Zebra24601
Postmaster
Reged: 10/09/05
Posts: 11485
Loc: San Gabriel Valley, CA 91770
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They just posted an announcement in the vendor section. $698, including shipping. Made me go, "Whoa!" 
If I was thinking about getting one of these, I'd say now's the time to get the order in.
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Zebra24601
Meade 8" SCT w/UHTC * Celestron 100ED * Celestron C11 * Celestron Firstscope 80EQ
Meade LXD55 mount * Orion Sirius goto mount
Bushnell Voyager 4.5" Compact Reflector * Barska 15x70 binoculars * Galileoscope * Really cheap Tasco spotting scope
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13796
Loc: CyberSpace
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Quote:
They just posted an announcement in the vendor section. $698, including shipping. Made me go, "Whoa!"
If I was thinking about getting one of these, I'd say now's the time to get the order in.
That’s a fabulous deal... 
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Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's 
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radsdad
super member
Reged: 11/05/06
Posts: 116
Loc: Southern California
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Definitely a no-brainer for anyone who's been considering the 125!
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Meade ETX-125AT UHTC and ETX-60AT
Zhumell 20x80 Supergiant Binoculars
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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I wonder if it's the latest model with the improved, more robust combo LNT/RDF finder. If so, I just might order one myself!
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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justabob
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/05/07
Posts: 1679
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Go for it! Great little visual scope.
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http://www.pbase.com/rkn/astro&page=all
Vixen Sphinx SXW
Meade sn6
Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
Hutech 1000d
Self modded 350d
ST8300c on order
DSI PRO II
Bob
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radsdad
super member
Reged: 11/05/06
Posts: 116
Loc: Southern California
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I'm sure you could post a question about the specific model in the venders forum, where Astronomics announced this sale. But the way I read it, it is the most current model that is on sale at this price.
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Meade ETX-125AT UHTC and ETX-60AT
Zhumell 20x80 Supergiant Binoculars
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DNTash
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 09/02/07
Posts: 762
Loc: India
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If it's the PE, then it is likely the model with all the goodies.
Very good buy.
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AT 72
TMB 92
Orion 120ST
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JoeBftsplk
super member
Reged: 09/26/07
Posts: 173
Loc: North of the Fingerlakes-NY
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If I didn't already have one, I'd buy one for sure. Might do it anyway and give the old one to my sister. You won't find better 5" optics for anywhere near that price.
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TV76,FS78,TV102,ETX125,C6,8" Dob; PortaMount,M4,2-SVPs,CG5,GM8
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seeker372011
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/05/04
Posts: 916
Loc: Sydney , Australia
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terrific buy, but guess its open to the US only 
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ED 80 on a CG5 mount;ED 127 on EQ6; QHY8, 20 x 80 LW Obies;PST;10 inch GSO dob
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Rainbow
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/27/04
Posts: 662
Loc: Norfolk, UK
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"....but with an attractive full-color deep space image of the North American Nebula on its optical tube instead of a plain blue tube...."
That sounds like the slightly older version
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Meade ETX 90 UHTC, 497 Autostar, 884 tripod, right angle finder.
CALIBRATE MOTORS and TRAIN DRIVES!
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belgrade
super member
Reged: 10/05/07
Posts: 129
Loc: San Antonio, TX, USA
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I wonder whether this means that Meade is phasing out the astro tube version of ETX-125PE? Anybody? 
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Astronomy Technologies Astro-Tech AT80ED 80mm f/7 ED doublet refractor
Meade LXD75 AR6-AT achromatic refractor 152mm/F8
Meade Adventure Pack 10x50 binoculars
Meade Series 4000 Super Plossl EPs
OPT 2" Quartz Dielectric Diagonal
OPT 2" ED 2X Barlow
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Rainbow
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/27/04
Posts: 662
Loc: Norfolk, UK
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I rekon so, in a users poll the astro tube version was unpopular.
