MEADE LX85 8" f/5 Reflector GoTo EQ Telescope 200/1000mm
- 8" (200mm) Newtonian Reflector
- 1000mm Focal Length, f/5 Focal Ratio
- High luminosity thanks to 200mm aperture
- parabolic primary mirror
- Perfect for astrophotography due to fast optics
- 2" Rack-and-Pinion Focuser with Reducer
- 111x and 38x Power Eyepieces
- 8x50 Crosshair Finder with Bracket
- LX85 Computer-Controlled EQ Mount
- AudioStar GoTo Computer Hand Controller
- 30,000+ Object Database
- Audio Commentary and Sky Tours
- Adjustable-Height Stainless Steel Tripod
- Made by MEADE, USA
Description
The Meade Instruments LX85 8" f/5 Reflector Telescope utilizes a large aperture, long focal length, and a highly-reflective parabolic primary mirror to produce bright and clear views of objects such as the moon and planets, as well as difficult-to-see deep-sky objects like wispy nebulae.
The Newtonian reflector design enables larger apertures than are practical in conventional refractors, allowing novices and intermediate astronomers to reach out into the universe with ease to enjoy wonders like galaxies, nebulae, globular clusters, and more. Added to this already impressive performance, is a sturdy rack-and-pinion focuser that is outfitted with a 2" holder for eyepieces and accessories. A 1.25" reducer adapter is also provided to use smaller (and more common) eyepieces and accessories. To help get new users started, Meade includes two eyepieces that produce low and high magnifications, along with an 8x50 finderscope.
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.
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.
Optical Tube Assembly
- Large 8" (200mm) aperture is ideal for viewing and imaging of deep-sky objects like nebulae, as well as the moon and planets
- Fast f/5 focal ratio helps to preserve a wide field of view, image brightness, and resolution
- Long 1000mm focal length maintains a generous field of view with a high magnification potential
- Newtonian reflector design reduces chromatic aberration and fringing, while allowing larger apertures versus refractor models
- Aluminum and SiO2 optical coatings on the primary parabolic mirror maximize light transmission through the light path to ensure bright and crisp views
- Single-speed 2" rack-and-pinion focuser allows the use of larger eyepieces and accessories
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
Videos
MEADE Instruments | LX85 Series
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How To Align Your LX85 Telescope
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How to Polar Align Your EQ (Equatorial) Telescope Mount
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Connecting a Meade LX85 Mount to your PC
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Specifications
| Series |
LX85 Telescopes |
| UPC |
709942998771 |
| Warranty |
1 Year |
| Eyepieces Type |
Super Plössl |
| Focus System |
2" Rack and Pinion |
| Experience Level |
Intermediate, Advanced |
| Activity |
Astroimaging, Observing |
| Type |
Reflector |
| Clear Aperture |
8" (200mm) |
| Optical Design |
Newtonian Reflector |
| Focal Length |
1000mm |
| Focal Ratio |
f/5 |
| Viewfinder |
8x50 Optical with Crosshair |
| Eyepiece(s) |
9.7mm & 26mm Plössl, 1.25" |
| Focuser Mechanism |
2" Rack and Pinion |
| Dovetail |
Vixen-Style |
| Hand Controller |
AudioStar™ |
| Object Database |
30,000 objects |
| 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 Dimensions |
47.2" x 47.2" x 70" (120cm x 120cm x 178cm) |
| Assembled Product Weight |
52.5 lbs. (23.9kg) |