Meade 7" LX200GPS... is it a good scope?

I am curious .. . does anyone have an opinion on the Meade 7" LX200GPS Mak-Cass Scope. Anyone here ever used one? My research suggests that the optical quality... especially contrast is better that the 8"LX200 GPS SCT. I would really like to be able to compare both scopes.

I know the 7" is more expensive that the 8" (around the price of a 10" LX200GPS SCT)


Opinions welcome.

Liam

Apparently it's very good.
Whether it's worth the price is another question. Depends on whether you want to have it portable or not. The 10" would be a good bit bigger and bulkier although would have better light grasp. Not sure what the weight difference is. Only concern I'd have is the focal ratio which is around f/15ish. You've have a fiarly narrow field of view. This would be great for planets but a little bit tight for DSOs. I find that even my 8" f/10 is a little tight. For DSOs I usually use the focal reducer for bring it fown to f/6.3.
Clear skies,

Thanks for the reply and Information...


Would a focal reducer be an option with the 7"?

What about tihe Mak Cas optics. I understand the format. Is it superior to SCT? I know light gathering is better due to smaller secondary mirror
Liam

I reckon you would need one alright. My understand it that the standard LX focal reducer will fit it.

Excellent (as Mr. Burns would say)


One last question.... Is the MCT optical system superior to SCT?


Liam

I am curious .. . does anyone have an opinion on the Meade 7" LX200GPS Mak-Cass Scope. Anyone here ever used one? My research suggests that the oprical quality... especially contrast is better that the 8"LX200 GPS SCT. I would really like to be able to compare both scopes.

I know the 7" is more expensive that the 8" (around the price of a 10" LX200GPS SCT)


Opinions welcome.

Liam

liam,
i cannot comment on the mak but it is supposed to be better than the sct. having said that i own the lx200gps that i recently got and from at least the one i have i can say it is a very good scope. it is not too heavy either. the mount is also pretty solid even at full height. all in all i am very pleased with it. pity about the weather though , haven't got much use of it.
stephen.