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Meade ETX 90 UHTC, 497 Autostar, 884 tripod, right angle finder.
CALIBRATE MOTORS and TRAIN DRIVES!
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Odin
super member
Reged: 03/21/07
Posts: 193
Loc: Ont, Cdn 46N 84W
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My PE has the Deep space image. Either Blue or Imaged Tube is available for the ETX125PE.
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*=== Life Is Great Under The STARS ===*
LX90 8" EMC
Rigel Quickfinder
ETX125PE UHTC
60mm Refractor Meade Digital Series
Meade Electronic Eyepiece
32mm,26mm,15mm,9.7mm series 4000 Super Plossl
2x Barlow
10x50 Tasca Binoculars
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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I just called Astronomics and they told me this special sale has the very latest model with the new improved metal combo LNT/RDF.
OK. I already have a Nexstar 6SE as well as three refractors. Why should I buy this baby? Will it provide me with better views? I do like the fact that with it's simple leveling alignment system, all I have to do is enter my zip code and it will find the two alignment stars for me to center. No fooling around with the date and time and then trying to do what is a difficult alignment procedure with the Celestron. Are the optics sharper? The aperture is smaller. And some say aperture rules.
Someone talk me into it. Or talk me out of it.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Rainbow
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/27/04
Posts: 662
Loc: Norfolk, UK
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Quote:
I just called Astronomics and they told me this special sale has the very latest model with the new improved metal combo LNT/RDF.
OK. I already have a Nexstar 6SE as well as three refractors. Why should I buy this baby? Will it provide me with better views? I do like the fact that with it's simple leveling alignment system, all I have to do is enter my zip code and it will find the two alignment stars for me to center. No fooling around with the date and time and then trying to do what is a difficult alignment procedure with the Celestron. Are the optics sharper? The aperture is smaller. And some say aperture rules.
Someone talk me into it. Or talk me out of it.
Excellent news
BTW if you want the sharpest views of the planets GET A MAK! 
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Meade ETX 90 UHTC, 497 Autostar, 884 tripod, right angle finder.
CALIBRATE MOTORS and TRAIN DRIVES!
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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What about the central obstruction? On my Nexstar it bothers the heck out of me when viewing the moon.
How long does it take a Mak to cool down? My SCT takes about an hour to stabilize once I've taken it outdoors.
And what about various problems I've seen reported on this as well as other forums regarding the plastic gears going south on these ETX's?
What I certainly don't need is more problems to deal with. Which is why I gravitated towards refractors on non-goto, simple mounts.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Rainbow
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/27/04
Posts: 662
Loc: Norfolk, UK
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The central obstruction on a mak is smaller than an sct that's why it produces sharper images.
Cool down time is about an hour also.
Those plastic gears, oh boy, that is the weak point.
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Meade ETX 90 UHTC, 497 Autostar, 884 tripod, right angle finder.
CALIBRATE MOTORS and TRAIN DRIVES!
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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When I was at Meade recently returning a bad My Sky, I spoke to a rep about the problems with the gears and he told me that if the scope is setup correctly for backlash and one doesn't load it up with extras like a heavy RACI finder, the gears should last a long time. But that's someone from Meade so I'd expect they'd not say it's a serious problem.
How's coma and spherical aberration on this scope? My Nexstar has some around the periphery and no collimation adjustment gets rid of it.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Doug76
Postmaster
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 5543
Loc: SE Louisiana, future Texan
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I'd ask them. 
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Doug
Truckstop Astronomer
The Universe, the light of God, in all it's majesty
6 achro refractors 50mm-150mm
1 apo refractor 90mm
1 SCT 8inch
UO Abbe Volcano Tops
Faworski Ortho's
Panoptic 24mm
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Doug76
Postmaster
Reged: 12/05/07
Posts: 5543
Loc: SE Louisiana, future Texan
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By the way, I put the word out about the sale on another two ETX sites, since it seemed they didn't know yet. Figure everyone ought to have a shot at that deal!
