Meade ETX 105

Product Description

The Meade ETX 105 telescope is a high-quality, portable, and motorized instrument for amateur astronomers. Meade ETX 105 features a 105mm aperture and 4.1-inch diameter Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube assembly with ultra-high transmission coatings. ETX 105 produces bright and sharp images of planets, binary stars, and other celestial objects. ETX 105 sits on a sturdy altazimuth mount with a built-in motor drive for smooth tracking of celestial objects across the night sky. ETX 105 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take on the go, with a sleek design featuring a purple and blue gloss finish.

Meade ETX-105 produces detailed images of various astronomical targets. The telescope excels at observing planets and stars, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced astronomers. Its long focal length of 1900mm allows for high magnification and detailed observations. The telescope’s focal ratio of f/18 provides excellent image quality for planetary viewing.

Production of the Meade ETX-105 ended in 2001. The telescope remains a popular choice among amateur astronomers and collectors. Its combination of portability, ease of use, and high-quality optics contributes to its enduring appeal. Astronomy enthusiasts continue to seek out the Meade ETX-105 for its versatility and capabilities.

Should you buy Meade ETX 105 as your first telescope?

The Meade ETX 105 is a suitable first telescope for many beginners. It offers good image quality, ease of use, and a sturdy build at an affordable price point of $500-$700. The 105mm aperture and 1900mm focal length provide clear views of celestial objects. The Autostar computer system simplifies navigation for newcomers. Portability is moderate at 18 lbs with an adjustable tripod height of 43-63 inches. Minor issues with the focuser and mount exist. Buyers should compare prices from retailers like Amazon and Meade Instruments, check availability, and consider alternatives such as the Celestron NexStar 130SLT. Consulting astronomy experts and evaluating personal needs will help make an informed decision.

Is Meade ETX 105 Telescope with Autostar easy to use?

The Meade ETX 105 Telescope with Autostar is easy to use for both beginners and experienced astronomers. Users can quickly set up and start observing the night sky within hours. The Autostar system provides user-friendly navigation and accurate object location. Reading the manual and following directions carefully are essential for proper setup and operation. The learning curve is short, allowing users to become familiar with controls and features rapidly. The telescope’s intuitive design, excellent optics, and accurate tracking capabilities make it ideal for night sky exploration. Some users report minor issues with the battery compartment design and occasional LCD display malfunctions. Finding the home position can be challenging at first but is easily mastered with practice.

Should you buy Meade ETX 105 Refractor Telescope for kids?

Parents should carefully consider buying the Meade ETX 105 Refractor Telescope for kids. The telescope offers a good start for exploring the sky with its compact design and portable system. Its ease of use makes it an excellent first telescope for children interested in astronomy. The telescope has reasonably quiet motor noise and good build quality, though some user comments suggest decreased quality in newer models. The 105mm aperture provides adequate light gathering capabilities for observing the Moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects. The telescope’s portability is compromised by additional accessories, and its light gathering capacity might not satisfy advanced young astronomers. The Meade ETX 105 is a popular choice among beginners and is reasonably priced, but parents should research and compare different models before making a decision.

What can you see with Meade ETX105 Telescope with Autostar Computer?

The celestial wonders you can see with the Meade ETX105 Telescope with Autostar Computer are detailed below.

• Moon (craters, mountains, lava flows)
• Jupiter (cloud bands, rings, moons)
• Saturn (cloud bands, rings, moons)
• Venus (phases)
• Mercury (phases)
• Orion Nebula
• Pleiades star cluster
• Andromeda Galaxy
• Binary stars
• Albireo (colorful double star)

Should you buy Meade ETX105 AT Telescope Bundle to observe planets?

Meade ETX105 AT Telescope Bundle is excellent for observing planets. Great optics provide clear, detailed views of planetary surfaces. 105mm aperture and 1050mm focal length offer sharp images with minimal distortion. Scope includes various eyepieces for different celestial bodies. Easy-to-use design and included accessories make planet observation straightforward. Bundle delivers exceptional value for planetary enthusiasts.

Should you buy Meade ETX 105 Refractor Telescope to observe galaxies?

The Meade ETX 105 Refractor Telescope is not recommended for observing galaxies. Its 105mm aperture lacks the light-gathering capacity needed to reveal galaxy structures and details. Galaxies appear as small, fuzzy patches through the ETX-105, showing only the brightest and largest examples. Serious galaxy observers should opt for larger telescopes, such as a 10″ Dobsonian reflector. Larger apertures enable viewing of fainter galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters with more detail. The ETX-105 excels at observing planets and the Moon, offering compact and portable features suitable for beginners. Galaxy hunters will find the ETX-105’s capabilities limited for their primary targets, despite its versatility and user-friendly design.

Should you buy Meade ETX105 AT Telescope Bundle for astrophotography?

The Meade ETX105 AT Telescope Bundle is not recommended for astrophotography. The telescope has significant limitations that make it unsuitable for capturing high-quality images of celestial objects. Its small field of view, resulting from a 1900mm focal length and 105mm aperture, makes capturing large objects challenging. The fork mount with DC servo motors and Autostar computer system lacks precision for accurate tracking, leading to blurry images during long exposures. Reports indicate decreased build quality in the ETX series over time, affecting overall performance and stability. We advise avoiding the ETX series for astrophotography and suggest considering alternative telescopes specifically designed for this purpose. These alternatives offer equatorial mounts, longer focal lengths, and larger apertures, providing the necessary stability to prevent movement and vibrations that affect image quality.

Is Meade ETX 105 Maksutov Telescope portable?

Meade ETX 105 Maksutov Telescope is portable and compact. Portability defines its 9.5-pound weight, 24-inch length, and 4.5-inch diameter. Built-in handle facilitates easy transport. Optional carrying case enhances portability. Setup requires 10-15 minutes. Telescope suits local use in backyards and campsites. Fragility and setup time limit portability.