Jim Fedina wrote:
Hello all,

My first scope was a Meade Polaris 114EQ-D purchased at Service
Merchandise a few years back. I want to know purchase a second
scope and even though I would really like to get a 6" Dob, the
finances only allow for the $199 models. The choices are the
Orion ShortTube 4.5 EQ or the Orion SkyQuest XT 4.5. WHich is the
better one of these two choices? I like the EZ Finder scope on
the Shorttube but I know that is not a clear reason to choose one
or the other. Does anyone have experience with either of these
models or another brand that would be better to replace my Meade.


The Meade Polaris gave me great views as a begineer and still are
impressive. If I get either one of these scope, will I have the
same scope that I have now (upgraded the eyepieces to Orion
Explorer II's) or will either one of these blow me away compared
to the Meade Polaris?

I'm just afraid of getting a different version of the same scope
and I know that the 6" dob would be a better scope than these,
but yet again, need to stay at $199.

Any recommendations or comments on these would be appreciated.
Again, any other company scopes that are better than what I have
now for the same price ($199) would be helpful.

Thanks, Jim Fedina

Hi Jim,

Not being familiar with these particular scopes, I can't say
anything about their relative performance. What I can however see is
that, looking purely at the numbers, they're all pretty similar. I
wouldn't expect either of the two scopes you picked to give you a
significantly better view than what you have, at least not $200
worth, anyway.

As you mentioned, a 6" dob would be a good step up from your current
scope. If you can't stretch to the price of a new one, you might try
picking one up second hand, for example on Astromart
(http://www.astromart.com/). If you're handy, you may want to try
building your own although, from what I've heard, that doesn't
always turn out any cheaper in the end.

Cheers,

Steve