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Doug
Truckstop Astronomer
The Universe, the light of God, in all it's majesty
6 achro refractors 50mm-150mm
1 apo refractor 90mm
1 SCT 8inch
UO Abbe Volcano Tops
Faworski Ortho's
Panoptic 24mm
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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By the way, when I spoke with the store I was told they purchased 500 units and so far had already sold 1/5th of them. They expect to sell out within a few days which is really amazing when you think about it. I also noticed that OPT is selling My Sky for $299.95.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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Now I'm hearing the 125ETX Astronomics has on sale is the older one with the lousy finder/LNT module. No thanks.
When I was at Meade in Irvine returning a bad My Sky, the rep there advised me if I ever was to buy an ETX, to make sure it comes with the new finder.
One of my local scope stores has three that came back with the old finder that customers complained broke off shortly after using it.
Knowing how most stuff is screwed up these days, I have to go there, have them open the box so I could see for myself just which finder comes with it.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Odin
super member
Reged: 03/21/07
Posts: 193
Loc: Ont, Cdn 46N 84W
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I've had my ETX125PE for over a year with use in Artic weather to Summer weather without any Gear Issues to date.
Remember to : Train Drive... Calibrate Motors... and Always a good Source for the Power Supply.
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*=== Life Is Great Under The STARS ===*
LX90 8" EMC
Rigel Quickfinder
ETX125PE UHTC
60mm Refractor Meade Digital Series
Meade Electronic Eyepiece
32mm,26mm,15mm,9.7mm series 4000 Super Plossl
2x Barlow
10x50 Tasca Binoculars
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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What do you mean by training the motors?
My Nexstar worked right out of the box. It does have several adjustments to compensate for backlash in the gears, but I never had to go into the menu and try various settings since it seems to work just fine.
I called up the store again and now they're not sure it comes with the newer finder. Unless it does, I'm not interested.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Zebra24601
Postmaster
Reged: 10/09/05
Posts: 11485
Loc: San Gabriel Valley, CA 91770
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"Train drives" and "Calibrate motors" is a Meade thing. You need to do that when you first powerup your new Autostar/telescope, and it is recommended that you do the "train drive" thing periodically, whenver the gotos seem to be off. It's not hard to do and doesn't take long. In fact, it seemed kind of odd when I got my Sirius and there was no provision for either of those actions.
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Zebra24601
Meade 8" SCT w/UHTC * Celestron 100ED * Celestron C11 * Celestron Firstscope 80EQ
Meade LXD55 mount * Orion Sirius goto mount
Bushnell Voyager 4.5" Compact Reflector * Barska 15x70 binoculars * Galileoscope * Really cheap Tasco spotting scope
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Astroboy86
sage
Reged: 01/28/07
Posts: 444
Loc: Southeastern Virginia
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Starlighter,
"Train drives" is Meade's process for setting backlash. I actually like it better than the Celestron method, which amounts to guessing a number, then seeing how well it works. (Mike Swanson, of course, provides much better guidance than the Celestron manual.)
For what it's worth, our first Meade came with the LNT module/RDF and I really didn't care for it. I only use the LNT for the electronic level and compass--I mounted a Rigel QuikFinder to use instead of the RDF. I later replaced that with a GLP, which I consider the best unit power finder for targets near zenith--no contortion needed to see where you're pointing.
When the Meade factory outlet offered the ETX-125AT for $500 I jumped on it, even with the 8x25 right angle finder. I mounted a GLP on the ETX and between that and the optical finder, I don't miss the LNT module at all. I can manually set north and level on the ETX as quickly as the LNT does it on our DS-2130.
If you are interested in this scope, I wouldn't pass it up because of the finder. The ETX optics are razor sharp, easily surpassing the image quality of our buddy's NexStar 6se.
