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Meade ETX-70AT
| Brand | Meade |
| Part Number | |
| Availability | available |
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Product Info
Overview
Reviews
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Feb 15, 2008
Ultra Portable
Pros:GOTO, good optics, small and portable, nice wide FOV
Cons:Low power magnification only
Comments:Back in 2004 I picked up a new ETX-70 for use as a grab-n-go scope. It was small and light, and had pretty decent optics for a lesser expensive scope. After playing around with it for a couple of days I figured out how to properly set up and align the scope. Once you get past the first few set ups it really is a neat little scope. The Autostar is really quite accurate and the scope tracks well. The ETX70 gives you some really nice wide field views of the heavens. It is not designed for viewing with high magnification, and if you buy one with that in mind along with portability you should like this scope.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesOct 27, 2007Great First Go-To Scope
Pros:Wide views, Portability, In-expensive Go-to.
Cons:Limited to wide views
Comments:This was my first Go-To scope. I owned it from 2001 to 2003. It had great wide-field views. I learned a lot about how to modify an inexpensive scope to make it easier to use and bring out the best. I miss the wide views and the extreme portability - I left it set up, could pick it up with one hand and set-up outside in 2 minutes.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
Highlight - Actually tracking HST and ISS was cool!
Some advice on accessories: Get the A/C power adapter (it will save you lots of battery $'s). Forget the dew shield (it's not deep enough), make one of your own out of black Foamcore. Also make your own Flex-extension for the focus knob. Also purchase parfocal eyepieces (less re-focusing).Jun 23, 2007Meade ETX70 AT
Pros:Small, easy to grab and go
Cons:Not a very robust design
Comments:I bought this used for a grab and go scope. I returned it to the seller because in shipping the diagonal flip mirror had become unglued from the flip mechanism and had become damaged.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? No
My overall impression of the scope in the short time I had it was that it was flimsy. In particular the flip mirror mechanism just seems like a bad design - the mechanism seemed to have some play. Another bad design element is the focuser - when the scope is at or near zenith, it is impossible to get your fingers in position to operate the focuser. In my case the seller included a third party focuser extension, and this would be absolutely necessary.
Before returning the scope, I was able to dislodge the mirror and get it into its proper position. I took a quick look at the Moon, and at low-to-medium power the views were quite good. I did not note any chromatic aberration.
These scopes are discontinued, but the flip mirror mechanism is included in several similar models. If you buy one, check it out in person if possible or make sure you buy it from a reliable seller.Sort by
