Meade Lightbridge 8-Inch
May 17, 2008
Meade Lightbridge 8-Inch Telescope Review
General Info
Class: LightBridge Truss-Tube Dobsonians
Best Uses: General, except Astrophotography: Planets, Moon, Stars, Galaxies & Nebulae
Recommended Experience: Casual - Enthusiast
Overall Rating: 8.39/10
Official Review: If you want to get a wonderful telescope, for around $500 that doesn’t bother you with all the bells and whistles, the Meade Lightbridge 8-Inch is a fantastic choice!
Be aware that it’s a large scope, so it’s not great for taking the family out to the park, but if you have a spot for it and you’re willing to cover it up in the lawn (or you know you will only use it a couple time per month or so), then this is not an issue.
The Lightbridge series has all the barebones essentials you’ll want like great magnification & clarity, and none of the extra stuff you don’t need like a built-in computer.
Pros: Nice magnification, clear, sturdy, easy to use & great price
Cons: Too bulky for some, no Astrophotography options, not computerized
Click here to check out the Meade Lightbridge 8-Inch on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.7/10 - Extremely easy to use; bulky setup; no computer
Comfortability: 7.8/10 - Comfortable eyepiece, but large design
Durability: 8.0/10 - Strong aluminum truss beams
Battery Life: 9.9/10 - Only battery is for cooling fan, so keep on stargazing!
Backlash: 10/10 - Not computerized, so nothing to worry about in this department
Warranty: 9.4/10 - Standard 2-year Meade warranty
Storage: 6.0/10 - It’s quite large, but at least it’s to setup & breakdown!
Accuracy: 7.7/10 - Manual, but Advanced Red-dot viewfinder helps a ton!
Setup: 7.6/10 - Easy to assemble & helpful instruction guide
Check out more customer reviews of the 8-Inch Lightbridge!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 203mm (8″)
Magnification (Highest Useful): 500x
Focal Length: 1219mm (8″)
Focal Ratio: f/6
Slew Speed: n/a
Tracking: Manual
Click here to learn more about the Meade 8-in. Lightbridge!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Dobsonian
Viewfinder: Advanced Four-Reticle Red Dot
Eyepiece: 26mm QX™ wide angle 2″ eyepiece
Tube: Lightweight Aluminum Truss-Tube (24 lbs.)
Mount Design: n/a - Solid Laminated Base (20 lbs.)
Weight: 44 lbs. (total)
Tripod: n/a
Power Supply: n/a
Lens Coating: Aluminum Coatings with magnesium fluoride (Multi)
Other Equipment: None
Recommended Accessories: None
Extra Features
GoTo: No
GPS: No
Computerized: No
Alignment: Manual (Steel RA roller bearings make alignment much easier)
Remote: No
Object Database: No
Programming Options: No
Summary: I hope that review of the 8-Inch Lightbridge helped you out. To sum it up: check it out if you’re looking for an excellent manual scope without the latest technological features and you don’t mind the size. You’ll be impressed…
Click here to order the Meade Lightbridge 8-Inch from Telescopes.com!
Meade DS-2114 LNT
May 9, 2008
Meade DS-2114 LNT Reflector Telescope Review
General Info
Class: DS-2000 Series Reflector
Best Uses: Planets, the Moon, Stars, Galaxies & Nebulae (Not Astrophotography)
Recommended Experience: Casual (Beginner - Intermediate)
Overall Rating: 8.2/10
Official Review: If you are looking for a simple reflector telescope that will allow you to check out some cool objects with the family or to get some alone time, but you don’t feel like dropping $500+, the Meade DS-2114LNT is right up your alley! At about $300, this is probably the best scope you’ll find in its class.
