Meade Telescope ETX80 Observer Product Info

With the ETX80 Observer 80mm f/5 Achromat Refractor GoTo Telescope, Meade gives you a complete computer-controlled motorized observation rig, including the means to safely store and carry your gear. The achromat optical design corrects spherical and chromatic aberrations to produce crisp and clear high-contrast images with true color rendition across its entire distortion-free field of view. For those who want to use it for astrophotography, an internal mirror flips down to direct the optical path straight back for prime-focus photography using a DSLR camera body and optional adapters. The upper eyepiece holder has an integrated 2x Barlow lens that will effectively double the magnification of any eyepiece put in it.

This version of the ETX80 features a removable optical tube assembly to increase its usability. With the OTA removed, it can then be mounted on any photo or video tripod with a 1/4"-20 mounting screw. This enables photographers to carry only one tripod out in the field for taking pictures with their DSLR and switching to digiscoping with the ETX. To use the OTA as a spotting scope, Meade includes a 45° erecting prism diagonal.

The brain of this system is Meade's revolutionary AudioStar hand controller. Equipped with a two-line LED display and 20-key red backlit keypad, it controls the motorized mount for precise GoTo capabilities. Its internal 30,000+ object database is updateable via the internet, and has the capability to take you on a hands-free guided tour of the night sky above, including audio tours through the use of the built-in speaker. To consult star charts, logs, or to change eyepieces and filters, the controller also has a built-in red LED utility light that will not affect your night-adjusted vision.

This kit includes two eyepieces that produce 15x and 41x magnifications for well-rounded observational options, plus a red dot finder which, with its exceptional field of view, makes finding objects faster and easier. To complete to package is a sturdy aluminum tripod to support all the gear, plus a backpack for the mount, OTA, and accessories. The tripod will not fit in the pack, but it does have a convenient carry handle on one of the legs.

Package Contents:

• Meade Telescope ETX80 Observer