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Meade LX200 Review

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Meade LX200 Review
 
Manufacturer: Meade
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Product Description

Aperture: 10-Inch. Focal Length: 2500mm. Focal Ratio: f/10. UHTC coatings, Standard Field Tripod, 1.25-Inch Diagonal Prism, 26mm Series 4000 Super Plössl Eyepiece. The most widely used research quality telescope now features the most advanced optical system. Meade’s LX200-ACF brings Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics within reach of aspiring astronomers everywhere. Nearly every observatory reflector in the world uses an aplanatic (coma-free) optical system like the Ritchey-Chrétien (RC), including NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Now you can own similar optics to what the professionals use. The LX200-ACF includes all the field-proven features of the LX200 including GPS, Primary Mirror Lock, Oversized Primary Mirror, SmartDrive; Smart Mount, AutoStar II and more. The new LX200-ACF. It’s the biggest news in astronomy since, well, the LX200.The “advanced” in Advanced Coma-Free. A traditional Ritchey-Chrétien (RC) is a type of reflector that delivers a coma-free, flat field of view via hyperbolic primary and secondary mirrors. Because the mirrors in these telescopes have always been very expensive to make, few amateur astronomers could enjoy them. Fortunately, Meade engineers developed a radical new Advanced Coma Free design by combining a hyperbolic secondary mirror with a corrector-lens-and-spherical-primary-mirror combination that performs as one hyperbolic element. This ACF design produces a coma-free, flat field of view that rivals traditional RC telescopes at a fraction of the cost. The design even eliminates diffraction spikes and improves astigmatism, both of which are inherent in the traditional RC design. When reviewing Meade’s LX200-ACF Advanced Coma Free, Sky and Telescope magazine said, “ [It] does indeed perform like a [Ritchey-Chrétien]. The difference between the off-axis images (compared to a Schmidt-Cassegrain) was dramatic to say the least.”

Product Details

  • f/10 Advanced Coma-Free Optics: Building from a classic RC design, Meade has created a new design with the same coma-free pinpoint star images and flatter field also reduces the astigmatism and eliminates diffractions spikes found in classical RCs
  • Meade Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) increases total light transmission and image brightness by nearly 20% over Meade's standard coatings. Objects such as stars, galaxies and nebulae will appear significantly brighter
  • Zero Image-Shift Microfocuser allows you to obtain precise image focus with no image movement
  • Oversize Primary Mirror diameters are greater than their listed aperture. This additional 1/4" yields a wide, fully illuminated field-of-view
  • Primary Mirror Lock locks the mirror in place preventing movement during long-exposure astrophotography

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Want To Get Into Astronomy? What Telescope Is Best?

If you want to get into astronomy, there is only one way, and the best way is to buy a telescope. The best telescope will allow you to get the most out of astronomy. As you read this article, you will soon discover what the best telescope is.

In this article, you will soon discover:

* What Is The Best Telescope?
* Choosing Between Reflector and Refractor Telescopes
* Getting Into Astronomy With Computerized Telescopes
* How To Find Telescopes For Sale?

* What Is The Best Telescope?

The best telescope can mean different things for different people. The best telescope for some people could mean the most expensive model. The truth though is that the best telescope is one which allows you to get years of enjoyment out of astronomy.

This then comes down to several factors, which we will be looking at further into this article. For example, is it for a child, is it for a teen or an adult. All these factors need to be looked at to discover which the best option is.

* Choosing Between Reflector and Refractor Telescopes

Refractor telescopes are often the ones that are thought of as telescopes. They have a long tube, and like binoculars which work with similar principles, you look from the back and the light enters from the front.

Refractor telescopes are great because they are very low maintenance. This is the best route for buying a telescope for a child or a teen. The ease of use makes it a very great way to get into astronomy. With children, it is essential to help them use the telescope, as even the small versions may still be bulky.

Refractors are great when it comes down to small sizes, however for larger sizes, the refractors cost can become immense, in fact in the thousands! This is not necessary as there is another type, and that type is the reflectors, which utilize a mirror.

* Getting Into Astronomy With Computerized Telescopes

Another option which is becoming very popular is the computerized telescopes. Computerized telescopes are great for many reasons. For example, computerized telescopes allow you to enter the code, and it zooms to the exact point, allowing you to view the object.

This saves a lot of time, considering how you would need to do it manually. This is automatic navigation of the universe, and is the greatest way to get into astronomy.

* How To Find Telescopes For Sale?

Finding a telescope for sale can be found in many ways. One way is through telescope stores; however there are not that many stores around. Another option is to look online, where there are many stores dotted around the world, who will deliver to your home.

