I am probably going to be getting a telescope sometime in the not too distant future, and was looking for a little final advice. I've already decided on going with a Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain, but was just trying to decide on which model to go with.

I had been contemplating between getting an 8" LX90 and an 8" LX200, but I also noticed that the LXD55 SC-8 also is a GO-TO scope and supposedly has the same optics as the LX200. And for a price of $1195, didn't sound like a bad deal.

I've also read that the choice between between the LX90 and the LX200 depends quite a bit on if you plan on getting into serious astrophotography or not. But it's unlikely that I would ever choose to spend the big bucks on astrophotography, and was thinking of going the not-so-expensive route of someday getting a digital camera and just taking some planetary photos. I plan to do mostly in-town planetary viewing, but would get out of town on occasion to do some deep sky observing.

So, my questions are:
1. For what I am planning to use my telescope for, would the LXD55 suit my needs just as well as the LX90, or is the LX90 worth the extra $300?
2. Would the LX200 just be overkill for what I am planning to use it for? Or would you still suggest it?

Any advice you can give me would be a great help. I'm close to making a decision, I just need a little more advice from someone with first-hand experience. Thanks!

• SC-8" choices - danieldgj - June 3, 2003 - 02:48 UTC