Created for entry-level astronomers, the Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm Telescope comes as a complete set with a tripod, altazimuth mount, eyepieces and other accessories. You can use the telescope to view the moon, stars, planets, meteor showers and other celestial objects.
The telescope is praised for its ease of focusing. The manual altazimuth mount comes with an altitude lock with slow-motion control, allowing you to precisely track objects. For this reason, the telescope has found favor with kids eight years or older and beginner astronomers. For high quality and clear images, the unit is offered with three eyepieces and a bonus Barlow lens to double the magnification.
While it is a beginner telescope, you can use it to study celestial objects as a hobby and even take photos of objects you fancy.
This article is an in-depth evaluation of the Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm Telescope.
What is Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm Telescope?
The Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm is a beginner telescope that offers a wide range of viewing possibilities. For a beginner telescope, it offers outstanding results as users observe. It features a stainless steel tripod that you can adjust to meet your viewing needs. The durable SS tripod offers a stable platform when you are watching the sky.
This telescope offers great performance thanks to the included 90-degree erect image diagonal. The diagonal makes it comfortable to look through the telescope especially when you point it towards the zenith. Even better, this diagonal corrects images horizontally and vertically so you can use the telescope terrestrially.
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With integrated drew shield, condensation does not occur on the objective lens. This also blocks stray terrestrial light, giving you clear images of celestial objects. The unit will show up to 10,000 celestial objects including stars, planets, and moons. While using this telescope, you can plan your sessions and print star charts.
Product Information
| Dimensions | Weight | Batteries | Aperture | Focal Length | Software |
| 86 | 11 pounds | – | 80mm | 400mm | AutoStar Suite Astronomer Software |
Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm Telescope Pros & Cons
Pros
- Allows you to take astronomical photographs
- Drew shield enhances the image quality by blocking stray light terrestrially
- High optical power for a beginner telescope
- High-quality adjustable tripod for comfortable watching
- Allows you to distinguish between close celestial objects
- Offered with a software for Windows integration
- Manual altazimuth lets you focus with ease
- Can watch terrestrial and celestial objects
Cons
- Price comparatively high
- Set up takes relatively longer for beginners
- The software offered only works on Windows OS
Where to Find the Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm Telescope
Meade is one of the telescope manufacturers that sell their products in many online stores. A quick search online will show you lots of websites where you can buy this telescope. Meade offers discounts on their telescopes. Though, compared to other beginner telescopes, the price is high, some of the features on this telescope are only available in high-end telescopes.
When you buy on Amazon, you get free shipping. You might be lucky to find used telescopes, which are offered at significantly low prices.
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Telescope Performance
The Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm Telescope sports 80mm aperture and 400mm focal length. These, combined with three eyepieces and a 2x Barlow lens deliver clear and bright images of celestial or terrestrial objects. The first eyepiece is 26mm and delivers a magnification of up to 15x. The second eyepiece is 9mm, delivering a magnification of up to 44x while the third is 6.3mm, delivering up to 63.5x magnification.
The 1.25-inch barrel accepts standard eyepieces, allowing you to upgrade. The fold-down rubber eyecups keep your eyes protected when you are viewing terrestrially or celestially. The image quality is further enhanced with by the fully multicoated optics that prevent internal reflection.
While most beginner telescopes are relatively challenging to focus on, the Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm Telescope is offered with a rack and pinion focuser, allowing you to adjust the unit for accurate focus. You are also offered red dot finder with variable intensity, allowing you even better focus. With these features combined, you can view close stars with great clarity.
For beginners interested in Astrophotography, you are offered AutoStar Suite Astronomer Software. This software only works on Windows OS. It allows you to learn more about the sky and display up to 10,000 celestial objects.
Extra Info
The alt-azimuth mount features flex-arm controllers fitted with large knurled knobs, allowing you to bring images into fine focus. The f/5 focal ratio offers great quality images, enticing beginners. This telescope features a professional design and with an upgrade, it will deliver even better images.
Maintenance Advice
While the internal components are sealed from external factors, it is advisable not to use the telescope in adverse weather. Again, store the telescope in a moisture-free area.
Occasionally blow off the dust that settles on the eyepieces and the objective lenses. If there are smudge and dirt on the lenses, use a soft lens cloth soaked with a few drops of isopropyl alcohol to wipe them.
Accessories
With the purchase of Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm Telescope, you are offered:
- 1.25-inch rack and pinion focuser
- 3 eyepieces
- 3x Barlow lens
- Red dot finder
- 90-degree erecting diagonal
- Tripod
- Altazimuth mount
- Software
These are more accessories than you will find in most beginner telescopes. While this is a good thing, a beginner might take relatively longer to learn how to set up. Additionally, you can buy other eyepieces, a carrying case and a lens cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
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Warranty and Guarantee Information
Meade offers you a one-year warranty with every purchase. You additionally get satisfaction guarantee with the option to return units that do not meet your expectations and those with manufacturer defects.
Our Recommendation
If you are shopping for a high-quality beginner telescope, the Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm Telescope will check all the boxes. With a little upgrade, this telescope can be used professionally. The accessories, optical power, and solid construction, match the premium price of this telescope.
Do you like the features of this telescope? Will it meet your watching needs?
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