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They're great optics, on the LXD-75 Schmidt Newtonian 8". I'm a newbie and have a LOT to learn, but I can recognise a wide, crisp view, with a sharp image to the edge when I see one. The reason I can tell the difference between bad and good is that until now I've been using a D`ck Smith 4.5" Tasco. Say no more.
I had an awful time with the LXD-75's mount motors and with Autostar when the kit first arrived from Meade. It took a month for Bintel to sort it all out (those Bintel guys were great by the way - young Smokey especially). The RA motor wouldn't train or even track a star, and the Autostar went insane. Both bits had to be replaced.
Anyhow after much angst the motors are now tracking the way that they should be. I haven't done any long exposures, but I'm actually taking a photo or two - god awful weather permitting.
I've been disappointed up until now with the Mars event. I missed the first half because of the mount's problems and then the weather went feral. Even when the weather has been fine the seeing has been bad.
Bird, who I met very briefly in passing at CAS, (seems a good bloke) he got some stunning Mars closeups down south near Ballarat of all places.
Last edited by 2020BC; 04-12-2005 at 07:57 AM.
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