-Harry
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Our ever-growing equipment collection:
Celestron CPC 925 GPS XLT (The Precious)
EarthWin PFS-D binoviewer w/dielectric coatings
Meade ETX-125AT (Shadow Lass)
Meade DS-2130ATS-LNT (Mr. Magoo)
Meade 114NT/500 (Foggy Bottom)
StellarVue M4-style EQ mount
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Siguy
sage
Reged: 01/05/08
Posts: 416
Loc: Massachusetts
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Adorama has the same sale for $25 more.
http://www.adorama.com/MDETX125PEUH.html
http://www.adorama.com/MDETX90PEUH.html
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Meade LXD75 SN-6AT
Stellarvue AT1010 Nighthawk
Edited by Siguy (02/15/08 10:09 PM)
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Ron in Michigan
member
Reged: 02/20/08
Posts: 41
Loc: W. Michigan
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I got one - Astro has them on ebay 695 with shipping included. I wondered if they were blems, since my "astro picture" on the tube looks like *BLEEP* - seems to be missing the blue (printing pass). Not sure if it has new finder or not - I'm new to ETX's - it doesn't have that cheesy clear plastic lens that you poke into it. (it has a black frame around it. so I THINK it's newer design.
I tried the unit for the first time tonight, setup without a hitch - where where it said it would... what is this training and calibrating? I didn't - in the manual? I suspect - I'll get there eventually.
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2080 8" meade w/digital setting circles
125PE ETX
Gibson LP custom / 2 Fender Strats
Taylor T5 / Taylor Solid body custom walnut
Mesa Boogie Lonestar and MUCH more.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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A little bird told me the chief reason for the super deal is the printing on all the tubes is flawed. I'll be interested to hear from anyone else who gets one.
No big deal since if I decide to order one I'll paint it black.
Good to hear it has the newer finder.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Rainbow
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/27/04
Posts: 662
Loc: Norfolk, UK
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I hate the astro tube design - it makes it look like a toy
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Meade ETX 90 UHTC, 497 Autostar, 884 tripod, right angle finder.
CALIBRATE MOTORS and TRAIN DRIVES!
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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That's where black paint comes in handy.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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jonnyastro
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/14/06
Posts: 3449
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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Quote:
A little bird told me the chief reason for the super deal is the printing on all the tubes is flawed. I'll be interested to hear from anyone else who gets one.
No big deal since if I decide to order one I'll paint it black.
Good to hear it has the newer finder.
If that is the case it certainly should be disclosed.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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Quote:
I hate the astro tube design - it makes it look like a toy
It's obvious that Meade was copying the look of the Questar when they developed the ETX line.
http://www.company7.com/questar/graphics/QuestarAnn&Shld772900.jpg
But the Questar is built like a fine Swiss watch which is why it costs a small fortune. Compared to the Questar, the ETX is built like a toy.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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jonnyastro
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/14/06
Posts: 3449
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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I would not go that far. Perhaps so in build quality, but i understand the optics are awfully close...
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stevethemusicman
journeyman
Reged: 03/25/07
Posts: 8
Loc: Monmouth County NJ
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It has the newer finder on it. I just ordered one and at least that is what they told me. I'll let you know when it comes in
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Steve Lewis
List of Equipment:
http://lewisobservatory.com/ListOfEquipment.html
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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Quote:
I would not go that far. Perhaps so in build quality, but i understand the optics are awfully close...
Nope. Not by a longshot. Which is why used Questars that are 25 years old or more go on the used market for far more than what they cost new. Sort of like owning a Rolex watch. If you keep it in relatively good shape and have it routinely serviced, you can own one for ten years, twenty years and then sell it and double, even triple your money.
I've had the pleasure of looking through three Questars. I can say they provide absolutely stunning imagery. I've looked through a couple of ETX 125's. Make no mistake. Their optics are excellent. For the money they cannot be beaten when one compares aperture size along with the focal length and focal ratio. But if cost is no option and one wants a Mak, buy a Questar. If you really want to go to the front of the line, buy their 7" baby!
