The following is from an astronomy.com forum....
it concerns Celestron vs. Meade telescopes....
it is a little jumbled.... but it contains the opinions
of various users of these types of scopes...
i thought this important since some of us don't have
scopes yet...or are looking to upgrade...





First off, this is a repost from another part of the forum that I'm posting here as it is more appropriate here. Second, TKerr, thank you for that incredible post...I have read much and will read the rest tonight.
I do not plan on buying a scope until about this time next year since I'm in the military and will be deploying. So in the meantime, I'm going to take up TKerr's advice about binos, a blanket and star charts. The telescope a year from now will be my "graduation" present to myself. Now, on to the original post...
I'm a newcomer to this forum and to astronomy...I've just been bitten by the bug pretty bad and am now hopelessly fascinated. My question: Can anyone tell me if there is a big difference in quality between Meade and Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes? I'm trying to compare similar models and the Meades always are way more expensive and, in some instances, seem to have less to offer (Celestron usually has a larger aperture than the Meade "equivalent"). Yet for some unknown reason, I trust the Meade name more, although this is completely baseless since this will by the first telescope I've purchased. Here are some of the comparisons I'm making:
Meade 8" LX90 GPS ($2000) and Celestron NexStar 8 SE ($1400)
Meade EXT-150AT ($900 with some free accessories) and Celestron 5 SE ($800 but has 20% more aperture)
I've been told that Meades are much better for astrophotography, which I want to get into eventually. There are several more, but I'm pretty much using telescopes.com to make all of my comparisons while using the Celestron and Meade websites to research additional details of the telescopes.
Thanks!
- John
- JohnFort Walton Beach, FL

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01-22-2007, 09:05 PM
-->tasco-60mm
-->Joined on 06-29-2006 alpha cygnuss II delta quadrant Posts 461
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

1st off, the celestron/meade debate is like opening a can of worms!!--for some reason it gets overheated, but i dont see where meades optics are superior to celestron's for photo, for AP its like putting a puzzle together- 1st piece is a good EQ mount, followed by the OTA and camera
http://mo.forumup.us/ -- relaxed astro forum with the daily astro gameC9.25- ASGT 12" GSO dobWO66 ED C 6"SCT EQ5

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01-22-2007, 09:22 PM
-->jballauer
-->Joined on 05-06-2001 Fort Worth, Texas Posts 3,184
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

John:
First, thanks so much for your service. It's a pleasure to help those who help us.
This is the classic argument, and essentially, the answer is "six one way, half-a-dozen the other." Comparable models from both companies are quite equal in most every way.
The Meade LX90 series is best compared to the Celestron CPC series, not the Nexstar SE, which is more of a budget-minded choice.
Keep in mind that if you eventually want to do photography, you'll need a scope with sturdy forkarms (don't get the Nexstar SE for this reason) and you'll need an equatorial wedge with the purchase. This will allow for polar alignment so that your stars don't rotate in the field of view over time.
Either scope will be optically on par. The Celestrons generally have the aperture advantage, but the Meades have very good, high transmission coatings that makes up for that, somewhat. Even so, traditionally, the Celestrons are more associated with better optics, though that is not a fair or accurate distinction today.
You may have more brand-comfort with Meade, but among amateur astronomers, again traditionally, Celestron is the more accepted name for high quality gear. Again, today, it's not much of a issue, though most people would still say that while Meade produces some really good gear, they'll also be the first to produce some department store crappola!
You can't make a bad choice with either the CPC or LX90 scopes.
As for the Maksukovs, like the Meade ETX and comparable Celestrons, you might want to avoid these if you are wanting to do astrophotography, mostly because of the smaller mounts and tracking systems. Likewise, you are losing a lot of aperture here compared to 8" SCTs or larger. In addition, the Maks are longer in focal length for their apertures, which mean photography will place good tracking at a higher premium.
A good 8" SCT, from either Meade or Celestron, is a very good choice, and it's often one of the first "serious" scopes a person will get.


jaywww.allaboutastro.com

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01-22-2007, 09:27 PM
-->jballauer
-->Joined on 05-06-2001 Fort Worth, Texas Posts 3,184
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

