doug76
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 2554
Loc: SE Louisiana
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Whether you have one or not, what model/size is the one you would want, and why.
Doug
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Doug
The Truckstop Astronomer
Meade 12" Lightbridge/Dob Driver II
Celestron C6 SCT
Celestron C6R/Moonlight focuser
Celestron XLT150
Astro-Tech AT80EDT
Celestron CG5-ASGT, CG-4
Celestron Nexstar SE (large)
Meade SWA 34mm
Televue Panoptic 24mm
Pentax XW 10mm, 7mm
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Astro-Tech AT66ED
Celestron Nexstar SE (small)
Televue Plossl 32mm
Smart Astronomy Solar System 14.5mm
BO/TMB Planetary 9mm, 7mm, 5mm, 4mm, 3.2mm, 2.5mm
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Zebra24601
Postmaster
Reged: 10/09/05
Posts: 7198
Loc: San Gabriel Valley, CA 91770
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I've got what I want. If I could have gotten one with Starbight XLT coatings, that would have been nice, too. But, for now, I'm quite satisfied with the C11.
I couldn't handle anything larger, and already have an 8" Meade. No point for me in going smaller than 8", since the 8" is already plenty portable.
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Zebra24601
Meade 8" SCT w/UHTC * Celestron 100ED * Celestron C11 * Barska 15x70 binoculars
Meade LXD55 mount * Orion Sirius goto mount * Bushnell Voyager 4.5" Compact Reflector
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Bob Griffiths
Post Laureate
Reged: 10/10/05
Posts: 4130
Loc: Frederick Maryland
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I own both a 8i and a CPC1100 ...
Doug...I traveled (like you do not know what that means as you drive an over the road tractor trailer) the last 2 years before I retired and I NEEDED..a light weight scope to keep n the trunk of my car...I ended up buying an 8i in 2001 ..for what I call its EXTREME PORTABILITY...that scope lived for 2 years in the trunk of my car 24/7 ..and today is on a pier inside my observatory but will be yanked as soon as my new pier comes in for the CPC1100 then it will revert back to my traveling scope for star parties...)
Top be honest IF I were buying today I would have to
really look at the 6Se to see how much smaller/lighter the entire package is then the 8Se after using the 8i mostly from motel parking lots for 2 years DSO's were not frequent targets so the 6 would have worked as well for me as the 8 did ..but there was no 6" scope when I bought mine..
Bob G.
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CPC1100
Nexstar 8i + GPS & Rays Brackets
Denk S1 power switch
Orion 100 mm Refractor
Meade LXD 55 ...AR-5 127 mm Refractor
Exploradome Observatory S.I.E. (Smiling Irish Eyes)
39*21'03" N
77*28'12" W
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RAKing
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 12/28/07
Posts: 803
Loc: Virginia
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I have a C11, C925, and two C6s (long story). 
Of these three, the best overall is the C925. It has the sharpest view and best contrast for me.
I also love my C11, but there are many nights where I am too tired to lug it outside. The 925 is a tick lighter (about 8 pounds) and this makes a lot of difference sometimes.
I bought the C6 as a traveling scope, then found all my trips cancelled. No biggie - I like staying at home.
Ron
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Time spent looking at the stars is added to your life.
"Hi Def" TV-102
C925-CF SCT "Time Machine II"
Orion XT10i / Moonlite CR2
GM-8 GEM / A-P Portable Pier
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David Pavlich
Postmaster
Reged: 05/18/05
Posts: 6502
Loc: Mandeville, LA USA 30.38 X 90....
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C14. I've owned one. Simply the best scope I've ever owned.
David
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A few scopes and mounts.
Proud Member; PAS NOLA,
Life expectancies would go WAY up if green vegetables smelled like bacon...
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Sirquack
super member
Reged: 05/03/08
Posts: 141
Loc: Iowa
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I love my 1100, so I own what I picked. 