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Sol Invictus
member
Reged: 02/21/08
Posts: 12
Loc: North Carolina
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I was looking for a first scope. When I saw this deal my decision was a no-brainer. I placed an order right away. I just received the package today. Too bad it’s cloudy out tonight.
The print on the tube is less than impressive. It matters little to me, as the instrument will be used in the dark. The finder itself and the bracket holding it to the tube is plastic on mine. I guess this means it’s the old design.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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If the finder is plastic, mounts in the center and the lens on the finder resemble an eyeglass lens removed from a frame, that's the older LNT/finder.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Sol Invictus
member
Reged: 02/21/08
Posts: 12
Loc: North Carolina
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Quote:
If the finder is plastic, mounts in the center and the lens on the finder resemble an eyeglass lens removed from a frame, that's the older LNT/finder.
It is plastic, mounts at the rear, and has a plastic frame around the lens.
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jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 6758
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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For me the finder doesn't mean much; once I have the Autostar aligned I cover it up to keep the dew and frost off of it.
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-John
================================================
Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
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Ron in Michigan
member
Reged: 02/20/08
Posts: 41
Loc: W. Michigan
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Rainbow: I HATE THE PHOTO TUBE LOOKS LIKE A TOY?
I liked it (in online pictures) - I looked at the blue 8" for years... and felt the photo tube made it like the classic Questor! FAR FROM A TOY... Check it out.
http://www.company7.com/questar/graphics/que35L600602h.jpg
Though one is high quality the other is... well half arsed.
STARLIGHTER's right - I paid 1700.00 for my Rolex about 20 years ago. Current USED price for same is 3500.00 just quoted at the store. (5500.00) new I had no idea when I bought it... COOL!
Finder is decent, I saw pics of the old one... this looks much better. Has coatings on it of some sort too.
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2080 8" meade w/digital setting circles
125PE ETX
Gibson LP custom / 2 Fender Strats
Taylor T5 / Taylor Solid body custom walnut
Mesa Boogie Lonestar and MUCH more.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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Now you have me thinking about a buying a Questar! Good God!!!
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Ron in Michigan
member
Reged: 02/20/08
Posts: 41
Loc: W. Michigan
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They are goregous... Just for setting on the desk and looking at! (bowing down to). = )
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2080 8" meade w/digital setting circles
125PE ETX
Gibson LP custom / 2 Fender Strats
Taylor T5 / Taylor Solid body custom walnut
Mesa Boogie Lonestar and MUCH more.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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As well as looking through. I remember seeing razor sharp images. And if I remember correctly, one of them had a system where the eyepiece actually became the finder. And there's a nifty built-in barlow that can be switched into use. All and all a fantastic piece of optical equipment. But you're right. They look great sitting on a desk. An object of real precision and beauty.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3066
Loc: Right Here
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They are the new finder, not the older side mounted finder.
--------------------
Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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Ron in Michigan
member
Reged: 02/20/08
Posts: 41
Loc: W. Michigan
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JUST BEWARE The tubes are not like all the pictures we see of the photo tubes. Astronomics says they're not blems...
I say they're missing 2 colors of the 4 color print process. Though I've not see another EXT photo tube in person... mine isn't anything like ANY of the pictures of them I've seen online or on the box it came in.
Knowing that you're getting a savings for the nasty tube...makes it passable. (Though should be noted when selling them).
------------------
Meade 8" SCT
Les Paul Gibson Custom
Taylor Solid body Walnut custom
Taylor T5 Koa custom
Fender Strat John Mayer signature
Fender Strat Ash/Delx cherry burst
Variax 700
Fretlight strat clone
Mesa Boogie LoneStar Special
Fender champ 300
Fender champ 600
FlextoneIII
Fender Acoustisonic
Roland micro Cube
C5 Corvette Red
Wife - 2 kids - 1 dog
No job - lots of time to play in the man cave.
