Meade LXD75 AR-5" Telescope

Packing big power into a small package, Meade's short-aperture AR-5 impresses with a classic, light-hungry achromatic optical configuration. Designed to operate at an extremely low focal ratio (f/9), the 5" LXD75 Achromatic Refractor displays very wide, well-corrected fields of view with the convenience and usability of Autostar control and advanced, equatorial mountings. The result is a professional-level – but user-friendly – telescope with brilliant, rich-field imaging of nebulae, galaxies and star clusters that offers remarkably fast speeds for astrophotography or CCD imaging. Includes a powerful 26mm Super Plossl 1.25" eyepiece (29x) that offers a field of view 1.7 degrees across (over three lunar diameters) and has a 5.2mm exit pupil.Features include:New Optical Tube AssemblyThe LXD75 Achromatic Refractors are supplied with an upgraded 8x50 viewfinder and the standard precision all-metal 1.25"/2" O.D. rack & pinion focuser. The refractors also boast improved metal dew shields and heavier duty objective cells. In addition, both AR models have had a system of collimation screws added to the main objective cell.New Design LXD75 Equatorial MountDesigned for high-performance observing and astrophotography, the LXD75 series sets a new standard in its price class for sturdiness, precision operation and smoothness of movement. With the LXD75, Meade engineers have created a virtually backlash free equatorial mount incorporating heavy-duty castings and four high-precision, stainless steel ball bearings in both RA and Dec axes.New Design Heavy-Duty TripodThe heavy-duty, all-metal field tripod uses a locking spreader bar (with three 1.25"/2" eyepiece holders) to lock each leg in place, virtually eliminating flexure. Each leg has two anodized aluminum leg extension locks with an internal brake to eliminate slipping of the internal extending leg. These locks face inward, so that no accidental bumping of the leg locks can occur.Ideal ForAmateur astronomers interested in a moderately priced, large aperture, easy-to-operate telescope. Ideal for wide field viewing, astrophotography and CCD imaging, with high-quality performance for deep space and planetary subjects as well. Not suitable for terrestrial viewing.SpecificationsIncludes 5" f/9 Schmidt-Newtonian optical tube assembly with EMC super multi-coatings; optical tube measures 6.3" in diameter, 41" in length; scope, tripod and one 10-lb. counterweight weigh 49 lbs.; quick attach cradle ring assembly with locks; 8x50 achromatic viewfinder; all-metal rack-and-pinion focuser with eyepiece holders for both 1.25" and 2" eyepieces; Super Plossl 26mm eyepiece. LXD75 equatorial mount with worm gear drives and electric slow-motion controls; micrometric controls; illuminated polar alignment finder with reticle; variable height field tripod with accessory shelf. Autostar dual-axis control system with 9-speed drive controls, 30,