LXD55 or LXD75?

[SilverWing]

Hi Guys I'm new here. (Sorry I posted this in the wrong place originally) I'm wondering whether the Meade LXD55 AR6-AT or 75 AR6-AT is better. I can't see any major difference except the $250 additional price. I like the look and quality of both. I've seen Jupiter through the 55 and was impressed. Now what's the difference between them?

[vet]

Originally posted by SilverWing@Mar 13 2005, 01:52 AM
Hi Guys I'm new here. (Sorry I posted this in the wrong place originally) I'm wondering whether the Meade LXD55 AR6-AT or 75 AR6-AT is better. I can't see any major difference except the $250 additional price. I like the look and quality of both. I've seen Jupiter through the 55 and was impressed. Now what's the difference between them?
meade changes model #s fast---please discribe your choices by design, features, etc. -------

[Gneiss]

I have to be honest and say that I don't really know the difference, BUT...

My SNT is one of the 55 series, and as far as I can tell the OTA in the equivalent 75 series scope appears to be identical. I would like to think they have done something about the focuser because its awful, but I have my doubts!

I did a deal on mine to buy the OTA only because I didn't want the 55 series mount and I feel that may be where the difference is...

I think it is fair to say that the 55 series mount got a bit of a reputation as being a troublesome mount - I know quite a few people had problems (at least early on) and I suspect that may be what they are trying to address.

[vet]

Originally posted by Gneiss@Mar 14 2005, 11:38 AM
I have to be honest and say that I don't really know the difference, BUT...

My SNT is one of the 55 series, and as far as I can tell the OTA in the equivalent 75 series scope appears to be identical. I would like to think they have done something about the focuser because its awful, but I have my doubts!

I did a deal on mine to buy the OTA only because I didn't want the 55 series mount and I feel that may be where the difference is...

I think it is fair to say that the 55 series mount got a bit of a reputation as being a troublesome mount - I know quite a few people had problems (at least early on) and I suspect that may be what they are trying to address.
the model 75 mount seems to have shown-up fast---do you have the 10" OTA? what aperture?

[Gneiss]

Originally posted by vet22@Mar 15 2005, 02:19 AM
do you have the 10" OTA? what aperture?
I have the LXD55 6" SNT, with UHTC coatings, which at the time were an option and maybe still are.

Don't get me wrong, this is a good scope but IMO for the money you could do a lot better!

When I first got it and turned it to the moon I was blown away by the 'whole disk' views in eyepieces that normally only reveal a small section. I've also had some of the best views of the Orion nebular I've seen in a six-inch scope. However, overall I have been a bit disappointed with it and that focuser really MUST go!!