mbcoop2000's Full Review: Meade ETX-90EC (325 x 90mm) Telescope
I became intrigued by the telescope world when I recently was looking for an interesting late night hobby. (I don't need much sleep and I figured the sky was an endless source of wonder.)
So I cashed in my American Express points and took one of their offers to buy a ETX-70AT. OK, too low a power!! (I'll review that when epinions adds it to the list.) A few sales and buys ($425) on ebay later and I've got a ETX-90EC system.
I am happy!
As a new astronomer, I had a lot to learn. How to find ANYTHING (except the Moon) was the first challenge. But just a quick set-up (realistically 5 minutes) and you just punch in what you want to see ... and (grind, whiz, whurr!) you get it approximately centered in your viewfinder.
I live in a city and can view from the 6th floor roof of a downtown building. Too bright for most deep sky viewing, but that is no fault of the ETX! In general, it produces great images, excellent resolution and the GoTo is fairly (and I say fairly) accurate. I just ordered the Deluxe stand ($100 on eBay) .. I think it will be more stable and level better. If you do not get a level alignment and a good start to the alignment process, planets and all viewing objects drift quickly out of the field of vision.
I also upgraded to the right-angled viewfinder and I enjoy that very much. Easier viewfinder - scope switching .. which you need to do quite a bit. I also bought a second eyepiece and a 2x Barlow lens. You need a good sky, steady tripod and excellent alignment to use anything a 300x magnification.
I did also try the auto-focusing device ($130) and sent it back. To install it required removing large screws from the scope with a small Allen wrench. Well, the guys at the factory screwed that screw in really tight and I didn't want to risk breakage and just bagged it!
Someday, if I continue to gaze at the skies (and get out of the city for better viewing) I will upgrade to the LX series from Meade.
Their build quality is superb .. and the service quality is as well. I was originally sent a dud, and Meade called back next day based on an e-mail I sent them!!! try to get that level of service from ANYONE on a consumer purchase through a distributor!
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