Can someone help me with selecting the right telescope for my spouse?

[Firebrand Gary]

I've been saving up, and this year, I'm finally getting my spouse a telescope. My budget is around 4k, willing to go above if needed. We live in a remote location; it's ideal for astronomy. My spouse is a beginner but has wanted this for a long time. He's an achiever, has a Ph.D. and an M.D. so I'd like to get something advanced. Otherwise, after a few months, he will just want to upgrade it.

Can someone please help me with this? I have no idea where to begin. I've been looking at the Meade LX600-ACF 10" f/8, but really, I'm not sure.

Thanks so much!

[eppur_se_muova]

1. Recommend starting with the book Star Ware ...

http://www.philharrington.net/sw2.htm

If you're planning to spend that much, it's worth buying the book, if it's not at your library. Here's a review: http://www.cloudynights.com/page/articles/cat/user-reviews/books-software/general-interest-books/star-ware-fourth-edition-r1654

Telescopes have changed so much in recent years it's hard to keep up. If you get a copy of the book you have the password to access the more recent info on the web site. Particularly note the most (or least!) highly recommended models.

Whatever you buy, be sure it's exchangable, in case he decides there's some crucial feature that's not quite right.

[electron_blue]

2. that scope is good, but...

If your spouse knows about astronomy, why not let him pick it out? You could put a picture of one in a box and wrap the box and then help him pick out the final selection. I recommend that after my spouse bought me a scope last year that was, unfortunately, not what I wanted, and in fact it broke right away. We returned it and got one that I really wanted. Also, for example, would he prefer a Dobsonian mount instead? Many do (I don't). Does he want a camera attachment ability down the road?

I generally think of a 10" as on the edge of too difficult to set up by myself. I can do it, but avoid it when possible. It's pretty easy with two people - tough for one. If he's going to haul it all over the place, consider an 8" instead. If it's more or less staying in one place, a 10" is fine.

[Callmecrazy]

3. I respectfully disagree...

I can set up my 10" Schmidt-Cassegrain tube in a remote location pretty easily. You just have to kind of develop a routine and you can make short work of it.

I wholeheartedly agree that you should let him pick it out, though. I would love the Meade that Firebrand described.

[electron_blue]

4. Sky & Telescope test report for this scope:

You might find this handy:

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/wp-content/uploads/LX-600.pdf

To be clear, what I found the most difficult in setting this up by myself is putting the screws on underneath the mount while also holding the scope in one arm. In the dark. Also, for years I taught observational astronomy at a university and ended up switching to 8-inches for the students because of this reason.

ymmv

[Callmecrazy]

5. Now I definitely want one... nt