I've had the ETX70 for a while and want more (at a reasonably price). I eventually want to perform CCD astrophotography with the Meade 216XT and 616 color wheel. Is it feasable to find a scope capable of CCD at around $1500.

The new SC-8 looks to be a great deal. Also what about the LDX-55 Schmidt-Newtonians? Are they capable of CCD imaging?

I know (by reading the posts on this site) that the scope of choice is the LX200 but I'd like not to have to pay over $2000.

In reading Meade's materials, I'm supposedly able to use any "...telescope mounted on Meade LXD 650 or 750 equatorial mounts, provided the mounts are equipped with the Meade #1697 Computer Drive System." Also, according to Meade, using the 216XT with Meade scopes is supposed to be very easy. Is this true?

Thanks, jim

• See the Sky & Telescope reviews - danieldgj - November 27, 2002 - 02:51 UTC