Optical Tube Construction Schmidt-Newtonian and Schmidt-Cassegrain optics are mounted in precision-machined aluminum cells and mounted in sturdy steel tubes which are baked with highgrade textured enamel paint. The optical tube assembly is closed, reducing air currents inside the tube. This prevents distortion of an otherwise sharp This prevents distortion of an otherwise sharp image. Plus, a closed tube significantly helps keep the optics clean.
Corrector Lens Fully corrects for spherical aberration andprovides pinpoint star images. Water white glass is used in all Schmidt-Newtonian and Schmidt-Cassegrain corrector lenses to maximize light transmission. The use of water white glass results in an increase of light transmission in excess of 10%, as compared to competing telescopes using soda lime glass.
Individually Figured Optics Schmidt-Newtonian and Schmidt-Cassegrain corrector lenses and mirrors are individually figured to create a superior optical system which is renowned for its exquisite smoothness and performance.
Fast f/Ratios Meade's Schmidt-Newtonians have extremely fast, well corrected f/Ratios for short photographic exposure times and wide fields-of-view.
2" Focuser Rack and pinion focuser allows the user to achieve a precise focus.* Accepts both 1.25" & 2" Eyepieces.
Sturdy Mount with Heavy-Duty Castings Designed by Meade's engineers and manufactured for high-performance observing and astrophotography.
Shaft & Bearing System The sturdy German Equatorial Mount is accurate and precise. The RA and Dec axes move effortlessly on four highprecision stainless steel ball bearings.
High-Precision Pointing (HPP) For even more precise pointing use the HPP function. HPP puts objects in the center of the field-of view which allows you to confirm deep sky objects at the faintest limits of the telescope's capability.
Periodic Error Correction Corrects periodic errors on the RA axis over the course of one or more training periods, thereby minimizing guiding corrections during long-exposure photography.
9-Speed Drive Controls From a rapid slew rate of 4.5°/sec. to 1x sidereal—it's all controlled from the AutoStar controller. 3-Star Alignment Ensures precise alignment. It eliminates the need for a complicated optical/mechanical alignment process.
Heavy-Duty Tripod Variable-height field tripod with spreader bar brace provides the stability and vibration damping required for visual observation and astrophotography.
Illuminated Polar Alignment Viewfinder For quick, precise polar alignment.
Power Supply Powered by 8 D-size batteries. Can also be powered by optional car cigarette lighter or AC wall adapter.