Brand and Model: | MEADE LT-8 ACF |
Price ($USD): | $1399.00 |
Type: | advanced coma free |
Attributes: |
Go-To PEC |
Aperture: | 8.25 |
f Ratio: | f/10 |
Focal Length: | 2034 |
Finder: | red dot |
Electric Power: | 12 volt c batt |
Mount: | alt-azimuth |
Tripod: | tubular-steel |
Weight (lbs): | 39 lbs |
Dimensions (w/h/d): | 9 inch x 17 inch opt. tube |
Description: | Needed a go-to scope with good optics for outreach programs. Already have a 10 inch dob, setup and viewing getting to be too much with a hundred people looking through scope. Constant bump and look and readjustments. The LT8 ACF was the right scope for the right price. It arrived undamaged California to Florida. Reviewed setup and go-to alignment process. Bam! First night out, a outreach viewing. Meade promised and came through. Portability, optics, and ease of setup and usage are the LT8's forte. Saturn was big, crisp, clear and bright. Stars are pinpoint and look amazing. Much better than my Dob. The go-to put every object center or close to it in the eyepiece. The icing on the cake is the astronomer inside. Its a plus to learn new facts about a viewed object. I would give this scope a 9.5 out of 10. The light tripod holds it back. Focusing and wind make it shake a bit. Tried anti-vibration pads, lowering tripod and bolting exercise weights to the bottom of plastic spreader. Nothing totally eliminates this problem. Maybe a locking lower spreader or a optional heavy-duty tripod would help. The LT8 ACF is excellent but not perfect. I recommend this scope to the beginner and the seasoned astronomer. Meade just about got this one right. |