Meade LXD75-SC-8AT vs Celestron C8-SGT

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

I ordered the Meade about a month ago. However, it is back ordered and based on various forum comments here and elsewhere I'm doubtful if I'll ever see it. I've also purchased some of the accessories which I may need to return. As an alternate choice, I've selected the Celestron model. This invites a comparison of various components of the two systems. Would you comment please on the following items.

1. Optical/Mechanical quality of the OTAs.

2. Mechanical/Tracking quality of the mounts/tripods.

3. Software of the GoTo and astrophotography features.

4. Suitability of the Meade DSI Pro with Autostar on the Celestron. Can it control scope motion and guiding?

5. Suitability of the Meade 2" flip mirror, f/3.3 reducer, and 2" diagonal on the Celestron. These are the items I may have to return with the DSI.

6. Most important, is the Celestron in stock or am I just dreaming again?

Thanks for your time and expert opinion.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5173

Hi

Sorry about the delivery issues, but the holiday season is always the toughest time of year for availability on telescopes and, with the Meade LXD75, there is typically a long wait between shipments from Meade, as the components are typically made in batches, rather than continuous production.

I woukd rate the OTAs as very comparable.

I like the Meade LXD75, by a slight margin, for its smoothness and it's computer - the GT computer is an older Celestron computer. Both are reasonably good GE for the price and will easily handle an 8" SCT

You can use the DSI with any computerized telescope, but the software will not interface with the Celerstron GT to the same extent it will with the Meade Autostar. However, there are many third party software packages on the market that can be added to either.

You can use the focal reducer and flip mirror setup with any SCT, yes.

Now for the bad news. Closest we can come, right now in an equatorial GOTO SCT, is the Celestron 6SGT or an 11" C11S-GT. We also have an 8" CN-GT.
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arcticeddie · Joined: 25 Aug 2007 Posts: 25 Location: St. Petersburg, FL

Thanks for the info.

I'll let the order stand and hope it's not too long. The Meade is the one I've wanted all along. I can use my Celestron C90 for some simple stuff for now.

Merry Christmas