The LightBridge Mini 82 from Meade Instruments comes as a convenient telescope for use on the go. It is ideal for experienced users who need an easy to carry unit for quick sessions outdoors, but can also be used by entry-level astronomers who want to study the moon and heavenly bodies. Weighing slightly less than 4 pounds when mounted, the LightBridge Mini 82 makes a good telescope for on-the-go celestial and terrestrial viewing.
Offered with a tabletop manual mount, the LightBridge Mini 82 is easy to set up and can be used anywhere. This manual alt-azimuth mount is one of the best parts of this telescope as it allows you to adjust the unit to track and point objects for clear views. Even better, this mount can rotate 360 degrees, letting you point it anywhere in the sky.
Meade Instruments designed this as an easy-to-assemble and easy-to-dismantle telescope, which makes it great for transport.
This text is an evaluation of the LightBridge Mini 82.
What is Meade Instruments LightBridge Mini 82?
The LightBridge Mini 82 is a reflector telescope for hobbyists and students of astronomy. It is designed to deliver high-quality images anywhere anytime. You can use it to observe celestial and terrestrial objects thanks to its versatile construction.
For clarity of images, this telescope is offered with a high-power objective lens and two eyepieces. The magnification is enhanced by a 2x Barlow lens, which doubles the magnification of each eyepiece.
The price of the LightBridge Mini 82 is great and matches its features and its solid construction. The vixen-style dovetail connection reduces the mounting and dismounting time significantly. Beginner professional astronomers can study celestial objects by upgrading the eyepieces offered with this unit.
Product Information
| Dimensions | Weight | Batteries | Aperture | Focal Length | Software |
| 17 by 8.25 by 8.25 inches | 8 lbs | – | 82mm | 300mm | – |
Pros & Cons of Using Meade Instruments LightBridge Mini 82 Telescope
Pros
- Compact and lightweight construction for use on the go
- Simple design for use by beginners and children
- High magnification to accommodate experienced star-gazers and professionals
- Easy to mount and dismount
- Optical tube accommodates standard eyepieces, making it easy to upgrade
- Adjustable focal length makes it easy to focus
- Offered with all necessary accessories
- Red-dot Finderscope and Rack-and-Pinion focuser let you track objects with ease
- Manual mount rotates 360 degrees, allowing you to point anywhere on the sky
- Comparatively low price
Cons
- The construction feels flimsy
Where to Find the Meade Instruments LightBridge Mini 82 Telescope
Meade Instruments telescopes are available on a high number of online stores including BHPhotoVideo, eBay, Walmart, and the manufacturer’s website among others. Meade Instruments sells telescopes on Amazon also.
The LightBridge Mini 82 retails at $55 – $60. This is a relatively low price, considering that some beginner telescopes in its range are offered at over $100 and some $200. For its quality and performance, the unit offers you value for money.
Discounts are often available. You can also find used telescopes on Amazon, which retail at significantly low prices. There is not much difference between the new and the used telescopes. Ergo, if your money does not allow you to buy a new one, a used unit is just as good.
Telescope Performance
The LightBridge Mini 82 features a Newtonian reflector design where most telescope on its class sport a refractor design. Nonetheless, the unit offers great clarity for a beginner telescope. Granted, you can use it for a deep study of the stars, the moon and the planets. It is offered with an 82mm aperture with 300 mm focal length and f/3.66 focal ratio. Coupled with two quality eyepieces, the unit delivers clear, bright and crisp images.
The 1.25-inch diameter barrel fits all standard eyepieces. The telescope is offered with two eyepieces. The first eyepiece is 9mm and offers a magnification of up to 33x while the second is 26mm and offers 12x magnification. The magnification of each eyepiece is doubled by the 2x Barlow lens.
With the red-dot Finderscope, you can widen the field of view to accurately track objects in the sky. This is enhanced by a rack-and-pinion focuser, which allows you to adjust the unit for precise focusing.
Unlike most units offered with a tripod, the LightBridge Mini 82 is offered with a stable tabletop base. This reduces set up time significantly. Even with the high image quality, the unit cannot be used for photography. The manufacturer does not offer software to integrate it with a computer or mobile device.
Extra Info
The LightBridge Mini 82 offers 1.425 arcsec resolution, which enhances light transmission for bright images while still protecting your eyes. It is ideal for those on a budget, but need a quality telescope.
Maintenance Advice
When used and stored in a dust-free and moisture free area, this telescope requires less maintenance. However, when the dust settles on the optical tube and the lenses, you can blow it off with an air can. Occasionally, the lenses and the eyepieces will gather dirt and smudge. When that happens, soak a soft lens cloth in a few drops of isopropyl alcohol and wipe them.
Accessories
The LightBridge Mini 82 lets you get started within a few minutes of unboxing it. Unlike other telescopes that feature a tripod and a mount, it sports a tabletop base like a light microscope. This eliminates the setup stage.
Accessories offered include:
- 3 eyepieces
- 2x Barlow lens
- Red-dot Finderscope
- Alt-azimuth mount
You can buy extra eyepieces and a carrying case.
Warranty and Guarantee Information
Meade offers a one-year warranty on their telescopes. This is accompanied by a lifetime satisfaction guarantee and lifetime support. The company allows you to return telescopes that do not meet your expectations and those with defects. A high number of users also stand behind the LightBridge Mini 82, praising it for its quality construction.
Our Recommendation
The LightBridge Mini 82 sports a unique design that distinguishes it from other telescopes in its class. It is a budget telescope that comes in handy when you need to observe on the go. It is compact and lightweight, yet sturdy for long functional life.
What are your thoughts on this telescope?
Last update on 2021-06-16 at 19:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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