Meade - 80mm Series 5000 ED APO Optical Tube Only

For crisp wide field observing and imaging, nothing can beat a true triple-element apochromatic refractor
(APO). This is especially true in astrophotography, where APOs have produced some of the most beautiful images
of the heavens ever taken from earth. But not all APOs are created equal. Today's market is filled with
semi-APOs (with two lenses instead of three) that don't bring all the colors to focus in the refractor. Thanks
to a two-year design process and a triple objective lens made from the highest quality ED (extra-low
dispersion) glass, Meade Series 5000 ED APO Triplets are virtually free of chromatic aberration (color
fringing). This means they outperform the most expensive semi-APOs at a fraction of the cost. Expert observers
will be delighted by the total absence of color fringing and the scope's textbook-perfect pinpoint star
images. Even beginners will notice the breathtaking high contrast and resolution of a Series 5000 APO. One
astronomer commented that the Series 5000 APO "kicked butt on my semi-APO that cost twice as much." The scope
is available as a standalone OTA, or as a package with our new Series 5000 2" enhanced diagonal and an
aluminum carrying case.