Need advice.

I am ready to move to my next scope, but the candidates are scopes I have not tried (yet...star parties beware!). They are a Meade LXD75 SN-10 for the aspiring astrophotographer in me, and a Meade LX200(R?) 10" for the real-time observer.

Can someone with astrophotography experience on both Newtonian and SCT type scopes make a recommendation or at least point by brain in the right direction?

Ultimately looking to achieve the optimal balance between good astrographs and good observing sessions. I am currently using a Celestron FirstScope 114 (move over, Keck) so obviously even a plastic magnifying "glass" is an improvement, but hopefully someone can provide critical pointers in this next decision.

Steve, if Astrophotography is on your mind, concentrate on getting a nice/heavy/sturdy mount, as it is the most important part of the setup. (I would NOT consider the LXD-75 an Astrophotography mount)

The LX-200R (a whole different ballgame) would need a wedge in order to shoot in Polar mode, for long exposures. (not to mention reducer/correctors for f/3.3 and f/6.3 modes, as the f/10 mode is very long and the FOV is quite reduced for AP)

You could look into getting an Orion Atlas, or a Losmandy G-11, and then getting the scope of your choice for it...

Just my starting 2 cents... more to come, I'm sure.. 8)

The SNT is a good scope...BUT...it is way too much scope for the mount.

The LX200R is in another class and will serve well for visual or (with the additon of a wedge and a focal reducer) astro-imaging.