Meade DS models, which one is better?

james.newcomb · Guest

i am looking to buy my wife a telescope and know very little about them. i am currently looking at a Meade DS-2130ATE and a Meada Polaris DS-2060ATA. Both have a $200.00 price tag. which one is better and why?

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Hi

There is no best when it comes to telescope design. Each design has advanatges and disadvantages. Performance favors a larger scope in the larger 2130 reflector but durability and ease of maintence goes to a refractor lie the 2060.

For a discussion of these basics and more, see my article
How to choose the right telescope
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2130 · Guest

I have a 2130- Bought it last year (a re-furb from meade) and it is a great scope- Not top of the line- but decent optics for a decent price- You can view the planets and the moon (AMAZING) and reel in some Deep Sky objects as well (Orion Nebula is pretty impressive in this scope) and it's great to have around for those unexpecteds (like the current Comet Holmes- which is a very impressive view in ths scope) The learning curve on this scope is pretty quick (read the manual at least 3 times- then spend 2 VERY COLD hours in January learning how to make it all work).

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5403

Thanks 2130

Just a note to cold weather astronomers - you cannot overdress in cold weather. I've stuck it out in below zero weather for hours, but it took almost every piece of clothing I owned. Be prepared for cold, no matter what time of the year. Things cool down at night, even in the summer.
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Thanks for posting with us
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Forum: http://www.opticsplanet.com/msgboard
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Store: http://www.opticsplanet.net/

Phone: 847-513-6201
Fax: 847-919-3003