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CPC 1100 XLT
8" DIY DOB
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bob midiri
super member
Reged: 06/17/04
Posts: 145
Loc: pa 19320
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I have an Ultima C9.25, and its the best SCT optically I ever owned, and that included a Meade 2120LX3, a meade 8,10, and 12"'LX200 Classic, also had an Ultima 8" (a close second on optics), and a classic orange C8. Bob Midiri
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Homemade 16"F6.5 dob
Celestron Ultima 9.25
Celestron/Vixen Flourite 102F8.8 w Moonlight focuser
Celestron C6RGT w DS moonlight focuser
Cave 10"F6 Super Chrome deluxe
C80ED F7.5
Skywatcher PRO ED 120 w W.O dual speed rotatable focuser
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RogerRZ
Whatta you lookin' at?
Reged: 01/09/06
Posts: 2130
Loc: West Collette, NB, Canada
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A C14 on an AP1200.
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-Roger Pitre-
1 X 7 binocular
Meade 2080 LX10
5" Celestron SCT
Skywatcher Equinox 66
Starblast OTA
EQ6 Pro mount (spiffed up with ADM stuff)
8X42 Bushnell binos (pretty decent for 25$)
Canon Rebel XT (AKA 350D)
Starshoot autoguider
Tolerant Spousal Unit (AKA The Lovely Mrs. RogerRZ)
----------AJP Observatory----------
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Al Canarelli
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/06/07
Posts: 1539
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I've owned every Celestron SCT bigger than and including the C-6 except the C-9.25. The easy winner is...
The C-14...and I still own it! It seems to be getting heavier with time, but I'm far from ready to give it up yet. One hour under really dark skies with a C-14 will make you a believer. 
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letimotif
no complaints
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 1069
Loc: Far Flung Isles of Langerhans
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Used to have a C9.25 and enjoyed it.
Eyes got older, images got dimmer, hence the CPC 1100.
No regrets.
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Celestron CPC 1100
Celestron C6R-GT
Orion 120ST
B&L Banner Astro 80mm
Astro Telescopes 'tis a mystery 80mm ED
Sundry Oddments
Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a Heaven for?
Ad astra per aspera
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Mark Costello
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/08/05
Posts: 992
Loc: Matthews, NC, USA
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I've considered this off and on for a couple of years while "window shopping" for a companion scope for my 4" achro. At this time, I'd pick the C8S-GT. I like the combination (or compromise) of aperture, portability, and ergonomics. I also like having my OTAs on a GEM. I've thought of the C9.25S-GT but my concern is that it might be a bit heavy. Also, I've even looked at the C6S-GT but there I'm afraid that there might be too much overlap between its performance and that of my 4" achro refractor.
I remember about 40 years ago drooling over the ads in Sky & Telescope for the old C8 from Celestron Pacific.
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Mark Costello
Matthews, NC
Wife, son, three daughters, two dogs, ... and
Souped up & Tuned Burgess 102mm refractor on a CG5 & Celestron 7X35's
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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1485
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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Quote:
One hour under really dark skies with a C-14 will make you a believer.
One hour under ANY sky with a C14 will make you a believer! lol
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~jon
SparkCast Ustream
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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doug76
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 2554
Loc: SE Louisiana
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Yeah, I posted this, figuring one day, when I'm no longer driving, or driving as much, I would get myself down to 2-3 scopes, likely the 6" f/8 I already own (unless they finally achieve an Apo that size that's affordable), and an SCT, likely much larger. I have heard many great things about the C11, but since I will have my scopes permanently mounted in an observatory by then, a C14 looks mighty tasty. As for traveling constantly with an SCT, how did that work out for you, Mr. Bob Griffiths? I have considered taking my 5" SCT on the road with me. Would like your insight, and anyone else's who has traveled a lot with an SCT. Any problems?
Doug
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insinu8
sage
Reged: 01/22/08
Posts: 344
Loc: Sunnyvale, CA
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I'm on the fence about this. I have a c9.25 and I love it. I got it because of my concern with mirror flop in the 11's and larger. Would I like to have a c11 or 14? Of course! But I like my 9.25 because it fits just right on my dual Alt-Az mount with my 120ST Anything larger wouldn't work.
