Stargazing Companion

When it comes to exploring the night sky, having the right telescope can make all the difference. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned astronomer, Meade telescopes are among the most trusted tools for stargazing enthusiasts worldwide. Known for their cutting-edge optics, durable builds, and innovative features, Meade Instruments has been a leader in the field for decades. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of Meade telescopes, their unique features, and how to choose the best model for your needs.

Introduction to Meade Telescopes

What Are Meade Telescopes?

Meade telescopes are high-quality optical instruments designed to magnify distant celestial objects, making them visible from Earth. These telescopes are perfect for observing stars, planets, galaxies, and more. Meade Instruments, founded in 1972, has gained a reputation for creating innovative, user-friendly telescopes for both beginners and professionals.

Whether you’re interested in casual stargazing or serious astrophotography, Meade has a telescope for every type of astronomer. Their products range from entry-level models to advanced systems with computerized tracking and GoTo technology, which automatically points the telescope to specific celestial objects.

A Brief History of Meade Instruments

Meade Instruments was established by John Diebel in 1972 as a small mail-order business. Over the years, it evolved into one of the most recognized brands in the astronomy world. Meade revolutionized the market with the introduction of affordable Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, making advanced optics accessible to amateur astronomers.

In 1980, the company launched its first fully computerized telescopes, which allowed users to find and track celestial objects effortlessly. Today, Meade continues to innovate with its LX series, ACF (Advanced Coma-Free) optics, and robust mounts designed for astrophotography.

Why Choose a Meade Telescope for Stargazing?

Choosing a Meade telescope means investing in precision, reliability, and innovation. Here’s why stargazers prefer Meade:

• Superior Optics: Meade uses high-quality glass and coatings for crystal-clear images.
• User-Friendly Designs: Their telescopes are easy to set up and use, even for beginners.
• Advanced Technology: Meade offers computerized mounts, GoTo systems, and advanced optics like ACF (Advanced Coma-Free), making it easier to find and view objects in the night sky.

Whether you’re looking for a compact refractor for quick backyard viewing or a powerful Schmidt-Cassegrain for deep-sky imaging, Meade has a model that suits your needs.

Types of Meade Telescopes

Meade offers a wide range of telescopes, categorized based on their design and intended use. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

Refractor Telescopes

Refractor telescopes use lenses to gather and focus light. They are perfect for beginners because of their simple design and low maintenance. Meade’s Infinity series is a popular choice in this category, offering excellent performance at an affordable price.

Pros of Refractors:

• Ideal for viewing planets and the Moon.
• Easy to set up and maintain.
• Compact and portable.

Cons:

• Limited aperture size compared to reflectors.
• Higher cost per inch of aperture.

Reflector Telescopes

Reflector telescopes use mirrors instead of lenses to gather light. Meade’s Polaris series is a great entry-level option for those interested in reflector models.

Pros of Reflectors:

• Larger apertures for viewing faint objects.
• Cost-effective compared to refractors.
• Great for deep-sky observation.

Cons:

• Require periodic collimation (alignment of mirrors).
• More sensitive to dust and dirt.

Catadioptric Telescopes (Schmidt-Cassegrain and Maksutov-Cassegrain)

Meade’s Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes (SCTs) are among their most popular products. These telescopes combine lenses and mirrors for a compact, versatile design.

Pros of Catadioptrics:

• Compact and portable.
• Excellent for both visual observation and astrophotography.
• Computerized options available.

Cons:

• More expensive than basic refractors or reflectors.
• Slightly more complex to maintain.

Choosing the right telescope as a beginner can be overwhelming. Meade offers several beginner-friendly models that balance affordability, ease of use, and performance. Here are the best Meade telescopes for those just starting their stargazing journey.

Meade Infinity Series

The Meade Infinity Series is a top choice for beginners. This line features refractor telescopes that are easy to set up and use, making them ideal for those with little to no prior experience.