Meade LX200 – Meade vs Celestron Telescopes

Are you simply a fanatic of the clear night sky and want to take your astronomy knowledge even further than Galileo did? All you need is a 20/20 vision and a clear and reliable astronomy telescope to give your astronomical adventure an outstanding start.

Two of the leading names in the industry that manufacture world class astronomy telescopes are the Meade and Celestron Telescopes. Along with top manufacturers of these great star-gazing aides, Meade and Celestron have been consistently delivering clear and outstanding learning avenues to better explore our vast and mysterious universe.

Meade Telescopes are composed of a number of series of high technology telescopes such as the Meade DS-2000, Meade ETX, Meade ETX-PE, Meade ETX-LS, Meade Light Bridge, Meade LX200-ACF, Meade LX200-ACF Advanced, Meade LXD75, and a lot more that are guaranteed to deliver you a clear and unparalleled level of universal tour in the clear night sky.

Most of Meade’s astronomy devices are equipped with an on-board computer which automatically serves as your astronomy professor, properly guiding you to successfully gaze at planets like Jupiter and Saturn, nebulae, galaxies, star clusters and more. These telescopes from Meade give careful consideration on little things and elements such as premium-grade optical glass, high transmission optical coatings, over sized primary mirrors, and small engineering tolerances that make up its distinct difference in clarity, resolution, and contrast. If you seem to have some doubt on the performance of small or medium sized telescopes, Meade has a variety of big telescopes that can be used anywhere. Though huge in size, these telescopes offer ultra portability and high quality optics at about the same price as other Meade Classic Telescopes.

The Celestron Telescopes on the other hand are perfect for both the novice and considerably advanced astronomers, with a wide selection of series of reliable telescopes such as the Celestron SkyScout Scope 90, Celestron Advanced Telescope Series, Celestron AstroMaster, Celestron CGE, Celestron CPC, Celestron NexStar SE, and more.

Celestron Telescopes are easy to use and maintain as they are nearly maintenance free but with high precision optics. Celestron also has a series of telescopes that are perfect for both celestial and terrestrial viewings. Celestron also has computerized types that are programmed to be fully knowledgeable of the entire universe. If you are one of those who have been wanting to catch orbiting satellites on the telescope, Celestron has telescopes that are equipped with GPS receivers that help you find the exact location of the said satellites on Earth. Celestron also features those types that are inspired with the classic orange tubular look of the original ones with 21st century technology such as superior coatings, fully computerized operating system, flash upgradable hand control, and more.

For beginners and experts of astronomy, Meade and Celestron are one of the leading names to consider for reliable and high quality telescopes to better aid us in exploring the vast universe. You also won’t have to worry that you might spend on something you won’t be able to know how to use as these great star-gazing aides are perfectly designed for all types of users.

Introduction To Meade Telescopes

Often, the first name that pops into a users mind is that of Meade telescope and the reason behind this is that Meade is well known for selling quality telescopes at reasonable prices, and is specifically suited for the home astronomer.

Before selecting a Meade telescope, you should consider the intended application and for the beginner or amateur telescope user, one may opt for a Meade telescope to see the many astronomical objects with the help of either refracting or mirror lens telescopes.

The reflecting Meade telescopes are more suited for those who are interested in astronomy as these have bigger apertures and provide good value for money. In any case, the Meade telescope is easy to set up and is a sturdy instrument that one can use and enjoy for years to come and grow with, while learning more about the night skies in ones area.

Meade telescopes are instruments that are made by Meade, which was founded in 1972 and is a world leader when it comes to the design as well as manufacture of telescopes and accessories for amateur astronomers.

The products that this company sells are innovative as well as incorporate the best in technology to give to the user an advanced product that is arguably one of the finest that can be found anywhere in the world. With a Meade telescope, one can expect to get excellent viewing at a budget price.

There are high performance 80mm refractor telescopes which would make any beginner astronomer proud to own for use in terrestrial observations or for astronomy. With one of these telescopes, one can view the rings of Saturn and the satellites of Jupiter with sharpness, as well as clarity of images.

The Meade LX200 Telescopes are great in optical design which helps produce large, coma-free field of vision from edge-to-edge, and allows astrophotographers to get the best in imaging technology and capture crisp as well as sharp images over a wider field.

Through such a Meade telescope, viewers are able to pinpoint stars as well as extended objects, however far they may be. In fact, almost every professional reflector telescope, including the Hubble Space Telescope is a Ritchey-Chretien.

Such is the quality and price/performance benefits of the Meade telescopes that most experts as well as users give them the thumbs-up and are the first choice when it comes to choosing their telescopes