The NEW LX90-ACF represents the latest step in the evolution of the LX90, featuring Meade's f/10 ADVANCED COMA-FREE OPTICS: Building from a classic RC design, Meade has created a new optical design with the same coma-free pinpoint star images and flatter field that discerning astrophotographers and most professional observatories expect. The NEW LX90-ACF with Meade’s Advanced Coma-Free system also reduces the astigmatism and eliminates diffractions spikes found in classical RCs. No competing Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope can make those claims. The LX90-ACF is the perfect platform for the demanding visual observer and imaging enthusiast with telescopes available in apertures of 8 inches, 10 inches, and 12 inches. When it comes to industry-leading optics, depth of features, and computerized operation, the LX90-ACF is the best all-around telescope value you can find.
 
 
GPS - LX90-ACF can do more than track satellites. It talks to them as well. Turn it on and the built-in Sony® GPS sensor immediately determines your precise date, time and location. AutoAlign™ then uses this info to align your scope for a tour of the most spectacular sights in the universe. With all the features of the legendary LX90GPS, plus the additon of Advanced Coma-Free optics and the ability to communicate to satellites, the new LX90-ACF now has it all.

AUTOALIGN™ – Telescopes with Meade’s new AutoAlign come pre-aligned. They are smart scopes that know the night sky right out of the box. AutoAlign picks two fail-proof alignment stars for you and places them right in your viewfinder. Just center them to fine tune your alignment and the wonders of the universe are at your fingertips.

OVERSIZED PRIMARY MIRROR – Only Meade manufactures their primary mirrors in diameters larger than their listed aperture (e.g. the diameter of the 8" LX90’s primary mirror is actually 8.25").This additional 1/4" yields a wider, fully illuminated field-of-view, and allows you to see the light other telescopes leave behind.

SMARTFINDER™(RED DOT) & 8 X 50 VIEWFINDER – Quickly and easily locate and center deep sky objects.

SLEW SPEED – The LX90-ACF slews (moves) from star to star at 7 degrees per second. That is more than twice as fast as the competition. This means that over the course of an evening, a Meade LX90-ACF will show you two to three times more objects.

RIGID CAST ALUMINUM FORK MOUNT – The Meade LX90-ACF's Optical Tube Assembly is mounted on two sturdy fork arms giving you a rock solid platform for astrophotography.

LX200™ - SERIES TRIPOD – The LX90-ACF comes standard with the same sturdy field tripod as the LX200-ACF series telescope.

SMART DRIVE™ – Meade’s AutoStar® provides Periodic Error Correction (in polar mode). Over the course of one or more training periods your LX90-ACF will minimize guiding corrections during long exposure astrophotography.

AUTOSTAR CONTROLLER – Meade’s AutoStar® can be updated after purchase. Click here to download software upgrades, guided tours and timely objects like comets, satellites and new discoveries – Free! Keep your AutoStar up-to-date, and your LX90-ACF will grow with you for years to come.
 

LX90-ACF Specifications

    * Optical Design: Advanced Coma-Free
    * Clear Aperture: 203mm (8")
    * Focal Length: 2000mm (78.75")
    * Focal Ratio: f/10
    * Optical Coating: Ultra-High Transmission Coatings
    * Optical Tube Dimensions: 231mm (9.1") x 425mm (16.75")
    * GPS: Sony GPS
    * LNT Module: Patented Level-North Technology with electronic level sensor, magnetic north sensor, high precision clock
    * Smart Finder: Red dot viewfinder
    * Viewfinder: 8 X 50
    * Telescope Mounting: fork type, double tine
    * Setting Circle Diameters: RA: 8º, Dec: 5º
    * Zero Image Shift Microfocuser: optional
    * Go To Pointing Precision (approx): 5 arc minutes
    * Pointing Precision in High Precision Mode: 3 arc minutes
    * Slow-Motion Controls: electric, RA & Dec
    * #497 AutoStar Hand Controller: PIC 16C57 microcontroller, 2 line X 16 alphanumeric display
    * Batteries (user supplied): 8 X C cells
    * Battery Life (approx.): 60 hours
    * Onboard Celestial Object Database: 30,223 objects
    * Slew Speeds: RA & Dec: 1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x sidereal and 1.5º/sec, 3º/sec, & 6.5º/sec
    * Tracking Rates: sidereal, lunar, or custom-selected from 2000 incremental rates
    * Tube Body: aluminum
    * Mount Castings: aluminum
    * Primary & Secondary Mirrors: Pyrex glass
    * Correcting Plate/Lens: clear water white glass
    * Total Net Telescope Weight: 24.04 kg. (53 lbs)
    * Telescope Shipping Weight (approx.): 33.11 kg. (73 lbs)
    * Field Tripod Height: 762mm to 1067mm (30" to 44") variable

I want to order an LX90ACF

Check out the other models in the LX90-ACF series:

    * Meade 10" LX90-ACF    Available  Autumn 2008
    * Meade 12" LX90-ACF    Available Winter 2008