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Christopher
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AT66ED
ED80
120ST (Moonlit)
NP127is
TMB 130SS
MN55 (Moonlit)
150MCT
TEC160ED (DOB: 11.06.08)
SN8
MN86
C9.25 (Moonlit)
XT10 Dob
Obsession 18"UC
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doug76
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 2554
Loc: SE Louisiana
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Well, I will allow that if I was forced to have just one scope, and no more, the 9.25" would be on my short list, no doubt.
Doug
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RAKing
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 12/28/07
Posts: 803
Loc: Virginia
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My C925 thinks it's a Mak. 
Sure, I wish it was a little bigger - okay a LOT bigger. I also wish I was a LOT younger, too.
Ron
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Time spent looking at the stars is added to your life.
"Hi Def" TV-102
C925-CF SCT "Time Machine II"
Orion XT10i / Moonlite CR2
GM-8 GEM / A-P Portable Pier
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Zoomster
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/30/05
Posts: 668
Loc: Tampa FL
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I bought my Celestron CPC 1100 because it is a chick magnet..
(ducking frying pan...)
Uh, because it is the biggest I could buy and sill carry around reasonably well and the goto is wicked.
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Celestron CPC 1100 aka "The Marino"
Moonlite Dual Rate Focuser
WO Dielecric Diagonal
Denkmeier "Big Easy" Binos and assorted eyepieces.
Coranado PST
SPC900NC...not modded...yet. (eh-eh)
Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?
Epicurus
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doug76
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 2554
Loc: SE Louisiana
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The answer to your signature, not that I want to go off topic, and this is all I'll say, is he gave us free will, and evil stems from man, not God. His is not the blame.
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Psyire
sage
Reged: 06/24/07
Posts: 353
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I've owned the 8SE and now own the CPC11.
I perfer the C11, as it definately shows more detail.
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Celestron CPC 1100 XLT, Sky-Watcher Equinox 80ED
TV 31T5-Nagler, 8&13mm-Ethos
EarthWin Binoviewers w/ 24mm Panoptics
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kfred
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/11/03
Posts: 2000
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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I would have say, the Celestron 6" SCT. Very portable, easy to use, the right price...
Fred
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River Cam - Cambridge England
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tim53
sage
Reged: 12/17/04
Posts: 317
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Quote:
My C925 thinks it's a Mak.
I have a NS925 and a good ol' orange tube c-8. Both great scopes, but the 925 has noticeably better contrast. For planets, I wish I had gotten the C-11, as it takes up no more room than the 925 (space is the issue, not weight, since I don't move it). I don't think a c-14 would fit.
Quote:
I also wish I was a LOT younger, too.
Ron
You were!
I've always been old, however.
-Tim. 
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"We`re just waiting looking skyward as the days come down.
Someone promised there`d be answers, if we stayed around."
-Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, "The Romance of the Telescope"
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HendyPhoto
Sith Lord
Reged: 08/09/06
Posts: 1485
Loc: Bountiful, Utah
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I wish the 9.25 was hyperstar compatible! If it was, that would be my choice of SCT, PERIOD!
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~jon
SparkCast Ustream
CGE1400XLT w/HyperStar
90FD 66SD C6-R SN-8
CPC1100XLT Hutech 20D
Manny-Mod Vixen Porta
Mallincam MCHP
SPC900NC
CG-5 GT
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity;
and I'm not sure about the universe." --Albert Einstein
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bobhen
super member
Reged: 06/25/05
Posts: 112
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Doug76,
SCTs are all about getting a decent size aperture into a compact OTA. So:
If portability is a real issue - get a C8
If portability is not an issue - get a C11 (I’ve had one for 8 years)
If you have an observatory - get a C14
General statements - sure, but you get the idea.
Bob
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Zoomster
professor emeritus
Reged: 01/30/05
Posts: 668
Loc: Tampa FL
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Cool, I prefer to live in a rational world.
To each his/her own.
