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Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology Alternate Image 1
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Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology Alternate Image 3
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Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology Alternate Image 5
Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology

Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology

Item#: MEAD381

Starting Price: $1,799.00

Starting List Price : $1,799.00

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  • FREE Meade credit with purchase! See Details
  • 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!
More Info

Model Type

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, ACF Advanced Coma Free Optics

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Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology
 
4.4

(based on 10 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (7)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

88%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Accurate (7)
  • Strong construction (7)
  • Quality lenses (6)
  • Compact (4)
  • Easy to use (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Astronomy (8)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Casual/ recreational (8)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (3)

    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.

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 10 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-5

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    Dec

    12

    2011

     
    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

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

       - You may also flag this review

      May

      13

      2011

      (4 of 4 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

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

        Was this review helpful? Yes / No

         - You may also flag this review

        Nov

        22

        2010

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        overall, a winner

        By Ed

        from Sarasota, FL

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Accurate
        • Compact
        • Quality Lenses
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Astronomy

          Comments about Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology:

          The fact that it's relatively lightweight and so easy to set up means that it will be used more frequently. I am generally very pleased.I did find that I must be careful in pressing the buttons in navigating menues (to avoid realignment) but anticipate that as I become more familiar with the software, this should be easier. [...]

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

          Was this review helpful? Yes / No

           - You may also flag this review

          Oct

          16

          2010

          (6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          A First Light to Remember

          By NewbTube

          from Sudbury, MA

          About Me Casual/ Recreational

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Accurate
          • Easy to use
          • Quality Lenses
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

          • Dated Software UI

          Best Uses

          • Astronomy

          Comments about Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology:

          Meade has created an amazing product that provides an easy entry point for beginners but has the power and capabilities that the expert expects. I fall into the first category and therefore need all the help I can get. The instrument boots up, acquires GPS, finds level and north and self-aligns to a series of stars. On first light we had waxing gibbous moon that my son and I had hours of delight gazing at craters, trying different lenses and filters (Meade 4000 set). The scope is portable, very well constructed and the optics are outstanding. My only disappointment is with the software that Meade provides. While the functionality is impressive, the user interface was very dated, circa. 1995. Meade would do well to update their software with a state of the art user experience.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          (6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

          Was this review helpful? Yes / No

           - You may also flag this review

          Jul

          5

          2010

          (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Impressive telescope

          By Jim

          from Dothan, AL

          About Me Casual/ Recreational

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Quality Lenses
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

          • Heavy

          Best Uses

          • Astronomy

          Comments about Meade 8 Inch LS Telescope with LightSwitch Technology:

          This is an excellent telescope for an mid-range amateur skills. Had trouble with alignment due to trees but was able to perform one star alignment. I found it simpler to switch to manual mode and find objects myself. The menus are somewhat hard to navigate, CCD camera not suitable for photography other than the moon, had trouble finding a mini-SD card. Buy the shock absorber footings to reduce vibration.

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

          Was this review helpful? Yes / No

           - You may also flag this review

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