Re: [APML]: LX-50-astrophotography?

[cvedeler@bio2.edu (Chris Vedeler)]

The Astro-Photography Mailing List
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At 01:51 PM 7/23/98 EDT, you wrote:
>The Astro-Photography Mailing List
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>
>In a message dated 98-07-23 08:34:54 EDT, you write:
>
><< My "beef" with Meade and Celestron scopes is they substitute electronics
> for good machining in thier mounts.  You can achive some great results
> doing piggy back work with Meade and Celestron 8" SCT's, but prime focus
> work is another problem altogether.  Not only will the mounts not be up to
> snuff, but the classic problem with these scopes is mirror shift your
> exposure is taking place.  >>

This is just plan silly.  There are plenty of awesome prime focus
astrophotos taken through Meade and Celestron SCT's.  If one can track with
arc second and even sub arc second accuracy it doesn't matter if its because
it is machined nearly perfectly, if the electronics can compensate for the
defects in the drives, a CCD autoguider can compensate for the defects in
the electronics and the drive, or even if you can manually crank the RA with
a screw driver. The only thing that matters is that the scope tracks well
enough for the length of the exposure to have pin point stars at prime
focus.  I'll grant that having  exceptionally well made mount and drive
system makes life easier in general, but not everyone wants to spend that
kind of money.

 The mirror shift problem with SCT's is not that big of a deal when guiding
off axis.  It can also be dramatically reduced if the mirror is locked down
during the exposure.

Both Meade and Celestron are making telescopes for the mass market.  They
are going for the most "bang for the buck".  In my opinion the LX200 at only
about $3000 for the 10" is an exceptional "bang for the buck".  An
Astrophysics APO and their top of the line mount would be a much better
setup, but at 3 or 4 times the price of the LX200.  If you can afford it, I
say more power to you.  But let's not knock Meade and Celestron for making
this hobby more affordable by using technology.

Chris Vedeler
http://www.isomedia.com/homes/cvedeler/space.htm
Tucson, AZ