Meade ACF-SC 203/2032 UHTC LX85 OTA Telescope

This telescope, with its Schmidt-Cassegrain optics, fulfills every stargazer's desires - SC telescopes are versatile for all applications. Whether you're observing planets, distant nebulae, or galaxies, whether purely visually or through photography, an SC telescope can do it all!

The compact optics reduce strain on the mount and make transportation a breeze. Focusing occurs internally and is easily adjustable, even with astrophotography attachments in place.

SC telescopes typically feature a spherical primary mirror, which can be a limitation since only parabolic mirrors, like those used in Newtonian telescopes, can accurately focus off-axis light rays. However, optical designer Bernhard Schmidt (1879-1935) devised a solution by introducing a special correction plate. Attached to the front of the OTA, this Schmidt plate ensures SC telescopes produce sharp images devoid of spherical aberration. This design advantage also seals the OTA at both ends, safeguarding the main mirror from contamination and preventing disruptive air turbulence.

The secondary mirror, mounted beneath the center of the correction plate, reflects light back to the main mirror. From there, it exits through a hole in the main mirror and through an opening in the back of the OTA. This folded light path, known as the Cassegrain design after Laurent Cassegrain (1629-1693), offers numerous benefits appreciated even by professional telescopes. Heavy accessories impose minimal strain, and the telescope's eyepiece maintains nearly constant height, even when observing objects at varying altitudes. Consequently, no ladder is necessary, and observers, including children, enjoy a comfortable and safe viewing experience - a significant advantage, especially for balcony astronomers!

Advanced Coma-free Optics (ACF): Meade's ACF optical design eradicates typical aberrations found in mirror optics, ensuring stars appear point-like throughout the image field, free from elongated comet-like distortions. ACF systems excel in astrophotography, offering a flatter image field compared to classic Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes.

Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC): A special multi-layer coating on the front correction plate boosts light transmission by up to 15%, resulting in brighter star clusters, finer nebulae details, and enhanced planetary surface features.

Included Accessories:

• Prism Rail: Vixen-Style
• Carrying Handle: Yes
• Dew Shield: No
• Deviating Optics: 1.25", 90° Star Diagonal
• Finder Base: Meade/Explore Scientific T-Profil
• Finder Scope: 8x50

Specifications:

Optics:

Type: Reflector

Build Type: ACF-Cassegrain

Aperture (mm): 203

Focal Length (mm): 2032

Aperture Ratio (f/): 10

Resolving Capacity: 0.68

Limit Value (mag): 13.3

Light Gathering Capacity: 840

Coating: UHTC

Tube Weight (kg): 6.4

Tube Construction: Full tube

Reflector:

Primary Mirror - Material: Borosilicate glass

Correction Plate - Material: Float glass

Focuser:

Type of Build: Internal

Connecting Thread (Telescope Side): SC

Gear Reduction: Without

Mount:

Mounting Type: No mount

GoTo Control: No

Type of Build: OTA

General:

Series: OTA

Area of Application:

Moon & Planets: Yes (very good)

Nebulae & Galaxies: Yes

Nature Observation: No

Astrophotography: Yes

Sun: Not recommended (Only with appropriate Sun filter)

Recommended For:

Beginners: No

Advanced: Yes

Observatories: No