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Meade LXD55 5" vs SkyView Pro 120mm EQ refractor

Started by Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_* , Nov 30 2003 06:29 PM
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7 replies to this topic

#1 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 30 November 2003 - 06:29 PM

Hey guys,
I've been looking at two refractors and have been wondering which one yall think is better. They are the Meade LXD55 5" f/9 EC equtorial and the Orion SkyView Pro 120mm(4.7")f/8.3 EQ Refractor. The Meade cost $579 while the Orion is $549. Which do yall think is better? The Meade also has a polar allignment scope included, while the orion doesn't. I realize the Meade has a slightly bigger aperature(.3"), but does it really make any difference? Also, how does the Meade tripod compare with Orion's SkyView Pro tripod? And the Meade has a longer f ratio, although I'm not sure if that would make any noticable viewing differences for planetary viewing. And, if you buy a meade telescope right now you can get that $99 eyepiece offer. Any help really appreciated.

Thanks

#2 jrcrilly

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Posted 30 November 2003 - 06:48 PM

I wouldn't be very concerned about such small aperture/focal ratio differences, except that they do mean the Orion will be a little shorter and lighter.

The mounts are very similar except the Meade has dual axis motors and can be ugraded to goto by plugging in a different controller. One important difference is the Orion has a dramatically better tripod (steel v. aluminum).

#3 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 30 November 2003 - 06:51 PM

Hello,
Ive got the Meade 5" it does have good optics as im sure the Orion does as well. Every bit of aperture does help especially at highest mags and a longer fl helps definatly on planetary as well giving smaller FOV but higher mag contrast. Only thing about mine I didnt like was the focuser Ive never owned an Orion refractor so I cant give a side by side on its focuser. My advise is this: Given an almost equal choice in aperture and quality go as big as poss unless your certain the quality is better on the smaller choice. I think from what ive seen that those 2 are about equal in scope and mount. You could however lateron add go-to to the Meade whereas on the Orion it isnt happening. Both Companys are good about returning lemons so your safe there at least. Personally I like the 6" Meade best has a nice focuser its just BIG is all, looks like a ground to air missle gun all setup, could scare some folks!
I traded my 6" off for the 5" only because it wouldnt fit in my backseat but the 5" just barely did. Im kinda sorry I got rid of it now. Dave

#4 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 30 November 2003 - 08:27 PM

Get the Meade AR-5, get the $99 eyepiece kit and call it even (unless you have the eyepieces). Don't forget the shipping cost of the Orion. Another Meade plus is you can upgrade to GoTo on the LXD-55, upgrade the focuser, etc...(I hate upgrading to get to where it should have been to begin with!)

#5 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 30 November 2003 - 11:06 PM

(I hate upgrading to get to where it should have been to begin with!)


amen...... :waytogo:

best,
Chris

#6 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 01 December 2003 - 11:30 AM

I'd say go with the Meade as well. Aside from the problems I've had with the electronics on mine, most of them work as advertised, and I think it's a better value than the Orion because of the upgradable features and the EP offer.

If you really wanted to splurge, go ahead and get the 152mm and be done with it. It already has the Go-To if you are looking to upgrade in the future plus the extra inch of aperture at the expence of f/ ratio. The focuser is much better on the 6" too. It's all metal.

As with many scopes in this class, the tripod is the weakest link.

#7 jrcrilly

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Posted 01 December 2003 - 12:05 PM

If you really wanted to splurge, go ahead and get the 152mm and be done with it. It already has the Go-To if you are looking to upgrade in the future plus the extra inch of aperture at the expence of f/ ratio. The focuser is much better on the 6" too. It's all metal.


...and it's prettier! :jump:

#8 Guest_**DONOTDELETE**_*

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Posted 01 December 2003 - 02:03 PM

Hi,
I have somewhat less confidence in the 120mm because there have been a few with less than ideal optics. I have yet to see or hear of any AR5 that didn't have very fine optics. The manufacturers for these 2 scopes are different.

The above is not absolute as you, very likely, will get a good 120mm scope. Besides 4.7" is a funny aperture. You can say 5" much faster.

Al M
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