Scope choice

[mat,v]

Gday all,,I've recently decided to return to the fold.I'm going to convert my garden shed into a permanent obs. I used to own a 8" LX90 which i LOVED and am currently looking at either a 10" or 12" LX200 or maybe even a 10" LX200RC. What are your thoughts on a RC compared to a SCT? Should i forget the 10" scopes and just get a 12" SCT. I will be getting into a bit of Astrophotography but mostly just veiwing. Any ideas? Thanks all,,,,,Mat
ALSO am i correct in assuming that a 12" will not give me more magnification compared to a 10", BUT will let more light in allowing for more magnification using my EP's?

[jenchris (Jennifer)]

I think the FL of the 10" is 2.5 metres and the FL of the 12" is 3.0 so it WOULD give you more magnification - it's still F10.

[Poita (Peter)]

The 12" does let in more light, but having had the M12 and M10 side by side, the difference wasn't as much as I had expected, and we often forgot which we were looking through at any given time.
The 10" is more manageable for imaging too. I like the ACF scopes, not only is the coma extinguished but the optics and build seem better.
The only reason I gave up my 10" ACF was that I wanted a Hyperstar compatible scope, so went to a C9.25 Edge HD, but the Meade gave better views, especially on the planets, and its focuser was better.
I'd save the money and get the 10" and use that cash for the extra gear, Crayford focuser, dew buster, better mount etc.

[mat,v]

So, After checking out Bintel it seems the HEQ5 is within my price range but the NEQ6 is getting a bit pricey by the time i put a scope on top. I really dont want to go over $2500/$3000 for a 12" SCT with mount. What are your thoughts on a HEQ5 with a 12"SCT on top. As before it's MOSTLY for viewing but i can expect some AP down the track. What price are used HEQ6's going for these days?

[Irish stargazer (John)]

Originally Posted by mat,v

So, After checking out Bintel it seems the HEQ5 is within my price range but the NEQ6 is getting a bit pricey by the time i put a scope on top. I really dont want to go over $2500/$3000 for a 12" SCT with mount. What are your thoughts on a HEQ5 with a 12"SCT on top. As before it's MOSTLY for viewing but i can expect some AP down the track. What price are used HEQ6's going for these days?

The Meade SCTs are pretty heavy, especially the 12". A bit much for an HEQ or even an NEQ6. Have you considered a C11 on an NEQ mount or CGEM? Your budget is a bit tight unless you want to go secondhand.

[mat,v]

Yeah I'm definetly looking at second hand. Has anybody out there got a 12" SCT mounted on a HEQ6pro,How does it cope? I should probably just go for the complete LX200 setup, That way i know it'll handle the scope. Your thoughts?

[Robert9 (Robert)]

I don't think I'd put anything bigger than an 8" SCT on an HEQ5. Depends a lot on how many extras you put on, eg, filter selector, heavy camera, guide scope etc. etc. You might get away with a 10" Newt.
Robert

[mat,v]

Yeah,I didn't think they really looked up to the task. Progress has been made and i'm seriously looking at a used 12" LX200 classic with extra's. Anything i should be wary of with this (older) scope model?

[mat,v]

I'm still throwing ideas around here,I'm "thinking" new scope ATMO and am comparing 12"LX90acf,,10"LX200acf OR 10"LX80 multimount,,,,This is about all my budget (and missus)will allow. How do these scopes compare. It will be approx 90% viewing and 10% AP with Canon 40d plugged in the back,,,,PLEASE HELP? THIS IS DRIVING ME NUTS,, I've had an offer for a 12"LX200 classic with extra's and optional "spare motherboard and drive units, for a reasonable price,,they're getting a bit long in the tooth with spares hard to find,,,All input is welcome,,,,Cheers Mat

[Poita (Peter)]

If you want to do any AP with the DSLR then you need an EQ mount.

The EQ6 struggles with the 12" ACF, I'd stick with the 10", much easier to set up, more manageable focal length and works perfectly on an EQ6Pro.

