Meade ETX 125
From: $499.00 (incl. VAT plus shipping costs)
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The Meade ETX 125 is a compact Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope with a 127mm (5″) aperture and 1900mm focal length. It features high-quality optics for deep sky viewing and astrophotography, delivering sharp images of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. The telescope includes an AudioStar computer controller for guided sky tours, weighs 18 pounds for portability, and has a light gathering capacity of 329x with a resolution limit of 0.93 arcseconds.
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Product Description
The Meade ETX 125 telescope is a compact, fully-featured Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope designed for deep sky viewing and astrophotography. Meade ETX 125 offers high-quality optics and sharp images, making it a great performer for its size. ETX 125 features a powerful 127mm (5″) aperture and 1900mm focal length (f/15), ideal for lunar and planetary viewing as well as deep sky observing. AudioStar computer controller, included with the ETX 125, provides guided tours of the night sky and pinpoint star locations for observers. ETX 125’s compact design allows observers to easily take it on the go, serving as a real difference-maker in the world of telescopes.
Meade ETX 125 delivers stunning views of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. Optical design features a 1900mm focal length and f/15 focal ratio for detailed observations. Telescope weighs 18 pounds for easy transport and setup. Portability allows astronomers to explore the night sky from different locations.
ETX 125 includes a single-fork arm equatorial mount for smooth tracking. Autostar controller enables computer-guided navigation of the night sky. Telescope reaches a limiting stellar magnitude of 12.5 for deep-sky observations. Light gathering capacity of 329x allows viewing of faint objects. Resolution limit of 0.93 arcseconds enables detailed exploration of celestial bodies.
Should you buy Meade ETX 125 as your first telescope?
The Meade ETX 125 is a suitable first telescope for beginners interested in planetary observation. It offers a good balance of features, performance, and ease of use for its price range of $500-$700. The 125mm aperture and 1900mm focal length provide clear views of the Moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects. The computerized mount and Autostar controller make object tracking and location simple for novice astronomers. The Maksutov-Cassegrain design delivers good image quality with minimal aberrations. The telescope’s 18-pound weight and 12.5 x 7.5 x 22-inch dimensions make it moderately portable. Buyers should consider their specific goals and compare the ETX 125 to alternatives before making a decision. The ETX 125’s smaller aperture limits its light-gathering capacity for deep-space objects. Complete beginners might find a simpler refractor telescope easier to use initially.
Is Meade ETX125 easy to use?
The Meade ETX125 is relatively easy to use with a moderate learning curve. Manual setup is required, and users need practice to master the alignment process. The Autostar controller and GoTo system simplify navigation, earning an 8/10 ease-of-use rating from the author. The telescope’s compact design and portability make it popular among beginners and experienced astronomers for star parties. Some users report fragile plastic gears in the fork assembly, while others experience no issues. The Audiostar handbox provides audio guidance, enhancing user-friendliness. Older models were more challenging to operate, but Meade has improved the ETX125’s usability over time. Online opinions about ease of use are mixed, with the general consensus being that the telescope is user-friendly with patience and practice.
Should you buy Meade ETX125 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope for kids?
The Meade ETX125 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is not recommended for children under 12 years old. Telescope manufacturers warn against use by young children and recommend the instrument for users 12 years and older. The telescope’s complexity requires maturity and responsibility, as it is designed for serious amateur astronomers. Meade Instruments does not market this telescope as kid-friendly or beginner-friendly. The telescope weighs 18 pounds and measures 12.5 x 7.5 x 22 inches, making it challenging for younger children to handle safely. Its Autostar computerized system and DC servo motors may overwhelm or confuse younger users. Adult supervision is essential for safe and effective use of the telescope by children.
What can you see with Meade ETX 125 AT?
The sights you can see with Meade Etx 125 At are listed below.
- Moon
- Jupiter
- Saturn
- Mars
- Pleiades (M45)
- Double Cluster
- Orion Nebula (M42)
- Lagoon Nebula (M8)
- Andromeda Galaxy (M31)
- Whirlpool Galaxy (M51)
- Venus
- Albireo
- Mizar
- Castor
- Globular Cluster (M13)
- Ring Nebula (M57)
- Sun (with solar filter)
Should you buy Meade Instruments ETX125 to observe planets?
Meade Instruments ETX-125 AT is optimized for lunar observation, not planetary viewing. Limitations become apparent when observing planets. Scope provides okay views of brighter planets like Jupiter and Saturn. Instrument struggles to resolve finer details on smaller or distant planets. Advanced optics in other telescopes offer better planetary views. Larger aperture scopes are recommended for planetary observation.
Should you buy Meade Instruments ETX125 to observe galaxies?
Meade Instruments ETX125 telescope offers galaxy observation capabilities with its 127mm aperture. Brighter galaxies are visible through this instrument. Fine galaxy details remain limited due to aperture constraints. ETX125 serves as an excellent entry-level telescope for beginners interested in galaxy viewing. Observers gain foundational experience in celestial object identification and tracking.
Should you buy Meade ETX 125 Telescope for astrophotography?
The Meade ETX 125 Telescope has limited suitability for astrophotography. Deep-sky imaging is unsuited for the ETX-125 due to its narrow field of view of 0.93 arcseconds and slow f-ratio of f/15. Planetary imaging is possible with the ETX-125, benefiting from its 1900mm focal length and 125mm aperture. The alt-azimuth mount causes field rotation, making long-exposure images challenging. Short exposures under 30 seconds are recommended to minimize field rotation effects. Lunar imaging, planetary imaging, and double stars imaging are suitable applications for the ETX-125. The telescope’s Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design provides high-quality image capture of bright celestial objects. Astrophotography potential is restricted for deep-sky imaging, and other telescope options are more suited for this purpose.
