The Series 6000 115mm f/7 ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope from Meade Instruments features a triplet apochromatic lens system with FK61 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and Meade's proprietary fully multi-coated optics. This combination of glass, lenses, and coatings virtually eliminates chromatic and spherical aberrations for clear and bright high-contrast images without distortion across the entire field of view, with true color rendition. This is a powerful optical tube assembly that can be used to see detailed views of celestial objects from the Moon to deep sky objects like nebulae and galaxies. It is also portable enough to be used as a grab-and-go option over larger and heavier scopes, or to be set up on a dual-mount rig for astrophotography/astroimaging, or used as a guide-scope on larger rigs.
A mounting cradle-ring clamps over the optical tube assembly (OTA) and allows the user to adjust the orientation and position of the scope relative to the mount to optimize viewing comfort and balance, while avoiding interference with other equipment. The scope is offered here without a mount or tripod, but a Vixen-style dovetail plate makes it compatible with any alt-az, EQ, or GoTo mount with a Vixen-style saddle. Its two-speed Crayford-style focuser helps make fine-focusing fast and precise, while eliminating the image-shift or backlash common with rack-and-pinion style focusers.
Optical Performance
- 115mm objective lens
- 805mm focal length
- Fast focal ratio of f/7 is ideal for astrophotography or imaging
- Refractor-style optical design
- Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass
- Triplet apochromatic lenses eliminate chromatic and spherical aberrations for true color rendition without distortion across the entire field of view
- Fully multi-coated optics maximize light transmission, while improving color, clarity, and contrast
- Resolution: 1.007 arcsec, Dawes' Limit
- Retractable dew shield resists condensation build-up on the objective lens
Focusing System
- Optimized for imaging
- Crayford-style uses a friction-control system that eliminates the backlash or image-shift common to rack-and-pinion styles that can cause defocusing
- 10:1 two-speed mechanism allows for precise focusing
- 2.5" drawtube allows the use of larger accessories, and ensures full coverage of camera sensors without vignetting
- 2" self-center locking ring that allows diagonals or cameras to be well centered to the optical train every time the locking ring is engaged
- Focuser lock knob locks the focuser in-place for long-exposure astrophotography
- Etched millimeter markings on the drawtube enables repeatable results
Mounting
- Optical tube assembly only - mount and tripod required for proper use
- Vixen-style dovetail plate
- Cradle-ring assembly allows the scope orientation to be adjusted to avoid interference with gear or accessories, or on mount configuration
- Weight: 12.2 pounds
Carrying Case
- Hard aluminum exterior with reinforced edges and corners
- Hinged carry handles
- Over-center latches pulls the lid down for maximum security
- Custom-cut foam-lining protects OTA and accessories