MEADE LX85 8" f/5 Reflector GoTo EQ Telescope 200/1000mm
- 480mm (f/6) Focal Length
- Extra-low Dispersion (ED) FPL53 glass corrects chromatic aberration to improve color rendition
- Triplet apochromatic lens system eliminates chromatic and spherical aberrations, eliminating off-axis comas and astigmatism, and providing true color rendition without distortion across the entire field of view
- Fully multi-coated optics maximize light transmission, while improving color, clarity, and contrast
- Fully Extendable Dew Shield
- GoTo German Equatorial Mount with 15kg Payload Capacity
- Features AudioStar™: 30,000+ Object-Database
- Vixen-Style Dovetail Receiver
- Made by MEADE, USA
Description
Engineered for performance during observation and astrophotography use, the Meade Instruments LX85 80mm f/6 APO Refractor GoTo EQ Telescope combines the clear views of a triplet apochromatic with the precision tracking of a computer-controlled motorized equatorial mount.
The optical tube assembly (OTA) is built to deliver exceptional image quality through the use of an triplet apochromatic lens system that virtually eliminates chromatic and spherical aberrations. Off-axis comas and color fringing are further corrected through the use of FPL-53 extremely low-dispersion glass and anti-reflection fully multi-coated optics. The resulting views color-accurate as well as crisp and sharp with almost no distortion across the entire field of view. Added to this already impressive performance is a sturdy two-speed rack-and-pinion focuser that can carry heavy loads without flexing, which terminates with a 2" holder for eyepieces and accessories. A 1.25" reducer adapter is also provided to use smaller eyepieces and accessories. The 2" holder unscrews from the drawtube for the direct connection of astrophotography gear, allowing users to take full advantage of the drawtube's large diameter to completely cover today's imaging sensors without vignetting.
The mount delivers the performance required for clear views and images with dual-axis low-cog DC servo motors with backlash compensation. Added to this is Meade's proprietary Smart Drive system that records and constantly refines its Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) to improve positioning and tracking precision and ensure your target object stays centered for long-exposure photography. Supporting the mount is a 1.75" stainless steel tripod that has a wide stance for stability on most terrain, and a center tray that holds eyepieces and accessories and acts as a leg lock to further stabilize while helping to minimize vibrations.
Controlling the mount is the next generation iteration of the iconic AutoStar system: the AudioStar. This computer controller is equipped with a database of over 30,000 objects, including the planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and the complete Messier catalog; it can also be programmed with up to 100 custom user-defined objects with filters to create custom object lists. An integrated speaker and Astronomer Inside system is packed with over four hours of commentary that is customized to objects that are visible in the night sky on any given day and time. Its intuitive menu-driven user interface makes observing the heavens fast and easy, and multiple alignment options make the controller an invaluable tool to new users and experienced star-gazers alike.
Meade LX85 German Equatorial GoTo Mount
Engineered for portability, while still easy to use for astrophotography, the Meade Instruments LX85 German Equatorial GoTo Mount delivers the performance required for clear views and images through the use of dual-axis low-cog DC servo motors with backlash compensation. Added to this is Meade's proprietary Smart Drive system that records and constantly refines its Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) to improve positioning and tracking precision and ensure your target object stays centered for long-exposure photography. Supporting the mount is a 1.75" stainless steel tripod that has a wide stance for stability on most terrain, and a center tray that holds eyepieces and accessories and acts as a leg lock to further stabilize while helping to minimize vibrations.
Controlling the mount is the next generation iteration of the iconic AutoStar system: the AudioStar. This computer controller is equipped with a database of over 30,000 objects, including the planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and the complete Messier catalog; it can also be programmed with up to 100 custom user-defined objects with filters to create custom object lists. An integrated speaker and Astronomer Inside system is packed with over four hours of commentary that is customized to objects that are visible in the night sky on any given day and time. Its intuitive menu-driven user interface makes observing the heavens fast and easy, and multiple alignment options make the controller an invaluable tool to new users and experienced stargazers alike.
Focusing System
Optimized for imaging
Rack-and-pinion design can carry more weight without flexing than similarly sized Crayford styles
10:1 two-speed mechanism allows for precise focusing
2.5" drawtube ensures full coverage of larger camera sensors without vignetting
2" holder accepts common large accessories and eyepieces
Self-center locking ring that allows diagonals or cameras to be properly centered to the optical path every time the locking ring is engaged
Focuser lock knob locks the focuser in place for long-exposure astrophotography
Etched millimeter markings on the drawtube enable repeatable results AudioStar GoTo Controller
- 2-line LED display
- 20-key alphanumeric keypad, red LED backlight
- 68HC11, 8 MHz processor
- Built-in red utility light
- 30,000+ object database
- User-friendly menu-driven system navigation
- Slew speeds: 1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 0.5°/sec, 1°/sec, 1.5°/sec, 4°/sec (max)
- Assisted alignment procedures: Easy (Two-Star), One-star, Two-star, Three-star
- Customizable guided tours for specific date, time, and location
- Built-in speaker with Astronomer Inside plays over four hours of educational content about the celestial objects you view
- Predicts events to plan future astronomy sessions such as sunrise/sunset, moon phases/moonrise/moonset, meteor showers, lunar/solar eclipses, equinoxes/solstices
- Smart Drive records permanent periodic error correction (PPEC) to improve tracking accuracy over time
- Backlash compensation allows user to train out the intrinsic play between gears to improve GoTo and tracking accuracy
- Powered by mount to be lighter and easier to use
- 24" coiled cord
- Updatable via Internet using RS-232 port
Database Details
- Solar system, including Moon, Sun, planets
- Comets and asteroids
- 88 major constellations
- Popular named objects
- Galaxies, quasars, and nebulae
- Multiple catalogs including Messier, Caldwell, and NGC
- Stars, including named stars, SAO catalog, double stars, variable stars
- Satellites, including the International Space Station (ISS), and Hubble Space Telescope (HST)
- User-defined astronomical and terrestrial objects
Tripod
- Adjustable height from 31.5" to 43.5" accommodates a wide variety of optical tube assemblies and viewing positions
- Lightweight and durable cast aluminum mount base
- 1.75" diameter stainless steel legs
- 39.5x6.25x5.75" collapsed size, for easier portability
- Tray keeps accessories accessible and off the ground
- Weight: 12.4 pounds
Video
 Meade Instruments | Series 6000 APO Refractors
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Specifications
| Series |
LX85 Telescopes |
| UPC |
709942998818 |
| Warranty |
1 Year |
| Focus System |
2.5" Dual Rack & Pinion, 10:1 Fine Focuser |
| Activity |
Astroimaging |
| Type |
Refractor |
| Clear Aperture |
80mm |
| Optical Design |
Apochromatic Refractor |
| Optical Coatings |
Fully Multi-Coated |
| Focal Length |
480mm |
| Focal Ratio |
f/6 |
| Viewfinder |
None |
| Eyepiece(s) |
None |
| Focuser Mechanism |
2.5" Dual Rack & Pinion, 10:1 Fine Focuser |
| Dovetail |
Vixen-Style |
| Dew Shield |
Yes |
| Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) |
Yes |
| Control Panel |
12v Power, HBX, Aux1, ST-4 Autoguider Port, DEC, Electronic Focuser, Illuminated Reticle |
| Power Source |
12v DC, 5 Amp Power Supply (Optional) |
| Assembled Product Weight |
20.5 kg |
