Meade ETX-125 PE?

[Hadi]

Hi all!

I have my eye on the Meade ETX-125PE.

Is this a good telescope for a newbie to (observational) astronomy? I know the mirror is small but overall I was wondering if the scope is as easy to use as it sounds? How about the quality of Meade's optics?

Thanks.

[skywalker]

Meade optics are usually praised. I personally have an ETX-90 that's about 5 years old and the optics are very good.

The controller is easy to use, once you learn some of the quirks and makes using my etx-90 very easy. If you like goto and track, this is a great scope. All around I say this is probably a very good scope (based on my personal experience with meade.

That said. You're paying a lot for ~5 inches of aperture... You can get a 12" intelliscope and controller (push-to, no tracking) for about the same price, or a 10" skyquest (which I have and love) for half that. Both from [Registered users can see links. ] . The trade off is much bigger to transport and no tracking. Hardin at [Registered users can see links. ] also has some very nice dobs that give much more aperture for the price.

And for a little bit higher quality (and price) you can check out [Registered users can see links. ], I've heard very many glowing reports of their telescopes, though I've never used one.

I'm not trying to disuade you from your choice of the etx-125pe, a fine scope to be sure. If you're doing solely visual observations (no photography) you might consider something that will show you more for the same amount of (or less) money.

I'm sure you would be happy with any of the scopes listed here. And remember, these aren't the only options either!

[Hadi]

I thought about getting a big dob for the same money, but I am lazy and want to just turn the thing on and have it take me on a tour. So I think I will get the etx-125. I am also hoping to make my own mirror eventually, so I will be the light-gathering King at some point.

Cheers.

[philip d]

I have the ETX 125EC and I love it! Its very portable and gives crisp clear images of the planets. Some deep sky ojects can prove tricky for visual observing under my light poluted suburban skies, but I have no regrets in buying the instrument.