Is Meade LX200 10 a Good Deal for Your CCD Scope?

  • Context: High School 
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the suitability of the Meade LX200 10" telescope for use as a CCD scope, particularly in terms of pricing and comparisons with other telescopes, such as the LXD75-10AT f/4 Schmidt-Newtonian. Participants explore the value of these telescopes for astrophotography and their mounting requirements.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Technical explanation, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires whether the Meade LX200 10" is a good deal for $1200, suggesting interest in its value for CCD use.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on whether the price refers to just the optical tube assembly (OTA) and whether the scope is new or used, sharing their own experience with a different model priced at $2000 new.
  • A participant mentions that a similar scope sold for $1575, which included a CGE mount, expressing surprise at the pricing.
  • Another participant expresses amazement at the pricing mentioned in the thread.
  • One participant proposes considering the LXD75-10AT f/4 Schmidt-Newtonian as an alternative, noting its suitability for CCD and its pricing at $1400.
  • A later reply reiterates the interest in the LXD75-10AT f/4 Schmidt-Newtonian, while also cautioning that Schmidt-Newtonians are heavy and may require a robust mount for photography. They mention that the LXD75 mount can carry up to 30 lb, but the OTA exceeds that weight, indicating it may not be suitable for photography without a larger mount.
  • The same participant concludes that a larger mount would make the Schmidt-Newtonian a desirable option.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the value and suitability of the Meade LX200 10" and the LXD75-10AT f/4 Schmidt-Newtonian for CCD use. There is no consensus on which telescope is the better deal or more appropriate for astrophotography.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the condition of the telescopes discussed (new vs. used) or the specific features that might influence their suitability for CCD use. There are also unresolved considerations regarding the weight limits of mounts and the implications for photography.

Chronos
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meade lx200 10"

Trying to put together ccd scope. Is Meade LX200 10" a good deal for $1200?
 
Last edited:
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For just the OTA, I assume? New or used?

My C11 was $2000 new.
 


Scope sold for 1575, included cge mount. aarg.
 
Last edited:


Looking at LXD75-10AT f/4 schmidt-Newtonian. Appears well suited for CCD and attractively priced [$1400]. Any opinions on these?
 


Chronos said:
Looking at LXD75-10AT f/4 schmidt-Newtonian. Appears well suited for CCD and attractively priced [$1400]. Any opinions on these?

Schmidt-Newtonians are HEAVY. You may need a beefy mount to handle it for photography. That mount (LXD75) can carry up to 30 lb and the OTA weighs a little over that. I think it is right on the edge for visual and probably not suitable for pics.

On a bigger mount you would love this scope, though.
 

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