Oh, one more thing. The control systems for both types are generally quite good, both very similar, and both equally frustrating. The choice between the Meade Autostar and Celestron Nexstar should be made by comfort level. In general, one doesn't offer unique capabilities when compared to the other. Some like Autostar, other like Nexstar.
As John said, the debate can get heated, and generally you'll have more Meade bashers than Celestron bashers. This is largely because of bad experiences in some of the cheaper Meade lines, and the subsequent need for support...which is where Meade often falls a few notches compared to Celestron.
jaywww.allaboutastro.com

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01-23-2007, 08:08 AM
-->Mark_S
-->Joined on 12-31-2005 Chapel Hill, NC Posts 88
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

I'm not a Meade fan. I'm going to break the silence and tell it like it is from my experience. I own a Meade LX6 from the 90's and back then it was constructed with high quality parts and gears...this is a great scope, but I don't believe you can find the same quality products today.
First let me say, their optics are good, but everything else seems to be sub-par for the following reasons:
1) They have horrible customer service-- that is, on many occasions I've been on the phone for > 1hour and still the call was dropped or the question was not answered. You better have lots of money for cell phone bill surprises.
2) I also have no faith in paying lots of cash for a scope that has internal plastic gears. One scope I owned (ETX) quickly had the internal gears "break" or were "loose." I payed a lot of cash for this scope. I believe that these scopes should be constructed with better quality internal gears.
3) I have no confidence in inaccurate GO-TO systems or long set-up times.
4) There's a feeling that they don't stand behind the products the make, so as one home-made telescope maker told me...it's kinda like buying a used scope. In other words, "good-luck --your own your own, baby." It would be adviseable to buy Sky Assurance...but be sure to read the fine print, because some plans don't cover the cost of shipping it to them.
5) This past Saturday, some one at our small 'star party' told me his Meade scope computer couldn't work < ~45 degrees. (How much sense is that for most observing conditions). He put heat pads around it to no avail... the temp was in the low 30's. After spending well over an hour setting up, the computer of course failed and he was unable to enjoy the evening. If you can't starhop, your'e outta luck. Being a recovered Meade junky, I was happy to know that with my dobsonian that I would have no trouble enjoying the pleasures of star-hopping and the simple pleasures of using my scope. I've renounced buying computer equipment that is sure to fail...
I've never bought a Celestron product, but with my experience over the last year with Meade products, I'm interested in checking their products out. I'm sure others may post their opinions of Celestron. Hopefully, the customer service and products are better.
I know I shall incur the wrath of the dedicated, but I believe that if we are going to fork out the $$$$ we should get a quality product and demand that. Astronomy is a hobby where even with the few clear nights that we do get, we should have stuff that works. It also makes me sad to see folks pay lots of money for expensive tripods and go-to when they could be getting aperture.
For these reasons, I cannot recommend a Meade telescope. I would consider other vendors.
Mark
Discovery 15" Truss Dobsonian (f/5)Orion 6" Skyquest XT (f/8)Meade 8" LX6 SCT (f/6)Orion Scenix 10x50 BinocularsMember of Chapel Hill Astronomical Observation Society (CHAOS), NC

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01-23-2007, 08:56 AM
-->tasco-60mm
-->Joined on 06-29-2006 alpha cygnuss II delta quadrant Posts 461
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

i shouldnt make this post, but i will since you havent bought a scope yet- my experience is with mid size EQ mounts- i wanted the LXD55 for the longest time- but the back order was ridiculous along with contacting meade- i finally bought the ASGT when it 1st came out- im now on my 2nd ASGT mount- celestron has been superb with my support and repair- the 2nd actually broke after using it 6 times- it was sent it to celestron and totally upgraded with motors/re-greasing/software/testing etc- it came back 'better' then new IMO- i never seen a RA axis swing to smoothly- i also had a CG5 type that needed an RA motor (user abuse)- -orion gave me absolutely no support in this at all, saying i need to buy a complete dual axis drive set-up, to me, this type of service is ridiculous -celestron sent me a replacement motor for my non-celestron mount, the ASGT is a better mount then what people think it is- much better then the LXD75's and other CG5 clones IMO-im computer stupid myself- and only wish i could ultilize the ASGT autoguider feature- but overall, i 'need' support and repair service- not yahoo groups- so ill stay with celestron for that reason- if none other- mind you, im not trying to bash the other scopes- you can see yourself great images through both scopes, i just went with what i considered the better support and service for my benefit
http://mo.forumup.us/ -- relaxed astro forum with the daily astro gameC9.25- ASGT 12" GSO dobWO66 ED C 6"SCT EQ5

