Meade ETX-90EC

Product Description

The Meade ETX-90EC telescope is a computerized, goto telescope designed for amateur astronomers and stargazers. ETX-90EC offers a clear aperture of 90 mm (3.5 inch) and a focal length of 1250 mm (49.2 inch), yielding a focal ratio of f/13.9. Meade ETX-90EC features a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design with UHTC coatings for high-quality images. ETX-90EC includes an electronic controller that automatically locates and tracks celestial objects with the push of a button. ETX-90EC comes with a bonus accessories package containing a moon filter, moonmap, photo adapter, and audiostar controller with a database of over 30,000 celestial objects.

The ETX-90EC has a compact form factor with a removable optical tube assembly for easy storage and transport. A solid mount and tripod ensure stability and smooth motion during observations. UHTC coatings enhance the optics, increasing light transmission for improved image quality. The telescope includes accessories such as a moon filter to reduce lunar brightness and a smartphone adapter for astrophotography.

Should you buy Meade ETX-90EC as your first telescope?

The Meade ETX-90EC is a good choice for your first telescope. It offers a decent viewing experience for planetary observation on a limited budget. The ETX-90EC provides usable magnification of 50x to 180x with a focal length of 1250mm and f/13.8 aperture. Optical quality is good for its price range. The Autostar computer system makes night sky navigation easier, though it requires practice to use effectively. The manual has improved over the years, making alignment easier to learn for beginners. The ETX-90EC’s compact design offers moderate portability. Users will need patience and practice to maximize performance. The telescope excels at observing the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects. Its narrow aperture limits wide field views. Overall, the ETX-90EC balances optical quality, ease of use, and affordability for astronomy beginners.

Is Meade ETX 90EC easy to use?

Meade ETX 90EC is exceptionally easy to use. Clamp enables stable tracking and smooth movement. Operation is straightforward for all skill levels. Users easily access controls. Comfortable viewing experience is provided. Telescope features user-friendly design. Intuitive navigation system allows hassle-free stargazing. Beginners and experienced astronomers operate it comfortably.

Should you buy Meade ETX 90EC for kids?

The Meade ETX 90EC is not recommended for children. Its controls and focuser are fiddly for young users, potentially causing frustration. The telescope lacks performance compared to its $400-$500 price point, offering only a 90mm aperture and 1250mm focal length. Alternative telescopes provide double the aperture size for a similar cost. The ETX 90EC’s GoTo controls are slow and potentially inaccurate. Modern telescopes offer features like WiFi and GPS capabilities at comparable prices. The ETX 90EC lacks child-friendly accessories such as moon filters. Refractor or reflector telescopes are more suitable for young astronomers. Parents should explore other options that provide a more rewarding experience for children interested in astronomy.

What can you see with Meade ETX90EC?

The sights you can see with Meade ETX90EC are listed below.

• Lunar craters
• Lunar mountains
• Lunar valleys
• Jupiter’s cloud bands
• Jupiter’s Great Red Spot
• Jupiter’s moons (4-5 visible)
• Venus’ phases
• Venus’ cloud patterns
• Mars’ polar ice caps
• Mars’ surface features
• Saturn’s rings
• Saturn’s Cassini Division
• Saturn’s moons (2-3 visible)
• Andromeda Galaxy
• Milky Way
• Pleiades star cluster
• Hyades star cluster
• Apennine Mountains on the Moon
• Sea of Tranquility on the Moon
• Crater Tycho on the Moon
• Valles Marineris on Mars
• Deep-sky galaxies
• Nebulae
• Star clusters

Should you buy Meade ETX-90 to observe planets?

Meade ETX-90 offers good planetary observation capabilities. 90mm aperture provides clear views of planetary surfaces and cloud bands. Focal length of 900mm balances magnification and image stability. Telescope excels at observing planets, moon, and double stars. Larger apertures like Celestron NexStar 130SLT provide more detailed planetary views.

Should you buy ETX-90EC Refractor Telescope to observe galaxies?

The ETX-90EC Refractor Telescope is not recommended for observing galaxies. Its limited 90mm aperture struggles to gather enough light for clear galaxy views. The telescope’s f/13.9 focal ratio contributes to a restricted field of view, making it challenging to observe expansive galactic structures. Galaxies, called “faint fuzzies,” require darker skies and larger telescopes with apertures of 150mm or more for satisfactory viewing. The ETX-90EC may only reveal the Leo Trio (M65, M66, and NGC 3628) under excellent conditions. Astronomers prefer larger telescopes for galaxy observation due to their superior light-gathering capabilities. The ETX-90EC is better suited for observing brighter objects like the Moon, planets, and double stars.

Should you buy ETX 90EC Refractor for astrophotography?

The ETX 90EC Refractor is not recommended for serious astrophotography. Its limited 90mm aperture and 1250mm focal length lack the resolution and light-gathering capacity needed for high-quality deep-sky imaging. The telescope’s mount is unsuited for long-exposure photography, further restricting its capabilities. Planetary, lunar, and solar imaging are possible with the ETX 90EC, producing decent results for brighter objects. Eyepiece projection photos can be effective for capturing these targets. The ETX 90EC excels in visual observations but falls short in astrophotography performance compared to larger telescopes with better optics and more suitable mounts.

Is ETX-90EC Telescope by Meade portable?

Meade ETX-90EC Telescope is designed for portability. Compact and lightweight telescope weighs 9.5 pounds (4.3 kg). Telescope measures 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) long and 5.5 inches (14 cm) in diameter. Users praise easy transport and 10-15 minute setup. Carrying case included for storage and transportation. Ideal for camping, backyard observing, and dark-sky location travel.