new scope question

Guest · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 12:06 pm Post subject: new scope question

I am thinking of buying the LXD75 AR-6 AT, 6 inch refractor. I've always wanted a large refractor and this is priced within my budget. Before I make the purchase I was hoping to get some information.

1. I understand achromatic refractors give off false color. I'm not sure what this means. If I look at the moon is going to look red? If a chart says a star should have a red hue will it look like another color? Or is the false color something more subtle that shows up in photos or at the edge of the field?

2. How long is the tube?

3. Does the tube have a retractable dew sheild? Is dew a problem?

4. Is the mount stable and will it hold up with a DSLR or CCD camera attached? I won't be doing alot of astrophotography but I would like to know I could if I wanted.

5. I hear the diagonal is not very good and should be upgraded. What is a good diagonal for this scope?

6. I would like to replace the straight through view finder with a right angle one. What is a good one for this scope.

I apologize for the long post and incessant questions but I do not want to many suprises if I do purchase this.

Thank You

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 4991

Hi

It means there will be color fringing around the edges, not that the whole moon will be discolored. The real issue is the reolution you lose because of the fringing.

I would not recommend any 6" refractor, unless you can leave it permanently setup, simply beause this is a beast in terms of size, weight and handling. You could not pick a less portable telescope. Moreover, it's a good scope for planets, but any 8 or 10" reflector will outperform it for deep-sky work. The tube, alone, is over 40" long and very heavy.

Yes, it includes a dew shield.

You are right at the edge of what the mount can handle, well, without the camera.

Sorry, meade does not make and we do not carry a right angle finder for this one.
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Guest · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 1:47 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the response.

I understand the whole set up is over 70lbs. The size and weight do not scare me too much. The 8 and 10 inch reflectors and SCTs are also pretty heavy. Are they easier to set up and move than the refractor.

What is the largest refractor you would recommend?

My main reason for wanting a refractor is because I have such a hard time with collimation. I have had my present scope (5" short tube reflector) for over a year and anytime I try to adjust the collimation I seem to make it worse. I eventually get it to give ok views but only after many frustrating attempts. Are the SCT scopes any easier to collimate?

Thank You

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 4991

Hi

Go with a larger SCT. Collimation is easier, yes, but, more importantly, the scope tube is alo much easier to deal with on a mount, an SCT eliminates color fringing and the larger aperture is going to get you more performance.
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