"This is it! The top-of-the-line telescope. The backyard astronomer's dream come true is a Meade 8" Computer Controlled Schmidt-Newtonian Reflector Telescope. It has an incredible f/ ratio of 4.0, making it as fast as telescopes half the size. Yet, with a long 812mm focal length gives you the ability to enjoy both high-powered planetary and extreme deep-space object hunting. The unique design of the Schmidt-Newtonian incorporates a lens at the primary opening of the tube and a spherical mirror at the base. The result is a fast f/4.0 telescope with sharp stellar views, typically 50 percent better than traditional Newtonian reflectors. And, critically, this 8" is fully computer controlled with Meade's Advanced AutoStar Controller. With just a push of the button, you can automatically track to any of 30,000 celestial objects. When you buy this scope, we'll include a copy of Astronomy for Dummies our large Lunar Map and a Planisphere star wheel that shows the locations of the constellations on any night of the week."

The Meade 8" Schmidt-Newtonian Computer Controlled Telescope Includes:

• The Meade 8" Computer Controlled Schmidt-Newtonian Telescope
• Heavy Duty German Equatorial Mount Tripod
• One 26mm Super Plossl Eyepiece
• Advanced AutoStar 30,000 space object computer controller.
• AutoStar Suite Astronomer Edition Software + Instructional Video
• Astronomy for Dummies
• Sky & Telescope's Laminated Lunar 100 Card
• The Night Sky Planisphere Star Chart (Northern Hemisphere)

Beyond Compare. The Meade 8" Computer Controlled Schmidt-Newtonian is a design so unique, only Meade makes it. This revolutionary design gives you the best of all worlds. It does it all. The fast f/5 focal ratio is ideal for deep space viewing. And thanks to world-famous Meade corrector lens technology, the Schmidt-Newtonian design has just one-half the coma of standard Newtonians. ("coma" is a fuzzy-star distortion that occurs in standard Newtonian and Dobsonian reflectors). These scopes are versatile, portable, and high-tech. Astronomy buffs world-wide have raved about the optics, praising "the tack-sharp round stars, exquisite detail, and flat field" of these premium scopes. The Schmidt-Newtonian is the flagship of Meade's telescope line. Buy one and let the fun begin.

USA Made Optics: Meade manufactures the high-end optical components of this telescope in Irvine, California for observatory-class light transmission, temperature stability, smoothness and image correction. These diffraction-limited optics are industry leading. The primary objective lens uses Water White glass that fully corrects for spherical aberration for pinpoint star images. Water White glass increases light transmission by more than 10 percent over scopes using soda lime glass. And the primary mirror is made from Pyrex. Pyrex provides exceptional thermal stability versus competing models using standard plate glass.

Automatic Computer Controlled Star Finding. The advanced AutoStar controller helps you quickly find, and GoTo over 30,000 objects in the night sky. View planets, stars, galaxies, nebulae, and comets, all at the push of a button. AutoStar is pre-programmed with several guided tours, including the popular Tonight's Best. Let AutoStar take you on a guided tour of the best objects for that particular night. Meade's AutoStar controller can be updated after purchase for the life of your scope.

State-of-the-Art EQ Mount: The equatorial mount for this telescope sets a new standard for mechanical strength, stability, and smoothness. Virtually backlash-free, the mount uses two high-precision stainless steel ball bearings in both the Right Ascension and Declination axes. the Smart Drive Periodic Error Correction (PEC) corrects periodic errors on the RA axis minimizing guiding corrections during long-exposure astrophotography. And a new 3-star high-precision polar alignment enhances pointing accuracy. The 2" focuser (with 1.25" adapter) is suitable for the highest performing astronomical eyepieces available. Plus, the rack-and-pinion focuser is the perfect marriage of touch and precision. The AutoStar Suite Astronomer Edition planetarium software package and instructional video will teach you the night sky and how to use your telescope. It also allows you to control the telescope from the PC.