Hi Bob,
Yes the LX200 is pretty much set up for just about anything I can imagine in astronomy. I'm suprised you haven't purchasesd a CCD yet. The cost is considerable though, particularly if you get a good one. My next purchase after the telescope will be a CCD. I have been doing considerable research on them. The Meades (as usual) seem to be the best for the dollar. And perhaps just best all around. I'm kind of torn between the 216XT, and the 416XTE though. The 1616 (I think it is called), is just too far beyond my budget. I've been told (by the salesman) to save my money and when ready, get the 416. Like always, I just want to do this once. The 416 is much faster, and has a larger chip, though I believe the photo quality between the two is equal. I like the real time attributes of the 416.

Any thoughts on this?

My girl friend (who is my ex wife) thinks that if I get the CCD, that I should also get the color filter system. She is probably right, though it costs as much as the 216. The technology is pretty incredible. The pixles tell the filter system which color to put up, and for how long. Pretty neat.

Robert Koenig
Lake Tahoe CA

• Can't help much there - bobsal - November 16, 2001 - 13:38 UTC
  • Understandable - robertko2 - November 17, 2001 - 08:48 UTC
    • ccd with the 12" - jvbum14 - December 31, 2001 - 20:28 UTC
      • Too late Jeremy - robertko2 - January 1, 2002 - 20:02 UTC