Meade 8" LS-8 SC Optional Accessories, Choosing Eyepieces, Series 4000 Super Plössl Eyepieces

Page 16

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

Meade makes a complete line of accessories to enable you to get the most fun and performance from your LS telescope. No matter what you want to accomplish, we have the equipment to help you get there.

Choosing Eyepieces

A telescope’s eyepiece magnifies the image formed by the telescope’s main optics. Each eyepiece has a focal length, expressed in millimeters, or “mm.” The smaller the focal length, the higher the magnification. For example, an eyepiece with a focal length of 9mm has a higher magnification than an eyepiece with a focal length of 26mm. Experienced users know that higher powers are, in general, not as useful as lower powers. Many of the objects in the night sky are relatively large and faint and look best at low magnifications.

The power or magnification of a telescope is determined by the focal length of the telescope and the focal length of the eyepiece being used. To calculate magnification, divide the telescope’s focal length by the eyepiece’s focal length. For example, a 26mm eyepiece is supplied with the LS. The focal length of the 6" LS is 1524mm (see SPECIFICATIONS, page 40).

Telescope Focal Length 1524mm

Eyepiece Focal Length 26mm

1524 ÷ 26 = 58.6x

The magnification is therefore 58.6x.

Low power eyepieces offer a wider field of view, bright, high-contrast images, and long eye relief. To find an object with a telescope, always start with a lower power eyepiece such as the Super Plössl 26mm or longer focal length. When the object is located and centered in the eyepiece, you may wish to switch to a higher power eyepiece to enlarge the image as much as practical for prevailing seeing conditions or, for many objects, the view is best with a high quality low-power wide-field eyepiece.

NOTE: Seeing conditions vary widely from night-to- night and site-to-site. Turbulence in the air, even on an apparently clear night, can distort images. If an image appears fuzzy and ill-defined, reduce to a lower power eyepiece.

Your telescope comes supplied with a Super Plössl 26mm eyepiece, which gives a wide 53 ARC Minute

(just a little less than 1 degree) field of view with 59x magnification. This is a very good all purpose eyepiece for your telescope, but you should consider buying additional eyepieces in longer and shorter focal lengths to fully realize the potential of the excellent 6" optical system in your LS telescope.

The Series 4000 Super Plössl Eyepieces are excellent

well corrected 4 element optics at popular prices. They come in a wide range of focal lengths to give you the right magnification for any type of celestial object you are viewing. You can also use one of the Series 4000 Barlows to double or triple the magnification of a Super Plössl eyepiece. These eyepieces have been the standard for over 30 years.

Series 4000 Super Plössl Eyepieces

Focal

Type

Apparent

Power

Actual

Length

Field

Field

 

 

 

 

 

 

56.0mm

SP 2"

52º

27x

1º

55'

40.0mm

SP

44º

38x

1º

9'

32.0mm

SP

52º

48x

1º

6'

26.0mm

SP

52º

59x

 

53'

20.0mm

SP

52º

76x

 

41'

15.0mm

SP

52º

102x

 

31'

12.4mm

SP

52º

123x

 

25'

9.7mm

SP

52º

157x

 

20'

6.4mm

SP

52º

238x

 

13'

