UPGRADING

I presently own a Celestron primium 80. Irecently stumbled upon this forum and have thourghly enjoyed the info and comments.
After the 1st of the year I plan on upgrading and have narrowed the field to the Meade LX90, LX200 8 or 10 inch. The scope will be mounted to a frame on wheels. Being an occasional user and not enterested in photography at this time,but wanting a good scope, I am leaning towards the LX90. Then use the $ difference towards either a TV 1.25",2"or Williams 2" diagonal. A couple of good quality EP's and maybe a super charge from Dr. Clay.
Any opions or comments on this will be appriciated.
Thank you, Ken

If you aren't into photography and only an occasional user then why not an 8" dob like Orion or Skywatcher (Hands on Optics).

Walt

Hi Ken,

I own the 10" LX200GPS, and the older style 12" non-GPS LX200. After having setup and used both scopes, believe it or not the old style LX200 12" is easier and faster to setup, and I am observing in about 5 minutes with the 12", while the 10" is still doing its GPS alignment dance. The 10" GPS is much heavier than you would guess. I also have a very early version of the 8” Celestron Ultima 2000, which is a very light SCT scope and sets up in a few minutes. I have not personally handled an LX90, but have seen others do so at star parties, and they seem to get up and running in very little time. They also are usually the first ones to be packed up also! So to test the waters, the LX90 seems like a good way to go. If you like to buy things used, a good condition used LX90 should be a good bargain, and with some chance it might come with a selection of ep's, as some folks completely bail out from this hobby after a little while. Just make sure they have saved the original scope packaging. Although the Meade $99 eyepiece deal is a good way to get a complete set of useful ep's also. Also you might read some scope reviews on the "Cloudy Nights" web page. Lot's of useful information there.

As far as the visual difference in what you can see in each scope, the increment from 8" to 10", or from 10 to 12" is not that much different, but the 8 to 12 is a big difference. So again, the 8” seems ideal to start with.

Remember to leave some $$ for star maps, binoculars, software, red flashlights and dew heaters. : )

David Simons

Hi Ken.

I own an LX90 as well as a 14" LX200GPS.

I started out with the LX90 last march as a visual observer. I also added a Mead 1209 microfucuser that I am using with the stock 1 1/4" diagonal and it fits perfectly - No problem clearing the base. I found the microfocuser to be a welcomed addition. I had no need to upgrade to a 2" diagonal as I found this instument has fantastic optics as is. The GOTO accuracy is outstanding. I can't comment on other brands as I have not used them. I can only tell what a wonderful telescope the LX90 really is.

I recently upgraded to a 14" LX200GPS with the "thought" I would be selling my LX90. The trouble is that I love the LX90 so much, I no longer have any desire to sell it. I have it sitting in my dining room next to the deck so my children can have a quick view of Saturn and Jupiter before they go to school. It is so portable that I can take it outside and have it set up in a couple of minutes. Alignment is very simple, quick and accurate. It is also good and solid in AltAz mode - vibrations are dampened out quickly. If you are a visual observer, I don't think you will be disappointed. I still have a lot of fun with mine even though I have a 14".

I made my own 505 cable for about $8.00 and can download the lated ephemeris and firmware with no problems. I have even hooked my LX90 to my computer and drove it with Starry Night Pro. This telescope is a hoot. I don't want to go on and on, but I am very happy with mine. See if you can try one before you buy.

Best of luck.

Derrick.