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Orion Telescopes
Advanced
Meade 16" f/10 LX200 ACF Telescope with Super Giant Tripod
$17,599.99
 
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Standard Per-Item Shipping Charge: $850.00
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  • 16" f/10 Advanced Coma Free Optics - 4064mm focal length
  • AutoStar II GoTo system (145,000 objects) and built-in GPS included
  • Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC)
  • Mirror lock to completely eliminate any residual image shift
  • Includes PWA 28mm Eyepiece, 8x50 finder, 2" diagonal, and Super Giant Field Tripod


Learn more
Item #  56950
Mfg Model #  1610-60-02

The Meade 16" f/10 LX200 ACF Telescope has long been a classic fixture among Meade's LX series of Alt/Az fork mounted telescopes. Incredibly compact considering its massive aperture, the 16" f/10 ACF is ideally suited for in a medium/large sized observatory, but with the included Super Giant Tripod it is transportable and can be set up in the backyard or at your favorite dark sky site. When disassembled, the 16" LX200 breaks down into more manageable pieces and because of its compact nature and can be set up quickly (please see the component weight breakdown below to make sure you are comfortable lifting the heaviest individual components — we recommend two people lift the optical tube/fork assembly up onto the tripod). Strong and stable fork arms hold the optical tube rock solid to dampen any vibrations, which is critical for high power planetary observation or long exposure deep-sky imaging. Push button controls, automatic locating and tracking of celestial objects, and a wealth of object data at your fingertips in the AutoStar II hand controller make the LX200 a joy to use.

Superb Optical Quality

The patented Advanced Coma Free (ACF) optics of the Meade 16" LX200 produce impressively flat fields of view with no coma, even out to the edges of larger format cameras or extreme wide angle eyepieces. This makes the ACF system ideal for visual observers and astro-imagers alike. The Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) are included as with all Meade ACF optics, yielding maximum image brightness and contrast at the eyepiece or camera sensor. The ACF system also reduces astigmatism and eliminates diffraction spikes.

Designed and Manufactured in North America.

The ACF primary, secondary and corrector plate glass blanks are manufactured in the USA exclusively for Meade. Meade ACF telescopes, including the mounts, are manufactured and assembled in North America.

The optical path and components of the ACF telescope design

The optical path and components of the ACF telescope design

Interested in astrophotography? Meade ACF telescopes, with their long native focal lengths, are great instruments for photographing planets and the Moon in high-resolution detail with a DSLR or astro camera. And the addition of the optional Meade ACF 0.68x Focal Reducer optimizes any ACF for deep space imaging. This thread-on accessory converts an f/10 ACF into a faster f/6.8 system and transforms an f/8 ACF into a speedy f/5.5 imaging beast! The reducer shortens the long exposure times needed to record faint deep-sky objects by half and expands the field of view by nearly 50%, allowing capture of larger objects in a single frame. Your Meade ACF will become a powerful astrograph capable of capturing jaw-dropping astrophotographs with your DSLR or astronomical CCD or CMOS camera!

And though it may be obvious, it's still worth noting: Every Meade ACF telescope features dual-experience functionality, meaning that you can attach a camera and capture stunning astrophotographs, or you can pop in an eyepiece to visually study a celestial object — like Galileo, Herschel, Messier, and other astronomers both professional and amateur have done for centuries. The rewards of astrophotographic endeavors with an ACF lie in the dramatic colors and structure of objects revealed with impressive resolution by the tremendous light gathering capability and sharpness of the ACF optics. The visual experience is equally breathtaking: the real-time sight of an astronomical object through the eyepiece engenders a powerful, almost spiritual connection with the heavens. The view is ethereal and immersive, 3D-like, and made all the richer by the knowledge that you're looking back in time — millions of years in the case of some distant galaxies, to when they emitted the photons that are now just reaching your retinas. With a Meade ACF as your gateway to the night sky, you can experience the sheer amazement of exploring its diverse treasures in both ways — astrophotographically with your camera, or visually with your eyes wide open.

Key Features and Upgrades in the LX200 Series

The Meade LX200 series differs from the LX90 offerings in several key ways. First is the inclusion of a focus lock system, which prevents the mirror from moving while observing or during long exposure astrophotography as the telescope tracks across the sky. Turn the lock knob located just above the telescope's main focus knob and the progressive-tension primary lock completely cancels any residual image shift due to mirror movement during visual or imaging applications.

