Rob:
The TV102/GM8 combination offers something totally missing from the LX200....a "growth path". If the TV102 should prove wanting, as mine did on DSO's, you can buy a Mak-Newt, Mak-Cass or SCT Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) only and mount that on the GM8. Most OTA's that are in the GM8's weight bearing range can be had for less than $2000 new. Used, they are an even a bigger bargain. I ended up with a used C9.25 SCT that is very nice. (I like that scope more every time I use it. It only cost $900 as an OTA.) Then it's your choice; retain the TV102 for those things it does well or sell it and get your money out of it. I kept mine for its great wide field views and because I love the double star images it gives me.
Think of it this way Rob; the attractions of astronomy are broad and diverse and your interests are likely to change over time. Not only are there several different types of astro objects to view (planets, DSO's, clusters, moon, doubles) there are also several approaches to seeing them (refractor, reflector, SCT, Mak-Cass, Mak-Newt)...each with its peculiar advantages. The GM8 would make a fine platform for accomodating this diversity while developing experience with a meaningful cross-section of available optical equipment.
As to comparing the TV102 to a Mak; I've found my TV102 to about equal my ETX125 ON PLANETS. I have no experience with larger Maks or Mak-Newts. I prefer the ETX over the TV102 on planets as its long focal length makes it easier to reach high magnification with common eyepieces. The TV's wide FOV capability (due to relatively short focal length) is wasted on planets.
Hope this helps.
Bob Young
The TV102/GM8 combination offers something totally missing from the LX200....a "growth path". If the TV102 should prove wanting, as mine did on DSO's, you can buy a Mak-Newt, Mak-Cass or SCT Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) only and mount that on the GM8. Most OTA's that are in the GM8's weight bearing range can be had for less than $2000 new. Used, they are an even a bigger bargain. I ended up with a used C9.25 SCT that is very nice. (I like that scope more every time I use it. It only cost $900 as an OTA.) Then it's your choice; retain the TV102 for those things it does well or sell it and get your money out of it. I kept mine for its great wide field views and because I love the double star images it gives me.
Think of it this way Rob; the attractions of astronomy are broad and diverse and your interests are likely to change over time. Not only are there several different types of astro objects to view (planets, DSO's, clusters, moon, doubles) there are also several approaches to seeing them (refractor, reflector, SCT, Mak-Cass, Mak-Newt)...each with its peculiar advantages. The GM8 would make a fine platform for accomodating this diversity while developing experience with a meaningful cross-section of available optical equipment.
As to comparing the TV102 to a Mak; I've found my TV102 to about equal my ETX125 ON PLANETS. I have no experience with larger Maks or Mak-Newts. I prefer the ETX over the TV102 on planets as its long focal length makes it easier to reach high magnification with common eyepieces. The TV's wide FOV capability (due to relatively short focal length) is wasted on planets.
Hope this helps.
Bob Young
