Meade - Optical Tube Assemblies

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.