Rating: 
Summary: Go for the ETX-90
Review: (...) I got this scope last week and had to return it as the motor failed on the first day - I could never get it to locate an object using GOTO. My rating is based on my experience and I'll try to present the
pros and cons Pros:
1) Very wasy to carry, light-weight scope.
2) Field setup is very easy with just a couple of screws to plug in.
3) The images I saw of the nearby objects were really good - especially with a 9mm. Cons:
1) The tripod is of very poor quality. Even a rock solid base, all I had to do was nudge the scope a little and the stand would move.
2) The autostar I got with the unit made a very annoying continuous hissing noise. I am not sure if this is the tracking drive feeding back but I doubt it.
3) I could not locate a single object. Some drive motor failure problems
4) When viewing an object at the Zenith, it is impossible to focus as my fingers could not reach the focus knob (but most GOTO scopes have similar problems) If you DO want this scope - get a rightangle view finder (save your back) and a TelRad (or atleast a finderscope).
Rating: 
Summary: Very Good, Easy to Use Telescope
Review: ...I can only offer praise and Kudos to Meade for offering such a wonderful instrument at a value price. For the past 30 years I have used a 60mm refractor from Sears without any problems. I finally decided it was time to get somthing a little more modern but didnt want to spend over a thousand dollars. After researching the market for 3 months, I finally decided on the ETX 70-AT. After adding 2x and 3x Barlow lenses, a 5mm plossl, a basic filter selection, and hard case I have spent less then $700.00. Once you have a realistic idea of what to expect when viewing through a small telescope, you will find that the image quality offered in the ETX 70-AT is outstanding for a 70mm telescope with such a short focal length (f/5). Autostar also makes easy work of finding subjects for the evening. The ETX 70-AT is a highly versatile instrument for both novice and experienced amateur astronomers. The rings of Saturn are clearly visible as is the Cassini Division. Jupiter is outstanding with the Red Spot visible under good conditions, and 5 moons visible. The Orion Nebula is very distinct as are the Plaedes. The only shortcomings I have found are: battery life could be better, focus knob is awkward, and dew shield should have been included as standard. Also, if this is your first telescope, dont expect to see images like those on the box. All in all, a Very Good Telescope for the money, and highly recommended for the astronomer on a budget.
Rating:
Summary: ETX70 Great Value W/Autostar-For Newcomer !!
Review: As prices dropped couldn't resist buying the ETX70 w/autostar. (On a Cold Winter Night, New Comet approaches naked eye Visual, grab my ETX70 for quick a Quick Glimpse !! Infact is one coming End December 2004 comet Machholz !! DON'T MISS IT !!) Tho it falls far short in diameter 70mm or 2.8 inche objective will show example a raw beginner how many amazing items available to view. Note is a Fast F/5 giving a wider view than many scopes and making using the Autostar even easier ! Don't expect to resolve the brighter deep sky objects but gives a nice view of example brighter M13 (large globular in Hercules). Not really fair to compare to larger scopes, in using my ETX90 w/coatings, the larger 90 does start to resolve the same deepsky objects. Star images are very good, even starts to resolve the famed Albireo double in Cygnus using just the low 14X eyepiece. Give this 4 stars as will open up the sky for the raw beginner with the great Autostar, but to see more still would give the ETX90 worth the extra $$. However ETX70 is even easier to use with the Autostar as gives wider views, and is even more portable. The now included Tripod is abit shaky but does work, Order another eyepiece or Barlow as the included eyepieces give you under 40X and need at least near 80X to over 100X to complete your viewing pleasure !! Still A Great Bargain for the 1st Scope !! Note the Autostar is reason for having these ultra portable scopes, in using both ETX90 and now ETX70 my less than precise alignment, take advantage of the Autostar built-in error correction, example after object is in view if it fails to be centered, simply hold down the enter key for 2 seconds, will prompt for moving scope to put item in center, use the arrow keys (don't move manually) and then press enter again. Also if your are to view items in a constellation, simply call up a brighter star (Autostars Named Stars) in same constellation, center it with above procedure and your in buisness !! ETX70 Autostar has over 1400 items in its data base, will keep the newcomer busy for a long time !! An introduction Scope for the upcoming astronomer !!
Rating: 
Summary: Don't Let Meade Focus!!
Review: At first I thought this scope was an excellent beginner scope. Soon I returned it as the motor would not train correctly. I received a brand new one. Same or similar problem. Returned and again received a new one. Problems are; training motor is a negative, If you are using in a city or with much light pollution you can't really go much higher than 70X so don't worry about purchasing 1000x+ eye pieces as you might as well purchase Captain Crunch. The focus knob is in a terrible place and just assume that Meade placed it there so they could focus! I have to admit though, Meade did replace the scope (twice) and their service dept. seemed great! However, back to reality, If you are interested in purchasing this scope...I would strongly suggest either; 1) Spend more money and receive a better quality scope or 2) spend the money you are going to spend on this scope and purchase yourself a very nice spotting scope and a cold beer!! You will not be disappointed by this advice. Now go out there and get the job did!!
Rating: 
Summary: Looks Like it Could Be a Great Telescope --- But . . . . . .
