LX90 or Nexstar 8

My son's school is debating the merits of buying an LX90 or a Nexstar
8. Both have similar specification, both have similar prices. Is
there a view that supports one over the other?

Regards

Ado

"Ado" wrote in message
om...
My son's school is debating the merits of buying an LX90 or a Nexstar
8. Both have similar specification, both have similar prices. Is
there a view that supports one over the other?

Regards

Ado

I think that it is appropriate to question whether the school should buy any
scope, and should rather get local astronomers/club(s) to provide observing
resources. Unless there is at least one teacher who is an experienced
observational astronomer, then these school scopes often end up buried in a
closet.

Dennis

"Ado" wrote in message
om...
My son's school is debating the merits of buying an LX90 or a Nexstar
8. Both have similar specification, both have similar prices. Is
there a view that supports one over the other?

Regards

Ado

Putting Dennis Woos comments aside for a moment (although they're valid and
should definatly be followed up. Besides is a school really going to be open
at night to use it?)

Both the LX90 and Nexstar 8 and very good scopes. I suppose at the end of
the night, the only thing is important here is what it will be used for. If
it's for visual use only i.e. no cameras then it doesn't make the blinded
bit of difference what anyone on this NG says. Both the scopes are
controlled using similar, but different handsets. The most important thing
that what whoever will be setting up the scope, finds is easy to use.
Stability of mount, minute differences in the optics won't make a lot of
difference if there will be alot of people queuing to get a look, there
won't be enough time for their eyes to adjust enough to make the most of it.

Regards

Colin Dawson
www.cjdawson.com

Ado wrote:
My son's school is debating the merits of buying an LX90 or a Nexstar
8. Both have similar specification, both have similar prices. Is
there a view that supports one over the other?

Regards

Ado

Answering your question, I would say the LX90 because the goto software
has more features (such as spiral search, computer control via
laptop/internet) which will make finding objects easier for the
students. Currently it includes a CCD camera in addition to a $150 cash
rebate for Meade extras. I went through a deep comparison a few months
ago and finally settled on the LX90. I'm happy with my decision.

-tom