Meade LX600 ACF Optical Tube Assembly

The ACF design eliminates coma, which is an optical aberration that causes stars at the edge of the field of view to appear distorted or comet-shaped. This results in pinpoint star images across the entire frame, making it significantly better for astrophotography than traditional designs.

This is a specialized, high-performance instrument designed for experienced enthusiasts. With a 16-inch aperture and a 70-pound tube weight, it requires a substantial, high-capacity equatorial mount and a solid understanding of collimation and astrophotography workflows.

The f/8 focal ratio strikes a balance between a fast system for deep-sky imaging and the longer focal length needed for high-resolution planetary detail. It is versatile enough to handle a wide range of celestial targets without requiring the extreme exposure times of slower systems.

Given the 70-pound weight of the tube alone, you will need a heavy-duty, high-capacity German Equatorial Mount (GEM) or a large fork mount capable of handling the payload. Ensure your mount is rated for significantly more than 70 pounds to account for the additional weight of cameras, guide scopes, and other imaging accessories.

Yes, the telescope is equipped with a 2-inch eyepiece barrel diameter, making it fully compatible with standard 2-inch eyepieces and accessories. This allows you to utilize your existing high-quality glass for visual observation.

No, this is an Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) only. It includes the telescope tube, dust covers, and a Losmandy-style dovetail bar for mounting, but you will need to purchase a compatible mount and tripod separately.