Nexstar 8 GPS vs. 8 in Meade LX200 GPS

After much research I am ready to take the $2000 plunge. I plan to use a wedge and Nikon Coolpix 4500 for astrophotography. Which one will I be most happy with?

Thanks,
Andrew

My $0.02 U.S. worth....

If you want a Meade, get the UHTC. It just makes sense.

If you want similar UHTC light transmission characteristics for less money, buy an equivalent aperature Celestron scope.

Fire retardant foam at the ready.....

Ed

Went through the same decision process about 6 months ago and eventually went with the Meade. Also, agree with Ed that would definitely spend the extra $150 for the UHTC. In the end I concluded that their was not a right or wrong decision so the difference really came down to personal preferences. You may get a lot of "one better than the other" remarks from the zealots in each camp, but I would suggest you review the features of each and see which seems to suit your particular desires.

For me it came down to:
1. Preferred the Autostar computer. I was already very familiar with the Autostar and its functions. I also liked the ability to upgrade the firmware relatively easily with web downloads.
2. Liked the microfocuser feature, although some folks do not like the Meade implementation.
3. Liked having manual slo-mo controls. (not an option on the Nexstar).
4. Liked the idea of 2 axis PPEC, although I have not used this at all, and may never. Implementation of this feature by Meade has had some problems.

What I think I missed out on:
1. Nexstar was a little cheaper (when comparing to the Meade with UHTC).
2. Carbon-fiber tube. (lighter weight and better thermal properties).
3. I thought the Celestron was cosmetically more pleasing (i.e. cooler looking).

Consider checking out the Yahoo sites for both scopes and seeing what the chatter is on each.

Goodluck

John

Very interesting discussion. I am in the second month of trying to research Meade/Celestron as to a 10" Meade gps or Celestron 11" gps. To me portability is a big issue, living in an area of bad light pollution and using a sedan to haul to a dark site.
If I can bore you with a story - tried to locate a Meade showroom dealer within driving distance as I have yet to view and lay hands on a Meade 10" LX200. Called one the other day about 2 hours drive from me. None in stock, can't keep in stock, 8 weeks wait if I order. Said I wanted to look at one. Called me back. He made an appointment for tomorrow with a college local to him who has one for me to visit and look at. Will meet me at his store in am and go with me to the college. Sounds very knowledgeable about scopes and says he is largest Meade dealer in NC. I am not used to this level of service from sellers of any product. Very pleasantly surprised, even when I told him I was only researching and not ready to purchase, when he offered to arrange the appointment.
By the way, he has a Celestron Nexstar 11" gps and 8" gps in his showroom for me to look at tomorrow also. But his Meades are sold out. hmmm!