Well, I'd like to tell you to get the 10", but it does weigh 60 lbs. If you have a back problem you may have a problem with that. I know a guy 71 yrs old can't lift his anymore. He comes to my house all the time now and we observe with my scope together. Not sure the weight of the 8", I've seen it and it's small compaired to the 10" & 12". I don't know anyone with an LX200 that is unhappy with it. They work great. The optics are great and in my experience Meade is helpful if you have a problem. I've only seen one LX90 for a short time. It's the same OTA so optics is not a question here. Of course the LX200 is the new GPS version, I have the old version, haven't seen a new one yet. If you compair the specifications you get more options with the LX200. It's ready for computer ports, CCD camera and other stuff. I've also seen the 7" Mak. It's not just a little longer focal length it's f/15. It has about the same focal length as the 12". Very high magnification. But you know, you have a 5" mak already, it's only 2" bigger. The 8" is only one inch bigger than that. You should really have a specific reason to want a 7" Mak. It's a real nice scope though. You would be happy with any of these. I'd go with the 8" LX200 (unless you can handle the 10"), it's a reliable scope and you can expand with it. It leaves you a little money for extras.
That's it;
BOB SAL

• Meade LX90 or LX200 GPS - rjugo - April 17, 2002 - 21:22 UTC