Meade LX85

Product Description

The Meade LX85 telescope is a high-end, computerized German equatorial mount designed for visual and astro-imaging applications. Meade LX85 features advanced technology, including smart drive servomotors and a high-precision tracking system for accurate object location and smooth movement. LX85 mount enables observers and imagers to chase deep-sky objects with ease, keeping them in view despite Earth’s rotation. Meade LX85 comes with a built-in AudioStar controller for robotic control and automation, making it perfect for long-exposure imaging. LX85 telescope is available in various configurations, including a 102mm refractor, a 150mm Newtonian reflector, and a 200mm ACF optical design, offering excellent views with minimal coma and a flat field ideal for deep-space imaging.

Meade LX85 has a compact and lightweight form, ideal for portable astronomy. The square-shaped design results in a flatter field and reduced coma, enhancing astrophotography capabilities. LX85 mount offers affordability and flexibility for astronomers of all levels. The telescope excels in deep sky observing, planetary imaging, and visual use. Meade LX85 produces high-quality images with minimal distortion and pinpoint stars.

The telescope system integrates hardware for precise tracking and automation software for ease of use. Meade LX85 has an aperture size of 8 inches (203 mm) and a focal length of 2032 mm. The optical design features a focal ratio of f/10. LX85 offers a limiting stellar magnitude of 14.7 and a resolution limit of 0.46 arcseconds. The telescope provides a light gathering capacity of 843x for faint object detection. Meade LX85 has a lowest useful magnification of 29x and a maximum useful magnification of 400x.

Should you buy Meade LX85 as your first telescope?

The Meade LX85 is a suitable first telescope for beginners interested in visual planetary imaging and deep-sky object observation. Its 8-inch aperture and f/10 focal ratio provide excellent views of planets and deep-sky objects. The portable GoTo mount tracks and locates celestial objects with precision, benefiting users unfamiliar with the night sky. The German equatorial mount handles load imbalances and supports long exposures for astrophotography. The LX85 offers stability and precision at a mid-range price point. Drawbacks include less user-friendly automation software and limited capability for widefield DSO imagery. Refractors offer better optical quality but come at a higher cost. Buyers should purchase the LX85 telescope and mount package together for guaranteed compatibility. Advanced astronomers or those seeking top-of-the-line features will need to spend more money on a premium telescope.

Is Meade LX85 Computerized Telescope easy to use?

Meade LX85 Computerized Telescope is relatively easy to use for amateur astronomers. Computerized system makes navigating the night sky straightforward. Intuitive interface allows users to observe celestial objects easily. AutoAlign technology provides quick alignment in 5-10 minutes. AudioStar hand controller features voice commands and instructions. 30,000-object database enables easy object location. Beginners require familiarization time with features and operation.

Should you buy Meade LX85 Astrograph Telescope for kids?

The Meade LX85 Astrograph Telescope is not recommended for young children. We suggest it for kids aged 12 and above with serious interest in astronomy. The telescope provides advanced features for serious astrophotography and yields high-quality images of deep space objects. Its GoTo system locates and tracks celestial objects easily. The LX85’s smooth tracking frames large swaths of sky for visual astrophotographic observation. The solidly built, precision-made instrument requires proper care and handling. Necessary learning is required to operate its advanced features effectively. The 8-inch aperture captures images of nebulae and galaxies. The 2032mm focal length produces fascinating deep space images. Adult supervision ensures correct handling and operation of the telescope.

What can you see with Meade LX85 Computerized Telescope?

The sights you can see with Meade LX85 Computerized Telescope are listed below.

• M42 (Orion Nebula)
• M31 (Andromeda Galaxy)
• Albireo (Double Star)
• Jupiter
• Saturn
• Mars
• Venus
• Mercury
• NGC 891
• IC 434
• M87 (Virgo A Galaxy)
• M45 (Pleiades)
• Hyades
• M1 (Crab Nebula)
• IC 1101
• Sun (with filter)
• Moon
• Asteroids
• Comets
• Kuiper Belt Objects
• Stars up to magnitude 14.7

Should you buy Meade LX85 GEM Telescope to observe planets?

The Meade LX85 GEM Telescope is not recommended for serious planetary observation. Its 8-inch aperture is sufficient for viewing planets, but the telescope lacks performance in critical areas. High magnification is essential for detailed planetary observation, and the LX85’s optical design falls short in this aspect. The German equatorial mount’s tracking capability is limited, resulting in a less smooth visual experience at high magnifications. Reflector telescopes with larger apertures and more advanced mounts are suggested for planetary observation. The LX85 may exhibit chromatic aberration, affecting image quality when observing planets. GOTO technology with the Audiostar controller facilitates easy navigation and tracking of celestial objects. The telescope’s sturdy construction includes a steel and aluminum mount structure, but its lightweight nature may impact stability during observation. The LX85 can provide a good visual observation experience for planets, especially for beginners, but advanced astronomers seeking high-quality planetary observation might prefer other telescopes with more advanced features.

Should you buy Meade LX85 German Equatorial Telescope to observe galaxies?

The Meade LX85 German Equatorial Telescope is an excellent choice for observing galaxies. Its 8-inch aperture and f/10 focal ratio provide a balance of light gathering capacity and image resolution ideal for deep-sky observations. The equatorial design enables precise tracking of celestial objects, crucial for the longer exposure times required to observe galaxies. GoTo technology and the Audiostar hand controller facilitate smooth and accurate tracking performance. The LX85’s sturdy build supports portable mount functionality, allowing users to explore the universe from different locations. Proper alignment and balancing of the mount achieve precise tracking, enabling astronomers to utilize GoTo technology to locate and track galaxies easily. The telescope primarily serves visual use purposes, offering a rewarding experience for astronomers of all levels when observing galaxies.

Should you buy Meade LX85 Computerized Telescope for astrophotography?

The Meade LX85 Computerized Telescope is a suitable choice for astrophotography, especially for beginners and intermediate users. Its German equatorial mount provides stability and precise tracking necessary for capturing celestial objects. The telescope’s 8-inch aperture and f/10 focal ratio are well-suited for various astrophotography applications, including deep-sky imaging. The LX85 offers a payload capacity of 20 pounds, accommodating most cameras and accessories. Limitations exist in unguided tracking for long-exposure imaging, and some users have reported software issues with the Audiostar hand controller. The telescope’s price competitiveness, optical compatibility, and upgradable system make it an attractive option for imaging enthusiasts. Experienced users and demanding observers requiring high-precision tracking for advanced astrophotography may find the LX85’s performance insufficient for their needs.

Is Meade LX85 GEM Telescope portable?

Meade LX85 GEM Telescope is highly portable. Mount and tripod weigh 34 pounds (15.4 kg). LX85 series features robust design and easy transport to different observing locations. Mount supports telescope tubes from 80mm to 203mm aperture. GoTo system enables precise tracking of sky objects. Built-in autoguider port allows accurate imaging.