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Wish I could take it somewhere and use it!
The scope arrived in 2 packages. One with the tripod (50 lbs) and the telescope (100 lbs.) I live in a gated community so security was available to help me get the boxes home (Luckily also own a pick-up truck). Next day I unpacked the boxes in my garage. The tripod was not as depicted in the on-line manual but an older model where the center treaded rod was retaince by a “c-clip.” Easy enough to assemble but the newer version I thought I was getting has a spring that assists in centering the rod when mounting the 75 lb. telescope. As such when I unpacked and mounted the scope I was very careful to avoid cross-threading the bolt (an obvious possibility). I also put a tiny dab of litium anti-seize grease on the threads as this didn’t advance smoothly (we’ll see if that helps). So, I mounted up the scope, put in some batteries, and alligned the spotting scope in my driveway where I have a mountain peak about 600 yds. away to focus on. Also very easy and all according to plan. The 1.25 included eyepiece is not up to the quality needed and I’d ordered a 2” diagonal and eyepiece from OPT which wasn’t in the shipment. I cancelled that and found the Meade version on Amazon (same price, high quality). The build quality and documentation is superb.The transportability is not! While cases are made to do this job they’re out of stock everywhere. I searched the internet till I found one in Houston. Once I can move it outa’ the city lights I’m looking forward to some great viewing. All the reviews say it’s not light polution friendly and I beleive it. I’ve read all the manuals and I’m headin’ to Northern Arizona when my wheeled case comes; set it up and spend a few weeks up there. Bottom line this is a first class instrument. Must have accessories are 2” eyepiece and diagonal (I also got the microfocuser), and alternate power source (AC adapter, power tank) and MOST importantly an case designed for it (JMI) or warehouse style hand cart with moving pads and tie downs (unless of course you’re the owner of a very dark backyard). Even the largest Pelican cases are not going to ge it done. I’m 6’ 220 lbs. 70 years old but very athletically fit. I’m able to muscle it on to the tripod with extreme care and some difficulty (would NEVER try in the dark). Only 4 stars as I was disappointed in the tripod left-over style when the spring loaded version was in the literature.
Close to perfect
I used to have a Meade LX200 8 Classic SCT in 2000 had to let it go due to Military Duties. I had a Celestron CPC1100 from 2007 to a few months ago. I traded a the CPC1100 for the LX200 12 ACF only to have it stolen in a home break in. I finally got it replaced and I and had first light two weeks ago and the optics were tack sharp. No hint of anykind diffects. The ACF optices were very pronounced and it was as good as advertized. Even visual you can tell a difference. the reason I gove four stars was these problems. First its diffacult to link up to a PC because the Seral to USB adapter had diffaculty with the link. Worked fine on the CPC1100 and updateing my reciever. but had trouble with the LX200. It still has not linked up. I even had trouble even it dose its three step dance it always hit the stops. But it took about two hours of trial and error to finally get it. It tracks great and very accurate. The fit and finish is top notch. Its a great scope but could be better once Meade gets these issues worked out. Dont get me wrong its a great scope. Hopefully Meade will fix these problems.
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You're correct, I've not parehuscd a telescope yet but I've got a good interest in studying about our solar system. Optics are the major feature of the telescope so yeah, a lot of people would have bought it for fun and may want to sell it now and many people with good interest in astronomy would not want to sell it.