With the ETX80 Observer 80mm f/5 Achromat Refractor GoTo Telescope, Meade
gives you a complete computer-controlled motorized observation rig,
including the means to safely store and carry your gear. The achromat
optical design corrects spherical and chromatic aberrations to produce
crisp and clear high-contrast images with true color rendition across
its entire distortion-free field of view. For those who want to use it
for astrophotography, an internal mirror flips down to direct the
optical path straight back for prime-focus photography using a DSLR
camera body and optional adapters. The upper eyepiece holder has an
integrated 2x Barlow lens that will effectively double the magnification
of any eyepiece put in it.
This version of the ETX80 features
a removable optical tube assembly to increase its usability. With the
OTA removed, it can then be mounted on any photo or video tripod with a
1/4"-20 mounting screw. This enables photographers to carry only one
tripod out in the field for taking pictures with their DSLR and
switching to digiscoping with the ETX. To use the OTA as a spotting
scope, Meade includes a 45° erecting prism diagonal.
The brain of
this system is Meade's revolutionary AudioStar hand controller. Equipped
with a two-line LED display and 20-key red backlit keypad, it controls
the motorized mount for precise GoTo capabilities. Its internal 30,000+
object database is updateable via the internet, and has the capability
to take you on a hands-free guided tour of the night sky above,
including audio tours through the use of the built-in speaker. To
consult star charts, logs, or to change eyepieces and filters, the
controller also has a built-in red LED utility light that will not
affect your night-adjusted vision.
This kit includes two eyepieces
that produce 15x and 41x magnifications for well-rounded observational
options, plus a red dot finder which, with its exceptional field of
view, makes finding objects faster and easier. To complete to package is
a sturdy aluminum tripod to support all the gear, plus a backpack for
the mount, OTA, and accessories. The tripod will not fit in the pack,
but it does have a convenient carry handle on one of the legs.