Meade's ETX-60AT Achromatic refractor-type Astonomical Telescope

This scope is for sale locally, and so far I have read one internet-based poor review for it. I can't help thinking it's a good deal anyway, since it is a brand name and it is so inexpensive (asking $100), however I would really appreciate any feedback you all may have. If anyone has had any experience with this one please let me know what you think... I must mention I am a total beginner and don't even own a star chart, so anything that can help me learn what I am doing may be very helpful at this stage...

This small refractor was undoubtedly made in either China or Taiwan and afterwards was branded with the name Meade. A small Dobsonian reflector with almost twice the aperture like the Orion XT4.5 would cost a bit more but would be a much better telescope overall.

http://www.telescope.com/control/pro...oduct_id=09804

Dave Mitsky

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THanks Dave! I am looking into that one. Looks nice, and still affordable.

That ETX might be OK as a terrestrial spotting scope (I.E. birding, watching boats in a harbor, spying on your neighbor , etc.) but as an astronomical scope, Dave is quite correct.

Actually, the ETX-60 is a good deal. But only as a fun toy. Ed Ting reviewed the original ETX-60AT, and said that nobody buys it for the scope (the scope is nothing special at all, but functions okay) but instead buys it for the awesome computer.

This is a great deal, but only if you already have a telescope because you won't be able to go far with only 60mm aperture.

If you are considering this plus another scope, try the backpack observatory version (ETX-60 BB) that can be bought new for $160 at a few online retailers. (Walmart was selling them for $40 or $50 for a week or so when they came out, but that was a while ago so don't kill yourself over it if you do buy the scope because very few people managed to get one at this price, anyway.)

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Don't think that just because it is a "name brand" that guarantees a quality scope! Meade, Celestron, Orion and others sell "WalMart specials". In essence, they are putting short term profits in front of long term customer base building!

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I have a 70AZ $25 "Walmart special" and the optics are excellent. Sure, the scopes aren't the same quality as other Meade scopes, but they have a high bang-to-buck ratio.

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The problem with name brand "Walmart specials" is usually not the optics, but the mount!

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Any day you wake up on "the right side of the dirt" is a good day.

T. Anderson

For a beginner I like Orion's 2.7" (70mm) refractor: http://www.telescope.com/control/pro...oduct_id=09882 It has enough aperture to get you going.. and it never needs realigning (as a reflector does) - plus, this 70mm has an equatorial mount and you can add a motor drive later.

For the extra 50 bucks over a 60mm.. it's a deal.. and a steal!

As far as small achromats go, the Orion 70mm f/10 seems to be a fairly good deal.

Dave Mitsky

__________________
Chance favors the prepared mind.
De gustibus non est disputandum.
Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.

The mount that came with my 70AZ is rather sticky and wobbly, needing constant re-tightening, however, I've seen much, much, MUCH worse. Look at the mounts on the $40 eBay 50mm piece-o-crud scopes. They are made of aluminum thin as paper, and don't even have a decent way to be adjusted. For half the price you can get a Meade Walmart special that's fifty times better. (or more)

Also, the reason you buy the ETX-60 is because of the mount! It's got an honest-to-goodness Autostar handbox, and can be packed up and taken anywhere.

I have used an Alt-azimuth version of the 70mm Orion for a brief glimpse at an eclipse party. It is a nice scope. The finderscope isn't that great though. I would still recommend it.

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You can't really tell the difference between drunken rambling and sober blogging.