Meade ETX-90EC Telescope
- Optical Diameter: 90 mm
- Max Useful Magnification: x 325
- Finderscope: Optical
- Mount Type: Altazimuth
- Focal Length: 1250 mm
- Optical Design: Catadioptrics
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A big disappointment- but it helped me define WHAT I wanted
Pros
Affordable, compact
Cons
Difficult to set up, Difficult to use.
Recommended it?
No
I've always been intrigued by astronomy and wanted a telescope to explore the solar system. I finally bought an ETX90 with high expectations. The first thing I discovered was it's hard to set up a telescope for accurate orientation to the North Star if you have limited visibility to the north!
The next thing I discovered is that without a dedicated tripod it's difficult to use a telescope on a table with all it's vibrations and movement. After several frustrating attempts at do-it-yourself astronomy I ended up selling my ETX on Ebay (See my Epinion of Ebay) and buying a TeleVue instead.
For roughly the same price I bought a scope with great optics, dedicated tripod and lots of flexibility. I've since bought 3 eyepieces and had a great time using this great instrument.
I didn't need the motor-drive tracking capabilities of the Meade, nor was I interested in looking at stars. To be honest... I don't think these small scopes are capable of giving great views of stars- particularly in a light-polluted city environment.
What I concluded I did need was a simple to set-up and simple to tear-down telescope for viewing planets and the moon. The ETX just never really fit the bill for me. The TeleVue does. I'm both using it and enjoying it more. I'd talk with an astronomy expert about your needs and expectations before buyijng ANY telescope. You'll be happier with the results.
The next thing I discovered is that without a dedicated tripod it's difficult to use a telescope on a table with all it's vibrations and movement. After several frustrating attempts at do-it-yourself astronomy I ended up selling my ETX on Ebay (See my Epinion of Ebay) and buying a TeleVue instead.
For roughly the same price I bought a scope with great optics, dedicated tripod and lots of flexibility. I've since bought 3 eyepieces and had a great time using this great instrument.
I didn't need the motor-drive tracking capabilities of the Meade, nor was I interested in looking at stars. To be honest... I don't think these small scopes are capable of giving great views of stars- particularly in a light-polluted city environment.
What I concluded I did need was a simple to set-up and simple to tear-down telescope for viewing planets and the moon. The ETX just never really fit the bill for me. The TeleVue does. I'm both using it and enjoying it more. I'd talk with an astronomy expert about your needs and expectations before buyijng ANY telescope. You'll be happier with the results.
