Meade Schmidt Newtonian SN-6 - how special is it?

[astrojon77]

Hi,
I have a 6” Meade Schmidt Newtonian (plus LXD75 mount) that has served me well for many years, as a general purpose planetary and DSO imager, but not really a master of anything.

I’m now looking at moving to a more portable setup. 

But I know how this hobby tends to send you in circles… so before I sell this I just thought I’d ask for opinions.

So, how special is a Schmidt Newtonian? Does it offer (m)any advantages over a similarly size Newtonian plus a coma corrector? I know that Schmidt Newtonians are not terribly widely available (cheaply) so would I be passing up a “gem”?

Thanks,
Jonathan

 

 

[Ohgodwherediditgo]

From what i have gathered  they are a good imaging scope but a bit of a niche. They are made to order from skywatcher from most vendors because demand is low. I can't see them making headway because of their weight, I wouldn't mind a go with one though.

Some of the Meade SMs where known for having a crap focuser, you would know about that i suppose.

[astrojon77]

It has a pretty basic 2” rack and pinion focuser; without 1:10 fine adjustment. 

I have found it satisfactory for photography with a DSLR, but not “refined”