*Meade 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope Model 2080*

[Astronomy is kewl]

Hello all,

 

I think I may have found a bargain on kijiji, but I need to ask you all whether you have used this telescope and if it is worth buying for $300. I know from my research that this is an old Meade S-C but I need to know if it is any good. Also what should I look for when I go to check this 'scope out. http://www.kijiji.ca/v-hobbies-craft/barrie/meade-telescope-model-2080/1171242090?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true 

Thanks 

[Putaendo Patrick]

Looks interesting!

If it's an original version it dates from somewhere in the early 1980s. This page has information on the development of the model: http://www.telescopebluebook.com/sct/meade.htm

I would try to study the manual in advance. Looks like this: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiz8L2dn5HNAhUGET4KHVToBjMQFgglMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cise.ufl.edu%2F~jnw%2Fmeade2080-2120manual.pdf&usg=AFQjCNFhRY4ptH2Lgitf_8Z-qfLCj-OBqw&sig2=DgIIPiZs3jv4ZPDzw4E6qA

You will want to check the mirror carefully considering it is probably over 30 years old. I note in the photos that the diagonal is upside down - probably nothing, but the whole focuser area is important to check.

Be super-critical - it's all to easy to talk yourself into something, at least in my experience! For US$300, it could be a good telescope - but for similar money you could get something new with guarantee, support etc, or something secondhand from a amateur astronomer who is upgrading etc. So take care!

[Peter Drew]

Hello AiK, welcome to this forum. I had an agency with Meade when they first brought out the 8" 2080. IMO they were better looking than the Celestron 8 at the time and featured a proper worm and whormwheel drive with which Meade made a big advertising issue along with an oversize primary mirror which retained the full aperture configuration. Optically they were not as consistent as the Celestron, I tested every one before sale and adjusted them as necessary. The best 2080 I had was as good as the best C8 but they were few and far between. The enclosed optics tended to stay in good order and were easy to collimate so if they look all right all should be well. Best to check that the focusing action is ok and that the drives work, these can be the weak points and replacement parts could be difficult to find as Meade's after sales reputation is legendary, (for the wrong reasons.)  Hope this helps. 

[Uplooker]

I can't add anything to what Peter has said, other than take heed of what he has to say, he knows his stuff

[michael8554]

All of the above, but it's vital to have a working handset, and that the RA drive still works, leave it running for long enough to see movement on the RA scale.

Michael