optic question

[coldspace]

Hi all, just a query to anyone who has or eperience with the meade lx90 and lx200r series. Can you tell the difference visualy on planets,globs ect between the two. I have been told by someone you can. Any experiences?
I will be looking at 12 inch size and have not looked through any only C9.25 and C11 's. I know the differences between all of these scope's mechanicaly. Just were looking at getting a 200r 12inch for long term maybe do some imaging in future but would the lx90 12 be adequate for my visual and basic imaging now? I read somewhere that the 200r has a 15% larger field of view over the Lx90 have any you guys heard the same? Size and budjet is no prob's. Lots of people keep telling me to get a dob but I want tracking and goto for use with the Kids who keep hasseling me for looks. Will the lx90 be ok or spend the bucks and get 12 200R. Any thoughts.

[astropolak (Joe)]

Hi Coldspace
I had an 8" Lx90 which suffered from a bit of coma (yes coma) and field curvature as well as rubber banding in its servos...Optics were not bad but I could not live with the underrated motor dives.
Now I have a 10" LX200R which in my view is on the limit of portability. The optics is better - less curvature and sharper and the motor drives more capable.
I think LX90 12" would be a mistake....frankly. If you want portability - 12" LX200 may be too heavy also...

RGDS Joe

[coldspace]

Tks Joe I will look at getting the 200r for the more advanced optics and the mount quality,features,re-sale value. I was told the ota and fork arms weigh about 33kg on the 12inch. I don't have a problem lifting that sort of weight but thought what the heck get as much aperture as practicle. Got an etx125 and 8inch newt for utra portability. Tks for feed back and if anyone else wants to add feel free.

Regards

Matt

[Dennis]

Hi Matt

One of our club members (BAS) has a 12” Meade LX200 and it requires 2 people to lift and deploy. He now keeps it in a permanent observatory and has a 10” LX200 for astro camps which he finds still manageable by himself – just.

I have often helped him set up and tear down at astro camps with the Meade 12” LX200 and whilst it is not excessively heavy, it is certainly bulky and awkward which makes it heavier than it seems, if you get my drift.

Cheers

Dennis

[coldspace]

Tks Dennis will take this weight issue on board and will lookat at a 10 inch at star optics to see if I can handle it . I am over 105 kgs and fit. Do alot of lifting of air conditioners up ladders for work that weigh alot more than this, so if I can handle it I will get it. I really was looking to find out if the optical improvements are noticbly better and it sounds like they are. Will do some more research on this before parting with cash. Tks

Matt