Finder scope question (planetary)

I was wondering what would make for a good finder scope to ride piggyback on a LXD75 for the best planetary views.

A Meade ETX series

A Celestron 80 ED

any Maksutov-Cassagrain

Or any other possibilties?

what do you guys think, like i said i want to get one to play around with for around $300-$400 AND later use on top of my big scope when i get it (probebly a Meade LXD75 SN). And since its going to be with a larger arpeture scope i want the best one for planetary viewing. And Im going to but used here so if theres somthing better for the money i should look into please let me know.

Thanks

How about a Tele Vue 60? The first time I saw gas bands on the surface of Saturn was in a TV 60 at 160x. In near perfect atmospheric conditions, the clarity of the image was outstanding.

Rey

Apples and oranges.... typically you want a short FL OTA as a "finder" - IE low power wide fields, and a long FL high power scope for planetary. The MC's are usually long FL and would not make good "finder scopes" but some make good Guide scopes for Astrophoto work (although Mirror flop can kill you unless you get a good one...).

Chris,
I understand the desire to "get started" but Dave and Jenna are giving you the best advice.
Go look and try before you buy.

That said, I have 2 scope I use as "finder scopes" and guide scopes. As indicated you're cokmparing apples & oranges. I can tell you for a finder you usually want the widest AFOV possible becuasae you're trying to locate the object. Quality of image (especially edge quality) is secondary because you only spend a minute or less using the scope. For a guide scope you may spend hours looking through, you'll want a high quality scope that's easy to sit and look through for extended periods.
In particular I use a Zeiss Telementor and a Tak FC-60E. Both are great little scopes that are can be picked up used for a reasonable amount, tend to hold their value, and provide excellent views. The Zeiss is normally a 24.5mm and you'll probably need to purcahse a better than the standard 0.965" holder.

Good Luck and I hope you can make the next Middle Georgia Astronomical Society Star Party. Clear Skies, Bill

chris price said:

I was wondering what would make for a good finder scope to ride piggyback on a LXD75 for the best planetary views.

A Meade ETX series

A Celestron 80 ED

any Maksutov-Cassagrain

Or any other possibilties?

what do you guys think, like i said i want to get one to play around with for around $300-$400 AND later use on top of my big scope when i get it (probebly a Meade LXD75 SN). And since its going to be with a larger arpeture scope i want the best one for planetary viewing. And Im going to but used here so if theres somthing better for the money i should look into please let me know.

Thanks