Meade LX600

Product Description

The Meade LX600 telescope is a high-end, advanced telescope designed for discerning astronomers and astrophotographers. Meade offers the LX600 series as their flagship line of telescopes, featuring incredibly high-quality optics and exacting standards. The LX600 telescope has a fork-mounted design with dual-fork arms, an aperture of 356 mm (14 inches), and a focal length of 2432 mm (96 inches). Meade equips the LX600 with Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics, providing a coma-free, flat field of view perfect for visual and imaging applications. The telescope incorporates StarLock technology for accurate tracking and guiding, and features ultra-high transmission coatings (UHTC) to ensure maximum image brightness.

GoTo capability stands out as a key feature of the Meade LX600. Users quickly locate and track celestial objects with precision using the telescope’s computer system and Audiostar hand controller. StarLock technology, a proprietary guiding system, ensures accurate tracking and minimal drift. The fast aperture ratio of f/8 enables short exposure times for astrophotography.

Meade manufactures the LX600 in North America to maintain exacting quality standards. The result is a durable and reliable instrument capable of withstanding frequent use. The telescope’s compact design measures 762 x 406 x 406 mm (30 x 16 x 16 inches) and weighs 34 kg (75 lbs). Portability allows for easy transport and setup in remote locations.

Visual observers and astro-imagers benefit from the Meade LX600’s versatility. The telescope delivers sharp and clear views of celestial objects. Astrophotographers capture high-quality images of deep-sky objects with minimal exposure times. Advanced features and precise tracking make the Meade LX600 a top-of-the-line choice for serious astronomers.

Should you buy Meade LX600 as your first telescope?

The Meade LX600 is not recommended as a first telescope for beginners. Novice astronomers should consider simpler, more manageable options to learn the basics. The LX600 requires significant knowledge and expertise to operate effectively. Its advanced features, including the Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design and complex electronics, present a steep learning curve for newcomers. Beginners struggle to utilize the full potential of such sophisticated equipment. The LX600’s high cost represents a substantial investment for those just starting out. We advise starting with smaller, straightforward telescopes to develop skills and understanding. Entry-level models provide a gentler introduction to astronomy and allow users to build experience. Astronomers can upgrade to more advanced telescopes like the LX600 after gaining proficiency and assessing their specific needs.

Is Meade LX600 Telescope easy to use?

The Meade LX600 Telescope is moderately easy to use for advanced astronomers but challenging for beginners. Experienced users find the Autostar computer system intuitive for night sky navigation. The Level North Technology performs precise star alignment quickly, with 0.33 arcseconds pointing accuracy. Set-up can be awkward and time-consuming, requiring technical knowledge and patience. The telescope weighs 34 kg (75 lbs), making lifting manageable for most users. The LX600 is a portable package, easily transportable. Internal focuser and mount gears provide smooth, precise movement for astrophotography. Focusing and shutter operation are straightforward processes for experienced users. The telescope’s complexity and size make it less user-friendly for beginners. Practice improves ease of operation and astrophotography capabilities.

Should you buy Meade LX600 ACF 10-Inch Telescope for kids?

The Meade LX600 ACF 10-Inch Telescope is not suitable for kids. Advanced astronomers require this scientific instrument for precision and control. The telescope features a fork-mounted Schmidt-Cassegrain design with complex polar alignment, advanced optics, and astrophotography capabilities. Experienced adults operate the LX600 effectively, utilizing its robust mount, portable design, and GoTo controls with Audiostar Computer System. The high price point of the telescope makes it a significant investment for professional-level performance. Children will be overwhelmed by the complex features and operation of this adult equipment. Beginner-friendly telescopes with simpler operation and lower price points are more appropriate for young users.

What can you see with LX600 Advanced Coma-Free Telescope?

The sights you can see with LX600 Advanced Coma-Free Telescope are listed below.

• Moon
• Planets (e.g., Jupiter, Saturn, Mars)
• Nebulae (e.g., Orion Nebula, Eagle Nebula)
• Galaxies (e.g., Andromeda Galaxy, Whirlpool Galaxy)
• Distant stars
• Star clusters (e.g., Pleiades, Hercules Cluster)
• Comets
• Asteroids
• Double stars (e.g., Albireo, Sirius)
• Supernova remnants (e.g., Crab Nebula)
• Globular clusters (e.g., M13, Omega Centauri)
• Open clusters (e.g., Hyades, Beehive Cluster)
• Planetary nebulae (e.g., Ring Nebula, Dumbbell Nebula)
• Quasars
• Exoplanets (indirect observation)

Should you buy LX600 Advanced Coma-Free Telescope to observe planets?

LX600 Advanced Coma-Free Telescope offers superb optics for planetary observation. 10-inch aperture provides excellent detail resolution. 2,500mm focal length enables high magnification. Advanced Coma-Free design minimizes distortion. Sturdy mount ensures precise tracking. Meade ACF 0.68x Focal Reducer enhances field of view. LX600 excels at Moon observations, resolving features as small as 0.5 arcseconds.

Should you buy Meade LX600 Telescope System to observe galaxies?

The Meade LX600 Telescope System is an excellent choice for serious sky watchers to observe galaxies. Its powerful astrograph design and 356mm (14-inch) aperture enable capturing jaw-dropping images of celestial objects. The wide field of view allows observation of large galaxy clusters and nebulae. Advanced features like the Audiostar Computer System and DC Servo Motors minimize tracking errors and ensure precise polar alignment. Dark sky conditions optimize galaxy observation with the LX600. The telescope’s high-end astronomy capabilities justify the investment for dedicated observers. Portability is limited due to its 34 kg (75 lbs) weight. Aperture size matters for galaxy observation, and the LX600’s large aperture gathers more light for detailed images. Additional accessories can enhance astrophotography capabilities for even better results.

Should you buy LX600 Advanced Coma-Free Telescope for astrophotography?

LX600 Advanced Coma-Free Telescope is ideal for astrophotography. ACF optics produce flatter, wider fields of view with minimal distortion. Advanced optics capture high-resolution images of deep-sky objects. Extreme precision enables long-exposure photography. 1524mm focal length and f/8 ratio offer versatility. LX600 works with various cameras, including DSLRs and CCDs.

Is Meade LX600 ACF 10-Inch Telescope portable?

The Meade LX600 ACF 10-Inch Telescope is moderately portable. The telescope weighs 34 kg (75 lbs) and measures 762 x 406 x 406 mm (30 x 16 x 16 inches), making it transportable with some effort. Its fork mount design and aluminum tube contribute to portability. The telescope is suitable for car transport and can be taken to dark sky locations. Assembly is required, which adds to transport time and effort. A larger vehicle is needed to accommodate the telescope, tripod, and accessories. The LX600 balances portability with performance, offering a compromise for users who need a high-quality telescope that can be moved occasionally.