Disappointing - Meade ETX-80 AT TC Astro Telescope w/ Autostar Computer Controller & Tripod

1. The Autostar is not difficult to set up or use. Just remember to calibrate the motor and train the drive. After you get it set up, it's fun to use.

2. In your alignment, don't use the included compass to find north, try to eyeball Polaris. If you live in an area where the magnetic variation is significant, you can be off 10-15 degrees.

3. If you decide to purchase it, invest in a power adapter. You can get one for about $20. They say the batteries will run for about 20 hours....yeah, right. After one night out it will become sluggish and slow.

4. The Chromatic Aberration on bright objects is horrible.

5. The focus knob/mechanism is very frustrating. The entire objective lens moves to get the target in focus. It will take 20-30 turns of the knob to get into focus. Change lenses, and another 20-30 turns will be required. Add a barlow, and another 20-30 turns will be required...you get the picture. If you get impatient and turn the focus knob too fast, you will induce backlash in the mechanism and the target will move halfway across the field of view, if not out of it completely.

Pros: Portability, Easy to setup, Easy to align
Cons: Focus mechanism, Chromatic aberration

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.