Pros: Accurate, comfortable, easy to align, easy to setup, lightweight & portable, SmartFinder & software
Cons: Batteries run out quickly, decent construction (fine for beginner use), not as more expensive scopes
Click here to check out the Meade DS-2114 LNT on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.5/10 - Easy to assemble & use for beginners and pros alike
Comfortability: 7.6/10 - Comfortable eyepiece & adjustable tripod
Durability: 6.4/10 - Being a low-end scope, its durability can’t compete w/ more expensive models
Battery Life: 5.7/10 - They go out quickly, but it’s no problem with the AC Adapter
Computer: 7.4/10 - Has the features, but could use a bigger object database & more options
Warranty: 8.8/10 - Standard Meade warranty & return/exchange policy
Storage: 9.1/10 - Extremely lightweight & easy to store (portable!)
Accuracy: 7.2/10 - Accurate enough for beginner/casual stargazers
Setup: 8.9/10 - VERY easy to setup, excellent manual
Check out more customer reviews of the DS-2114 here!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 114mm (4.5″)
Magnification (Highest Useful): 350x
Focal Length: 1,000mm
Focal Ratio: f/8.8
Tracking: North sensor, level sensor & Red-Dot SmartFinder auto-alignment
Click here to learn more about the Meade DS-2114!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: Red-Dot Finder
Eyepiece: 1.25″ (SP9.7mm, SP26mm)
Mount Design: Altazimuth DS-2000 mount
Weight: 20lbs (Lightweight & portable)
Tripod: Aluminum; full-length; adjustable with accessory tray
Power Supply: Batteries (AC Adapter highly recommended)
Lens Coating: Multi-Coated
Other Equipment: None
Recommended Accessories: AC Adapter
Extra Features
GoTo: Yes
GPS: No
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: SmartFinder Auto-Align
Remote: Yes
Software: AutoStar Suite™ Astronomy Edition PC-compatible DVD
Summary: If you’re looking for a decent reflector that’s under $500, the DS-2114 LNT will probably end your search. You may as well stop looking, because there just isn’t much better for $300 out there. This scope is a great happy-medium that bridges the huge gap between casual stargazing and professional features.
Click here to order the Meade DS-2114 LNT Reflector from Telescopes.com!
Meade Lightbridge 12-Inch
May 4, 2008
Meade Lightbridge 12-Inch Telescope Review
General Info
Class: Lightbridge Dobsonian Reflector
Best Uses: General, except Astrophotography: Planets, Moon, Stars, Galaxies & Nebulae
Recommended Experience: Casual - Advanced
Overall Rating: 8.42/10
Official Review: If you want to see some really cool stuff without paying $1,000+, and you don’t want to deal with the extra features of computerized scopes, the Lightbridge series is a great choice! Be warned that this is not a great option if you need it to be portable due to its size. However, Meade does a great job using lightweight Aluminum for the trusses, which drops the weight to 80lbs in total.
If the size and lack of computerized features don’t bother you, and you would rather get more bang for your buck with magnification and resolution for less than $1,000, I would highly recommend the Meade Lightbridge 12-Inch!
Pros: Great all-around scope, awesome magnification, clear, stable, easy to use & good price
Cons: Large, not computerized, no Astrophotography
Click here to check out the Meade Lightbridge 12-Inch on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.7/10 - Very easy to use, but no computer to help out
Comfortability: 7.6/10 - Large, which is uncomfortable for some
Durability: 8.1/10 - Well-built, lightweight Aluminum truss beams
Battery Life: 9.9/10 - Nothing to worry about here but the cooling fan
Backlash: 9.9/10 - One advantage of non-computerized scopes…
Warranty: 9.4/10 - Standard Meade warranty & return/exchange policy
Storage: 5.8/10 - It’s big, but thankfully it’s easy to setup & breakdown
Accuracy: 7.9/10 - Manual, but Advanced Red-dot viewfinder helps
Setup: 7.4/10 - Easy to assemble, nice instruction manual
Click here to check out the 12-Inch Lightbridge!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 12 inches (304.8mm)
Magnification (Highest Useful): 600x
Focal Length: 1,524mm
Focal Ratio: f/5
Resolution: 0.38 Arc Seconds
Limiting Magnitude: 14.9
Tracking: Manual
Click here to learn more about the Meade Lightbridge 12-Inch telescope!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: Advanced Four-Reticle Red-Dot Viewfinder (Deluxe model)
Eyepiece: 26mm Wide-Angle
Tube: Lightweight Aluminum Truss-Tube (47lbs)
Mount Design: n/a (Solid Laminated Base) (33lbs)
Weight: 80lbs total
Power Supply: n/a
Lens Coating: Multi-Coated
Other Equipment: None
Recommended Accessories: None necessary
Extra Features
GoTo: No
GPS: No
Computerized: No
Alignment: Manual (Steel RA roller bearings make alignment much easier)
Remote: No
Object Database: No
Programming Options: None
Summary: If you don’t want to buy a scope with a bunch of extra features and computerized bells and whistles, the Lightbridge series could be just what you’re looking for. But, these are large telescopes, they’re not very portable (though they are easy to setup), and you can’t take any pictures of what you observe.
