Which Scope to buy ??

Tamtarn · #1 12-12-2006, 12:08 PM

We're considering buying another scope to use when we want to travel to other locations for observing.

We're selling our Meade ETX125PE and we're thinking of a 10" Go To, looking at spending around $3000.

One of our choices is a LXD75 10"

We would like to hear feedback from anyone who has a LXD75
Or alternately any feedback with other suggestions

Dave47tuc (David) · #2 12-12-2006, 01:00 PM

Hi David & Barb,
Can I ask what’s wrong with the etx 125 as a travel scope?

I would have thought it ideal for that! Apart from aperture the etx 125 is a great travel scope and a great scope full stop.

But if you looking for a bigger “Go To” type scope the lx90 8” would be better.
I would steer away from that 10” lxd 75 the mount is way to small for such a scope.

I can see your 12” dob as big for a travel scope, but the 125 is ideal for that!

janoskiss (Steve H) · #3 12-12-2006, 03:02 PM

How about a more compact Dob (maybe a 10" lightbridge) + Argonavis?

Tamtarn · #4 12-12-2006, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave47tuc

Hi David & Barb,
Can I ask what’s wrong with the etx 125 as a travel scope?

I would have thought it ideal for that! Apart from aperture the etx 125 is a great travel scope and a great scope full stop.

But if you looking for a bigger “Go To” type scope the lx90 8” would be better.
I would steer away from that 10” lxd 75 the mount is way to small for such a scope.

I can see your 12” dob as big for a travel scope, but the 125 is ideal for that!

Dave

The ETX125PE is a fabulous scope but now having our 12" Dob we love the larger aperture. So we want something at least 8-10 ".

Thanks for your comments on the LXD75 10" maybe an 8" would satisfy us

We'll do some more homework before taking the plunge

Thanks

B & D

Blue Skies (Jacquie) · #5 12-12-2006, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave47tuc

But if you looking for a bigger “Go To” type scope the lx90 8” would be better.
I would steer away from that 10” lxd 75 the mount is way to small for such a scope.

I would back up that statement. I know someone who has a 10" lxd75 is is sorely disappointed with it's performance and the fact the ota is too heavy for the mount. He had ideas of doing astrophotography with it but had to scrap all those ideas because of it.

CoombellKid · #6 13-12-2006, 05:26 AM

I'm wondering if your trying for portable, throw AN on your 12" GSO. I dont
think the LXD 75 plus OTA is going to be anymore portable than the 12" GSO.
You'll have three things to carry, counter weights, mount and tripod, OTA.
And the space that it will take up when travelling wont be to much different.

regards,CS sunny days

Rob

PS: A good daytime travel anywhere scope has to be a PST : )

Tamtarn · #7 15-12-2006, 09:38 PM

Firstly thanks Blue Skies for the info regarding the LXD 75 your comments seem to confirm what Dave had said earlier.

Rob your suggestion makes sense.

Because we always travel with our dogs as well as our astro gear we need a lot of room. We have a Commodore Wagon and when we have the Dob & dogs in the back it is a bit of a squeeze.

You guys have convinced us that we wouldn't be happy with anything less than a 12" and we now totally agree.

We've decided instead of putting the Dob in the wagon we'll put it in the original box with thick foam packing and travel it with the base and other gear in a trailer with a covered canopy.

Once you have a 12" Dob aperture fever tells you that you can't go back

Our 12" will be our only scope now until we decide in the future to go bigger, maybe to a 16" further down the track as our main home scope and still use the 12" for our travel scope.

Now that we've saved ourselves the money on a LXD 75 maybe we'll look at getting an Argo Navis

It's great to run ideas by the IIS members it helps us sort out our needs and priorities and we discuss it between ourselves and come to a decision with their constructive advise.

CoombellKid · #8 16-12-2006, 07:13 AM

Barb & David,

Good luck! and let us know how it works out.

regards,CS sunny days

Rob

h0ughy (David) · #9 16-12-2006, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave47tuc

Hi David & Barb,
Can I ask what’s wrong with the etx 125 as a travel scope?

I would have thought it ideal for that! Apart from aperture the etx 125 is a great travel scope and a great scope full stop.

But if you looking for a bigger “Go To” type scope the lx90 8” would be better.
I would steer away from that 10” lxd 75 the mount is way to small for such a scope.

I can see your 12” dob as big for a travel scope, but the 125 is ideal for that!

I agree wholehearted with Dave on this one. 8" is a great travel scope size but no larger then its too bulky. maybe the lightbridge is an option