LXD75-SC-8

arcticeddie · Joined: 25 Aug 2007 Posts: 25 Location: St. Petersburg, FL

I would like to do some astrophotography and asteroid hunting. I had previously selected a Meade LX200R-8. With all the options needed it added up to a sizable sum. I looked recently at another model Meade, the LXD75-SC-8. With some accessories the price is just over half of the LX200R setup. I've read the product descriptions on your site and Meade but there are several points that need to be clarified.

1. Since both scopes are 8" but one is SC and the other is RC, will I see any appreciable difference?

2. Will the flip #664 mirror attach to the LXD without interfering with the focusing mechanism?

3. The DSI Pro camera has a reduced price when purchased with the scope but is it available?

4. Is the DSI Pro II camera a better choice at over twice the price?

5. Will the 497 controller adapt to the scope easily. Will it replace the original controller or add to it?

6. Is the f/6.3 reducer needed? I couldn't find it on your site, only the f/3.3.

7. Are there any other options I've missed?

Thanks for sharing your vast wisdom on this exciting subject.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5509

Hi

1. The R gets a slight edge for astrophotography via its flatter field, but either is a good choice

2. The flip mirror works with an SCT, whether mounted on a fork or equatorial. The mount is not an issue.

3. Can't tell you the story on the DSI Pro as far as availability, right now. Meade is having production probelms. Stay tuned for updates.

4. The Pro II gets you lower thermal noise, but the larger difference in price is also a matter of Meade's promotions.

5. All of these scopes include and use a 497 controller.

6. Use the f3.3 for CCD imaging, the f6.3 for visual or SLR imaging.

7. First accessory you should add on any serious telescope is eyepieces. The one eyepiece provided is more or less a complimentary eyepiece. You will need a minimum of 3 eyepieces or, alternately, two eyepieces and a barlow to cover all the bases for astronomy.

Lastly, before jumping into astrophotography, learn the basics of astronomy and how to use your telescope. You can't run until you learn to walk.
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arcticeddie · Joined: 25 Aug 2007 Posts: 25 Location: St. Petersburg, FL

Thanks for the info.

2. Does the flip mirror mount in place of the rack/pinion focuser or to the end of it?

3. Is there another camera in stock that is suitable?

5. I know the model number on your page shows AT which I assume means Autostar but the scope picture and description left me wondering.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5509

Hi

The flip mirror mounts on the rear cell of a Schmidt-Cassegrain, not the focuser. Be sure you are not confusing a Schmidt-Cassegrain, SC with a Schmidt-Newtonian, SN. It won't work with the SN, which is the first scope you asked about.

You can use any version of the Meade DSI or even the lower performing LPI.

If it ends in AT, you have an Autostar. Not to worry
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arcticeddie · Joined: 25 Aug 2007 Posts: 25 Location: St. Petersburg, FL

I was only interested in the SC scope. The description implies that the SC has a rack/pinion focuser on the back. The Meade UG PDF file does not show any SC examples.

If the flip mirror attaches directly to the scope back, where is the focuser?

Thanks

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5509

Hi

I understand. Manuals are, by necessity, somewhat generic. On an SCT, the focuser is a separate knob on the housing, to the right of the diagonal or rear cell.
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arcticeddie · Joined: 25 Aug 2007 Posts: 25 Location: St. Petersburg, FL

Thanks for the info, problem solved. I think I know what my wife will get me for Xmas.

I can use a Panasonic LX2 camera with a coaxial sleeve adapter I have to mount it on an eyepiece for projection mode photos. The LX2 has manual exposer control up to 60 sec. I've already tried the DeepSkyStacker software with successive photos taken with my Panasonic FZ50 at 17x off a photo tripod and it works fine.

Thanks again.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5509

HI

You are very welcome.

You won't be able to do the faint stuff with a limit of 60 seconds, but you can still do much more than the typical digital, which usually stops at about 15 seconds. Good job.
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