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01-23-2007, 09:27 AM
-->Mark_S
-->Joined on 12-31-2005 Chapel Hill, NC Posts 88
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

Let me say, I don't want to be a Meade-basher. I do feel folks should know the facts. If folks have some positive experiences with Meade, post them here. Restore my confidence!!! Is this just the ETX and LX90's?
mark
Discovery 15" Truss Dobsonian (f/5)Orion 6" Skyquest XT (f/8)Meade 8" LX6 SCT (f/6)Orion Scenix 10x50 BinocularsMember of Chapel Hill Astronomical Observation Society (CHAOS), NC

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01-23-2007, 10:15 AM
-->Kevin Bozard
-->Joined on 01-14-2006 South Carolina Posts 1,109
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

I can't comment on Meade products other than the 114mm EQ which was the first scope I owned. Of course, it was a piece of junk from Walmart. I quickly rid myself of that one. I can comment on Celestron products however, because I own two of those. I have Celestron's 6" 150mm refractor on the CG-5 mount, and the 80ED refractor that piggybacks the 6". The only problem I have had was with the mount. The RA motor went out in it after less than a year of use. Contacting Celestron wasn't that hard for me. I got someone on the same day I began calling, though it did take a few times before getting through.
With Celestron, their repair policy states that you must pay for the shipping of the product to them, and for the return shipping once the product is repaired. It cost me about $75 to ship the mount to them, insured. I settled back for what I thought would be a long wait, but got my mount back within a weeks time and I did not have to pay the return shipping. Maybe that was because the mount was still covered under their 2 year warranty. The RA housing was broken during the return shipment, and I promptly notified Celestron. In three days, I received a new RA housing for replacement. Celestron's customer service went above and beyond in my case, and hopefully will continue to do so should I ever need them again.
Equipment (so far):Celestron C6R-GTCelestron C80mmED Orion Dobsonian XT10 ClassicCoronado Personal Solar Telescope Orion Starshoot Deep Space CCDPhilips SPC900NCTasco 7x35mm Bino (hey, don't laugh... they were free!) Beaufort, SC

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01-23-2007, 10:47 AM
-->tasco-60mm
-->Joined on 06-29-2006 alpha cygnuss II delta quadrant Posts 461
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

kevin, when i spoke with them, i told them i didnt want the expense of shipping in the whole mount- so they said just ship the head and hand controller- so it cost me $10 at FedEx to ship the mount head/hand control/ and all the cables/ ins was extra, but that only a couple bucks- it took acouple days to get the service by phone, but after that, the repair went rather quickly
http://mo.forumup.us/ -- relaxed astro forum with the daily astro gameC9.25- ASGT 12" GSO dobWO66 ED C 6"SCT EQ5

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01-23-2007, 05:26 PM
-->Headbanger51
-->Joined on 01-22-2007 Fort Walton Beach, FL Posts 84
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

Wow...great conversation and flow of information. Yeah, I guess the Celestron CPC is about more on par with the LX90 GPS from Meade. And let me tell you all...I spend more time on hold with companies (like my cable company) putting up with their belligerence that customer service makes all the difference in the world. I'm not passing judgement just yet, but it does make a difference. I've also read many posts/reviews about how Meade's gears are plastic and fail quickly, especially when its cold out (like, at NIGHT). I had thought about the Celestron SE single "fork" mount being inadequate for astrophotography due to excessive vibration/lack of sturdiness. Although astrophotography is going to be phase II of my venture...phase I being actually buying the scope and the absolute required accessories like a dew shield.
Has anyone had a good experience with Meade's support? I haven't heard anything good about it yet, although I have read good reviews.
Anyone had any other experiences with Meade or Celstron and their customer support?
Thanks for a great discussion!
- John
- JohnFort Walton Beach, FL

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01-23-2007, 05:39 PM
-->Headbanger51
-->Joined on 01-22-2007 Fort Walton Beach, FL Posts 84
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

Jay (and everyone),
Thanks for the response. Couple of things...looked at the CPC on telescopes.com and in the area where you can ask questions to telescopes.com staff someone did ask about the differences between the CPC and a Meade...the answer that came back was that for general viewing, they're six of one, half dozen of the other (to use your phrase ) but that for photography, the Meades are much better (he didn't elaborate as to why). Also, you mentioned that I'd have to get an equatorial wedge since the CPC comes with an altazimuth mount. I've never heard this before. Can you (or anyone else) explain why? One would think this would be a "recommended accessory" along with the obligatory astrophotography stuff that they always try and get you to buy with the scope.
Thanks!
- John
- JohnFort Walton Beach, FL