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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3066
Loc: Right Here
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The tubes are not blemed, please don't pass along false information.
The mail from Meade.
I got word from our product manager that the graphics shown in the pictures sent by your customer are correct. They are representations of photographs and the fashion in which they are printed are for artistic representation. They are not intended to be high resolution photographs.
Thanks,
Greg Bragg
Meade instruments
VP of Sales - Specialty
Thank you,
Mike Bieler
astronomics
Cloudy Nights
--------------------
Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3066
Loc: Right Here
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Our scope
--------------------
Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3066
Loc: Right Here
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Customer scope
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Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3066
Loc: Right Here
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We took a quick raw image with no touchup or rendering help.
--------------------
Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 6758
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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As they say, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. The picture is an interesting idea, I'm not sure how well it turned out. I liked the old Questar star map tube, but that's about the only one I've seen that's turned out well. My own wag at a decorative tube was with a couple of homemade telescope I completed a couple of years ago. I didn't set out to make them decorative, but I was looking for a durable coating for Sonotube and settled on contact 'paper' (actualt pressure-sensitive vinyl). This marble pattern (which struck me as kinda nebula-like) was just about the only pattern I found that look acceptable (to me) for a telescope tube...
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-John
================================================
Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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Quote:
They are the new finder, not the older side mounted finder.
The new finder is side-mounted. It's all made of aluminum and glass. The very old optical finder was mounted to the far left, but when they redesigned it to include the combo LNT/RDF Smart Finder, they moved it to the center at the back of the tube.
The older LNT/RDF Smart Finder:
http://www.focusonprice.com/images/etxpe90.jpg
The new, improved finder:
http://www.astronomics.com/main/images/imgs10_11_2004/mp5uCU.jpg
So which is it? Sol claims his is the older, plastic LNT/RDF. Could it be the inventory includes both? The photo you show of a customer's tube seems to have the center mount for the older finder.
If I was to purchase this scope, would you assure me I got the new finder?
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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I'd like to add that recently when I was at Meade exchanging a bad My Sky for a new one, their rep told me if I ever was to purchase this scope to skip the older finder, that it's prone to problems.
John, I like what you did to your reflector. It looks especially sharp with the red rings.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Astronomics
Vendor if you must, AKA The Mighty Kong.
Reged: 06/07/04
Posts: 3066
Loc: Right Here
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It is the finder that you linked to from our website. I would like to see a picture of Sol's finder. Meade assures they are all the new finder like the image shows. You can have the one I took out for the picture which has the finder mounted as it should be.
--------------------
Michael Bieler
I live vicariously through myself.
Father and Husband
Owner
www.astronomics.com
www.astronomytechnologies.com
www.cloudynights.com
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Sol Invictus
member
Reged: 02/21/08
Posts: 12
Loc: North Carolina
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Quote:
So which is it? Sol claims his is the older, plastic LNT/RDF. Could it be the inventory includes both? The photo you show of a customer's tube seems to have the center mount for the older finder.
I was mistaken. It looks like the "new" picture that you posted. It's made of plastic, not aluminum though. It doesn't feel very robust.
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Ron in Michigan
member
Reged: 02/20/08
Posts: 41
Loc: W. Michigan
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Post deleted by MMICKELS
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Ron in Michigan
member
Reged: 02/20/08
Posts: 41
Loc: W. Michigan
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It has the newer finder (I much prefer it to the older one) but it's plastic (not aluminum)
--------------------
2080 8" meade w/digital setting circles
125PE ETX
Gibson LP custom / 2 Fender Strats
Taylor T5 / Taylor Solid body custom walnut
Mesa Boogie Lonestar and MUCH more.
