Skywatcher Explorer 130p Vs. Meade DS 114

[DVMowgli]

Hi everybody, Im new here but have been reading around for quite a while.

Im buying my first telescope and like the look of either the Skywatcher Explorer 130p and the Meade DS 114. They both have Goto mounts which I like the sound of but wondered if any of you guys could offer some words of advice, I just can't decide which one!

Thanks,

DVMowgli

[John]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I'd choose the Skywatcher. It has more aperture and is a tried and tested scope on this forum. Apart from the smaller aperture, I've read that the low cost Meade GOTO's have their problems.

Just my view - see what others suggest.

[ismangil]

The larger aperture the better. If it's just between the two, go 130.

-- Perry Ismangil

[RikM]

I don't know the Meade, but an observing buddy has the 130P on a manual mount and it is optically pretty good.

[derekm]

Forget the GoTo and put the cash saved into a bigger Dob and see a lot more!

If you want to stay with your GoTo, take the 130 and see a bit more.

Aperture rules!

[PreludeToADream]

I have the 130P Skywatcher and can definitely recommend it as a scope. Chose it over the Meade myself and didn't regret it.

[LukeSkywatcher]

I'll give another vote for the 130P.

[DVMowgli]

Wow, thanks for all the replies, sounds like Im going with the Skywatcher (it's what I originally wanted but didn't want to choose the wrong one!)

Chears!