Meade LX 200 Review

The Meade LX 200 is the most widely used research telescope that now implements a powerful optical system called Advanced Coma Free, or ACF. This system has an advantage over typical optical systems in that there is no coma. Eliminating coma will result in sharper images and less distortion of the images being viewed, namely stars. This technology was once only available on telescope models that sported a very expensive price tag. Meade has taken this aberration-free optical system and made it available to the public at a reasonable price.

The LX 200 also has Ultra-High Transmission Coatings which make for nearly a 20% increase in the transmission of light and brightness compared to the standard coatings on other Meade telescopes. This impressive level of brightness and detail will please any aspiring astronomer. Stars, galaxies, and nebulae will appear in greater detail thanks to the heightend brightness of the special coating.

Other features that make this telescope stand out are the Zero Image Shift Focuser, Primary Mirror Lock, Oversize Primary Mirror, the Meade Smart Mount, and Meade Smart Drive. These features provide such things as detailed focusing without movement of the image, mirror locking for better picture taking, wider and well-illuminated field of views, consistantly refined accuracy, and permanent periodic error correction. Additionally, the Meade Auto Align makes the telescope a smart one who automatically knows the sky straight from the box. The no-muss, no-fuss set up is perfect for those who are anxious to see some great images without having detailed knowledge of where to find them.

The Meade LX 200 is also equipped with a GPS system made by Sony. This automatically inputs date, time, and location for even faster alignment. The AutoStar program features more than 140,000 celestial objects in its database for quick location. This takes the work out of working a telescope and puts more fun into it. Meade recognized that not all telescope users are people striving to be a professional astronomer, but people who just happen to have an interest in the galaxies beyond. It won't take a degree or professional training to figure out how to use the LX 200 and get the most out of all of its features. The AutoStar software is also able to receive updates and take a person on guided tours.

With the AutoStar computerized controller, users can access the GOTO menu which is programmed to automatically find the best celestial objects the sky has to offer. Those who don't already know all there is to know about finding these objects will still be able to view them thanks to the automatic find and focus. Finally, astronomy can be just as effortless as it is rewarding.

Professional astronomers will be satisfied with the quality of this telescope. Images viewed through the Meade LX 200 rival those of real observatories. Novice stargazers will be no less than delighted with the telescope and all of the amazing things they will be able to view with it. Backed with the Meade promise, rest assured it is also one that is durable and will last for years and years to come.