Overall, the Meade Lightbridge 12-Inch is a fabulous telescope. The only trouble can be deciding which Lightbridge to get…
Click here to compare the entire Meade Lightbridge series at Telescopes.com!
Meade Lightbridge 10-Inch
April 14, 2008
Meade Lightbridge 10-Inch Telescope Review
General Info
Class: Dobsonian Reflector
Best Uses: Planets, the moon, galaxies & nebulae
Recommended Experience: Beginner - Advanced
Overall Rating: 8.38/10
Official Review: This dob reflector is perfect for anyone with a big backyard that plans to use their scope “every once in a while”, and doesn’t want to mess with the bells and whistles. The 10-Inch Meade Lightbridge will allow you to see 5-10x what you could see with a “standard” scope for the same price, and you’ll never have to deal with extra gizmos and computer features.
On the flip side, it’s large (though made of lightweight aluminum and easy to assemble) and you’ll have to do things manually. For most people this is much easier due to its magnification power and aperture size. Overall, I’d recommend this telescope.
Pros: Amazing viewing capabilities, strong construction, great price, stable, very easy to use
Cons: Large, difficult to store, not computerized, no Astrophotography
Click here to check out the Meade Lightbridge 10-Inch on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.8/10 - As easy to use as they come, but it doesn’t have a computer to help align or track
Comfortability: 7.8/10 - Some stargazers with back problems love the Lightbridges for their size
Durability: 8.1/10 - Strong construction, lightweight aluminum truss beams
Battery Life: 9.9/10 - This thing lasts forever…literally! (Cooling fan takes batteries, though)
Backlash: 9.9/10 - No troubles here…Ahhh, one advantage of not having computerized scopes
Warranty: 9.4/10 - Standard Meade warranty & return/exchange policy
Storage: 5.9/10 - It’s pretty big…But, it’s easy & quick to assemble/re-assemble
Accuracy: 7.8/10 - Advanced 4-reticle Red-dot viewfinder makes it easier to be accurate manually
Setup: 7.4/10 - Easy to assemble, and easy to get working quickly, but it’s bulky
Click here to read more reviews on the 10 in. Meade Lightbridge!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 254mm! (10in)
Magnification (Highest Useful): 500x
Focal Length: 1,270mm
Focal Ratio: f/5
Resolution: 0.46 Arc seconds
Limiting Magnitude: 14.5
Tracking: Manual (AutoStar software & Red-Dot viewfinder)
Click here to learn more about the Meade Lightbridge 10-Inch telescope!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Reflector
Viewfinder: 4-Reticle Red-Dot
Eyepiece: 26mm wide-angle
Tube: Deluxe Truss-Tube (Metal open truss design)
Mount Design: Altazimuth
Weight: 65lbs total
Tripod: n/a - Solid laminated base
Power Supply: n/a (Cooling fan takes batteries)
Lens Coating: Multi-Coated (Not as nice as UHTC, but still high-quality)
Other Equipment: Battery-powered cooling fan
Recommended Accessories: None
Extra Features
GoTo: No
GPS: No
Computerized: No
Alignment: Manual
Remote: No
Object Database: No
Programming Options: None
Summary: If you don’t mind (or like) the size of the Meade Lightbridge Truss-Tube series, and you don’t want to mess with complex computerized tracking and programmable object databases, this scope will be a good fit for you. If you want to see a lot without spending a lot, save yourself the money & headaches: get the Meade 10-Inch Lightbridge.
