Questions from yet another newbie

Hey everyone

I'm relatively new to astronomy myself as well, and have a 4.5" 9(f/5)Celestron goto reflector I bought this summer. After quite a bit of enjoyable viewing, I have decided I want a bigger scope that will give me room to grow. Currently, I am considering a meade LXD55 SN-10 and a Celestron C-10N, but I had some questions regarding each.

First of all, how much performance difference will I notice between my 4.5" and a 10"? There are plenty of astrophotos from the LXD55 out there, but they are huge exposures. How much difference will I notice when I move up to this larger aperturely, with just my normal eye? How many more DSO's will be made available because of the scope? Secondly, on the LXD55, I have the option of getting UHTC coatings, and I was wondering how this would improve my viewing experience? Thirdly, I was wondering if there were any other telescopes I should consider for $800-$1100 or so. Thanks a bunch for any help.

Thomas

>>>First of all, how much performance difference will I notice between my 4.5" and a 10"?

Lots and lots, for a given magnification the image will about 5 times brighter more than twice as sharp... Many more DSOs will be visable and you will resolve them much better.

However, both the scopes you have chosen are near if not over the limit for their mounts. The Meade LXD-55 has not been so dependable, lots of problems with them, not sure if they have been straightened out.

Lots of other scopes to consider in that price range, a 10 or 12.5 inch DOB is one that comes to mind.

However, rather than taking my word or someone elses word, I hope you take the time to get some eyepiece time in on a variety of scopes and see what you like, what the advantages and disadvantages of each are, what the views look like, how portable they are, how much time they take to setup...

jon isaacs

Thomas, I would like to recommend for you to find Local Astronomy Groups, and take a good look at what others have..., before you take the plunge...
If there was a Star Party "happening" close to your area, by all means, try to make it there, you'll see tons of equipment and people that will gladly share experiences & views with you...

There's nothing like seeing things "up close & personal"...



Clear skies!



Ivan

Thomas,

I upgraded from a 4.5" Goto to an 8" Newt on an EQ with drives for tracking but not goto - put money in aperature instead of computer. For me it was a great choice. The 8" is big but not too big to move. I've read that the 10" starts to get to that too big point. Your mount becomes a killer. The 8" is a great increase in what I can see.

I have the Orion Sky View Pro and it is excellent for visual. I have taken pictures through it, but only up to 20 second exposures - due to light pollution in my area, the sky washes out after 15 seconds with 200 iso. The photos that didn't wash out were nice. I'm actually going to a darker sky this weekend and if the sky is clear will try some longer exposures. Due to light issues, I'll probably never take 30 minute exposurs, so tracking is not as critical. If you're dabbling in asrophotography the 8" SVP is quite easy.

My 2 cents.

Ed