Meade ETX-70AT vs. Bushnell 90mm Mak

pilipini · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 2

I have a soon to be seven year old whose birthday wish is a new telescope. I have been considering the Meade ETX-70AT and the Bushnell 90mm Mak. I am wondering which one would be most appropriate, versatile, user friendly, rugged, etc. I have read reviews that the Meade has some focus adjustment difficulties. The Bushnell manual and customer service sound problematic. I believe my son would enjoy the voice feature of the Bushnell. Please share your thoughts. Maybe you could suggest another telecope in the $300.00 range.

Thanks!

Dad

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Wed Jul 13, 2005 7:58 am Post subject:

Hi

Of the two, the ETX-70 will be the most portable and probably the most durable as well. It's a great little scope for day or night use.

The Bushnell Mak 90 will have more potential for astronomy due to its larger aperture and it, too, is a nice day scope. The computer, tracking and mount are not quite up to the quality of the Meade, but still very good.

If your son is wanting a scope for day and night use, these are your two best picks at $300.
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BobY · Guest

I had a hard time deciding between the two as well.

My feeling is that the Meade is a better built scope, but I ended up choosing the Bushnell because of it's smaller size, larger aperture and lifetime warranty. I also like the red-dot finderscope--it's very easy to use. The voice feature of the Bushnell is neat for kids, but personally I could do without it...

Note that you can get a carrying case for the Meade, but not the Bushnell.

The Bushnell manual is incomplete but adequate. I've found their customer service to be very responsive, though. I had no trouble calling them and the person I talked to had definitve answers to my questions.

I guess I kinda hedged my bets because I bought the Meade 8mm-24mm zoom eyepiece to use with the Bushnell Smile

Guest · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2005 4:46 am Post subject:

hdhzfhy

n7ilt · Joined: 15 Nov 2005 Posts: 1

Buying first telescope to be used astronomically and terrestially. Both the 90mm Northstar and DSX-90 around $300. Any recommendations for a newbie? Thanks. Jerry

opticsplanet.com · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 12:29 pm Post subject:

Hi

Kind of like the Bushnell Mak 90 because it can be instantly removed from its mount and attached to a standard photo tripod, just like any other spotting scope. Makes it very easy to use out in the field.
_________________
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Your personal optics expert
Joanie (Jne) K
http://www.OpticsPlanet.com
Phone: (888) 263-0356
Fax: (847) 574-6820

jerry · Guest

Thanks, I ordered the bushnell today.
Jerry