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01-23-2007, 06:27 PM
-->jballauer
-->Joined on 05-06-2001 Fort Worth, Texas Posts 3,184
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

John:
Although alt-az scope can track the stars for hours on end, some weird happens in the eyepiece or on the chip...the star rotate around the center of the field of view. This is something called "field rotation" and will show trails after 30 to 60 seconds of exposure time, depending on the focal length and area of the sky being imaged. For an article on this, see...
http://www.allaboutastro.com/Articlepages/fieldrotation.html
So, what you have to do is literally tilt the scope so that the fork arms point toward the north celestial pole, or near Polaris. This will take away the field rotation. The best way to do this is to place a "wedge" between the tripod and the scope itself. Celestron and Meade make wedges as accessories, but for an 8" scope, I'd recommend either the Meade Superwedge, or preferably, a wedge from either Mitty, Milburn, or Mettler. The latter wedge are more expensive ($500 or more), but worth it. The regular wedges for the 8" scopes by Meade and Celestron will work, but they are somewhat weak, and thus will oscillate a little bit...but for $150 or so, it's okay if you are budget conscious.
Many people avoid these issues and mount their SCT tubes on a German equatorial mount (GEM). The Celestron CGE-series is an example of this, and needless to say, it's a very nice setup. But that mount itself can cost as much as the whole CPC alone.
Curiously, you don't hear Meade and Celestron trying to sell wedges all that often. Lots of people are interested in long exposure imaging, so you'd think their market that a bit.
For lunar and planetary work, or shorter DSO images less than 30 second or so, there's no need for a wedge.
As far as Meade being better for astrophotography, that's largely an opinion, but scopes like the LX200 series have things like lock-down mirrors and electronic, zero-shift focusers as standard equipment...and this would certainly be a welcome addition to an imaging package - you'll most likely find yourself purchasing these items from a third-party vendor at some point, even on your Celestron.
However, the LX90 doesn't offer those features, so it gains nothing on the CPC in that regard. Both are equal when it comes to imaging.
Not many people are using the CPC for imaging, but that doesn't mean you can't do it...same as with the LX90, which has been around longer and probably has a larger user-base. However, Celestron tubes have been used for YEARS by thousands to produce all sorts of world-class images, so that shouldn't scare you away. But it's usually the accessories that determine if something is more equipped for imaging, or not.
jaywww.allaboutastro.com

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01-23-2007, 09:15 PM
-->Headbanger51
-->Joined on 01-22-2007 Fort Walton Beach, FL Posts 84
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

Thanks again for the info. Like I said, I think I'm going to spend the year acquainting myself with the sky with just a pair of binos and a star chart, then this time next year I'll get the scope I feel is best. I won't be getting into astrophotography until I've mastered my scope since that I'm finding out that that can be just as expensive as the scope...if not more so.
Does anyone have anything they'd recommend other than SCTs? It has to be a portable scope since my backyard is horrible...so a Dobsonian won't work. Thoughts?
- JohnFort Walton Beach, FL

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01-23-2007, 10:34 PM
-->Mark_S
-->Joined on 12-31-2005 Chapel Hill, NC Posts 88
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

Headbanger51 wrote:
Does anyone have anything they'd recommend other than SCTs? It has to be a portable scope since my backyard is horrible...so a Dobsonian won't work. Thoughts?
I, along with many others, would recommend dobsonians. They are very portable. I have a very portable grab-n-go 6" and a very portable 15" truss dob. Dobs give you more aperture/solid mounting at low cost and up until 8-10" (depending on your strength) the solid tubes are quite portable. Above 10" truss dobs are very portable (discovery, obsession, starmaster, and yes, even meade).
I am so happy with my scopes and love observing more than ever now. It is all about simplicty and enjoyment of the sky. Personally, I work in IT during the day, so it's nice when I get out in the sky to forget about techonology for awhile. Astronomy for me needs to be unplugged (except for dewzappers) and that's why I enjoy dobs. Finally, I enjoy starhopping vs. pushing a button and hoping if you are lucky the object is there. It's learning and knowing the sky vs. not knowing the sky... for me, dobs+starhopping = happiness
Discovery 15" Truss Dobsonian (f/5)Orion 6" Skyquest XT (f/8)Meade 8" LX6 SCT (f/6)Orion Scenix 10x50 BinocularsMember of Chapel Hill Astronomical Observation Society (CHAOS), NC