Review: Dear Meade, Please fix your documentation - put it (the corrected version) on-line now (like tomorrow) for us frustrated users. Please Beta test your manual with some Chimps first. I'm going to stick it out trying to figure out how to operate this little beast - always liked a good challenge. It's optics and construction appear to be a big bang for the buck. It's like the engineers just got carried away with building the space shuttle, but can't explain to anyone how to fly it! Why don't you have a customer service e-mail address on your Web site? (Maybe you do, but I couldn't figure that out either, oh well. Hobbies are such fun!)
Rating:
Summary: Meade ETX70AT
Review: Great beginner's telescope. Absolutely needs additional eyepieces, Barlow and viewfinder. Focus mechanism is terrible (hence the 4/5 stars).
Rating:
Summary: Great starter scope
Review: I bought one of these to use and to see if I was interested enough in astronomy to justify a bigger and more expensive scope.
I was looking around the warehouse stores and for $200-300 you could get a 900mm reflector but honesty the quality on those units looked unimpressive - basically all low end junk from China.
I saw my first Meade ETX series in the Discovery channel store and bought the ETX-70 because the price was decent and it appeared to be a well made unit. As I use it I am convinced that while it is low powered, it is definitely not a toy nor is it low end by any means.
I have read the other reviews that mentioned quality problems but in my opinion this is built like a fine instrument and I have had trouble at all with it. I haven't had the tripod fail yet on me - knock on wood, but perhaps they've fixed the quality issues on that by this time.
Yes, he power is low but the image is bright and clear. Mars looks terrific and I have no trouble seeing the rings of Saturn, the Jupiter red spot and a few moons. I can pick out a few major nebulae (pardon my astonomical ignorance but I am new at this).
The computerized finder works great.. It took me much longer the first few times but now I can get it aligned in under 3 minutes. This scope seems less bothered by ambient light than then inexpensive reflectors I've looked at. A friend of mine has a 900mm Celestron and I can't really see much more through that then this ETX-70. I think the optical quality is just so much better as is the light gathering ability. My images may be slightly smaller they are much sharper and brighter than his $250 unit.
I am enjoying this scope a lot. I bought it to learn the basics and it is fine learning platform. You can get into one of these at a good price and it is good enough in resolving images to keep your interest. I am learning how to find things and am generaly rewarded with a fine image. Yes I know the 90 or the 125 would show much more but I was not ready to pop out that kind of money until I knew if I would enjoy stargazing.
Next purchase will be a 125 EX next summer, but until then this is keeping me peering upwards with a smile.
Rating: 
Summary: Great little scope
Review: I bought this telescope because I can't use my 8" SCT in Manhattan and I was frustrated with clear skys in NY being followed by rainy nights in NJ. It's a great little scope. I put it onto a table by a window in my apartment and wait until the city lights start to get dimmer (around 3 am). It gives lovely crisp views of the Moon and, with a light pollution filter, is good at the brighter stars. The Autostar computer is very easy to use. My essential accessory: a magnetic compass, for one-star alignment when you can't see north.
Rating:
Summary: Neat toy, poor telescope
Review: I don't expect much from a 70mm refractor. I have several scopes, including another 70mm refractor, so I would say that my expectations were pretty well grounded. I purchased this telescope in order to play and experiment with the ETX line: I'm planning to purchase a scope in the $1000 - $3000 price line next year, so a couple of hundred dollars sounded like a good investment along with other forms of research. In comparison to other 70mm telescopes, here's my opinion: Advantages:
-- small, lightweight, highly portable package
-- easy set up and use
-- good quality eyepieces (this is problematic in other scopes)
-- easy computerized menu that can be upgraded
-- easy to attach to a decent tripod
-- very good instruction manual (compared to other 70mm scopes)
-- can use most standard accessories Disadvantages:
-- focus knob hard to use
-- somewhat difficult to lock fork arms so motor drive can work properly
-- easy to lose alignment
-- will not focus properly at infinity to allow sharp viewing of astronomical objects (a major flaw)
-- uses batteries at alarming rate, but no AC adaptor available
-- slight amount of noise (doesn't bother me, but may bother very sensitive neighbors at 2am)
-- do not recommend for astrophotography Overall, if it wasn't for the fact that I can't get Saturn in focus (and I have enough experience with 70mm refractors to know that it is the scope, and not me. I currently own two other 70mm scopes), this would probably be my favorite. I love toys, and this is a great one. Sadly, being able to see things is the primary role of a telescope. I understand from several other people that they haven't had the problems that I have, but nonetheless I have this problem. Additionally, while it is not a problem, the short focal ratio of this telescope means that if you were to get something in focus, it will be very small in terms of visual size compared to another telescope with the same eyepiece but longer focal ratio. Not a problem for me, but if you're expecting to see a big view of Saturn with a high power eyepiece, you may be dissappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Easy and fun!
Review: I got the Meade ETX 70AT as a christmas present! It's givin me nothing but joy ever since! The only drawback is the fact it runs on batteries. Get a outlet adapter if you can! Views of all the planets are superb! Some close nebulae are also very rich in detail! This is an awesome telescope, just make sure you have a wide array of eye-pieces!
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