The patented Meade Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optical design offers the coma-free pinpoint star images and flatter image fields greatly desired by discerning amateur astronomers, astrophotographers and professional observatories alike. This system also reduces the astigmatism and eliminates the diffraction spikes found in classical Ritchey-Chrétien designs. No competing Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope can make those claims.
The 12" LX90-ACF has a 12” diameter f/10 ACF optical system (focal length 3048 mm) and Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) for maximum image brightness and contrast. This largest of the LX90 models collects over twice as much light as an 8" telescope, effectively doubling the image brightness on faint deep sky targets. Electronics include the advanced Meade AudioStar™ computer system with over 30,000 object library, multiple guided tours, High Precision Pointing capability, and Meade SmartDrive with Permanent Periodic Error Correction.
Precise and quick star alignment is done near effortlessly with an incorporated 16 channel genuine Sony GPS receiver. The AutoStar is flash-updatable via free downloads at Meade.com (optional cable required).
All LX90 models feature the solid and stable LX90 aluminum double fork mount, with fast slew speed adjustable from 1 to 7 degrees per second. Fine slewing and photographic guiding speeds can be adjusted from .01x to 1x sidereal in one one-hundredth increments. The mount and all electronics are internally powered by 8 (user supplied) C-cell batteries which will typically operate the telescope for a generous 60 hours (optional Meade Universal AC adapter also available). The mount also has mechanical locks in both axis allowing adjustment even without power.
The LX90 comes fully equipped with a heavy duty height adjustable Meade Field Tripod, 1.25" diagonal mirror, 26 mm Series 4000 Plössl eyepiece, Meade AutoStar® Suite Astronomer Edition Software for PC and an 8x50 viewfinder with quick release bracket. Scope weight is 60 pounds with 19 pound tripod. Ships in 2 boxes.
Product carries full one year Meade factory limited warranty.
Product Specs
| Series |
LX90 Telescopes |
| Warranty |
1 Year |
| Experience Level |
Intermediate |
| Clear Aperture |
12" |
| Optical Design |
Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) |
| Optical Coatings |
UHTC™ |
| Focal Length |
3,048 mm |
| Focal Ratio |
f/10 |
| Resolving Power (Dawes' Limit) |
0.380 arc-seconds |
| Oversized Primary Mirror |
Yes |
| Viewfinder |
8x50 mm with cross-hair reticle |
| Eyepiece(s) |
26 mm Series 4000™ Super Plössl |
| Focuser Mechanism |
Single Speed Focuser |
| Diagonal |
1.25" diagonal mirror |
| Hand Controller |
AudioStar™ |
| Object Database |
30,000 objects |
| Pointing Precision (High-Precision Mode) |
1.5 arc-minute (±) |
| Periodic Error Correction |
Polar mode only (RA) |
| Slow Motion Controls |
Electronic |
| Slew Speeds |
RA and Dec:1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x sidereal and 1.5°/sec., 3°/sec., 6.5°/sec. |
| Tracking Rates |
Sidereal, Lunar, or custom-selected from 2000 incremental rates |
| Control Panel |
12 V Power port, On/Off Switch, Handbox port, 2x Aux ports |
| Tripod |
Standard Field Tripod |
| Power Source |
(Optional) 12 V DC, 5 amp power supply |
| Batteries (User-Supplied) |
8 x C cells |
| GPS Receiver |
Yes |
| Electronic Focuser |
Optional |
| Smart Drive™ |
Yes |
| Astronomer Inside™ |
Yes |
| Anti-vibration Pads |
Optional |
| Wedge |
Optional |