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01-24-2007, 08:26 AM
-->Mark_S
-->Joined on 12-31-2005 Chapel Hill, NC Posts 88
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

Also...
For Dobs: There's nothing like having more aperture and having the ability to put in your short focal length eyepieces and still get a bright image as you see planetary nebulas/globulars up close. Dobs give us the opportunity to see more detail and a brighter image for less money.
For example, to buy a Meade scope at 16" (has to be permanently mounted) would be in the ~$10,000 range verses a Meade (Lightbridge) Truss 16" Dob (that's portable) that will cost $2000.
Not to sound contradictory, but I guess I would be open to buying a Meade truss dob for that kind of money as long as I replaced the focuser and painted the metallic truss bars.
Let me say again, buying a telescope is completely an individual decision. We recommend to join an astronomy club to see all the different kinds of scopes out there. For example, I was wary at first at buying anything but a SCT or refractor. I assumed that a Dob was a terrible scope, but until a friend in my club let me borrow his 12.5" dob, I completely changed my mind. There was no turning back for me. I felt like I had complete control of the telescope since the motions were so intuitive and natural (left-right, up-down)... and the views were amazing. In that dark sky, the Trifid looked like a black and white photograph.
Just something to think about as you consider your alternatives.
Discovery 15" Truss Dobsonian (f/5)Orion 6" Skyquest XT (f/8)Meade 8" LX6 SCT (f/6)Orion Scenix 10x50 BinocularsMember of Chapel Hill Astronomical Observation Society (CHAOS), NC

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01-24-2007, 11:46 AM
-->Headbanger51
-->Joined on 01-22-2007 Fort Walton Beach, FL Posts 84
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

I guess I was under the impression that dobs were too big to really transport effectively. I have thought about a dob a lot though...TKerr on this site has recommended them as a great first scope and I'm kinda starting to agree with him on that, even though I like the idea of GOTO and autotracking. I would like to get into astrophotography and, correct me if I'm wrong, a dobsonian would not be good for that...I'd have to get a new scope. But because of the huge aperture for the low $$$, I've been really considering a dobsonian. Again, though, I think I'm going to get a nice pair of binos and a star chart for the next year and get what is appropriate for the cash I have saved up around this time next year. I do plan on joining the local astronomy club...oddly enough, one has been hard to find around the Ft Walton Beach, FL area. Strange considering the island just off shore in the gulf has an observatory about every two miles.
- JohnFort Walton Beach, FL

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01-24-2007, 12:25 PM
-->Mark_S
-->Joined on 12-31-2005 Chapel Hill, NC Posts 88
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

hi again,
Dobs are not for astrophotography, but some obsession telescope truss dob owners with tracking are able to do some good photos....this is way too expensive.
Consider this approach:
1) Binos (your wise current plan). Good books: 365 nights, starware, astronomy hacks
2) a beginner scope get a 6-8" dob first as a starter scope. Look at this as an investment you will keep for a long time. It is portable so you can grab-it-and-go.
3) 2nd scope depends on what "specialty" you want to "major".
a) astrophotography-- a good mount and SCT (or refractor) that doesn't have to be large in aperture. (i'm not an astrophotographer so i'll defer here to the pros).
b) observing-- get the most aperture you can i) afford, ii) carry. Consider getting Orion dobs which have good dobs 10" and up, but the 12" is really heavy since it's solid-tube. That's why > 10" I recommend Truss-dobs from other vendors. Anything higher than 12" is going to need some time to save some cash flow... in considering aperture, think about how much you want to pack up at 2am in the morning including your gear. You want something quick and easy to set up and tear down.
In my case, I went with Discovery TRUSS dobs since they have the best prices for the aperture, and a 15" since I have a mid-size sedan, a condo on the 2nd floor w/ elevator, and I don't want to carry more than 50 lbs on a dolly. The transport and setup is easy.
Meade has a 16" truss dob, has a great price and should be easy to transport. you'll have to check the weight. The premium Truss dobs like starmaster and obsession have wheelbarrow wheels you can add with the purchase so they are really easy to wheel around. You would need at least a SUV for 18" and up. These scopes are pricey. www.obsession-telescopes.com or www.starmastertelescopes.com Take a look at the obsession sight and compare the views of M13 with different apertures. Consider getting them to email you their DVD. you'll learn about these amazing scopes from this DVD. I have a friend how owns a Starmaster 20" with tracking and it's a dream scope. the views are spectacular. It's cool to think you can reach scope apertures that rival some astronomy departments. My other friend built his own 25" scope and it is 1 inch bigger than the UNC Department of Astronomy's observatory at Morehead Planetarium! It's really fun to go to dark sky sites, set up scopes and discover for yourself the wonders of the heavens.
Just a plan to consider as you look at scope choices now and in the future. Bottom-line start small, learn the sky, and if you take the observing route get the most aperture you can afford and carry.
Mark
Discovery 15" Truss Dobsonian (f/5)Orion 6" Skyquest XT (f/8)Meade 8" LX6 SCT (f/6)Orion Scenix 10x50 BinocularsMember of Chapel Hill Astronomical Observation Society (CHAOS), NC

