The Meade 10" f/8 LX850 ACF optical tube assembly is a compact and portable telescope designed for amateur astronomers who seek high optical performance at an affordable price. Its Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optical system is enhanced with Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) to deliver sharp, clear images without the distortions commonly found in other optical designs. With a Losmandy-style dovetail bar, the telescope can easily attach to any compatible mount, making it a versatile choice for both visual observation and astrophotography.
Specifications
- Aperture: 10 inches
- Focal Length: 2032mm
- Focal Ratio: f/8
- Optical Design: Advanced Coma-Free (ACF)
- Coatings: Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC)
- Weight: 33 lbs (15 kg)
- Mount Compatibility: Losmandy-style dovetail
Key Features
Advanced Coma-Free Optics:
- Provides a flatter field and reduces astigmatism.
- Eliminates diffraction spikes, offering clear and sharp images across the field of view.
High-Quality Construction:
- Features an oversized low-expansion Borosilicate primary mirror and glass corrector plate.
- Designed and manufactured in North America with glass blanks made exclusively in the USA.
Astrophotography Ready:
- Ideal for capturing high-resolution images of planets and the Moon.
- Compatible with an optional Meade ACF 0.68x Focal Reducer to convert the system to f/5.5, expanding the field of view by 50% and reducing exposure times for deep-sky objects.
Focusing System:
- Dual-speed focus knob with 7:1 reduction for precise focusing.
- Internal Crayford-style zero-shift mechanism ensures smooth motion without backlash, making high-magnification focusing easy and accurate.
Benefits for Astrophotographers
Versatility:
- The telescope's long native focal lengths make it suitable for detailed planetary and lunar imaging.
- The optional focal reducer enhances deep-sky imaging capabilities by reducing focal length and exposure times.
Dual-Experience Functionality:
- Can be used with a camera for astrophotography or an eyepiece for visual observation, allowing users to explore celestial objects in detail.
Impressive Visual Experience:
- UHTC coatings provide enhanced brightness and contrast, revealing fine details in nebulae and surface features on planets.
The Meade 10" f/8 LX850 ACF optical tube is a powerful and portable option for both novice and experienced astronomers, offering exceptional imaging capabilities and ease of use. Whether you're observing the night sky visually or capturing stunning astrophotographs, this telescope provides the tools and performance needed for a fulfilling astronomical experience.
