For crisp wide field observing and imaging, nothing can beat a true triple-element apochromatic refractor (APO) such as Meade Series 5000 80 ED 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.

• FAST FOCAL RATIO: At f/6 (80mm), the focal ratio of this scopes is tailor-made for fast wide field astrophotography.
• PREMIUM ED GLASS: Meade uses the finest Japanese FCD1 ED (Extremely Low Dispersion) glass. This glass is created to achieve a very small change in refractive index with different wavelengths of light. This makes it the perfect choice for a fast, high performance optical design like the Series 5000 APOs.
• FULLY MULTICOATED LENSES: Meade broadband multicoated lenses ensure maximum light transmission.
• TRUE ED APOCHROMATIC TRIPLET: A true triplet optical design guarantees the textbook color correction you expect from a premium APO.
• FULLY EXTENDABLE DEW SHIELD/SUN SHADE: An essential accessory built-in to the design for your convenience.