Click here to order the Meade Lightbridge 10-Inch from Telescopes.com!
Meade ETX90-PE Premiere
April 1, 2008
Meade ETX-90 PE Premiere Telescope Review
General Info
Class: ETX Catadioptric Maksutov-Cassegrain (Uses lenses & mirrors)
Best Uses: Planets, moon, nebulae & galaxies
Recommended Experience: Beginner - Recreational User
Overall Rating: 8.6/10
Official Review: With great optics for the price, the ability to simply enter your zip code and let it level, set the time and point North, the Meade ETX90-PE is a great first or second scope! It comes with AutoStar Suite software, can be controlled by your computer and it provides dazzling clarity comparable to many scopes in the $1,500+ price range.
Add to all this the fact that you can hit “Tonight’s Best” and it will automatically focuses on the best objects in its 30,000+ object database according to your location, the season & the time! How cool is that? If you’re a beginner or casual astronomer and/or you want a good overall scope with some nifty features to show your family, the Meade ETX90-PE is a fantastic choice!
Pros: Accurate, comfortable, stable, easy to align, nice lenses, “Tonight’s Best” feature, GoTo, computer-control option
Cons: Fairly low magnification, “tricky” auto-align (TIP: hit “?”), somewhat bulky, no Astrophotography, no GPS
Click here to check out the Meade ETX-90 PE Premiere on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.6/10 - While some may have trouble aligning at first, its features make things easier
Comfortability: 8.6/10 - Adjustable tripod & comfortable eyepiece
Durability: 8.9/10 - Steel construction & stable tripod/mount combo
Battery Life: 7.1/10 - Runs on 8-AA batteries
Backlash: 8.0/10 - Very little computerized-tracking lag for its price
Warranty: 9.0/10 - Standard Meade warranty
Storage: 8.6/10 - Lightweight, easy to store & move (Case recommended)
Accuracy: 8.8/10 - Very accurate alignment & Red-dot technology
Setup: 8.4/10 - Easy to get used to & features help out (great manual)
Click here to read more reviews on the Meade ETX-90 PE Premiere!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 90mm
Magnification (Highest Useful): 175x
Focal Length: 1,250mm
Focal Ratio: f/13.8
Resolution: 1.3
Tracking: GoTo system (Dual Fork-Arm mount)
Click here to learn more about the Meade ETX-90 PE Premiere!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
Viewfinder: SmartFinder “Red-dot”
Eyepiece: 26mm
Tube: Blue “Premiere” Edition (8lbs)
Mount Design: Dual-Fork arm (11lbs w/ tripod)
Weight: 19lbs total
Tripod: Adjustable, steel (chrome-plated), Equatorial or altitude-azimuth positions, spreader bar & case included
Power Supply: 8-AA batteries
Lens Coating: UHTC (Ultra-High Transmission Coatings) - Excellent!
Other Equipment: Star charts, maps & PC interface cable
Recommended Accessories: Hard case for Meade ETX 90-PE - If you need it to be portable or you have kids…=)
Extra Features
GoTo: Yes
GPS: No
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: AutoAlign (Press “?” when it asks for alignment to brightest star)
Remote: No (But it’s easy to control it with your PC)
Object Database: 30,000 pre-programmed objects to observe!
Programming Options: Setup to control & integrate w/ your computer
Summary: If you’re looking for a telescope that allows you to easily view planets, stars, nebulae & the moon without much hassle, the Meade ETX90-PE is a wonderful option! The object database allows you to enter your zip code and it will find the best objects to view for that night based on the time, the season & where you are. You can’t beat that!
For a scope that a casual backyard astronomer and their family can enjoy for under $1,000, the Meade ETX-90PE is tough to beat!
