Meade 8105020 Telescope
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- Optical Diameter: 203 mm
- Max Useful Magnification: x 600
- Finderscope: Optical
- Mount Type: Altazimuth
- Focal Length: 2000 mm
- Optical Design: Catadioptrics
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An outstanding combination of quality, features and price for the serious amateur
Pros
Superb optics, outstanding GPS auto-alignment system, computerized 'GoTo' capability. Micro-focuser a big plus.
Cons
Expensive for the casual user. May be difficult for smaller users to move and set-up.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
If you're looking to upgrade and older or smaller system with a high-quality optics, advanced features and reasonable portability, this just may be the scope for you.
I replaced a 5" SCT with a new 8" LX200GPS just two weeks ago. Unfortunately, the weather hasn't been good enough for serious viewing but the LX200's features and ease of use have made the scope a joy to use so far. It's fascinating to watch as it auto-aligns and accuracy is at least as good as I can do manually on my best day! The Autostar II controller is a major step up from the original Autostar with full slew and micro-focus multi-speed control and a 145,000 object database that will keep you "GOTO"ing for a long, long time.
Finally, the scope is a great platform for planetary observing and astro-photography (thank you, Meade, for the mirror lock!) and small enough for (relatively) easy storage and one-person transport and set-up.
One more thing - make sure to check out the optional Ultra High Transmission Coating (UHTC). According to Meade, UHTC improves total light transmission by an average of 20%, equivalent to a 1/2" to 1" effective aperture increase. I can't confirm this yet (need to get to the desert for serious viewing) but the images are substantially brighter than that from my earlier scope and a friend's 8" SCT.
Finally, the scope is a great platform for planetary observing and astro-photography (thank you, Meade, for the mirror lock!) and small enough for (relatively) easy storage and one-person transport and set-up.
One more thing - make sure to check out the optional Ultra High Transmission Coating (UHTC). According to Meade, UHTC improves total light transmission by an average of 20%, equivalent to a 1/2" to 1" effective aperture increase. I can't confirm this yet (need to get to the desert for serious viewing) but the images are substantially brighter than that from my earlier scope and a friend's 8" SCT.
