Meade 12.5" Starfinder Dobsonian Reflecting Telescope 1248-04-33 represents some of the finest telescope values available anywhere. Consider these standard-equipment features: Meade American-made Optical Systems:

All Meade Starfinder models, both Equatorial and Dobsonian Reflecting Telescope , include a superb, hand-figured parabolic primary mirror manufactured of low-expansion, fine-annealed Pyrex glass at the Meade Irvine, Calif., factory. Every mirror meets the theoretical limit of resolution for its aperture, and is matched with an elliptical flat secondary mirror of appropriate minor axis.

Starfinder Dobsonian Mount:

Meade Starfinder Dobsonian mountings provide for smooth manual motions of the telescope in both altitude and azimuth. Both 12.5" axes ride on low-backlash Teflon/Nylon bearings, facilitating the location and tracking of celestial objects anywhere in the sky. Each mount is manufactured of cabinet-quality materials and designed for a lifetime of use. Handles are provided for easy portability.

Spiral-Wound Optical Tubes:

Sonotube optical tubes of Meade Starfinder Reflectors have excellent insulating characteristics, so that thermal tube currents are reduced to an absolute minimum. While the smooth white finish of the tube is not intended to match the gleaming, hard, powder-coat finish of Meade Schmidt-Cassegrains and ED Apochromats, it nonetheless instills a solid pride-of-ownership in any Starfinder owner.

Applications of Starfinder Dobsonian Reflecting Meade 12.5" Telescope 1248-04-33 :

Meade Starfinder 12.5" Reflecting Dobsonian Telescopes allow for a breathtaking array of visual observations: galaxies, nebulae, star clusters - in all their variations of form, color, and extent - as well as the Moon, planets, comets, and other objects within the solar system, may be studied in detail. Visually in any Starfinder model, Saturn's ring system is a magnificent object, with the Cassini division routinely visible; minor ring divisions, including the crpe ring, may be resolved and detail in Saturn's surface structure is discernible. In deep-space the Andromeda galaxy displays a brilliant nucleus surrounded by a glowing nebulosity that fills the field even at low powers. The Orion Nebula (M42) presents a dazzling sight in any Meade Starfinder: the Trapezium is enveloped in diffuse nebulosity; and details of the nebula's structure are well-resolved, with the tenuous outer regions readily apparent. Beyond this brief listing, standard star catalogs enumerate literally thousands of objects within the visual grasp of Starfinder Meade telescopes : the motivated amateur will find it near impossible to exhaust the instrument's potential.

Magellan Computer Systems (Sold Seperatly):

Meade Magellan Telescope Computer Systems, designed specifically for Meade Starfinder Reflecting Dobsonians and Equatorial, enable fast and easy object-location, using Magellan's massive 12,218-object database.

Specifications for Meade 12.5" Starfinder Dobsonian Reflecting Telescope:

Optical Design:		Newtonian Reflector
Diameter/Clear Aperture:		318mm (12.5")
Primary & Secondary Mirrors:		Grade-A Pyrex glass, fine annealed
Eyepiece:		Super Plossl 26mm (1.25")
Secondary Mirror Support:		4-vane; steel
Focal Length; Focal Ratio:		1525mm; f/4.8
Resolving Power (arc secs.):		0.36
Optical Coatings:		standard aluminum
Limiting Visual Magnitude (approx.):		15
Limiting Photographic Magnitude (approx.):		17.4
Image Scale (degs./inch):		.95°/inch
Maximum Practical Visual Power:		600x
Optical Tube Dimensions (dia. x length):		15.1" x 58" long spiral-wound Sonotube
Secondary Mirror Minor Axis:		2.60"
Secondary Mirror Obstruction (%):		0.043
Dobsonian Mounting:		Base Diameter: 26.75"  Mount Dimensions (approx.): 25" square x 22" high  Materials: thermally-fused Melamine, industrial particle based board core"
Bearings:		Altitude: Nylon Azimuth:Teflon
Optical Tube Weight:		55 lbs.
Mounting Weight:		41 lbs.

Features of Meade 12.5" Starfinder Dobsonian Reflecting Telescope:

• 12.5" Newtonian optical system (D = 318mm, F = 1525mm, f/4.8), with multi-coated parabolic primary
• rack-and-pinion focuser
• 5 x 24mm viewfinder
• 4-vane secondary mirror support
• Dobsonian mounting with Teflon/Nylon bearings on both axes
• MA 25mm (61X) multi-coated eyepiece (1.25")
• Sonotube 15.1" x 58" long with end ring

Package Contents:

• Meade 12.5" Starfinder Dobsonian Reflecting Telescope
• 9.7mm (157x) & 26mm (58x) Super Plossl Eyepieces (1.25")
• 6x30mm Viewfinder
• 1-Year Warranty