Meade 12" f/8 LX850 ACF Telescope with StarLock and Tripod

MSRP: $10,999.99 Please see your local authorized reseller for pricing and availability.

12" f/8 Advanced Coma Free Optics - 2438mm focal length
StarLock automatic guider, Crayford zero image shift micro-focuser, and AutoStar II GOTO system included
Mount carrying capacity of 90 pounds
Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC)
Includes Series 5000 HD-60 25mm eyepiece, 2" diagonal, and 8x50 finder

Item #: 1208-85-01

Where To Buy?

Meade Instruments proudly introduces the new standard in astrophotographic and visual performance, the LX850. The fast f/8 Advanced Coma Free optical system produces a wider, flatter field with no coma for pinpoint stars out to the edge of larger imaging sensors and extreme wide angle eyepieces. Includes StarLock dual imager integrated full time guider, Ultra Precision Pointing and Assisted Drift Alignment, 5.8" 225 tooth polished bronze worm/gear drives with low periodic error, internal cable routing, GPS receiver, AutoStar II GOTO system with over 144,000 object library, heavy-duty adjustable height tripod with anti-vibration pads, Universal AC Adapter, Meade Zero Image Shift Electronic Micro-Focuser, telescope to computer USB cable and AutoStar Suite software.

Designed and Manufactured in North America.

Features top of the line Meade Advanced Coma Free (ACF) optical design offering the coma-free pinpoint star images and flatter image fields greatly desired by discerning amateur astronomers, astrophotographers and professional observatories alike. This patented system also reduces the astigmatism and eliminates diffraction spikes found in classical RC designs.

This 12" LX850 has 12" diameter f/8 ACF optics (focal length 2438mm) and Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) for maximum image brightness and contrast. The all new OTA includes an internal Crayford style zero image shift focusing system with two speed, 7:1 reduction control.

Includes StarLock — the advanced technology that makes target acquisition on your imaging sensor and accurate guiding during exposures completely automatic. With Meade's exclusive LightSwitch technology at its core, StarLock uses an 80mm f/5 optic and two camera sensor system to provide computer assisted polar alignment using the drift method. Once aligned the StarLock is guiding the mount in real time, and even automatically programs periodic error correction, achieving a guiding accuracy of up to 1 arcsecond in good seeing and with the capability of guiding on stars as faint as 11th magnitude.

The LX850 mount, constructed of machined stainless steel and aircraft grade aluminum is a rock solid platform for the most demanding applications, with a 90 pound payload capacity and pointing accuracy as good as one arcminute. Features include precision roller bearings on each axis, a 1.75 stainless steel RA shaft, 5.8" main gears, fine manual adjustment controls on both axis, illuminated reticle output port. Mount main body weight is 55 pounds. The fully height adjustable (29 to 45") tripod features massive 3" diameter legs for rock steady performance and weighs 36 pounds. Includes two 26 pound stainless steel counterweights, additional weights sold separately.

Telescope comes fully equipped with a Meade Series 5000 2" diagonal prism featuring enhanced 99% reflectivity, Series 5000 HD-60 25mm eyepiece, and 8x50 viewfinder with quick release bracket. Also includes bracket for alternate OTA mounting of StarLock if desired.

Warranty:

Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for two years from date of purchase. This warranty is provided by Meade for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact Meade at 800-626-3233.

Best for viewing: Fainter deep sky
Best for imaging: Solar, lunar, planetary & Messier objects
Astro-imaging capability: Lunar, planetary & long exposure
User level: Advanced
Optical design: Advanced Coma-Free (ACF)
Optical diameter: 304mm
Focal length: 2438mm
Focal ratio: f/8.0
Finder scope magnification: 8x
Finder scope lens diameter: 50mm
Magnification with included eyepieces: 98x
Resolving power: 0.38arc*sec
Lowest useful magnification: 43x
Highest useful magnification: 300x
Highest theoretical magnification: 608x
Limiting stellar magnitude: 14.4
Optical quality: Diffraction limited
Finder scope: 8x50
Focuser: Internal
Diagonal degrees: 2" 90° Mirror Star
Secondary mirror obstruction by diameter: 17%
Mount type: Equatorial
Dovetail bar system: Yes
Computerized compatibility: Go-To included
Number of objects in database: 145,000
Tracking rates: Sidereal
Motor speeds: .01x to 1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 1/4°, 1/2°, 1°, 3°
Motor type: DC Servo motors with encoders
Power requirement: 12-volt DC - 5A (tip positive)
PEC: Yes
GPS: Included
Backlash compensation: Yes
Latitude range: 10-65
Setting circles: Electronic, via the hand controller
Polar-axis scope: Not available
Counterweights: Two 26 lb.
Available ports: RS-232, Aux, autoguider
Tube material: Aluminum
Tripod material: Aluminum & Steel
Tripod leg diameter: 3.00 in.
Counterweight bar length: 12 in.
Diameter of counterweight shaft: 45mm
Weight, optical tube: 56.0 lbs.
Weight, mount/tripod: 96.0 lbs.
Weight, fully assembled: 204.0 lbs.
Additional included accessories: Series 5000 2" mirror star diagonal, Brackets for alternate OTA Starlock mounting
Other features: StarLock automatic guider, LX850 mount with a payload capacity of up to 90lbs, Internal zero-shift Crayford style
Warranty: Two year