Key Features:

• Available in different aperture sizes (70mm, 80mm, 90mm, and 102mm).
• Comes with a sturdy Alt-Azimuth mount, allowing smooth movement for tracking objects.
• Includes multiple eyepieces for different magnification levels.

Pros:

• Affordable price range.
• Easy assembly.
• Ideal for viewing the Moon, planets, and bright stars.

Cons:

• Limited deep-sky viewing.
• Not suitable for advanced astrophotography.

If you’re a beginner looking for a reliable and affordable telescope, the Infinity Series is a great entry point into the world of astronomy.

Meade Polaris Series

The Meade Polaris Series is another excellent option for beginners. These reflector telescopes provide better light-gathering capability, making them ideal for deep-sky viewing.

Key Features:

• Available in various apertures (114mm, 127mm, and 130mm).
• Comes with an equatorial mount, which allows precise tracking of celestial objects.
• Includes a red-dot viewfinder for easy object location.

Pros:

• Great for deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae.
• Affordable for its capabilities.
• Equatorial mount helps track objects as they move across the sky.

Cons:

• More complex to set up than Alt-Azimuth mounts.
• Requires occasional collimation (mirror alignment).

The Polaris Series offers better performance for those who want to explore more than just planets and the Moon.

Meade StarNavigator NG

For beginners who want a telescope with computerized GoTo technology, the Meade StarNavigator NG series is perfect. These telescopes automatically locate and track celestial objects, making it easier for beginners to enjoy stargazing without manual navigation.

Key Features:

• GoTo mount with an AudioStar hand controller that provides verbal descriptions of celestial objects.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Available in both refractor and reflector models.

Pros:

• Easy to find and track objects with GoTo technology.
• AudioStar adds an educational element to stargazing.
• Great for both beginners and intermediate users.

Cons:

• Pricier than manual models.
• Requires batteries or a power source.

The StarNavigator NG series is ideal for beginners who want a hassle-free stargazing experience with a modern touch.

Advanced Meade Telescopes for Professionals

For seasoned astronomers and astrophotographers, Meade offers a range of advanced telescopes that deliver superior optics, tracking precision, and astrophotography capabilities.

Meade LX200 Series

The Meade LX200 is a legendary telescope series popular among professional astronomers. It’s a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (SCT) that offers exceptional image quality and advanced tracking features.

Key Features:

• ACF (Advanced Coma-Free) optics for distortion-free images.
• Ultra-precise GPS alignment.
• Available in large apertures, from 8 inches to 16 inches.

Pros:

• Excellent for deep-sky imaging.
• Highly accurate tracking and alignment.
• Suitable for both visual observation and astrophotography.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Bulky and requires a sturdy mount.

The LX200 series is ideal for professionals who want to capture stunning deep-sky images and conduct serious astronomical research.

Meade LX85 Series

The LX85 series is designed for serious astrophotographers who need a portable yet powerful telescope. It features GoTo technology and is compatible with a variety of telescope types, including refractors, reflectors, and SCTs.

Key Features:

• German Equatorial Mount for precise tracking.
• Compatible with multiple optical tubes.
• AutoStar II hand controller with a database of over 30,000 celestial objects.

Pros:

• Great for astrophotography.
• Portable and versatile.
• Affordable compared to other high-end models.

Cons:

• Requires careful setup and alignment.
• Learning curve for beginners.

The LX85 is perfect for astrophotographers who want a reliable, versatile telescope that can handle various viewing and imaging tasks.

Meade LX600 and LX850 Series

The LX600 and LX850 series represent Meade’s most advanced telescopes. These models are designed for serious astrophotographers and researchers who need precise tracking and large apertures for deep-sky observation.

Key Features:

• StarLock technology for automatic alignment and tracking.
• Available with large apertures (10 to 16 inches).
• ACF optics for crisp, clear images.

Pros:

• Unmatched tracking accuracy.
• Excellent for long-exposure astrophotography.
• Ideal for observing faint deep-sky objects.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Heavy and requires a permanent setup.

If you’re looking for top-tier performance, the LX600 and LX850 are unmatched in Meade’s lineup.