telescopecomparison · 2-way
Astro-Tech AT8RC vs Meade LX200 8" ACF
Meade
LX200 8" ACF
Best suited for experienced imagers chasing detail running a backyard imaging setup.
Key differences
-20% focal length
Faster by 2.0 f-stops
Specifications
| Specification | Astro-Tech AT8RC | Meade LX200 8" ACF |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | RC | sct |
| Optical design | Ritchey-Chrétien | Advanced Coma-Free |
| Aperture | 203mm | 203mm |
| Focal length | 1624mm | 2032mm |
| Native f/ratio | f/8.0 | f/10.0 |
| Image circle | 42mm | — |
| Full-frame support | Yes | No |
| Physical | ||
| Weight | 10.0kg | 10.0kg |
Advantages of Astro-Tech AT8RC
- Wider field — 1624mm vs 2032mm focal length
- Faster optics at f/8 vs f/10
- Larger image circle (42mm) — supports bigger sensors
Advantages of Meade LX200 8" ACF
- Tighter framing — 2032mm vs 1624mm focal length
Best for — Astro-Tech AT8RC
- Small galaxies, planetary nebulae, lunar & planetary detail
- High-resolution long-exposure work
- Faint-object imaging under dark skies
- Full-frame astro cameras and DSLRs
Best for — Meade LX200 8" ACF
- Small galaxies, planetary nebulae, lunar & planetary detail
- High-resolution long-exposure work
- Faint-object imaging under dark skies
Astro-Tech AT8RC — typical FOV & scale
- With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 1.27° × 0.85°Scale: 0.48"/px
- With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.83° × 0.55°Scale: 0.48"/px
- With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.40° × 0.40°Scale: 0.48"/px
Meade LX200 8" ACF — typical FOV & scale
- With Full-frame (36×24mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 1.02° × 0.68°Scale: 0.38"/px
- With APS-C (23.5×15.7mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.66° × 0.44°Scale: 0.38"/px
- With IMX533 square (11.3×11.3mm, 3.76µm)FOV: 0.32° × 0.32°Scale: 0.38"/px
Astro-Tech AT8RC — recommended user
Best suited for experienced imagers chasing detail running a backyard imaging setup.
Meade LX200 8" ACF — recommended user
Best suited for experienced imagers chasing detail running a backyard imaging setup.