Is Meade ETX125AT Astro Telescope portable?
Meade Etx125At Astro Telescope is exceptionally portable. Weighing a mere 18 pounds (8.2 kg), the telescope offers incredible ease of transport. Single-fork arm mount reduces overall weight. Compact design enables quick setup for Moon observation. Astronomers effortlessly take the telescope to favorite stargazing sites. Lightweight construction facilitates frequent relocation for optimal viewing conditions.
Specifications
| Telescope type | Catadioptric |
|---|---|
| Optics structure | Maksutov-Cassegrain |
| Optical design | Maksutov-Cassegrain |
| Optics material | Glass |
| Aperture size | 125mm |
| Focal length | 1900mm |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 12.5 |
| Focal ratio | f/15 |
| Aperture ratio | 1:15 |
| Resolution limit | 0.93 arcseconds |
| Resolving capacity | 0.93 arcseconds |
| Light gathering capacity | 329x |
| Lowest useful magnification | 18x |
| Maximum useful magnification | 300x |
| Tube material | Aluminum |
| Tube diameter | 127mm |
| Type of focuser | Internal focuser |
| Eyepiece size | 1.25 inches |
| Magnification of eyepiece | 26mm |
| Mount type | Equatorial |
| Mount structure | Single-fork arm |
| GoTo controls | Autostar |
| Motors | DC servo motors |
| Type of electronics | Computerized |
| Batteries | 8 AA batteries |
| Power supply | External power supply |
| WiFi | No |
| GPS | No |
| Includes hand controller | Yes |
| Tripod height | 43-63 inches |
| Tripod leg diameter | 1.5 inches |
| Tripod material | Steel |
| Finderscope | 8x20mm |
| Barlow lens | No |
| Size dimensions | 12.5 x 7.5 x 22 inches |
| Weight | 18 pounds |
| Recommended for Moon and planets | Yes |
| Recommended for nebulae and galaxies | Yes |
| Recommended for astrophotography | Yes |
| Recommended for beginners | Yes |
| Recommended for advanced astronomers | Yes |
| Portability | Moderate |
| Ease of use | Easy |
| Assembly | Some assembly required |
| Release date | 2005 |
| Brand | Meade Instruments |
| Telescope series | ETX |
| Manufacturer | Meade Instruments |
| Country made in | China |
9 reviews for Meade ETX 125
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Clayton Ramirez –
Meade ETX 125 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport to local observatories. Image quality is decent, considering the small 5-inch aperture. Clear views of the moon and planets are obtainable. Some deep-sky objects are visible too. The 125mm aperture is limited but excellent for its size. Moon surface details impressed me. Jupiter’s cloud bands looked stunning. Original packaging lacked additional accessories like a moon filter and carrying case. Great views of the night sky are provided by this easy-to-use telescope.
Mark Lara –
The Meade ETX125 Maksutov Telescope has basically exceeded all my expectations. Meade ETX-125 AT Telescope is capable of producing crisp and clear images. The included Autostar software makes finding celestial objects easy. Slow motion controls took some getting used to and can be finicky at times.
Charles Turner –
The Meade ETX125 Observer delivers on clarity and detail, providing crisp images even at high magnifications. Meade ETX 125 Telescope has exceeded my expectations as an amateur stargazer. I’ve had mixed experiences with telescopes in the past, but this one truly stands out. Night sky observations still amaze me with the level of detail I can see. Audio output is a nice feature, allowing me to connect to my computer and record observations.
Kimberly Munoz –
Meade ETX 125 AT telescope is truly flexible, working great for both terrestrial and astronomical observations. Connecting to mobile devices like my tablet for telescope control is really convenient.
vargasann –
The Meade ETX125 has been a great addition to my astronomy hobby. Meade ETX 125 AT has proven exceptionally capable for observing celestial objects. Setting up and using the telescope is pretty easy, even for a beginner like me. Often, I find myself gazing at the moon and planets. The telescope is forgiving when I make mistakes with settings. Surprisingly, it handles hot summer nights really well.
amydillon –
I’ve taken it on trips and it’s withstood the elements just fine. The included tripod is surprisingly good, though not the sturdiest. It’s forgiving enough to get the job done, even on uneven terrain. The scope itself is insane. I’ve gotten breathtaking views of the moon and planets. The wide field of view is a major plus, allowing me to see much more of the sky than my old scope. Portability is impressive – I can easily take it out and set up in no time. Performance is admirable even in low light conditions.
stephaniehaley –
The Meade ETX125 is brilliantly designed and surprisingly light, making transport a breeze. Meade ETX 125 AT has a premium feel with sturdy construction. Clear nights have yielded impressive results. Crisp, clear images of celestial objects amaze me. Objects I never thought possible to see with a telescope this size are now visible. Temperature regulation works partially on hot summer nights.
Théo –
It’s been an amazing addition to my astronomy hobby. As a minor observer, I find the ETX 125 impressive. The telescope is easily portable and sets up well in minutes. Its focal length offers great views without being unwieldy. I often take it out to the backyard on a whim. Stargazing has become a popular activity among my friends and family.
Annette –
The Meade ETX125 has been an excellent addition to my astronomy hobby. Meade ETX 125AT is exceptionally well-built with bright, clear optics. Planetary objects appear in great detail. Jupiter’s moons blew me away the first time I saw them. The scope is powerful enough to show minor details I couldn’t see with my older telescope. Included Autostar controller is very useful for navigating the night sky.