Ok Why 10 out of 10 even when in my title I claim you have to mod the thing... Here goes.

Optics and views through this thing are simply stunning and not only gives the higher end scopes a run for their money, it beats most SCTs and A few Tak Refractors in the viewing department. The focal length gives a nice field of view and the scope can handle a lot more magnification then smaller refractors.

The focuser it comes with you might as well throw out. You can for a few extra hundreds by a ready to mount higher quality focuser. Unfortunately its necessary but not regrettable. I purchased the JMI NV1M deluxe model and and what a difference pin-point focus with low end Meade eye-pieces.

As for the mount being a little shaky.. I really have not had any problems with it. I did however adjust the backlash of the wormgears a little, no biggie takes about 1 minute. I view at a beach and the winds can get up in speed but the mount did fine.

Overall.. This scope in the right hands will produce amazing results. Its like a piano when it comes to tuning you really have to be patient but once its in tune youll love it.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:52 PM

Love the optics, love the idea of a GOTO scope.  Unfortunately the mounting of the tube to the cradle is not robust enough, and neither is the mounting of the equatorial mount to the tripod.  The slightest breeze causes the whole scope to shake degrading the image at the eyepiece.    Its so bad that I am currently having an adequate mounting machined.  If this was a car it would be recalled.  It will be the last Meade product I ever buy.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:49 PM

I recently purchased one of the SN-10 AT telescopes with the UHTC package for an upcoming trip to the desert Southwest. This is the fouth telescope that I have owned, and I have been an active observer for many years.

This telescope is a real mixed bag--some truly good features that are offset by a need to control manufacturing costs. The optical performance of the OTA is really much better than the overall 8 stars for the scope package. I replaced the original focuser with a JMI NGF-55, which resulted in a telescope that could be brought to a reasonable focus. The 26mm Plossl eyepiece shows lots of coma, but using a SMC Pentax 10 XW resulted in sharp stars across the entire field of view. The finder scope is a fixed focus model, and is difficult to use for eyeglass wearers. Finally, the mount is near capacity for visual use. Any wind introduces extreme image wiggles. The mount both tracks and slews well, provided the scope is carefully balanced. On the other hand, cold weather causes the drive to become a little jerky.

Overall, this is a very decent telescope for the price--the optics alone justify the entire package price.

Optics: 9 stars; focuser: 3 stars ; mount: 7 stars; finder scope: 3 stars; value: 10 stars. Overall: 8 stars.

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:46 PM

I have owned the LXD 55 and now own the LXD 75 10 SN.
The LXD 75 10 SN is basically the same OTA as the 55 series.  The mount is a different story.  The LXD 75 Mount is a very good performer.  The 10 OTA is pushing the limits of the mount, but I find it is still within reason.  The addition of the ball bearings on both declination and RA are a big improvement.  The new tripod is miles beyond the 55 series tripod.  The fit and finish of the 75 is far superior to the 55 series.  Setup and Gotos are simple and accurate.  The OTA I received gave a nearly textbook star test.  The widefield views with little coma are simply awesome.  Include the free LPI and Autostar Suite, this is a winner for the mid-line amatuer.  Tracking at 396 X was dead on for over 1 hour, repeatably.  In my opinion at this price point the LXD 75 is light years ahead of the competition.  Would I buy the LXD 55 series again?  Maybe.  Would I buy another LXD 75?  Absolutley...that is if I could hide this monster from my wife!  I love this scope and I know anyone with resonable expectations will too!

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:45 PM