Meade Telescope ACF-SC 203/2032 UHTC LX200 OTA (10194)

This telescope features Schmidt-Cassegrain optics, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of astronomical applications. Whether you want to observe planets, distant nebulae, or galaxies—visually or through astrophotography—an SC telescope can handle it all. The compact optical design minimizes leverage on the mount, making the telescope easy to transport and set up. Internal focusing allows for smooth and precise adjustments, even when additional astrophotography accessories are attached.

The SC design uses a spherical primary mirror, which is corrected by a special Schmidt plate at the front of the optical tube. This correction plate eliminates spherical aberration, resulting in sharp, clear images. The closed tube design protects the optics from dust and air turbulence. The secondary mirror, mounted on the correction plate, reflects light back through a hole in the primary mirror, creating a folded light path. This design, named after Laurent Cassegrain, keeps the eyepiece at a comfortable height regardless of where the telescope is pointed, making it user-friendly for both adults and children.

Meade’s Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics further improve image quality by eliminating typical mirror aberrations, so stars remain point-like to the edge of the field and the image plane is flatter than in classic Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. This is especially valuable for astrophotography. The Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) on the corrector plate increase light transmission by up to 15%, resulting in brighter and more detailed views.

All LX200 models include a primary mirror locking mechanism to prevent any shift during long exposure imaging or observing. This ensures that the image remains stable and sharp, even during intensive use.

Specifications

Optics
Type: Reflector
Design: ACF-Cassegrain
Aperture: 203 mm
Focal Length: 2032 mm
Aperture Ratio (f/): 10
Resolving Capacity: 0.68 arcseconds
Limiting Magnitude: 13.3
Light Gathering Power: 840x
Maximum Useful Magnification: 406x
Coating: UHTC
Tube Weight: 6.4 kg
Tube Construction: Full tube

Reflector
Primary Mirror Material: Borosilicate glass
Correction Plate Material: Float glass

Focuser
Type: Internal
Connecting Thread (Telescope Side): SC
Gear Reduction: None

Mount
Mounting Type: No mount (OTA only)
GoTo Control: No
Type: OTA

Included Accessories

• Prism rail (Losmandy-Style)

• Carrying handle

• Finder base (Meade/Explore Scientific T-Profile)

General
Series: OTA

Area of Application

• Moon & Planets: Yes

• Nebulae & Galaxies: Yes

• Nature Observation: Yes

• Astrophotography: Yes

• Sun: No (only with appropriate solar filter)

Recommended For

• Beginners: No

• Advanced Users: Yes

• Observatories: No

This telescope optical tube assembly is ideal for advanced astronomers seeking high-quality performance for both visual observation and astrophotography.