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Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology

Item# MEAD381
 
4.5

(13 Ratings)

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1. Model Type:

Price:

$1,799.00

List Price: $1799.00
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Details & Dimensions
Guarantee & Returns
  • Now available with choice of ACF Advanced Coma Free Optics or SC Schmidt-Cassegrain Optics
  • Simply flip the switch and watch it align itself!
  • Adjustable Heavy Duty Tripod
  • Using a telescope does not get any easier than this!

Description

Easy Just got bigger

 

The most sophisticated, easiest-to-use telescope anywhere is now available in an 8" aperture.  The LS-8 - only from Meade

 

Meade ups the ante with the introduction of an 8 inch LightSwitch telescope.  With 78% more light gathering power than the LS-6, the LS-8 turns a unique viewing experience into an unsurpassed viewing experience.  And still, it's just as easy as flipping a switch.

 

LightSwitch Technology

 

When Meade announced LightSwitch Technology in 2009, the amateur astronomy game changed.  Simply flip a switch and LightSwitch automatically aligns itself in the night sky.  Built-in GPS, magnetic north sensors, level sensors and a CCD camera does all the work - within minutes your observing!

 

Astronomer Inside

 

Let Meade's Astronomer Inside take you on a multi-media guided tour of the night sky.  Choose the Tonight's Best tour and the Astronomer Inside automatically moves the telescope to the best objects in that night's sky.  At each object, listen as the Astronomer Inside describes in detai, fascinating facts and history.  Attach the optional video monitor and you now have a dazzling multi-media presentation that integrates rich audio and video.  Or select your favorite object and your LS telescope takes you to it and tells you all about it.  It's like having an astronomer at your side!

 

Meade Optics

 

Since 1972, Meade has consistently manufactured the finest opitcs available.  Now you have your choice of either Meade's high-performance Schmidt-Cassegrain (SC) optics, or for the truly discerning individual who demands the very best - Meade's Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optical system delivering the sharpest, brightest image available.  Both systems are made with superior materials featuring Schott water white glass front correctors, oversized Pyrex primary mirrors and include Mead's UHTC coatings for optimum light transmission.  Either way, you get Meade's legendary optics.

 

Supplier SKU 0810-03-12 LS 8 SC (f/10) Schmidt-Cassegain w/UHTC

Supplier SKU 0810-03-10 LS 8 ACF (f/10) Advanced Coma-Free w/UHTC

Dimensions & Specifications

Recommended Usage

For the Enthusiast

Battery Life

3-5 Hours

Features

Alt-AZ Mount , GoTo , GPS

Brand

Meade

Lens Coating

UHTC

Telescopes Series

Meade ETX-LS LightSwitch Telescopes

Optical Design

Advanced Coma Free

Aperture

203mm

Mount Design

Altazimuth

User Level

For the Enthusiast

Eyepiece

26mm

Battery Type

8 C Batteries

Options

Model Type: SC Schmidt-Cassegrain Optics

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The Perfect Accessories

Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology
 
4.5

(based on 13 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (9)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

91%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Accurate (9)
  • Strong construction (9)
  • Quality lenses (8)
  • Compact (4)
  • Easy to use (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Astronomy (11)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Casual/ recreational (11)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (5)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    Unbelievable

    I've tried it three times in a bad lighting conditions with all neighbors shining around, near-full moon, trees, and visibility of the sky about 70%. The scope found the GPS in about 1 ...Read complete review

    I've tried it three times in a bad lighting conditions with all neighbors shining around, near-full moon, trees, and visibility of the sky about 70%. The scope found the GPS in about 1 minute and it took another three to align. The "best of tonight" found all the objects I've had hard time to find by myself before and most of I've only heard about. Nice scope, especially if you want to quickly go to the point and not to spend hours searching for objects.

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Meade's problem still continues 8

    After reading all the reviews on the 6" ACF both neg and some positive I took a chance thinking that by now Meade would have fixed the on going problem with the LS sc...Read complete review

    After reading all the reviews on the 6" ACF both neg and some positive I took a chance thinking that by now Meade would have fixed the on going problem with the LS scope. Well I'm here to tell you that the problem is still there. The scope will not align. I keep getting a sensor failed message. The scope came with the latest firmware 4.1 loaded. I've had it with Meade. Meade has a real big problem. They should have never brought out the new 8" until they had the sensor problem fixed. What does that tell you about Meade's concern for the consumer. When I call Meade support, you can hear the tone of their voice change when you tell them it's a LS scope. I'm now stuck shipping this back and I don't mean to Meade. My advice to anyone thinking of buying any of the LS scopes is buyer beware.

    Reviewed by 13 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-5

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    4.0

    Over all great Telescope - easy

    By Dennis

    from OMAHA,NE

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Accurate
    • Quality Lenses
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

    • Uses Outdate Mini Sd Card

    Best Uses

    • Astronomy

    Comments about Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology:

    Great for a beginner that wants to spend money to get the best. Uses outdates Mini-SD Card. Hard find.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    All I expected and more.

    By David

    from SOUTH PLAINFIELD,NJ

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Accurate

    Cons

    • Battery life and mini SD

    Best Uses

    • Astronomy

    Comments about Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology:

    On first light I was amazed at how accurately it pointed. I expected it to get the star in frame but it was actually centered in the eyepiece. This thing is solidly built but sooth in operation
    This is ideal for the family that wants to enjoy astronomy without having to study the science. While the serious astronomer can use it manually to scan the sky or let the scope handle the details.
    Highly recommended and the price is just about right.

    What I would improve:
    It uses a "Mini SD" card. Hard to find in stores but online they are cheap so order several.
    Battery life is a bit short. You can kill 8Cs in an evening depending on how much moving to do. I plan to get an external battery pack and car adaptor. They sell an AC adaptor but unless you live in a rural area, I don't see the point.
    That's it. Well worth the investment.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • Yes
     
    5.0

    Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope

    By claytonmark

    from clarksville,tn.

    About Me Casual/ Recreational

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Lightweight
    • Quality Lenses
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Astronomy

      Comments about Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology:

      with all the features,i'm supprised it doesn't cost alot more.awesome product..

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      I love this product!!!!!

      By New England Mom

      from Massachusetts

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Accurate
      • Easy to Use

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Astronomy

        Comments about Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology:

        This telescope is just perfect for a teenager who loves astronomy.
        Great product, easy to handle, and with all the perks.

        Service and delivery comments:

        The service was exceptional. Sales person very knowledgeable and helpful.
        Loved doing business with them.
        Will definitely buy again!!
        Shipping service was excellent and as described.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • Yes

        (6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Great Go-to Scope

        By Star Viewer

        from New England

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        Pros

        • Accurate
        • Easy-to-use

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Astronomy

          Comments about Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology:

          I bought the LS-8 months ago and have had several great viewing sessions. Sadly, this New England winter was horrible and didn't get to take it out more. Some reviewers have had problems with the LS scopes. I'll just say you have a chance of getting a bad item, no matter what you buy. My LS-8 has had no problems at all. The scope is relatively light-weight and is very easy to setup. Everytime my LS-8 powers up, it takes a maximum of 5 minutes to get GPS and align. Functions on the hand device are easy to navigate and pretty self-explanatory. Optics are very good and provide clear/crisp images. The 26mm EP provided with the scope is okay, but you will definetly want other EP's soon. The astronomer inside function is nice and gives a brief description of the object you're looking at. This is a great scope for the beginner, or like me, getting back into astronomy. I highly recommend the LS-8 if you're in the market for a Go-To scope.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

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