set-up and break down. The slightest puff of wind would send it spinning around, and it suffered from serious vibration every time it was looked at hard.
I never hear this talked about so maybe it was just me, But I think some sort of locking mechanism, even home-made, on big dobs is a must.
Hope that helps.
Peter
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