Quote: We are about to replace our 12 inch with a NexStar 11 SCT, so you can see how our experience (and mine with my own NexStar) has changed our way of thinking.
Hi, David.
Our Club observatory has used a 12" F/8 Newtonian on a German EQ mount for years. While it is optically rather nice, I have cringed every time we have instructed a senior or a child to climb the portable stairs in the dark to get up to the eyepiece. Because it's a club, it's been impossible to get all together on the notion of updating the instrument. This year I was able to get a private group together who will purchase a telescope and will donate it to the Club. This gift will be a 14" LX200GPS. The primary reason for this choice is the consistent and safe EP position inherent in a forkmounted SCT. The precise drives and goto capability are merely bonuses.
-------------------- John C
Urban Observatory Tele Vue Pronto
A&M/Astreya 76mm F/6 APO
TMB/LOMO 80mm F/7.5 APO
Tak FSQ-106N F/5 APO
Meade 152ED F/9 "APO"
152mm F/10 achromat
Tak CN-212 8" F/12 classical Cass/ F/4 Newt
Teeter 20" F/3.8 truss Newt w/ServoCat
LXD750, EM-200, CI-700
ST-10XME