Next, for those wishing to enhance the focusing process even further, is the ability to attach the included Electronic Microfocuser (Meade #07080), which enables precise, touch-free focusing via either the AutoStar II handset or from third party software using the ASCOM driver. Simply plug the Microfocuser into the dedicated jack located on the motor base of the LX200 to operate the system.

Next up on the list of refinements for the LX200 series are several upgrades to the motor drive system. The maximum slew rate has been increased to 8 degrees per second over the LX90 (which tops out at 6.5 degrees per second). On a cold night, every second counts when slewing from one side of the sky to the other to acquire your next target, and the time saving will start adding up! The Smart Drive technology provides Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) on both axes over the course of one or more training sessions, thereby minimizing guiding corrections during long exposure imaging. And the Smart Mount system constantly refines the pointing accuracy each time an object is centered and updated. The LX200 also uses higher torque motors compared with the LX90 system, along with even higher resolution encoders which translates into even better drive accuracy.

Speaking of alignment, the LX200 series includes automatic alignment using a built in magnetic north sensor coupled with the GPS and level sensors. With the LX200, you don't have to manually find north and level in order to set the home position of the telescope — the LX200 does that all for you!

Mechanical Advantages of the LX200 ACF Series

Mechanically, the LX200 series incorporates some notable design and feature upgrades that set it apart. More robust fork arms provide an even more stable platform for the optical tube to ride in, minimizing vibrations in the eyepiece and flexure throughout the night. The included Super Giant Tripod is even more robust than the Standard or Giant Field Tripod included with the LX90 series and smaller LX200 models. This does make the 16" LX200 heavier than its smaller siblings, but that translates into a more stable platform — the name of the game when you're considering very high power planetary viewing, or long exposure deep-sky imaging. In fact, because of the added stability of the fork arm/motor base, the LX200 series is capable of handling more weight than the smaller LX90 fork system, resulting in additional optical tube sizes being offered in the LX200 series: 8" all the way up to the giant 16" ACF model!

Also available separately for purchase as an option for the 16" model — permanent mounted piers, either an altazimuth or EQ version. If you decide on a permanent installation for your 16" (such as inside an observatory), you can replace the included tripod with either the Meade 07005 Altazimuth Pier, or the 07006 Equatorial Pier. Having a pier installed under the telescope in an observatory is an advantage over the tripod, as it takes up less floor space and removes the chance of tripping over a tripod leg.

Because this combination of ACF optical tube and fork mount can be bulky and heavy at the larger apertures, Meade's engineers wanted you to know they have your back — literally. How's that? Because the LX200 16" design borrows a feature from the LX600 line by allowing the optical tube to be separated from the fork mount for easier, more convenient breakdown, assembly, and transport. Just below the altitude axis on both sides of the optical tube is a connection joint. You simply remove the four hex screws on each side to release the optical tube and upper fork section from the fork mount's base and lower arm section. Now you have two lighter and more manageable components!

Of course, ergonomically designed handles on the fork help with setup and teardown. They're very handy for astronomers who must set up and break down their rig for each observing or imaging session, and ensure a stable and secure grip when holding the telescope during the assembly/disassembly process.

One last mechanical upgrade to mention — slow-motion controls located on the fork arm and base. Both altitude and azimuth include a geared slow-motion knob, in case you need to manually adjust the position of the telescope. This normally would not be necessary when using the computer system, but suppose you are using the telescope out in the field without access to AC power, and you forgot to bring your external battery to power the AutoStar II GoTo system. In an event like this, the telescope can still be used completely without power and the slow-motion controls will allow for easy tracking, even at high planetary magnification.

Advanced Electronics and AutoStar II GoTo Pointing Technology

The "brain" of the LX200 is the included AutoStar II computer system with its 145,000 object-library (almost 5x the database size of the LX90!), multiple guided tours, and High Precision GoTo Pointing capability. The AutoStar II system provides control of virtually every telescope function. The AutoStar II handbox has soft-touch keys, an LCD display that's backlit with red LEDs to preserve your night vision, and intuitive key arrangement and menus that make AutoStar wonderfully easy and fun to use.

