12" f/10 LX200-ACF w/UHTC (No Tripod)

• 12" f/10 Advanced Coma Free Optics - 3048mm focal length
• Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC)
• AutoStar II GOTO system

This 12" LX200-ACF has 12” diameter f/10 ACF optics (focal length 3048mm) and Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) for maximum image brightness and contrast. Features the advanced LX200 AutoStar II computer system with 145,000 object library, multiple guided tours, High Precision Pointing capability with sub arc-minute pointing accuracy, and Meade SmartDrive with Permanent Periodic Error Correction.

Precise and quick star alignment is done near effortlessly with Meade's level north technology alignment system incorporating a 16 channel GPS receiver. The Autostar II is flash-updatable via free downloads at Meade.com (optional cable required). The drive base of the telescope has multiple input and output ports including an RS-232 PC interface and jacks for a (user supplied) CCD Autoguider and illuminated reticle.

Mechanically loaded as well all LX200 models feature a primary mirror locking mechanism, which effectively prevents movement of the primary mirror during long exposure astrophotography or observing. Turn the lock knob located just above the telescopes main focus knob and the progressive-tension primary lock completely cancels any residual image shift due to mirror movement during visual, photographic, or imaging applications.

All LX200-ACF models feature the DC-servo driven super heavy duty double fork mount, the strongest and most rigid mount in its class. Fast slew speeds are from 1 to 8 degrees per second, and can be user selected at .1 degree per second increments, while fine slewing and photographic guiding speeds can be adjusted from .01x to 1x sidereal in one one-hundredth increments. The mount and all electronics are internally powered by 8 (user supplied) C-cell batteries which will typically operate the telescope for around 20 hours (optional Meade Universal AC adapter also available). The mount additionally has mechanical locks and slow motion manual controls in both axis if for some reason you found yourself without power.

The 12" LX200-ACF comes fully equipped with 1.25" diagonal mirror, Series 4000 26mm Plössl eyepiece, 8x50 viewfinder with quick release bracket and Meade AutoStar® Suite Astronomer Edition Software for PC. Scope weight is 75 pounds.

Sold without tripod, ready for your custom pier or mounting.

Product carries full one year Meade factory limited warranty.

Features

The most widely used, research-grade, telescope system.

Meade's LX200-ACF brings Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics within reach of aspiring astronomers everywhere. Nearly every observatory reflector in the world uses an aplanatic (coma-free) optical system like the Ritchey-Chrétien (RC), including NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Now you can own similar optics to what the professionals use. The LX200-ACF includes all the field-proven features of the LX200 including GPS, Primary Mirror Lock, Oversized Primary Mirror, SmartDrive™, Smart Mount™, AutoStar® II and more. The new LX200-ACF: It's the biggest news in astronomy since, well, the LX200.

ADVANCED COMA-FREE OPTICS

The LX200-ACF comes in a complete line of OTA apertures, from 8-inch to 16-inch. All sizes come with the Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optical systems. The Advanced Coma-Free optical system has brought the highest level of optical performance well within the reach of most amateurs. Using the Meade exclusive design, ACF optics achieve aplanatic performance — with a flatter field, reduced astigmatism and eliminated diffractions spikes — equal to Ritchy-Chrétien systems, at a fraction of the price. Coupled with Meade’s Ultra- High Transmission Coatings (standard on all LX200-ACF systems), you have the ultimate in premium optics.

HIGH-END FEATURES

Sitting atop an ultra-stable tripod and mount, the LX200-ACF combines an amazing array of features: Primary Mirror Lock to eliminate focus and mirror shift during long exposures; large, high-quality worm-gear drives in both axes to provide extraordinarily smooth movement, and; Smart Mount and Smart Drive, delivering Permanent Periodic Error Correction (critical for long exposure astrophotography).

The LX200-ACF also comes with the AutoStar II handbox controller which puts over 140,000 objects at your fingertips and delivers the fastest GoTo performance available. This simple to use handbox provides complete control over every aspect of the telescope’s operation. You can even control the system from an external computer with supplied or third party software.

THE BENCHMARK

Meade’s LX200 is the most widely used advanced amateur telescope on Earth, and for good reason. It combines the most sophisticated optical system available with rock-solid mechanical and electronic elements to create the most versatile astronomical system available.

Specifications