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Celestron CPC 1100 aka "The Marino"
Moonlite Dual Rate Focuser
WO Dielecric Diagonal
Denkmeier "Big Easy" Binos and assorted eyepieces.
Coranado PST
SPC900NC...not modded...yet. (eh-eh)
Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?
Epicurus
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doug76
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 2554
Loc: SE Louisiana
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Quote:
Doug76,
SCTs are all about getting a decent size aperture into a compact OTA. So:
If portability is a real issue - get a C8
If portability is not an issue - get a C11 (I’ve had one for 8 years)
If you have an observatory - get a C14
General statements - sure, but you get the idea.
Bob
Good statements, I would say, and I do get the idea.
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doug76
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 2554
Loc: SE Louisiana
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Quote:
Cool, I prefer to live in a rational world.
To each his/her own.
Yes, to each his/her own, and it is entirely rational.
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Bob D
super member
Reged: 05/24/08
Posts: 118
Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA
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It was very close for me between the CPC 925 and the 1100. After looking at many planetary and lunar photos by expert users of both, I went with the slightly lighter 925. I haven't always been old, but I've been approaching it more quickly in recent years.
I had also heard that the atypical primary and secondary focal lengths made the 925 somewhat less sensitive to perfect collimation than the other f/10 Celestron SCTs. I still don't know if this is true, but it sounded good at the time.
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Bob
CPC 925 XLT
JMI EV-1c + Smart Focus
TV Everbrite 2" diagonal
TV 3x Barlow and a few eyepieces
Orion SSSSI-II
Canon 450D/XSi, D60, and many lenses
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Bob D
super member
Reged: 05/24/08
Posts: 118
Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA
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I forgot to mention that, in different circumstances, I would choose a Celestron 14" CGE. What would make the difference would be living at a nice, unobstructed, dark sky site with room for permanent mounting in an observatory!
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Bob
CPC 925 XLT
JMI EV-1c + Smart Focus
TV Everbrite 2" diagonal
TV 3x Barlow and a few eyepieces
Orion SSSSI-II
Canon 450D/XSi, D60, and many lenses
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Patrick
Postmaster
Reged: 05/16/03
Posts: 6778
Loc: Franklin, Ohio
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Quote:
Whether you have one or not, what model/size is the one you would want, and why.
I'd love to have a CPC1100. Lots of aperture on a great goto mount. Great for planetary imaging and viewing, not to mention fantastic for DSO's. It also would make a wonderful scope for outreach work.
Patrick
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Discovery 10" f/6 Split Tube Dob
Celestron C6 SCT
Denk Binoviewers
AT66ED Refractor
Oberwerk Ultra 15x70 Binocular
475B Geared Tripod & 501HDV Head
Oberwerk 9x60 Binocular
Celestron Regal 8x42 Binocular
Canon 30D DSLR
Mini EQ1
My Astronomy Pages
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Jon Canfield
member
Reged: 03/26/08
Posts: 91
Loc: Moses Lake, WA
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I'm in love with my NS11. I owned a Meade LX90 8" a few years ago, but other than weight, I'm much happier now. Besides, it's justification to get my wife to let me build an observatory!
Jon
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Hal Pollner
Reged: 08/30/05
Posts: 6189
Loc: Southern California Desert
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I had my new CPC 1100 for just one Star Party, then returned it in exchange for a 12" Meade LX200 ACF SCT, which should be arriving in about 2 weeks.
Nothing at all wrong with the Celestron...it was just that I had fond memories of the 12" LX200GPS I owned a few years ago...never should have sold it!
Previously owned SCT's:
8" Celestron C8
10" Meade 2120
12" Meade LX200GPS (My favorite SCT!
10" Meade LX200GPS
8" Meade LX90LNT
8" Celestron NexStar 8CE (Didn't like it!)
11" Celestron CPC 1100
12" Meade LX200 ACF (A Ritchey-Chretien design)
THIS will be my favorite SCT!
HAL
Edited by Hal Pollner (08/09/08 04:33 PM)
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