Meade ETX-90AT (f/13.8) Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope

by Meade

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 23 x 14 x 34 inches ; 14.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 21 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00329THEQ
• Item model number: 3514-03-60
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,915 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #2 in Camera & Photo > Binoculars, Telescopes & Optics > Telescopes > Catadioptric
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

The Meade ETX-90AT is a compact telescope with excellent optics, packaged with a sturdy tripod and the remarkable Autostar computer control. Even though I own several telescopes and belong to an Astronomy club, the first night I took out the ETX, it showed me objects I'd never seen before. The ETX-90AT is the computerized version of an affordable Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope first introduced by Meade in 1996. Every reviewer since then has commented on the excellent optics. How excellent? When I presented a session on optical testing at my local Astronomy club, I brought my ETX90 so that everyone could see what a "textbook" star test actually looks like.

What can you see with an ETX90? You won't see the flag on the Moon, but you will see sharp, color free views of mountains and valleys, craters, and lava flows. The planets are also a delight. I'll never forget seeing Saturn's rings with my own eyes for the first time. Although you can see the rings of Saturn and the cloud bands of Jupiter with the included 26mm Plossl eyepiece (about 48X magnification), you'll want to increase the magnification to bring out more detail. I find that a magnification of about 100X is ideal on most nights. You can reach 100X by using a Barlow Lens, I like the Ultima 2X Barlow , or a smaller eyepiece such as the X-CEL 12.5mm Eyepiece . It's tempting to crank up the power to 200X or more, but on most nights I didn't see any more detail.

As good as the optics are, however, the most amazing feature of the ETX-90AT is the Autostar computer. The ETX-90AT with Autostar was the first computerized "go-to" telescope for under a thousand dollars. While bright objects like the moon are easy to find, the Autostar excels at finding the galaxies and star clusters that make space so fascinating. Maybe it's because I play with computers anyway, but I found the Autostar easy to use. The owners manual instructs you to begin the alignment by pointing the telescope North and tilting the telescope to level. I don't use a compass or a spirit level to do this, I simply point the telescope at the North Star, Polaris, and lower the telescope 44 degrees using the setting circles. This works because my home is near 44 degrees latitude. Don't know which star is Polaris? You'll want some kind of star chart that identifies the stars by name, NightWatch by Terence Dickinson is one of my favorites.

Many of the best galaxies and star clusters were discovered by a French comet hunter named Charles Messier. These so-called "M" objects looked to Messier like comets in the small telescopes of his day. My first night with the ETX, I switched on the "tour" mode. After looking at a few favorites, the cluster M52 came up on the Autostar. I pressed GO TO, and the telescope aimed itself at a cluster I hadn't looked at before. And darned if it didn't look just like a distant comet passing in front of a few small stars! I was so impressed, I bought an ETX for my step-son who works for the Air Force.

It's only fair to warn you, however, that if you find yourself enjoying astronomy, you may start wanting a bigger telescope! --Jeff Phillips

Pros:

• Excellent optics
• The Autostar computer finds objects and describes them for you
• Small and easily portable

Cons:

• It's small--the only way to see more detail is with a bigger telescope

Product Description

Aperture: 90mm(3.5-Inch). Focal Length: 1250mm. Focal Ratio: f/13.8. Ultra High Transmission Coatings (UHTC). Meade Blue Optical Tube. For over 30 years, it’s been our passion to create the finest telescopes available for the astronomy enthusiast. The revolutionary ETX series is just one example. Designed to be the ideal, ultra-portable telescope, the ETX marries Meade’s unsurpassed optics with industry-leading electronics to deliver a truly exceptional viewing experience. Meade’s unmatched Maksutov-Cassegrain optics provides high resolution and contrast for more detail and the ability to see fainter objects than with comparable systems. Combine that with the easiest alignment system available and the Autostar controller, and you have simple, immediate access to over 30,000 celestial objects…all at the push of a button. And with the ETX’s classic styling and advanced engineering, your telescope is ready for a lifetime of use. FEATURES #884 Deluxe Field Tripod The #884 Deluxe Field Tripod strikes the perfect balance between stability and portability. And the stainless steel legs add durability to the list. With height adjustable from 25 to 43 inches and elevation adjusts from 25 to 90 degrees, this tripod allows you the flexibility to use your telescope in either equatorial or alt-az configurations. The Deluxe Field Tripod comes complete with a padded carry bag to make getting to the perfect stargazing spot simple and easy.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent telescope for the price, October 10, 2011

By 

M. Behrendt (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Meade ETX-90AT (f/13.8) Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope (Electronics)

Out of the box, this telescope is easy to setup, align and use. Bring it outside in the daylight your first time and try looking at some land based objects (do not point it at the sun or you will blind yourself instantly). It is a great starter scope and finds objects quickly and easily. It comes with a tutorial DVD that is well made and explains the basics.

On my first night out I was able to see the rings of Saturn and detailed craters on the moon, even in my suburban Chicago back yard. Moons and stripes on Jupiter are easily visible too. For planets and moon viewing, the bang for your buck on this scope is hard to beat.