Vixen 140 NA refractor or 6" chinese refractor?

I have a TV Genesis but I'm looking for a larger refractor that I'll use with the Televue equatorial mount. I have about $2,000 to spend. I've considered the AR-6 by Meade as well. I have considered selling the Genesis but I like the portability. I could probably sell the Genesis, mount and all accessories for $2,500. I could then buy a better scope but then I don't have a mount. Of course I could purchase Meade's 6" apo w/ tripod but that seems pretty large. The 140 NA is an f/5 so it's not too big. I do want to stay with a refractor for digital imaging. Suggestions please...

A 6inF8 refractor is a big scope. I think you would need a mount at least the size of the new Orion Altlas mount. The Atlas mount is well priced at $800 but the the wieght is 54 lbs without any counter weights. Add the weight of the OTA, rings, mounting plate, diagnol and finder scope and you are looking at handling over 100 lbs. Are you sure you want to move that much weight? I like refractors a lot but I have a top quality 6in OTA sitting a the closet for many years. Still looking for a good mount. I think the Mead 6 in APO package is close to 150 lbs.

I don't have first hand experience with the Vixen 140 but I'd think Vixen quality is a level above the Chinese. Assuming the Vixen 140 has good optics I don't think an extra 12 mm of a 6 in makes noticable difference. But Size wise the 140mmF5 will be much easier to handle.

Erik D

Also i'm considering a Intes MN66 and a Tak Mewlon 180 w/ P2Z mount. I would have to sell my Televue scope, tripod and accessories. I haven't been able to find a review of the Mewlon 180. I've had two 8" sct's before and not sure how alike this mewlon is. I could also get the Vixen VC200L w/ mount for $2300. I really want a decent planetary, i.e. Mars, type of scope.

10" synta dob

Just curious.

Do folks with experience find that a 5- or 6-inch long-focus achro is a better planetary scope than a 4-inch APO, such as my TV-102? Would I be blown away by the difference if I were looking through a 6-inch f15 D&G?

Steve