Question for dennilfloss (and anyone else) about telescopes.

[IBhacknU]

Comparing the Meade ETX-125EC Telescope to the Meade ETX-90EC Telescope

Are the benefits of the bigger scope worth the extra $300? Would the money be better spent on lenses and accessories?

With either one, I will get a tripod, a case, and the Autostar controller.

ETX-125EC
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004SPCH/

ETX-90EC
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K3RI/

also, I'm sure I can get these scopes for less elsewhere, or even a better scope for the same amount of money. I will be using Amazon.com gift certificates, so I am limiting myself to what they carry.

 

[dennilfloss]

First of all, forget the 500x magnification. Due to optics and the atmosphere, you can expect around 300x with the 125 on a night of near perfect seeing. I very rarely need to go above this with my 8" Celestar. With twice the light-gathering capability, the 125 will be better suited for deep-sky observing, particularly of planetary nebulae and it will give you more details on planetary observations like festoons in the cloud belts of Jupiter. However, it is a much heftier beast than the 90 if portability is a major concern. I doubt that you can get better scopes for the same price and I doubt you should be able to get the 125 for less money. Profit on scopes is like that on computers, the margin is quite small for the reseller to play with.

If money is no object and you are serious, then I'd go for the 125 over the 90. It is more versatile and you won't outgrow it. On the other hand, I have seen second-hand 90s advertised for $370 (telescopes have a good resale value in general). You should get a 2x apochromatic barlow lens and a 18-15 mm plossl to complement your scope.

Here's the best store in Canada and they ship to the US too. You can email them and they can work out a satisfying package deal for you. They are very good at answering questions and their service is second to none. Plus they star check every telescope before they ship it, so you can be sure not to get a lemon with merely adequate optics.

http://www.focusscientific.com

Fly By Night (Rush)

 

[IBhacknU]

thanks for all the info. I do have to think about moving the thing around for now at least. I don't have a dedicated space for it (yet!) I am in the process of designing a custom house. While I'd love to design some sort of observatory, or roof type place to mount this, I think the backyard will end up being the best.

ALL IN GOOD TIME!

I will see what the wallet can support and post my 'excitement' in a few months when I get back from Europe (and decide which to order).

P.S. (dennilfloss) - when you get that chance to visit Maui, do let me know. As you seem to truly enjoy the heavens, I'd be happy to take you and whatever I get up to the top of Haleakala (10,000ft) for some gazing at the skies.

 

[dennilfloss]

Hehe. If I win the lottery, I'll make sure to go to Maui and let you know!

Desperately Wanting (Better Than Ezra)