Meade 8" LX200R

[VinSnr]

First time tried the 8" LX200R OTA that I have kept for months.

Damn....this thing is sharp!! I was using a 2-speed WO crayford with it and you can slowly snap in with good sharpness during focus. I could hardly get such sharpness from a SCT.

I didn't expect much from it (probably that's why I am not motivated to use it for months) because I thought it will be another SCT. But wow.....you can really see the difference!

And that's with collimation a little out (I still haven't figure how to collimate this thing. It has 6 screws)). But the sharpness is noticable. Very refractor-like, but obviously contrast may not be as good. But with 8" of light gathering power and good sharpness, it's not that bad.

You guys should try it. It's very good.

[ariefm71]

I wonder how the off-axis sharpness, contrast, and sky background blackness of this Advanced SCT compared to a well-made 8" f/12 Maksutov.

[VinSnr]

I wonder how the off-axis sharpness, contrast, and sky background blackness of this Advanced SCT compared to a well-made 8" f/12 Maksutov.

Never seen a 8" Mak before (never have the luck neither willing to splash out the $$$). But I own a Intes-Micro 6" f/10 Mak before and I would have to go with the LX200R. The Intes-Micro is sharper than a SCT, but doesn't give me the wow feeling like a refractor. I think the next one which t is also very sharp is the 5" Mak-Newt.

Probably also because of the dual speed crayford which really squeezes out the sharpness for the LX200R.

In the SCT, you just can't get the star to the "fineness" that you want. For the LX200R, the star just keep going smaller and tighter till it is really fine. I think if you use a SCT and a refractor a lot, you will know what I mean.

For contrast and sky background, I think this one mainly depends on the central obstruction. if the obstruction is about the same size, then I think contrast should be more or less the same although I believe the mirror of the 8" Mak should be better. I think contrast-wise it should be hardly noticable if both central obstruction is around the same under our skies.

[Airconvent]

Vince Snr
Now to wait for you to grow tired of it and sell it off at half price!

But seriously, can't wait to check it out too....when you obbing again??

[deric]

First time tried the 8" LX200R OTA that I have kept for months.

Damn....this thing is sharp!! I was using a 2-speed WO crayford with it and you can slowly snap in with good sharpness during focus. I could hardly get such sharpness from a SCT.

I didn't expect much from it (probably that's why I am not motivated to use it for months) because I thought it will be another SCT. But wow.....you can really see the difference!

And that's with collimation a little out (I still haven't figure how to collimate this thing. It has 6 screws)). But the sharpness is noticable. Very refractor-like, but obviously contrast may not be as good. But with 8" of light gathering power and good sharpness, it's not that bad.

You guys should try it. It's very good.

It really a good optic and i very happy with it too . :D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[Robin Lee]

VinSnr, the collimation screws are the inner screws. Where do you get your OTA? What's the mount that you are mounting it on?

Deric, where do you get your scope?

I am so eager to find out the source as the Irvine facility stopped producing.