[mat,v]

If i had a choice between a 10" on a EQ6pro mount or a 10" on the original Meade forks and tripod, Which would perform better? That's why i've been thinking just use the complete Meade setup as it "should" be setup to work together perfect? I "have" been wrong before

[danielsun]

Hi Mat, I had a 10 inch on my EQ6 pro for a short time only and to be honest by the time I put my guide scope and cameras I was really pushing the weight limit and was having trouble getting perfect guiding. so if it is imaging you wish to do whether it's now or down the track it will struggle or be a fine line.
So for imaging I would recommend going no bigger than an 8" newt and at f5 even better being shorter and you will still have a great visual and imaging tube or go compact with a ED 80 which are a great little imaging scope and light weight.

Cheers Daniel.

[Poita (Peter)]

Originally Posted by mat,v

If i had a choice between a 10" on a EQ6pro mount or a 10" on the original Meade forks and tripod, Which would perform better? That's why i've been thinking just use the complete Meade setup as it "should" be setup to work together perfect? I "have" been wrong before

There is no comparison, the forks, especially on a wedge for photography are basically useless. They take forever to damp down after the slightest adjustment, and if you don't have the wedge you can't do any DSO photography.

[omegacrux (David)]

Hi Mat
Looking through IIS a great deal of people use eq6 and get stunning results
That and an ed80 (mmm) dreaming again
But visualy apiture rules have a look a Andrews.com.au they are very good
Hope this helps
Confusing isn't it . David

[mat,v]

Confusing isn't the word i've been using,,,,Well now i've had an offer for a 10" LX200GPS with UHTC optics, I know it's not ACF but how well do these perform in comparison? Thanks for all the advice guys'n'gals,,It's priceless.

[PeterM]

Hi Mat,
A question that will no doubt get some varied responses.
Side by side comparison of 10inch SC & ACF (previously known as R)optics visually on Jupiter clearly showed a huge difference, same eyepiece and both scopes were very well collimated.
This was done a few years ago at Qld Astrofest and several people took part in an A/B test, it was that obvious.
After imaging many, many thousands of galaxies with both standard LX200 SC optics until 2008 and ACF optics since again a show a very obvious marked improvement in image quality.
The ACF optics outperform the standard SC optics full stop.

[mat,v]

Thanks Peter,It's nice to have a comparison of the 2 scopes from a "side by side" perspective like that. The results speak for themselves i'd say,,,,,Thanks mate

[Poita (Peter)]

Originally Posted by PeterM

Hi Mat,
A question that will no doubt get some varied responses.
Side by side comparison of 10inch SC & ACF (previously known as R)optics visually on Jupiter clearly showed a huge difference, same eyepiece and both scopes were very well collimated.
This was done a few years ago at Qld Astrofest and several people took part in an A/B test, it was that obvious.
After imaging many, many thousands of galaxies with both standard LX200 SC optics until 2008 and ACF optics since again a show a very obvious marked improvement in image quality.
The ACF optics outperform the standard SC optics full stop.

I recently had the 10" ACF, 9.25" Edge HD and a LX200 12" in my backyard all setup at once and yes, the difference between the ACF and LX200 12" was quite remarkable. The ACF also looked slightly better than the EDGE HD, but then it had the aperture advantage and there wasn't much in it.

So yes, I would agree, the new class of 'flat' SCTs from Celestron and Meade seem to give *much* better views than the older standard models. I'd get an ACF or EdgeHD if you can afford either of them over a standard SCT.

[mat,v]

Thanks HEAPS for all the advice guys'n'gals,,,I've FINALLY settled on a 10"LX200GPS with ALL the trimmings, I was holding out for an ACF but this one will mean i wont have to open my wallet for a long time(i promise dear) With my back i couldn't realistically go for a 12" scope. Thanks again for all the advice and i'll let you know how it all goes,,Expect rain on the mid north coast for at least the next 3mnths,,,,,,,,,Cheers Mat

[mozzie (Peter)]

yep!!!!!!! thanks for the weather matt.. great stuff well have to catch up and do a viewing night..