Click here to order the Meade ETX-90 PE Premiere from Telescopes.com!
Meade LX90-ACF 8-Inch
March 18, 2008
Meade LX90-ACF 8-Inch Telescope Review
General Info
Class: LX-ACF; Advanced Coma-Free
Best Uses: General Astronomy (planets, moon, stars, nebulae & Astrophotography)
Recommended Experience: Casual - Enthusiast (No need to be a Pro, but it’s a bit feature-packed for a complete beginner)
Overall Rating: 9.28/10
Official Review: The Meade LX90-ACF is an excellent telescope. If you are a complete beginner, it might be difficult to get going, but because of its wide range of features, this learning curve can be good for helping you move from beginner to experienced stargazer quickly!
With many options and plenty of room to work with, the Meade LX90 is a great choice for an Astronomy enthusiast, and can be easily used by a family with children interested in stargazing. If you want your children to learn the ropes, this is a great scope to learn on. The great part is that with its advanced features, you won’t have to buy another telescope for a long time!
Pros: Clear, accurate, well-designed scope; Looks cool, comes pre-programmed & ready to view just about anything!
Cons: Somewhat tough to setup; Alignment takes a while; On the heavy-side for its class
Click here to check out the Meade LX90-ACF 8-Inch on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.0/10 - Though it’s user manual is somewhat unclear, the Meade LX90 is easy to use once it’s setup
Comfortability: 9.2/10 - Fantastic eyepiece & fully-customizable tripod for any height/observing preference
Durability: 8.8/10 - Strong construction; Sturdy tripod & mount
Battery Life: 8.4/10 - Runs on 8 C batteries; Some recommend AC adapter (60hrs estimated)
Backlash: 9.6/10 - Very little to speak of
Warranty: 8.7/10 - 2-year Meade guarantee (Covers most common issues); Extended warranty optional
Storage: 7.8/10 - at 33lbs (52lbs w/ tripod), this scope is fairly easy to store
Accuracy: 8.0/10 - Very accurate once aligned, but alignment can be tough to get used to
Setup: 8.4/10 - Could be difficult for beginners due to unclear manual, but easy to setup physically
Click here to read more reviews on the Meade 8-Inch LX90-ACF!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 203mm
Magnification (Highest Useful): 600x
Focal Length: 2,000mm
Focal Ratio: f/10
Resolution: 0.57 Arc seconds
Slew Speed: RA and Dec: 1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x sidereal and 1.5°/sec., 3°/sec., 6.5°/sec.
Tracking: 5-arc minutes point precision (sidereal, lunar, or custom-selected from 2000 incremental rates)
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Advanced Coma-Free (highly recommended)
Viewfinder: 8×50 ‘Red Dot SmartFinder’™
Eyepiece: SP26mm (high-quality & comfortable)
Tube: Aluminum
Mount Design: Double Tine ‘Alt-Azimuth’ Fork
Weight: 33lbs (52lbs total)
Tripod: 19lbs; 30″ to 44″ adjustable height
Power Supply: 8 C batteries (approximately 60hrs of battery life)
Lens Coating: UHTC (Ultra-High Transmission Coatings) - 15% increase in image brightness!
Other Equipment: Remote included
Recommended Accessories: JMI Telescope case for easier portability; 4000-Piece Meade eyepiece & filter set (for added functionality)
Click here to get the Meade LX90-ACF 8-Inch telescope!
Extra Features
GoTo: Yes (Works very well after aligned)
GPS: Yes (Sony)
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: AutoAlign™ (decent, but strange to get used to at first)
Remote: Yes (AutoStar)
Object Database: 30,223 objects pre-programmed to view!
Programming Options: Pre-programmed
Summary: If you are looking for a telescope for under $3,000 and you want to get an incredible deal, you should strongly consider the Meade LX90! With its gorgeous design, its immense line of features, and its high-tech 30,223 pre-programmed object database, you’ll be able to get setup in a few hours and start making good use of those beautiful, clear nights by gazing at some of the most beautiful celestial objects you’ve ever seen!
