Meade LX200-ACF 8" f/10 Telescope - without Tripod:

This 8-Inch LX200-ACF has a 203.2 mm (8-inch) aperture Advanced Coma Free (ACF) optics. It has a focal length of 2000 mm, a focal ration of f/9.8 (aka f/10), and Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) for maximum image brightness and contrast. It also features the advanced LX200 AutoStar II computer system with 145,000 object library, multiple guided tours, High Precision Pointing capability with sub-arc-minute pointing accuracy, and Meade SmartDrive with Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC).

Alignment:

Precise and quick star alignment is done effortlessly with Meade's level north technology alignment system incorporating a 16 channel GPS receiver. The AutoStar II is flash-updatable via free downloads at Meade.com (optional cable required). The drive base of the telescope has multiple input and output ports including an RS-232 PC interface and jacks for a (user supplied) CCD Autoguider and illuminated reticle.

Focusing:

Mechanically loaded as well all LX200 models feature a primary mirror locking mechanism, which effectively prevents movement of the primary mirror during long exposure astrophotography or observing. Turn the lock knob located just above the telescopes main focus knob and the progressive-tension primary lock completely cancels any residual image shift due to mirror movement during visual, photographic, or imaging applications.

Dual-fork Mount:

All LX200-ACF models feature the DC-servo driven super heavy-duty double-fork mount, the strongest and most rigid mount in its class. Fast slew speeds are from 1 to 8 degrees per second and can be user selected at 0.1 degree per second increments, while fine slewing and photographic guiding speeds can be adjusted from 0.01x to 1x sidereal in one one-hundredth increments. The mount and all electronics are internally powered by 8 (user supplied) C-cell batteries which will typically operate the telescope for around 20 hours (optional Meade Universal AC adapter also available). The mount additionally has mechanical locks and slow motion manual controls in both axis if for some reason you found yourself without power.

Slew Speeds: RA and Dec: 0.01x to1.0x sidereal, variable in 0.01x increments; 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x sidereal; 1°/sec. to 2°/sec., variable in 0.1° increments.

Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Lunar, or custom-selected from 2000 incremental rates.

Control Panel: 12V DC in, 12V DC out, Power, Focuser, Reticle, Handbox port, 2x computer connection ports (RS232), 1 Aux guide port.

It is equipped/ enabled with: Mirror Lock, Oversized Primary Mirror, GPS Receiver, True Level and North Sensors (LNT), Time Chip, SmartMount, SmartDrive, PEC, and PPEC.

Equipment:

The LX200-ACF comes fully equipped a 1.25-inch diagonal mirror, 1.25-inch Series 4000 26 mm Super Plössl eyepiece, 8 x 50 optical finderscope with quick release bracket and cross-hair reticle, and Meade's AutoStar Suite - Astronomer Edition Software for PC. Scope weight is 45 pounds.

Product carries full one year Meade factory limited warranty. 

• 8-inch Advanced Coma-Free (ACF).
• Focal Length: 2000 mm.
• Focal Ratio: (f/10).
• Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC).
• AutoStar II: 145,000 Object-Database.
• Built-In GPS.