Reviews - Meade ETX-80 AT TC Astro Telescopes w/ Autostar Computer Controller & Meade Tripod Reviews - ME-TS-ETX80-0805-04-20

Author: Steve (verified customer) , Beginner, from Melbourne, Fl on Mar 2, 2009
Pros:  Super Idea & Overall Set-Up & Price
Cons:  Unreasonable expectation for neophyte set-up
Would recommend:  yes

Steve wrote:

I think it is a exceptional idea & overall product but needs improvement in implementation. The autostar alignment began way way off and no finder scope. I want to end on a positive note because I believe the drawbacks can be overcome by a good manual & not over-selling the GOTO features. Super idea & overall price.

Author: NiteLooker (verified customer) , 68 yr old beginner, from Monett, MO on Nov 9, 2008
Pros:  portable, easy to use
Cons:  Leaves you wanting more power
Would recommend:  yes

NiteLooker wrote:

If you want to look across a valley or at the moon, this will do it. If you want a good look beyond the moon, go to a larger scope. I really like the ease of use, but wanted the ETX-75 the second night I used this.

Author: Ken (verified customer) , Beginner, from Suisun City, Ca on Jul 26, 2008
Pros:  Easy to use, Autostar computer keep family interested.
Cons:  Eats batteries,
Would recommend:  yes

Ken wrote:

This telescope is solidly contrusted and is very portable. The instructions are very easy to understand and setting up the Autostar computer is just as easy. Once you are familar with which two stars to align with setup becomes very quick. I realy like the Guided Tours. I live in a mildly light polluted area there are not many stars to get refference as to the location of many deep sky objects but once programed finding the Butterfly Cluster, M22and many more on the Guided tour keep us out for hours. I realy like the automatic tracking because it keeps the object in view when we switch to let other family members take a look. Buy the battery adapters it eats batteries. It packs up nicely in a backpack and does not take up alot of space. This telescope opened up the skys for us and is keepping us interested. For the money this is a good one to start with.

Author: bobbyfore (verified customer) , I am a amature to astronomy , from Cadet Missouri on Jan 20, 2008
Pros:  Its easy to setup and to store
Cons:  I go through a lot of batteries
Would recommend:  yes

bobbyfore wrote:

I love this telescope everything about it is just great,the goto feature had me looking at objects fast and does a good job tracking the objects and the amount of detail is just outstanding for the size of this telecope,dont let the prise fool you.This is a awsome Telescope

Author: Tim L. from Longmont, CO on Nov 8, 2007
Pros:  everything, cuz it's awesome (but especially size)
Would recommend:  yes

Tim L. wrote:

This is a fantastic scope by Meade! I've had Meade scopes before and always been really happy with them. The automatic Go To locator feature is awesome. My younger cousins love to look stuff up on it when they come over. I also really like the size because i can have it set up in my living room pointed out the window all the time and it actually fits in very nicely, not too bulky or obtrusive like some telescopes i've had. It's really attractive. I am really surprised by the one reviewer because i didn't have any probelms with the objective lens, in fact everything has been very easy to use and i consistently get amazing views. So easy my dog could probably use it.