Precise star alignment is performed quickly and nearly effortlessly with Meade's level north technology alignment system, incorporating a 16-channel GPS receiver. The drive base of the telescope has multiple input/output ports including an RS-232 PC interface, Autoguider port, Microfocuser port, illuminated reticle power, and 12v output power. Mount and electronics are externally powered by either the included AC Adapter (for when access to a 110v AC outlet is available), or via an external battery (sold separately).

The LX850 Comparison Chart

Quality Borne of North American Manufacturing

Designed and manufactured in North America to exacting quality standards, the Meade LX200 series of fork mounted Alt/Az Advanced Coma-Free GoTo telescopes are perfect for the discerning visual astronomer or dedicated astro-imager. The Meade 16" LX200 ACF features an 16" aperture, 4064mm focal length, and f/10 focal ratio with Dual-Fork Mounting. The Ultra High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) and a resolving power of 0.28 arc-seconds provide an improvement in brightness and resolution on everything from star clusters, fine detail in nebulae, to greater surface features on planets. Includes a PWA 28mm eyepiece (145x), viewfinder (8x50 optical with crosshair), 2" enhanced aluminum diagonal mirror, AC wall adapter and DC power cable, and Super Giant Tripod.

Whether at home in your backyard or in a domed observatory, the versatile Meade 16" f/10 LX200 ACF Telescope with Super Giant Tripod will provide years of astronomical exploration and amazement.

Warranty

Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for two years from date of purchase. This warranty is provided by Meade for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact Meade at 800-626-3233.

Product Support
Visit our product support section for instruction manuals and more
  • Best for viewing
    Fainter deep sky
  • Best for imaging
    Solar, lunar, planetary & Messier objects
  • User level
    Advanced
  • Optical design
    Advanced Coma-Free (ACF)
  • Optical diameter
    406mm
  • Focal length
    4064mm
  • Focal ratio
    f/10.0
  • Magnification with included eyepieces
    145x
  • Resolving power
    0.28arc*sec
  • Lowest useful magnification
    58x
  • Highest useful magnification
    300x
  • Highest theoretical magnification
    800x
  • Limiting stellar magnitude
    15.7
  • Optical quality
    Diffraction limited
  • Finder scope
    8x50
  • Focuser
    Internal
  • Diagonal degrees
    2" 90° Mirror Star
  • Mount type
    Altazimuth
  • Astro-imaging capability
    Lunar, planetary & long exposure
  • Computerized compatibility
    Go-To included
  • Number of objects in database
    145,000
  • Tracking rates
    Sidereal, Solar and Lunar
  • Motor speeds
    Up to 8 degrees/sec
  • Motor type
    DC Servo motors with encoders
  • Power requirement
    12-volt DC - 5A (tip positive)
  • PEC
    Yes
  • GPS
    Included
  • Backlash compensation
    Yes
  • Setting circles
    Electronic, via the hand controller
  • Available ports
    RS-232, Aux, autoguider
  • Tube material
    Aluminum
  • Tripod material
    Aluminum & Steel
  • Tripod leg diameter
    3.00 in.
  • Height range of mount
    30.00 in. - 44.00 in.
  • Length of optical tube
    33.0 in.
  • Weight, optical tube
    125.0 lbs.
  • Weight, mount/tripod
    88.0 lbs.
  • Weight, fully assembled
    318.0 lbs.
  • Additional included accessories
    AC wall adapter and DC power cable, Super Giant Field Tripod, Zero-image shift micro-focuser
  • Other features
    AutoStar II controller with multiple guided tours, SmartDrive w/ Permanent Periodic Error Correction, High Precision Pointing capability
  • Warranty
    Two year

When an item is not in-stock we will ship it as soon as it becomes available. Typically in-stock items will ship first and backordered items will follow as soon as they are available.

A per-item shipping charge (in addition to the standard shipping and handling charge) applies to this product. This charge varies based on the shipping method.

Standard Delivery: $850.00

SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS APPLY FOR THIS PRODUCT

This product is available to ship Standard delivery to the 48 continental United States. Delivery is not available to APO/DPO/FPO addresses, US territories/protectorates or Canada. 3 Day, 2nd Day and Next Day delivery is not available.

The Meade 16" f/10 LX200 ACF Telescope with Super Giant Tripod is a very large, multi-box, telescope and may arrive through freight service on a pallet for curbside delivery.

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