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01-24-2007, 05:07 PM
-->Headbanger51
-->Joined on 01-22-2007 Fort Walton Beach, FL Posts 84
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

What's the main difference between truss dobs and regular dobs. I mean, I know the obvious difference, but what advantages does a truss dob have over a regular dob? And does a truss dob that has a covering (like a black nylon sheet or something) have a disadvantage to a regular dob? I'm just curious since I've seen pictures of people with truss dobs, some with covers, some without, and there is usually a price difference between a truss dob and a regular dob. Hopefully I didn't sound like too much of an idiot on this one.
- JohnFort Walton Beach, FL

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01-24-2007, 05:56 PM
-->Mark_S
-->Joined on 12-31-2005 Chapel Hill, NC Posts 88
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

Headbanger51 wrote:
What's the main difference between truss dobs and regular dobs. I mean, I know the obvious difference, but what advantages does a truss dob have over a regular dob? And does a truss dob that has a covering (like a black nylon sheet or something) have a disadvantage to a regular dob? I'm just curious since I've seen pictures of people with truss dobs, some with covers, some without, and there is usually a price difference between a truss dob and a regular dob. Hopefully I didn't sound like too much of an idiot on this one. Actually these are GREAT questions. I love to share what I've learned from mistakes I've made so others can avoid mistakes. Also remember I'll probably be accused of giving you aperture fever but think of this as future planning... with that said... Truss dobs for LARGER scopes make them easy to transport. Therefore, a smaller scope like my solid tube Orion Dob XT6 is easy to lift the whole thing and has no need for truss tubes. However, the XT12 is a solid tube and is like lifting a large water heater. I would need a larger vehicle to transport it and some muscles. If you, instead, have a 12" truss dob, you can have the "rocker box" and "mirror box", poles, and the upper cage all seperated and easy to throw it in a mid-size car. Remember that my 15" mirror box is ~ 50 lbs and is somewhat heavy, so I use a small dolly and carry it to my mid-size sedan...but it's worth it because the views are sweet. Remember when I said the 6"-8" could be an investment? It is a great investment, because I use it most of the time, esp. during the week. I just grab it to look at the moon or a DSO and quickly come back inside. I use the 15" about once every new moon at a dark sky site. The shroud (the nylon sheet) is nice to have because a) it looks cool :) , b) blocks ambient light, c) MAY prevent some dewing of the secondary mirror. I also use my shroud to keep my wires coming from my eypiece dew zappers organized and out of the way. However, a shroud is NOT essential. Mark
Discovery 15" Truss Dobsonian (f/5)Orion 6" Skyquest XT (f/8)Meade 8" LX6 SCT (f/6)Orion Scenix 10x50 BinocularsMember of Chapel Hill Astronomical Observation Society (CHAOS), NC

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01-24-2007, 08:34 PM
-->Headbanger51
-->Joined on 01-22-2007 Fort Walton Beach, FL Posts 84
Re: Meade vs. Celestron -- Choice for first scope

I had aperture fever awhile ago. Incidentally, of all the dobs I looked at, the 12.5" Discovery looked the most well-made as opposed to the Celestron and especially the Meade. People had some bad things to say about the Meade, mixed in with the usual good...and I give most reviews a little skepticism since most people tend to review only when there is negative and they really try and hit those points home which makes it sound worse than it is. But sometimes the negative (and the positive) is right on the money. Anyway, the Discovery dob looked very nice and very well made. How do you like your Discovery 15"?
- JohnFort Walton Beach, FL

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