Posts Made By: Charles Geiger

Yes, you will visually see a difference especially on deep sky. Fainter galaxies will come to view. Make sure you buy an instrument you can handle and use as much as the 15"...or at least keep the 'utility' question in mind. If you want to do imaging, you are going to spend a lot of money for a stable mount.

Also, if you go with a 20 or 24", you may want a small scope just for quick views on fair nights.

Remember you don't want to exceed 50X per inch of aperture. Usually scopes of good optical quality will perform OK up to that much magnification. You will probably be better off at 35X maximum. A lot will depend on your experience, contrast and definition in the image your scope gives, and atmospheric conditions too.

If you go to a barlow, you might consider a very good one for future use if you decide to upgrade. You might consider a Klee or TeleVue barlow or better yet, a TeleVue Powermate. You may consider a 2.5X so as not to duplicate powers from your existing oculars. You may want to purchase a good ortho or plossl ocular too. At any rate, a marginal barlow can do a lot of damage to an image. You probably want to stay away from the old doublet type barlows and go for the newer designs. So to get the best image you scope can produce, you don't want to skimp on the barlow. Ultimately, a decision will need to be made as to how much money you want to invest in 'pumping up' your modest scope. No offense, but the optics are probably not the best quality from what has been posted about this particular scope.

I do not have experience with the 9.25 but do with the Nextar 11. It is a fabulous telescope. It really lacks for nothing optically. The mounting is very good and so is the computer pointing accuracy. My two complaints would follow, too, with a Nextar 9.25. That would be the hand controller has a short cord and the controller does not sit well on the fork tine (especially in the dark)...and trying to 'dock' the base onto the tripod is difficult, at best. One needs to 'mark' the base to the tripod or buy and aftermarket docking unit.

As the other responder said, aperture will rule for deep sky. I certainly would not worry about the 9.25 being better for contrast...the 11 is excellent.

I suspect one would not have to worry about loosing ones grip with this particular ocular. But I would worry about obtaining lacerations or corneal abrasions in practical use!

I recently bought the 14 Meade UWA series 4000 and I have to agree it is outstanding (I use at f/10). I have heard there are some quality issues with the new series 5000's related to coatings and lacking edge blackening. I cannot comment on the Naglers as I don't have them. As Ivan mentioned, the 14 UWA is big and heavy. But it is a fabulous ocular and an incredible deal at $200.00 (at least that is what I paid for it from Anacortes). The edge definition is fabulous as well as the contrast and color correction. Also, if you research the internet, you will find it has one of the highest approval ratings of any ocular ever rated. PS, I am not a Meade fan either!

Hi Chris,
I see from your bio you are an ordained minister. The Lord will provide. Don't sell your equipment as you know how hard it is to replace. It will only provide a few thousand and that will go quickly. Can you investigate bankruptcy? Is there any aid you can get via your contacts in ministry? Don't be proud and take some help. It is terrible you have lost your home and all. As someone else mentioned, I think you should get some legal advice. You should not have to give up everything personal you have. Earning 75K a year indicates you must have some valuable skills. You may be able to do consulting or subcontracting. Don't give up yet!

Maybe someday. True figuring is still in the hands of 'opticians' literally.

Just a comment. I have been able to find 99+ alcohol at pharmacies. Also, you can find pure cotton their also.

Just a comment. I have been able to find 99+ alcohol at pharmacies. Also, you can find pure cotton there also.

If the lxd55 will hold a 10" schmidt newtonian, I suspect it would hold a 10" SCT. However, it probably would be marginal. And with that head extended on a wooden tripod (unless it is professionally made), that could make matters worse. Of course, a wooden tripod will more than likely be better than an aluminum one.