ETX125 or LXD75 AR-6?

I had a 10" LX200gps for a very short period a couple years ago and wanted to get lightly back into the hobby. The optics were pretty good, (I think I expected too much) and it was a pain to move around, but do-able. I still have my Oberwerks 22x100mm which I really like.

Question, I'd like to buy either a ETX125 or LXD75 AR-6 (or another Goto 6" refractor in this price range). Looking at planets, galaxy's and nebulae, how do these compare to the LX200 10"? How do they compare to each other? I guess the million dollar question is, Is the bulk/hassle to setup of the AR-6 worth the better image quality over the EXT125?

Thanks,
Mark

Hi

If you didn't like the size on the LX, do not get any equatorial mount and especially one with a 6" refractor. That combo would be the least portable telecope you could by. I'd rather have a 10" LX in terms of portability. A 6" refractor is a tank of an optical tube and moving an equatorial, even into the backyard is a three step process. If you want portability, the ETX-125 is a MUCH better choice and, by the way, the AR6 will not have better optics. If you want to match a Mak in terms of optical correction, you'll need an APO refractor, not an achromat like the AR6. Go with the ETX

Thanks,

I'll order this week.

m

Okay, but now the bad news. The ETX-125 is backordered- probably till later this summer. Getting anything from Meade, right now, is tough. The closest thing to their ETX-125, right now, on the market, is the Celestron Nexstar 5SE. Not a Mak,an SCT, but still good and very portable. Best of all, in stock.

Even the ETX 125 premier? It still shows on your site?

Mark

Nevermind, missed the big red backordered banner flashing at me

mark

It shows on our site because it has not been discontinued and is still orderable. We will fill the orders as soon as Meade delviers. We don't have the resources to list in stock or out of stock on products at this point duwe to the numbers of products we sell. Sorry.