Dale:
I have had my Meade 12 LX200 GPS UHTC for a few months now. I agonized over the choice. I was looking at the CGE 14 v. the Meade 12. I also went to the NEAF show in NY this last May and had the opportunity to take both scopes a part a bit. I also took a look at the Nexstar 11 at the show. I did not see a CGE 11 at the show. I have a C8 that I used many years ago and fell out of the hobby, at least viewing wise. I always wanted to come back and wanted to get a significant upgrade. I toyed with the idea of a big dobsonian for a while, but I live in central Maine. The air here likely would be tough on an exposed mirror and I am a trial attorney with a toddler and only have a limited amount of time to view. Schmidt Cassegrains can take a bit to set up, but with computer control, once everything is connected, off you go. I remember the first night, I saw more in an hour or so than I had over many nights with the C8!!!
I thought the CGE was fairly solid, but it did seem maxed with the 14 on it. I imagine the 11 is a better fit. I chose the Meade for a couple of reasons. First, I felt the $2500 price difference (at the time, before the Meade price increase) was not worth the extra 2 inches of aperture for my purposes (general viewing). I really wanted the CGE 14, but with my limited viewing time and the skies here in Maine (dark, but not the steadiest), I felt the extra aperture would make me feel better, but not necessarily see better on a regular basis. I really, really, really, really, really agonized over the decision. I had wanted a C14 for years. And, the CGE 14, though substantial in size and weight, actually breaks down in to lighter components.
I read all of the reviews, asked lots of people questions, spoke by telephone with some owners, and then looked at my wife and child and felt I was pretty lucky to get any scope like this. So, I made the choice to go with the Meade.
I purchased the Meade eyepieces, but recently sold them and bought a new 22mm Nagler Type 4 (amazing eyepiece) and I likely will get tomorrow a new 13mm Nagler Type 6. The Meades were good eyepieces and I was a bit reluctant to sell them. They were like Toyotas, very good and a clear step above average (Ford or Chevys) eyepieces. The Nagler 22mm is a top of the line Mercedes. Yet, Toyota is very nice, so the difference, while significant, is something that you very much "appreciate," but it is not as though the Meades stink in comparison.
I have found the weight of the scope less of an issue as I have used it. Clearly, in the beginning I was very cautious with the scope--so that meant moving more slowly with a heavy object. I am a fairly strong boy, though. I compete in powerlifting and study martial arts. I am sure all that helps. The worst thing about the scope's weight and awkward shape is taking it off the tripod and placing it back in the Meade shipping box I still am using.
See Part II