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

16

INDEX

Page 15 Page 17
Image 16
Page 15 Page 17
Contents LS-6 ACF / 6 LS-6 SC Index Contents LS-6 and LS-8 LightSwitch Telescopes IntroductionStarted Getting StartedAssembling the Tripod Lock-KnobInstalling the Batteries Using an AC Adapter or DC Power CordPower Port Mounting the TelescopeAttaching Accessories Your Telescope is now Fully AssembledMode Key Speed 5 Medium Speed 1 SlowNavigating the Menus Autostar III Handbox Basic UsageKey Functions Menu Mode Scope Info ModeSky Map Mode ShortcutsLS Keyfeatures LS KEY FeaturesLS KEY Features USB-A Connector for future expansion Eyepiece HolderLS KEY Features Using the Red-Dot Finder Adjusting the Red-Dot Finder Optional Accessories Choosing EyepiecesSeries 4000 Super Plössl Eyepieces are excellent Series 4000 Super Plössl EyepiecesOptional Accessories Power Supplies Imagers and AccessoriesFocal Reducers Deep Sky Imagers DSIAutostar III Handbox Tour the Cosmos with Just the Push of a ButtonAutostar III Handbox Slew Speeds Orion Nebula M42 Observing ConsiderationsTree Autostar III Menu TreeGuided Tour Menu Object MenuEvent Menu Take Picture MenuPleiades Star Cluster M45 Take Picture EnterUtilities Menu Setup Menu Autostar III Menu Options Advanced LS Advanced LS FeaturesTwo Star Alt Az Alignment Alt/Az 1 Star Alignment Finding Objects Not in the DatabaseLandmarks To enter coordinates of an object into the TelescopeObserving Satellites To view a landmark in the databaseTerrestrial Observing Capitol Reef, UtahMaintenance MaintenanceCollimation Collimation Screws Gauging the Movement of the Telescope Inspecting the OpticsUpdating Your LS Firmware Customer Service LS Mini SD Card for Updates and Image StorageDrive Appendix aAppendix B Creating User Objects and ToursAppendix C Basic AstronomyObjects in Space Deep-Sky Objects Specifications SpecificationsModel and Product Number LS-6 SC # Optical System Model and Product Number 8LS-8 ACF # Optical System Model and Product Number LS-8 SC # Optical System DOC FCC Appendix ERecycling Recycling InformationMeade Limited Warranty

6" LS-6 SC, 8" LS-8 ACF, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 SC specifications

The Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 ACF, and 6" LS-6 SC telescopes represent cutting-edge advancements in amateur astronomy, catering to both novice stargazers and seasoned astronomers alike. Each model incorporates innovative technologies, making it easier than ever to explore the cosmos.

The Meade 8" LS-8 SC (Schmidt-Cassegrain) features a compact design with an 8-inch aperture that provides exceptional light-gathering capabilities. This telescope utilizes an advanced computer-controlled system known as the AutoStar II. This technology allows for hassle-free navigation across the night sky. The LS-8 SC comes equipped with a built-in observatory, ensuring a user-friendly experience, allowing beginners to locate and track celestial objects with ease. The telescope's premium optics guarantee sharp, high-contrast images, making it an ideal choice for planetary and deep-sky observation.

Next, the Meade 6" LS-6 ACF (Advanced Coma-Free) delivers superior optical performance with minimal distortion. This design eliminates spherical aberrations, providing exceptionally sharp images across the entire field of view. Featuring a 6-inch aperture, the LS-6 ACF is highly portable and perfect for both visual observations and astrophotography. It includes the AutoStar computer system for easy alignment and tracking, as well as a robust, sturdy mount that enhances stability during viewing sessions.

The 8" LS-8 ACF builds on the strengths of its predecessors with an even larger aperture, ensuring maximum light-gathering potential for serious observers. The improved ACF optics yield crisp images without the common off-axis distortions seen in traditional designs. This telescope is also equipped with hassle-free setup features, allowing users to spend more time observing and less time setting up. The OTA design and mount are tailored for easy transport, making it a favorite for astrophotographers seeking high-quality celestial imagery.

Finally, the Meade 6" LS-6 SC offers a balanced option for those seeking portability without sacrificing optical quality. Like its larger counterpart, the LS-6 SC is designed for ease of use and includes the AutoStar technology for automated tracking. Its compact design and lightweight build make it convenient for travel, while still providing an impressive 6-inch aperture for celestial viewing.

In summary, the Meade 8" LS-8 SC, 6" LS-6 ACF, 8" LS-8 ACF, and 6" LS-6 SC telescopes exemplify the intersection of portability, usability, and advanced optics. Each telescope supports astronomers of all skill levels, making the wonders of the universe accessible to everyone. Whether you're observing planets, nebulae, or star clusters, Meade’s innovative technologies enhance the overall experience, ensuring that the night sky is within reach.
Top Page Image Contents