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Rainbow
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/27/04
Posts: 662
Loc: Norfolk, UK
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Who cares about the tube, you use it in the dark
The blue one is classier anyway
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Meade ETX 90 UHTC, 497 Autostar, 884 tripod, right angle finder.
CALIBRATE MOTORS and TRAIN DRIVES!
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TXPhysicsteach
member
Reged: 01/11/08
Posts: 77
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With almost any other product shipped now a days the manual says colors may vary from picture. I would almost expect that on anything I buy now, especially online where images can be altered to enhance details and a monitor doesn't always accurately portray a picture. Telescopes are meant for looking through not at in my opinion. There seem to be a few vocal people complaining about a design they don't care for in the first place. The finder, that can always be replaced/upgraded. I know many do that anyway. I think this is a great deal and would buy it without hesitation (if I had the money). I am still living on a very limited budget and was excited by the fact that I finally have my own scope with go to the etx60bb (wally world clearance). I am not trying to start a rant or even dismiss anyone here. I just think that this thread has gotten a little off track and am glad to see astronomics answering these questions for all of us.
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Meade Etx 60 bb -walmart special-
Meade 70az-a
Zhumell EP and filter kit
Astronomy on a super small budget.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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The scope I saw at Meade's showroom had an aluminum finder mounted to the far left.
As far as the color, like one person said, you use it in the dark so it really doesn't matter that much. If I bought one and the Astro Tube design truly bothered me., I'd paint it black. Or maybe do what John did.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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FYI
This is a very robust, all aluminum and glass, multi-reticle red dot finder!
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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jonnyastro
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/14/06
Posts: 3449
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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Quote:
Quote:
I would not go that far. Perhaps so in build quality, but i understand the optics are awfully close...
Nope. Not by a longshot. Which is why used Questars that are 25 years old or more go on the used market for far more than what they cost new. Sort of like owning a Rolex watch. If you keep it in relatively good shape and have it routinely serviced, you can own one for ten years, twenty years and then sell it and double, even triple your money.
I've had the pleasure of looking through three Questars. I can say they provide absolutely stunning imagery. I've looked through a couple of ETX 125's. Make no mistake. Their optics are excellent. For the money they cannot be beaten when one compares aperture size along with the focal length and focal ratio. But if cost is no option and one wants a Mak, buy a Questar. If you really want to go to the front of the line, buy their 7" baby!
I'm going to disagree here. All of the expert reviews that i have read indicate that the quality of the Meades optics is directly on par with the Questars. I think that the reason that they continue to sell is not so much optical performance as it is heirloom aquality. Like you said, a rolex watch or a swiss timepiece. If optical quality were the primary selling point it should be noted that buyers would be deferred to the apochromatic refractor, which will readily equal or beat both the Questar and the Meade.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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Funny. All the reviews I've read say the direct opposite.
Each Questar is hand made to exact tolerances. The better versions use an internal quartz mirror. There's no way a mass produced scope that sells for $1,000 is going to match up with a hand-built one made in low numbers.
I've looked through both, although not at the same time. The Questar blew me away. The quality speaks for itself. That said, Meade makes extraordinarily good optics. The lenses in my 80mm triplet APO are outstanding. For the money it can't be beat. But if I wanted the best in refractors, I'd get in line for an Astro-Physics.
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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jonnyastro
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/14/06
Posts: 3449
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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Quote:
Funny. All the reviews I've read say the direct opposite.
Each Questar is hand made to exact tolerances. The better versions use an internal quartz mirror. There's no way a mass produced scope that sells for $1,000 is going to match up with a hand-built one made in low numbers.
I've looked through both, although not at the same time. The Questar blew me away. The quality speaks for itself. That said, Meade makes extraordinarily good optics. The lenses in my 80mm triplet APO are outstanding. For the money it can't be beat. But if I wanted the best in refractors, I'd get in line for an Astro-Physics.
