Meade Instruments 12" F/10 LX90-ACF W/UHTC - 1210-90-03

The Meade 12" LX90 ACF telescope is an extremely versatile, high-resolution GoTo telescope, in a very compact form given the large aperture. With pushbutton controls, automatic locating and tracking of celestial objects, and a wealth of object data at your fingertips in the AudioStar controller, the LX90 will provide hours of enjoyment under the night sky. Both visual astronomers and astrophotographers alike will appreciate the quality and capability of this powerful telescope.

Features a 12" aperture, 3048mm focal length, and f/10 focal ratio with Dual-Fork Mounting. Equipped with Ultra High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) and a resolving power of 0.456 arc-seconds for the improvement of brighter star clusters, more fine detail in nebulae, and greater surface features on planets. Includes a Series 4000 26mm Super Plössl eyepiece (96x), viewfinder (8x50 optical with crosshair), 1.25" Diagonal Mirror, and Standard Field Tripod. OTA and Mount Weight: 57 lbs. OTA Dimensions/Mount Dimensions: 29" x 18" x 27". Tripod Weight: 19 lbs. Tripod Dimension: 30" to 44" Variable.

Designed and Manufactured in North America.

The patented Meade Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optical design offers coma-free pinpoint star images and flatter image fields greatly desired by discerning amateur astronomers, astrophotographers and professional observatories alike. This system also reduces astigmatism and eliminates diffraction spikes.

The ACF primary, secondary and corrector plate glass blanks are manufactured in the USA exclusively for Meade.

This telescope also features Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC). UHTC are specialized multi-layered coatings that are precisely designed to improve the performance of your telescope's optics. You'll see brighter star clusters, more fine detail in nebulae, and additional surface features on planets. Averaged over the entire visible spectrum, total light transmission to the focus increases by 15%.

The optical path and components of the ACF telescope design

LX90 electronics include: advanced AudioStar computer system with a 30,000+ object-library, multiple guided tours, High Precision Pointing capability, and SmartDrive with Permanent Periodic Error Correction. Precise and quick star alignment is done near effortlessly with an incorporated 16-channel genuine Sony GPS receiver.

The Meade AudioStar features audio files and an internal speaker.

With the included AudioStar telescope hand controller you have easy access to thousands of objects along with a wealth of data about each one! AudioStar Astronomer Inside technology features a built-in speaker that plays over four hours of educational content about the celestial objects you are viewing! After a very simple alignment routine, the AudioStar is ready to take you to any object above the horizon in its database. Can also be connected to a PC for more advanced control.

Feature a solid and stable aluminum double-fork mount with fast slew speed adjustable from 1.5 degrees to 6.5 degrees per second. Mount and electronics are internally powered by (8) x C-cell (user-supplied) batteries, which will typically operate the telescope for a generous 60 hours (optional Meade Universal AC Adapter can be used).

This LX90 model is compatible with the Meade X-Wedge which allows for polar alignment of the fork arms, eliminating field rotation in exposures longer than about 5 minutes. If using the telescope for visual use or shorter exposure imaging (lunar/planetary and very short deep-sky exposures), an equatorial wedge is not required.

With high-quality features and performance, this model is a staple for your astronomy ventures. Make it your time to own "The Legend".