Meade 8" f/4 LX85 Astrograph Reflector Optical Tube

MSRP: $799.99 Please see your local authorized reseller for pricing and availability.

View All Specifications

  • Precision-made 8" parabolic primary mirror reflector telescope with fast 800mm focal length (f/4) provides exceptionally bright and crisp images of both solar system and deep-sky objects
  • 2" linear bearing Crayford focuser features a 10:1 fine focus reduction knob for precise and repeatable focus
  • Long 83.2mm back focus designed for attaching a variety of camera gear including a DSLR and coma corrector
  • Compact optical tube weighs 16 lb, and is 27.5" long - will work on any Vixen compatible mount with this weight capacity
  • Includes 26mm Super Plössl eyepiece, 8x50 finder scope, hinged tube rings, 2" eyepiece extension tube, cooling accelerator fan, and Vixen-style dovetail rail
Item #: 217028

Where To Buy?

  • Woodland Hills Camera & Telescopes
  • Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
  • High Point Scientific
  • Mile High Astronomy
  • Astroshop.eu
  • The Binocular & Telescope Shop
  • Khan Scope
  • First Light Optics

The Meade 8" f/4 LX85 astrograph reflector optical tube assembly is a compact wide field telescope, with an immense amount of light grasp, thanks to the large 8" BK7 (Borosilicate) mirror and >90% enhanced reflectivity coatings. The f/4 system is incredibly fast, meaning with a camera it will collect a lot of light in a short time, perfect for taking shorter exposures while still recording all sorts of detail in the nebulae and galaxies.

With an 800mm focal length, pairing this telescope optical tube with a DSLR or other astro camera will yield large and rich swaths of sky, perfect for framing any number of large deep-sky objects. And with the 2" linear bearing Crayford focuser, trying pairing it with a low power 2" eyepiece with a large apparent field of view. From a dark-sky location away from city lights, objects such as the Veil Nebula will reveal structures you may not have seen before. The focuser features a 10:1 reduction fine focus knob, brass compression rings (so you don't mar the barrel of your eyepieces or camera adapters) and a 2" to 1.25" step down adapter (also with a brass compression ring).

The optical path of the LX85 reflector telescope design

The telescope is designed to reach focus with any DSLR camera, along with a host of other imaging accessories, and the long 83.2mm back-focus helps ensure compatibility with various equipment. In order to allow visual use as well, a 35mm long 2" diameter eyepiece extension tube is also provided, allowing most all 2" and 1.25" eyepieces to work with the telescope.

Includes a number of accessories such as hinged tube rings and a Vixen-style dovetail rail, 26mm Super Plössl eyepiece, 8x50 finder scope, and a cooling accelerator fan bolted to the rear mirror cell.

Depending on the size of your camera sensor, an optional coma corrector is recommended to eliminate the inherent coma in a reflector design. This would prove beneficial when using low power 2" eyepieces, or camera sensors larger than ~4:3 format.

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
Deep sky
Astro-imaging capability
Lunar, planetary & long exposure
User level
Advanced
Optical design
Reflector
Optical diameter
200mm
Focal length
800mm
Focal ratio
f/4.0
Finder scope magnification
8x
Finder scope lens diameter
50mm
Backfocus Distance
83.2mm
Optics type
Parabolic
Glass material
BK-7
Eyepieces
Super Plossl 26.0mm,None mm
Magnification with included eyepieces
31x
Resolving power
0.58arc*sec
Lowest useful magnification
29x
Highest useful magnification
300x
Highest theoretical magnification
400x
Limiting stellar magnitude
14.2
Optical quality
Diffraction limited
Finder scope
8x50
Focuser
2" dual-speed linear bearing Crayford
Secondary mirror obstruction
70mm
Secondary mirror obstruction by diameter
35%
Secondary mirror obstruction by area
12%
Mirror coatings/over-coatings
Aluminum & Silicon Dioxide
Mount type
Optical Tube without Mount
Tube material
Steel
Length of optical tube
27.5 in.
Weight, optical tube
16.0 lbs.
Additional included accessories
Two cradle rings with felt lining, 12v cooling fan, 2" eyepiece extension tube, 8x50 finder and bracket
Other features
Robust dual-speed focuser with 10:1 reduction gear, Vixen-style dovetail rail for mounting on tripod, Large backfocus to work with DSLR and other gear
Warranty
Two year