Telescope Nerd ยป Meade ETX 125 EC

Meade ETX 125 EC

(4 customer reviews)

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The Meade ETX 125 EC is a compact Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope with a 127mm primary mirror and 1900mm focal length. It features a computerized GOTO mount with an Autostar system containing a database of over 30,000 celestial objects. The telescope offers high-quality optical performance for lunar, planetary, and deep sky viewing, while its portability and ease of use make it ideal for beginners and casual astronomers.

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Product Description

The Meade ETX 125 EC telescope is a compact and fully automated Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope with a 127mm primary mirror and 1900mm focal length. ETX 125 EC offers high-quality optical performance in a portable package, ideal for lunar, planetary, and deep sky viewing. Computerized GOTO mount and controller enable easy navigation and tracking of celestial objects. ETX 125 EC includes a range of accessories such as eyepieces and a carrying case. Minimal setup and technical expertise are required, making it perfect for beginners and users who want to enjoy beautiful views of the night sky.

Meade ETX-125 EC serves as an excellent entry-level scope for beginners and casual astronomers. The instrument offers a balance of performance, portability, and affordability. Its compact package allows for easy transport and setup, suitable for users with limited storage space.

The EC designation denotes the included electronic controller. This controller features an Autostar system with a database of over 30,000 celestial objects. Automatic slewing, tracking, and alignment functions enhance the telescope’s usability. The controller simplifies navigation and tracking of celestial objects for users.

Meade marketed the ETX-125 EC as a general-purpose instrument with moderate light grasp. The telescope provides good resolving power for various astronomical observations. It struggles with fainter targets but offers sufficient light grasp for observing brighter deep-sky objects.

Should you buy Meade ETX 125 EC as your first telescope?

Meade ETX 125 EC is an excellent first telescope choice. Meade offers great balance of quality, features, and price. ETX 125 EC provides exceptional views of celestial objects. 125mm aperture and 1900mm focal length deliver high-quality images of Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects. Meade’s reputation for quality is upheld in this ideal instrument for beginners.

Is Meade ETX125EC Astro Telescope easy to use?

The Meade ETX125EC Astro Telescope is easy to use, despite some initial challenges for beginners. Its intuitive features and computer controls simplify operation for astronomers of all skill levels. The setup process requires careful instruction following for proper alignment with an alignment star. The Autostar controller enables smooth and precise slews to celestial objects, with a database of thousands of objects for easy finding and tracking. The telescope’s narrow field of view at higher magnifications necessitates practice for effective navigation. Alignment demands time and patience, especially for new astronomers. The ETX125EC’s 18-pound weight and portable design facilitate easy transport and setup in various locations. Users benefit from practice to maximize the telescope’s potential and overcome initial setup challenges.

Should you buy Meade Instruments ETX125EC for kids?

Meade Instruments ETX125EC is not recommended for children under 12. ETX125EC requires users aged 12+ due to complexity and skills needed. Younger children struggle with its 18 lb weight and 24″ length. Advanced features like computerized mount overwhelm kids. Safety concerns include eye injury risks. Alternative telescopes exist for ages 6-12, such as Celestron FirstScope.

What can you see with Meade ETX 125 Telescope?

The celestial wonders you can see with Meade ETX 125 Telescope are outlined below.

  • Lunar craters
  • Lunar mountains
  • Lunar lava flows
  • Jupiter’s cloud bands
  • Saturn’s rings
  • Mars’ polar ice caps
  • Double stars
  • Binary systems
  • Pleiades (open cluster)
  • M13 (globular cluster)
  • Ring Nebula (M57)
  • Bright stars with Airy disks
  • The Sun (with proper solar filter)
  • Mercury (with proper solar filter)
  • Venus (with proper solar filter)

Should you buy Meade ETX125EC Refractor Telescope to observe planets?

Meade ETX125EC Refractor Telescope offers large apparent size of celestial objects. 125mm aperture and 1900mm focal length provide good performance for Jupiter and Saturn. Telescope struggles with faint objects like Neptune and Uranus. Small aperture limits fine detail resolution. Chromatic aberration affects image quality. Better options exist for serious planetary observation.

Should you buy Meade ETX125EC Refractor Telescope to observe galaxies?

127mm aperture provides enough light-gathering capability for basic celestial viewing. Galaxies require larger apertures for detailed observation. ETX125EC’s performance is hindered by its relatively small aperture. Resolving intricate galaxy details necessitates telescopes with longer focal lengths and larger apertures. ETX125EC is less suitable for dedicated galaxy observation due to aperture limitations.

Should you buy Meade ETX 125 Telescope for astrophotography?

The Meade ETX 125 Telescope is not recommended for astrophotography. ETX-125 is restricted in capturing deep-sky objects and unsuited for advanced astrophotography applications. Planets work great with the ETX-125 due to its sharp optics and 1900mm focal length. DSOs are bad targets for this telescope because of its f/15 focal ratio. A reducer is needed to improve deep-sky imaging performance. Astrophotography is limited with the ETX-125 due to its design and specifications. Short exposures work for moon imaging. The telescope’s build quality has decreased over time, affecting stability during long exposures. Light gathering is improved compared to smaller aperture telescopes, but still limited for faint, distant objects. Visual work is good with the ETX-125, making it well-suited for observing various celestial objects.

Is Meade ETX125EC Refractor Telescope portable?

Meade ETX125EC Refractor Telescope is highly portable. Weighing only 18 pounds (8.2 kg), its compact design and single-fork arm mount enhance mobility. Portability allows easy transport and setup for stargazing adventures. Moon and celestial objects are clearly visible. Minimal hassle during use makes it ideal for mobile astronomers exploring various locations.

Specifications

Telescope type

Maksutov

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

Yes

Motors

DC servo motors

Type of electronics

Autostar controller

Batteries

8x AA

Power supply

External 12V DC

WiFi

No

GPS

No

Includes hand controller

Yes

Tripod height

55-90 inches

Tripod leg diameter

1.5 inches

Tripod material

Steel

Finderscope

8x20mm

Barlow lens

2x

Size dimensions

33.5 x 7.5 x 7.5 inches

Weight

18 pounds

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

4 reviews for Meade ETX 125 EC

  1. Chelsey Martin (verified owner)

    The Meade ETX125EC telescope has thoroughly impressed me with its performance. Meade ETX 125 AT telescope sets itself apart by accurately tracking celestial objects, even when they’re high in the sky. As an amateur observer, I’ve seen many planets, stars, and galaxies. The results have consistently made me happy. Optically superior design allows for crisp, clear images that are a joy to behold.

  2. Rebekah Weaver (verified owner)

    It’s been a good investment for a beginner like me. The telescope is advanced enough to provide clear images of celestial objects, yet basic enough for me to understand and operate effectively. I love the adjustable tripod feature, which allows comfortable viewing positions.

  3. Kirsten (verified owner)

    Setup was simple, and I got it up and running quickly. The optics are good, showing amazing celestial objects. Moon and planets appear with great clarity. Nice details on the moon’s surface are visible. The focuser can be a little finicky at times, but it’s not a major issue. Portability is outrageously good. The telescope is so lightweight and compact. I can easily take it on trips or to different observing locations. The single fork arm design makes setup and takedown a breeze.

  4. Andrew Hale (verified owner)

    The Meade ETX125EC telescope has been an excellent addition to my astronomy hobby. Meade ETX 125 telescope is worth every penny. Setup was easy, and I got started right away. Image quality exceeded my expectations. UHTC coatings enhance the views, making moon and planets look stunning. Deep-sky objects are easy to observe.

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