Just bought the Orion but then I saw the one in Costco.
2007-11-21 23:18:42 · 8 answers · asked by krumenager 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I'm not sure which model Costco has so this will be general.
Build quality on Orion scopes seems to be more consistent, and they're all pretty well made.
Meade scopes are all over the boards ranging from worthless "department store junk" to very nice stuff.
The two most common problems with inexpensive Meade scopes seem to be mounts that aren't stable, and short newtonians that use a relay lens (permanently attached barlow) to get a longer focal length.
The unstable mounts tend to have a narrow point between the optical tube and the tripod, or they have significant plastic parts that aren't sturdy enough to handle things like breezes without flexing a little.
Otherwise, the 90mm scope will gather 65% more light than the 70mm one.
IF I knew the Meade had a sturdy/stable mount and didn't have a relay lens, I'd choose it over the 70mm Orion.
Otherwise, I'd go for the Orion.
The most important thing about a scope is that you enjoy using it. A smaller scope that is easy to aim and has good optical quality will be more fun than one that wobbles in the wind, doesn't stay where you aim it, or has lower quality optics.
Otherwise, try searching for local astronomical societies or clubs. You might find you have one nearby, and if so, odds are incredible it will be filled with people who will share your enthusiasm, and be happy to share the information they've picked up along the way.
2007-11-22 05:40:41 · answer #1 · answered by Mark H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't find a Meade 90mm on the Costco web site, so I'm not sure exactly which scope this is. Meade makes a number of telescopes in this size, covering a wide range of quality. Their 90mm ETX Maksutov-Cassegrain is a fine scope, but usually sells for around $600. Other models are less good.
I'd stick with the Orion, if I were you, since it's a scope of known quality.
2007-11-22 01:46:18 · answer #2 · answered by GeoffG 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have the Orion scope. It was my first scope and it is a fine scope. I got many years worth of use out of it and I just gave it to my stepdaughter and her husband about 2 months ago. They are having a ball with it. It went to Yellowstone with them too.
It is amazing what that little scope can pull in. The optics are excellent and the construction is very good too.
I think you should stick with the Orion scope. Most times the scopes that Costco sells are junk scopes with a lot of plastic parts that easily fail.
2007-11-22 02:46:48 · answer #3 · answered by B. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Orion Observer 70mm
2016-11-10 11:43:08 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a Meade 90mm f10 which I use as a grab and go scope. I has nice optics and can provide good views of the planets, clusters, and brighter nebulas - up to around 200x. However, I have changed the original focuser assembly; the all plastic R&P focuser was wobbled and was rough to focus
2007-11-22 01:15:15 · answer #5 · answered by n2s.astronomy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Generally the large diameter objective will have better light gathering ability and can sustain more magnification...provided the optics are equivilent,
A 90 mm. has about 1.65 times the light gathering power of a 70 mm.
In this case the Meade is generally better quality also.
Maybe you can get a refund on the Orion.
2007-11-22 01:19:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
The Meade is probably a better built scope but you would probably not see any difference in the optical quality.
2007-11-21 23:24:03 · answer #7 · answered by siriusdoggy 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
The one with the longer focus should give the better picture.
The longer the focal length the better the resolution.
2007-11-22 04:01:42 · answer #8 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