lx200 8"

[vader123]

hi fellow csog,s needing some help/ advise. going to get a new scope this year and already started looking at 2 potential  scopes ,still new to astronomy,scope1 the skywatcher synscan 14 inch, and a meade 12 inch lx90 audiostar, is there a great difference in visual viewing between the 2 scopes ?, would appreciate any advice on this as reviews ive looked at are conflicting, thanks, clear skies , vader 123

[SpookyKatt]

Not sure I follow, is it a 14" skywatcher dob vs a 12" cassegrain ?  Both scopes capable of very good
views, the cassegrain has a narrower fov than the dob which some won't like as it make seeing or finding
targets a bit difficult but to be honest it really depends on the eyepieces etc.
 

[jamesg4128]

If it's the SW Skyliner 350P FlexTube GOTO that you are looking at and you are looking for a scope for visual astronomy, I would recommend that you go for that. It is a bigger scope and more aperture counts if it's visual observation that you are into. The SW dob is a bit more hassle to handle as it is bigger but it's much easier to set up and use compared to to the Meade SCT. As Kathleen says the FOV with the SCT is less and the wishbone mount doesn't get a great write up (though I have never used one myself), however the Meade LX90 OTA is a very nice scope I am told. If you are after deep sky faint objects like galaxies and nebula then it's the SW dob I would recommend but if you are after planets then the Meade probably pips the SW. Depends a lot on what you are after, what transport you have and what eyepieces you use. I suggest you get a look at these scopes in operation before you buy, either at a suppliers or at an astronomy society or observing group. I have the SW 16" GOTO & 18" PUSHTO and I love them, but they are mighty big instruments. Next time we are out you are welcome to have a look at these scopes, if you want.

[vader123]

thank u spookykatt and jamesg4128,cerrently use a meade lx200 8", ans agree has a narrow fov, have improved that a little with this scope with a meade mwa eyepiece, my first choice was the sw dob 14", but just mentioned the 12" lx90 because im used to using the lx200,and spookykatt not sw v,s the meade, still just a newbie and just want a better scope for visual viewing, and james neb,s and deep sky interest me , don't know if id get the dob in my 1 series bmw james lol, currently mostly use hyperion 68 fov eyepieces with my lx 200 8",  would be great james if I could c ur 16" sw dob, that's a good idea I think

[jamesg4128]

The 14" is a big scope and you might find it difficult to fit onto the back seat of a smaller saloon car, even with it collapsed down. You will need most of the boot space for the dob mount as well. Not sure exactly the dimensions but the 16" just fits onto the rear seat of my Vauxhall Zafira. You will need a car with 4 doors also. Fantastic scopes for deep sky observing but they need a lot of space and are pretty heavy to handle. Next time I take out the 16" I will post on here and you are more than welcome to have a look and have a go. It is quite important that you have decent eyepieces to get the most out of these big beasties. I use a TV Ethos 17mm, ES 9mm & SW Nirvana 28mm, all 2", all >80 degrees FOV and not cheap!

[vader123]

That would be a great help. I'll try to be available when he next out with ur scope. I'm usually only free on a Friday & Sat night as work night shift all week. But hope to catch u at some point. Where do u usually take ur scope to for dark skies

[jamesg4128]

Moorfoot, Harperrig or Whiteadder normally but we are hoping to try out a site we discovered near Kinross soon. I normally post on the Observing Sessions tab when we go out so keep an eye on that. Hope to see you soon.

[vader123]

No problem James. And thank u for us help. Look forward to attending an observation night. Be nice to meet u to