ETX-90 Spotting Scope

jim · Guest

Hi I was looking at the Meade ETX-90 and after doing some research this scope looks too good to be true. I really want to buy this scope but there are a few questions i have to ask. First off I see it comes with 3 eyepieces 48 / 83 / 129 x power. Now I was under the impression that even the very best spotting scopes in the world have diffucality reaching 100x, let alone 129x.

Is this scope capable for using 129x for astronomy. Secondly this scope will be for 65% astnonomy 35% land viewing over long distances. Can you tell me how good the optics are in this scope? Is this a good choice for astronomy? Also I need you to reccomend a good tripod. Really can't spend much more than $80. I was looking at this one here http://www.opticsplanet.net/bauslomtalma.html can you tell me if this tripod will work? And is there some kind of adapter that I need. I am 6'0 tall and I need something that will be comfortable for me to use. Any help would be greatly appericated. Thank you Jim

sales@opticsplanet.com · Guest

Hi Jim

The ETX-90 in my optical tests scored as well as any Mak, but not quite as well as a top notch (and expensive) premium refractor. Still, for its intended use - a mix of daytime use and astronomy - it is very good. If your primary interest is astronomy, though, it would pay to get the astronomical version with the better mount and GOTO feature. Of course, that's easier said than done when you are on a restricted budget.

Under ideal conditions and some applications, you may find the 129x useful for day use, though this is pretty unlikely. The 129x, though, will be quite useful for astronomy, but only IF you put the scope on a solid, heavy-duty mount. The B&L is a bit light for this magnification, but I would also look at the Celestron, http://www.opticsplanet.net/celestron-heavy-duty-az-tripod.html which is not much heavier, but ti does have slow motion controls which are very useful at that amgnification

Your personal optics expert
Joanie K

sales@opticsplanet.com
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356