This 6" LX85 telescope from Meade features an Advanced Coma-Free
(ACF) design that provides a crisp, sharp image with no coma
distortion--all in a compact form factor. Additionally, the ACF system
provides a flatter field of view, making this a great fit for
astrophotographers with large sensor cameras.
The optical coatings are Ultra-High Transmission (UHTC), providing
excellent contrast to the surface features of planetary bodies and
bright images of deep-sky objects. The optical system is composed of an
oversized, low-expansion borosilicate primary mirror with a Schott
Borofloat glass corrector plate. This design produces zero diffraction
spikes, as there are no secondary spider vanes (unlike Newtonian
reflectors or other designs).
The compact, 16.5-inch optical tube weighs in at just under 10 pounds
and contains a 1524 mm focal length. A Vixen-style dovetail bar is
attached to the tube for connection to the mount. Included in this setup
is the 6" LX85 ACF optical tube, mount, tripod with accessory/spreader
tray, hand controller, one eyepiece, diagonal, finder scope with
bracket, power cable, counterweight, and software download (see the
"What's in the Box" tab for more information).
LX85 Equatorial Mount with AudioStar Controller
The LX85 German equatorial mount with AudioStar hand controller is a
great go-to system for your ACF. Slew and track over 30,000 objects with
fully automated GoTo slewing and tracking. The mount has an integer
gearing motor drive that allows for long exposure tracking with
permanent periodic error correction (PPEC). Also built into the mount is
an autoguider port to connect an autoguiding camera.
As the name suggests, the AudioStar hand controller features a
built-in speaker that plays 4+ hours of educational content about the
objects in its database. The controller plugs into the mount to align
the telescope and navigate the night sky. The AudioStar controller is
capable of many educational functions, including guided tours of
celestial objects and the ability to link with a PC (with software and
appropriate cable, both sold separately).
Designed and manufactured in North America, with the ACF primary,
secondary, and corrector plate glass blanks manufactured in the US.