Meade ETX-90PE Astro Telescope Premier Edition?

[deathdealer9983]

I was looking into buying the Meade ETX-90PE Telescope, and I am wondering if any of you would recommend this or if you think it is a good choice, if not, do you have any other suggestions?

Thanks

[Tom A]

It depends on what you want to see. It's a good scope generally, though Meade's quality control and customer service receive mixed reviews. (That's at the main centre. I've never had any trouble with retailers. The opposite, in fact.) It has a small aperture, meaning deep-sky stuff will be not as accessible.

If you're a beginner, I say the big rule to follow is to get the biggest aperture you can afford. If you're buying a GoTo scope like the ETX, most of the money is going to electronics. What experience do you have?

Here's my stock telescope answer:

First, read this. Ignore that it's from Australia, and ignore the money amounts, which are for AU$ in 2002. The principle is the same.

http://astronomy.concreteairship.com/scope.htm

You'll notice that it talks much about aperture, or how big the primary lens or mirror is. That's why I suggest the scope a little further down this answer.

If you're on a limited budget, get a good quality pair of 50mm binoculars and a book of sky charts, especially "Nightwatch" by Terence ****inson, or "Turn Left At Orion" by Consolmagno et. al. Come to think of it, buy the book if you get the scope, too.

If you insist on going with a scope, look up Orion Skyquest Intelliscopes. This type of scope is an excellent starter, even though they don't look like what most people think of telescopes.

http://www.telescope.com/control/category/~category_id=dobsonians/~pcategory=telescopes;jsessionid=81F3B951698D93AB9 9B9DAA09479FC55.ivprod1

On this link, look at the scopes with and without the Intelliscope handset, which is not necessary to enjoy the scope. This is called a reflector on a Dobsonian mount. They're simple to use, look impressive, and are good for most types of backyard observation.

I also recommend finding a local amateur astronomy club. They'll be very happy to help you with their experience, look through their scopes and, most importantly, have realistic expectations of what to see. Buy from a telescope shop. Not a department store, and not a camera shop that sells scopes.