Meade LX200R Recommendations

DavidS · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Charlotte, NC

I realize you get a lot of inquiries for recommendations on telescopes, so this one won't be much different. I presently own a Meade ETX-70, a nice scope but far too small for serious observing. I am not an novice, but far from an experienced observer. I would like the low maintenance of a good refractor but seem to have settled on the Meade LX200R series. Question is, which one. Is there a great amount of benefit from going to the 10" over the 8"? If I get the 8" the benefits are lighter weight and reduced costs. The savings over the 10" would enable immediate purchase of the DSI, additional eyepieces, dew shield, etc. But would the aperature increase of the 10" lead to greater satisfaction, assuming I would eventually be able to add the accessories? For the present, the $3699 cost of the LX200R-10 is stretching the budget for a telescope to the max.
Thanks for the advice.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5022

Hi

To answer your question, yes, there is a significant difference in performance between an 8" and a 10", all else being equal. A bigger scope will see fainter objects, therfore more objects and it will also show more detail in objects.

However, there is also a significant difference in physical size between an 8" scope and a 10". Really have to see these to appreciate the size difference. There is also a matter of your observing site. If you are dealing with a lot of light pollution, you will never realize the full potential of a larger scope and, if you plan to do a lot of traveling to a dark site, the smaller scope quickly becomes more attractive.

Tough call and only you can make it. If you are the typical amateur, however, the temptation to buy a bigger scope is too much to resist, so might as well get it over with, now, rather than trade up, later. You can add other accessories down the road as needed. Just be sure to budget for some eyepieces, right away.
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DavidS · Joined: 24 Feb 2008 Posts: 3 Location: Charlotte, NC

Joanie, thanks for the rapid reply. Living on the outskirts of Charlotte, NC light polution is a problem, as are trees in the area. So transportation of the telescope is a valid consideration. From your response, it seems as if the 8" gets the nod for portability. Any you are also correct about the tendency to go "bigger". Guilty (HDTV, computers, printers, cars, etc.). I know I'd love the 10", but since I am not ever going to be an expert I think the 8" will be fine.
I am definitely planning to take your suggestion on additional eyepieces. Recommendations on good ones would be appreciated, as well as filters. I also plan to get into astrophotography. I have a Canon Rebel XT with T-mount adapter for the Meade ETX-70. Will that connect to the LX200R or do I need additional adapters? I might also consider going to some type of DSI and would appreciate your thoughts on this a well.
Thanks again for your opinions.

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5022

Hi

Glad to help.

It's all relative, of course. An 8" LX is about all I care to tackle on my own, but a guy might be better able to handle a larger scope, though you still have an issue with getting into a vehicle. My friend has an 8" which just fits into an SUV.

First thing you should always add when buying a telescope is more eyepieces. Serious telescopes are never supplied with more than one eyepiece - the manufacturere assume you will want to choose the eyepieces that best suit your observing needs. However, you definitely need more than one eyepiece to cover all the bases in astronomy.

Your choice of eyepiece depends on what type of object you are trying to observe, what magnification you want, how wide a field of view you want, the eye relief you want or need, how sharp you want at the edge, your personal preferences, what eyepieces you have now and much more.

I generally recommend a range of magnifications in the low, medium and high range and do not recommend more than 300x and for most situations and 200-250x is typically all the atmosphere allows, even from the best site and best case observing conditions. A good way to start is a kit, such as the Meade. After you've gained experience, you can get more selective about spending money on expensive eyepieces.

You can use the same t-ring, but not t-adapter. For an SCT, you have lots of choices, but a basic t-adapter, such as the Meade, will get you started. Don't forget to budget for a wedge.

CCD imaging is very popular in that tracking accuracy is less critical. Before going down that road, though, I would try your Canon and see how it goes. Learn to use your scope, thoroughly before trying astrophotgraphy.
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