Q1: Our school is looking into buying a new telescope and we were looking for information regarding telescopes. We were looking into the Meade 10 LXD-75 Schmidt Newtonian. We wanted to know about the quality of such a scope, whether it is suitable for astrophotography, how the optics are, and whether it is made out of cardboard or not. In addition, we were also looking into the Meade 8 LXD-75 SC-8 AT Schmidt-Cassegrain. How are the optics on this scope. Are they superior to the Newtonian? Finally, we were also looking into the 9.25 inch Celestron Advanced Series C9 ﾼ Schmidt Cassegrain. The same questions apply to that scope as well. As a school, we are looking for a telescope that can be used long-term, that will last awhile. Wed like to keep the price less than $2,000 with the ability to see all the planets, some galaxies, stars, etc& If there are any other telescopes that you can think of or if you have a particular recommendation, please respond to this email. Wed like to try to purchase the telescope as soon as possible. Thank you very much for all of your assistance, A Gartenberg

A: The LXD-75 series telescopes from Meade are excellent telescopes. They have very good optical quality and the tubes are metal tubes not cardboard. The LXD-75 Series was actually created by Meade with Astrophotgraphy specifically in mind. The Schmidt Cassegrain 8" will have better optical quality when viewing our solar system but the 10"being larger will will actually allow you to see more faint objects. The Celestron 9-1/4" is an excellent scope as well so the best way for me to make a suggestion to you would be decide what you want to spend and get the largest aperture in that price range with the best optics for what you will be primarily viewing. So if you will be viewing mainly objects in our solar system than you would want to go with the Celestron (because of size and Schmidt cassegrain optics) if it is in the price range you would like to spend.

Q2: I am in Brisbane Australia and am tossing up between the Meade LXD75 SN10 AT Vs a comparable priced Celestron/Meade S-C or M-C telescope (which mean 5"). As a beginner I am fascinated by nebulae and galaxies but would also like to dabble in astrophotagraphy within our solar system. Will the SN-10 allow me to do all the above or is it too much of a compromise when looking and photographing the planets. Is the auto star compatible with the southern hemisphere (eg autoalign)? regards David A.

A: I am sorry but i will influence your decision now; Our dealer agreement with Meade forbids us from selling their products outside of the US.

Q3: i would like to see pictures that were taken with this telescope mabe saturns rings.

A: Simply go to www.meade.com

Q4: 1.) Can the LXD 75 10" SN be autoguided with the LPI while taking pictures with the Deep Sky Imager? 2.) Is there an off axis guider available for this purpose? 3.) Is there an electronic focuser that can be controlled from a PC for the LXD SN?

A: Both the LPI and the DSI include the Autostar Suite software which allows you to remotely control the telescope through your laptop or PC. So when imaging with the DSI you can control the telescope already. The electric focuser's however will not let you focus the telescope with a laptop or PC.

Q5: I am looking at the LXD75 SN-10 and comparing it to the ETX-125PE. I am looking for something to give me a decent view of things outside our solar sytem with good optics. Which would you recommend?

A: The SN-10 without a doubt as it is a 10" Schmidt Newtonian. The ETX-125 is only a 5" aperture so for the best view outside our solar system teh bigger one is the best way to go.

Q6: I recently bought this scope. I have noticed there is a lot of slack in the dec. (Some in the R.A) Is this normal or is there a way I can tighten it up? I gets frustrating trying to view when it is bouncing and especially frustrationg when trying to photog

A: There should not be an excessive amount of slack in either axis. You'll want to call Meade and talk to one of their Customer Support folks. Here's the toll-free number so you can get the assistance you need: 800-626-3233.