
( Brand: Meade ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: LX850 ), ( Model: MEADE LX850 ), ( Type: Reflector ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Lens Coating: Multi-coated ), ( Mount Type: Equatorial ), ( Objective Lens Diameter: More Than 180 Mm ), ( Finderscope: Standard ), ( Features: Lens Cover, Motorized, Mounted, Slow Motion Control ), ( Aperture: 254 Mm ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( UPC: 709942600612 )
The Meade LX850 10-inch Autostar GPS iEQ45 Equatorial Mount Telescope is an impressive astronomical instrument designed for serious observers and astrophotographers. This Ritchey-Chretien design telescope features a primary mirror with a light-gathering capacity of 1,021 square inches (6.6 inches in diameter) and an f/10 focal ratio, providing a rich and detailed view of the cosmos.
The LX850 comes with the Advanced Autostar GPS hand controller, which offers a database of over 130,000 objects, making it easier to locate and track celestial bodies. It also includes GPS functionality, making it easier to align the telescope based on your location, reducing the time spent on setup.
The iEQ45 Mount with GOTO technology allows for accurate tracking of objects, making longer exposure astrophotography possible. It features a 15 lb capacity and comes with built-in battery compartments for 8 D-cell batteries or an optional power tank. The mount also has a knob to adjust periodic error correction (PEC) and a built-in hardware align probe for handy alignments.
The Starlock autoguider port is another advanced feature of the LX850. It can be used with a separate StarLock guide camera (sold separately) to make the telescope align and keep the guide star in the field of view, contributing to better tracking and guiding performance for astrophotography.
The LX850 comes with a comprehensive list of accessories, including a 2-inch and a 1.25-inch Crayford-style focuser, a 25mm and a 10mm Pl ssl eyepiece, a collimating tool, a 9.7 ft. (3 m) dual slot dovetail bar, a carry handle assembly, and a M54 mounting adapter for compatible cameras. All these accessories make the Meade LX850 a versatile and complete telescope system for astronomy enthusiasts.
In summary, the Meade LX850 10-inch Autostar GPS iEQ45 Equatorial Mount Telescope offers a powerful and versatile solution for observers interested in deep-sky observation and astrophotography. With its advanced technological features such as GPS functionality, GOTO technology, and StarLock autoguider port, the telescope minimizes setup time and helps achieve optimal alignment and tracking, making every observing session an enjoyable and successful one.
The Meade LX850 10-inch ER-F/7 StarFinder Mak-Cassgravitics System is a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with an equatorial mount, which is popular among astronomers for its versatility and ability to track celestial objects. Here are the pros and cons of buying this telescope model:
Pros:1. High-quality optics: The Meade LX850 comes with a high-quality StarFinder 10-inch optics system, which provides sharp, clear views of distant celestial bodies. The optics are also well-coated for maximum light transmission.
2. Computerized equatorial mount: The mount on this telescope is computerized, which makes it much easier to locate and track celestial objects. It also comes with NEXStar hand control, which allows users to enter coordinates and select objects to view with ease.
3. Versatile: The telescope comes with StarLock autoguider, which allows for easy and accurate guide star acquisition for long exposure imaging. It is also a versatile telescope ideal for both visual observing and astrophotography.
4. Durable: The telescope is made with high-quality materials and has a robust design, making it a durable and long-lasting investment for amateur astronomers.
5. Flexible: The LX850 can be used with various types of imaging cameras, including CMOS, CCD, or DSLR, making it an excellent choice for astrophotography enthusiasts.
Cons:1. Complex setup: The setup process for the Meade LX850 can be complex and time-consuming, especially for beginners. It may take some time to learn how to use the hand control, align the telescope, and calibrate the mount.
2. Heavy: The telescope is relatively heavy, weighing almost 80 pounds, which can make transporting it to different observing locations challenging.
3. Expensive: The Meade LX850 is a high-end telescope, and the price tag can be quite steep for many amateur astronomers.
4. Limited payload capacity: The mount can only hold certain weights, and the telescope reaches this limit when used with certain heavier imaging cameras. Therefore, users need to be aware of the compatible payload capacity.
In conclusion, the Meade LX850 10-inch ER-F/7 StarFinder Mak-Cassgravitics System is a top-notch telescope with excellent optics and a computerized equatorial mount for easy object tracking. However, its complex setup process and high price tag may make it less accessible to beginner astronomers. Despite these downsides, its versatility, durability, and marginally easy autoguider setup make it an attractive choice for dedicated astrophotography and visual observing enthusiasts.
Recommendation:The Meade LX850 10-inch ER-F/7 StarFinder Mak-Cassgravitics System is a wise investment for those passionate about serious astronomy and imaging. It has excellent optics, a computerized mount, and is versatile enough for various observing and imaging applications. However, it is heavy, complex to set up, and expensive. Nonetheless, if price is not a concern, and you are serious about your observing/imaging hobby, the Meade LX850 offers top-of-the-line features and performance. Prior to purchase, we recommend that you double-check the weight capacity of your mount and ensure you are prepared for the complex setup process.
Computer Control Auto Star II Got system. 10 LX850 German Equatorial Mount Telescope System With StarLock, This is a great telescope I have owned for the last years. Optical Tube Aluminum. Mechanical alignment Fine adjustment altitude controls.
Secondary Mirror Individually figured with primary mirror for maximum correction. OTA Mounting Limned style mounting plate. Threaded stainless steel. OTA mounting system Limned style dovetail.
Counterweights Included. Optical Coatings Ultra-High Transmission UHTC. Optical Design Advanced Coma Free ACF. Telescope Mounting Heavy-duty German Equatorial.
I have not used in the past 5 and it currently sits our basement. High Precision Alignment Semi-automatic drift procedure for ultra-precise polar alignment. Clear Aperture 10 254mm. Main gear - R.A.
Internal Cabling Yes. Finish Anodized Aluminium and stainless steel. Internal Clock Yes. Correcting Plate/Lens Esoteric high-spectral transmission Aeroflot glass from Scott AG Germany.
Home Sensors Both RA and Dec axes. Slow Motion Controls Electronic. Focal length 2032mm. Drive Motors DC Servo motors with encoders, both axes.
Primary Mirror Low-expansion brisket glass. Worm gear - R.A. Auto Star Controller Auto star II. Electronic Zero Image-Shift Microfibers Included.