meade etx-70?

Question

i'm thinking of buying a meade etx 70 telescope, i'm just starting out on astromony, i dont want to spend too much on a scope and if i get into it i'll upgrade at a later date.

anyone have any thoughts?

i'd like to hear off any owners of one to see what they think?

Answer 1

I think 70mm is pretty small for an astronomical telescope. You can get a much bigger telescope if you give up the expensive computer controlled mounting. You could probably get a 6 inch (150mm) Dobsonian for the same price. With the Dobsonian you will have to manually point the telescope at the objects you want to view. I can tell you that the hardest thing for most beginners is getting the telescope pointed at the object, so depending on how much help you need in that area, the etx might be OK. But it would be good for you to learn to find things with star charts and brains instead of relying on the computer. Call me old fashion!

Answer 2

It's a well made 'scope, but I think it's too small. I've used one a few times but I've never been impressed. That said, check the link for some pictures that have been taken with one - very nice, but nothing like what you'll see visually.