The Meade 16" f/8 LX600 ACF optical tube assembly offers an extremely large aperture in a compact form, making it an ideal choice for both amateur and professional astronomers. It is designed to be relatively portable and lightweight while providing high-performance optics for detailed celestial observation and astrophotography.
Specifications:
Aperture: 16 inches
Focal Ratio: f/8
Focal Length: 3251mm
Optics: Advanced Coma-Free (ACF)
Coatings: Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC)
Mirror: Oversized low-expansion Borosilicate primary mirror
Focuser: Two-speed, Crayford style zero shift
Weight: 70 lbs (32 kg)
Mount Compatibility: Losmandy-style dovetail bar
Key Features:
Advanced Optics: The ACF system offers a flat field, reduced astigmatism, and eliminates diffraction spikes for clear and sharp images.
High-Quality Construction: Designed and manufactured in North America with glass blanks made exclusively in the USA for Meade.
UHTC Coatings: Enhance image brightness and contrast, delivering detailed views of celestial objects.
Astrophotography Advantages:
Long Native Focal Length: Ideal for high-resolution imaging of planets and the Moon.
Optional Focal Reducer: Converts f/8 ACF to f/5.5, optimizing the telescope for deep space imaging by reducing exposure times and expanding the field of view by nearly 50%.
Focusing System:
Two-Speed Focus Knob: Allows for ultra-precise focusing with a 7:1 reduction fine focus knob.
Crayford Style Zero Shift Mechanism: Eliminates focus shift and ensures zero backlash and smooth motion.
Design and Compatibility:
Compact and Portable: Lightweight design with a Losmandy-style dovetail bar for easy attachment to compatible mounts.
Versatile Use: Suitable for both backyard observation and remote dark sky locations.
The Meade 16" f/8 LX600 ACF optical tube assembly combines advanced optical performance with portability, making it an excellent choice for astronomers who require a high-quality instrument for both visual and astrophotographic exploration of the night sky. Its sophisticated design and features provide exceptional clarity and detail, enabling users to capture stunning views and images of celestial objects.
