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Subject: [M]: LX200 Optics Quality
From: Cassandra L'Hotellier
Reply To: mapug@shore.net
Date: Tue Jul 22 01:29:12 1997

Thanks to all who responded to my letter about optics quality. Seems like
the Meade 8" or 10" is the best choice. Your comments make me feel more
relaxed about spending the dough. I'm simply trying to gather every last
little piece of advice before purchasing the scope.

I am limited to Meade products as Meade is doing factory direct delivery to
Australia since March. Their scopes cost at least 25% less than the
Celestron equivalent (i.e. $4,000 Australian for the Meade 8" LX200 and I
was quoted $5900 for the Ultima 2000). We have a 26% sales tax on
telescopes down here which is included in the above prices. The Meade 5" ED
refractor with #1697 computer drive costs $6300 Australian.

I do have one more question:

Seems like the logical choice of focal ratio (to cater for both visual and
CCD use) is the f10 LX200 with a 6.3 and/or 3.3 focal reducer. Am I right?
Is the 3.3 reducer any good?

Thanks again.

Tony L'Hotellier