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!
Celestron NexStar 5 SE
May 12, 2008
Celestron NexStar 5 SE Review
General Info
Class: NexStar SE (Special Edition); Schmidt-Cassegrain
Best Uses: General Astronomy (Astrophotography , Viewing Galaxies/Star Clusters , Viewing Nebulae , Viewing the Moon , Viewing the Planets)
Recommended Experience: As with the 8SE, the Celestron NexStar 5 SE model details say it is made for the ‘Professional’ astronomer, but it is very possible to use it as an avid or recreational stargazer due to its ease of use and wide array of features.
Overall Rating: 8.65/10
Official Review: The 5SE is listed at about $1,500 and is typically sold for around $800. Because it has the majority of the features of the 8SE and costs about $600 less, I recommend the NexStar 5SE over the 8SE for any casual-recreational astronomers out there.
Though it does lack somewhat in the aperture/eyepiece department, it is quite easy to upgrade if necessary for your purposes, and if you do you will have an incredible deal with regards to investment.
Pros: Easy to setup, comfortable, strong construction, nice lenses, portable, great features & under $1,000
Cons: Somewhat complex for the average stargazer, needs upgrades on aperture, eyepieces & GPS (still under $1,000)
Click here to check out the Celestron NexStar 5 SE on Telescopes.com!
Important Details
Usability: 8.8/10 – Simple to setup and get used to (especially for a “Pro” telescope)
Comfortability: 9.1/10 – Most users say it’s comfortable
Durability: 9.2/10 – Strong Celestron build
Battery Life: 6.7/10 – Computerized models running on 8-AA’s always have trouble with this
Backlash: 7.0/10 – Minor issues, but manual covers this for beginners
Warranty: 9/10 – Standard Celestron 2-year limited
Storage: 8.7/10 – Light, portable & easy to store
Accuracy: 8.0/10 – Accurate SkyAlign feature (some complain about ease of use for alignment)
Setup: 9.3/10 – Easy to assemble & excellent manual
Check out more customer reviews of the NexStar 5 SE!
Tech Specs
Aperture: 125mm (4.92in)
Magnification (Lowest Useful, Standard, Highest Useful): 18x, 50x & 300x
Focal Length: 1250mm (49.21in)
Focal Ratio: 10
Resolution: 1.1 arc seconds
Angular Field of View: 1°
Slew Speed: Nine slew speeds: 4°/sec, 2°/sec, 1°/sec, 64x, 16x, 8x, 4x, 1x, .5x
Tracking: Alt-Az, EQ North & EQ South
Click here to learn more about the Celestron 5 SE!
Telescope Construction
Optical Design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Viewfinder: StarPointer
Eyepiece: 25mm (0.98in)
Tube: Aluminum
Mount Design: Single Fork Arm Altazimuth
Weight: 27.6lbs (12.52kg)
Tripod: Steel w/ built-in wedge
Power Supply: 8-AA batteries (not included)
Lens Coating: StarBright XLT (Fantastic!)
Other Equipment: Hand control
Recommended Accessories: Filter/Eyepiece set, CN16 GPS add-on, and possibly an aperture upgrade
Extra Features
GoTo: Yes
GPS: Yes
Computerized: Yes
Alignment: SkyAlign, Auto 2-Star Align, 1-Star Align, 2-Star Align, SolarSystem Align
Remote: Yes
Object Database: 38,181 accessible objects
Programming Options: 200 user-definable objects
Summary: If you’re looking for a high-powered scope that won’t require too much upgrading in the near future, but you don’t want to pay more than $1,000 for it, the Celestron NexStar 5SE is a better bet than its popular cousin the 8SE.
That said, be leery of its fairly complex feature set and the necessity to upgrade the aperture & eyepiece. Ready to get the NexStar 5SE? Want to read more reviews? Check it out on my favorite telescope site: Telescopes.com!
Click here to order the Celestron NexStar 5 SE 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!
