Meade Zero Image Shift-Electronic Micro-Focuser

by Meade

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 5 x 12 inches ; 2.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B002KMVOJM
• Item model number: 07080
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 6, 2009

Product Description

For use with AutoStar II or AutoStar III Handboxes Only. Optional accessory for LX200. It helps you obtain extremely precise (microscopic) focus during visual or photographic applications at the touch of a button. Accepts 1.25-Inch and 2-Inch eyepieces and accessories.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Product, January 18, 2011

By 

John Zimmerman (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Meade Zero Image Shift-Electronic Micro-Focuser (Electronics)

I purchased a Meade LS-8 ACF. That's the scope that automatically aligns itself at the flip of a switch. It is a wonderful instrument in every respect except for focusing. There is enough vibration in the setup to where every time you change focus, you have to wait about 3 seconds before things settle down. This can get annoying when observing fine planetary detail. An electronic focuser is the answer to this problem. The Meade is probably the best (and most expensive) on the market.

Most electronic focusers attach a motor to the scope's focus knob. While this works, it often means you cannot change focus manually. And in the case of SCT optical systems (like my LS), there will be "image shift" when the focus knob is turned, whether manually or electronically. Meade takes a different approach. Instead of turning the focus knob, this unit attaches to the back of the scope and becomes an electronic draw tube the eyepiece holder fits into. This eliminates any image shift, as well as allows continued use of the manual focus knob if desired.

Another wonderful feature of this focuser is the integration into the Autostar hand controller (other focusers require you to use a separate hand controller for focusing). On my LS, there is a focus button on the controller. Press it, and the focuser is active. You can select from one of four different speeds (fast, medium, slow, fine) using the two arrow keys at the bottom of Autostar. The 4 arrow keys normally used for moving the telescope are used to change focus. Press the focus button again, and the focuser is turned off.

Overall, I have to give this the highest rating because it is brilliantly designed and engineered. In the field, it allows precise, vibration free focusing.