A mass produced scope for a thousand matching up with a handcrafted scope costing thousands more...what about the ED80s and 100s. Most say that they are the optical equal of some of the big boys. So i do not agree that this is impossible. However, in all fairness to you, i have never had the opportunity to look thru a Questar so you may very well be right.
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kd4
member
Reged: 11/25/06
Posts: 34
Loc: jacksonville fl
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from what i can see magenta is very light and yellow is a little light.
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Bryan
12 LX 200 classic
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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Quote:
Quote:
Funny. All the reviews I've read say the direct opposite.
Each Questar is hand made to exact tolerances. The better versions use an internal quartz mirror. There's no way a mass produced scope that sells for $1,000 is going to match up with a hand-built one made in low numbers.
I've looked through both, although not at the same time. The Questar blew me away. The quality speaks for itself. That said, Meade makes extraordinarily good optics. The lenses in my 80mm triplet APO are outstanding. For the money it can't be beat. But if I wanted the best in refractors, I'd get in line for an Astro-Physics.
A mass produced scope for a thousand matching up with a handcrafted scope costing thousands more...what about the ED80s and 100s. Most say that they are the optical equal of some of the big boys. So i do not agree that this is impossible. However, in all fairness to you, i have never had the opportunity to look thru a Questar so you may very well be right.
I hope you get the chance. I'm sure you'll never forget it!
This has now got me considering the special 50th Anniversary Edition which would set me back seven grand! This hobby can sure tax one's wallet.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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jonnyastro
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/14/06
Posts: 3449
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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Quote:
Who cares about the tube, you use it in the dark
The blue one is classier anyway
Do you see the contradiction in this statement? Also, if i am paying $700.00 for a telescope, i definitely care about the aesthetic quality and there is nothing wrong with that.
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pullin-gs
member
Reged: 11/18/07
Posts: 41
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Anyone want to take a bet that my $10 timex is more accurate than your rolex?
I'd be willing to bet the same on a 125pe vs questar also.
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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You don't buy a Rolex just to have exact time. No automatic or manual wind movement is as accurate as a cheap quartz. That analogy rings hollow when it's used to justify an ETX being as good optically as a much more expensive Questar. Take the primary mirror. The Questar's mirror takes a lot longer to grind and polish than what's in an ETX. Right there, that level of precision work in the Questar makes it superior. But why argue? If you can't afford a Questar, and most folks can't, buy the ETX. It's probably 75% as good as the Questar when it comes to the optics. But the build quality means that the Meade will eventually fall apart while the Questar will continue to bring pleasure to the lucky one who owns it for decades to come. NASA still has the one Wernher von Braun purchased back in 1959. It looks brand new!
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Ron in Michigan
member
Reged: 02/20/08
Posts: 41
Loc: W. Michigan
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I agree on tube (I use it in the dark) but re-selling it someday, I'd prolly have to take less - or state it's a blem. Or not sell because they found one with the blue pass printed on it as well. I'm gonna live with it, I only felt that since this thread is selling them, that the buyers should be aware of what they are buying... (not as pictured). I'm told it's normal...? so all I can say - is... does anyone else out there have one that doesn't have a blue printing pass? (if many are out there, then I guess it's normal.)
Edited by Ron in Michigan (02/23/08 03:58 PM)
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jonnyastro
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 02/14/06
Posts: 3449
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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I don"t understand that, "i use i in the dark" concept. Don"t you guys care about pride of ownership? I like to show my stuff of a bit!
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Ron in Michigan
member
Reged: 02/20/08
Posts: 41
Loc: W. Michigan
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Jonny - yeah - I keep saying I don't mind it, but it's here on display in my "man cave" and each time I walk by it - it does disapoint... but then I figure - well it was 300.00 off regaular price. (what can I do about it - apparently nothing else the others look the same they say).
--------------------
2080 8" meade w/digital setting circles
125PE ETX
Gibson LP custom / 2 Fender Strats
Taylor T5 / Taylor Solid body custom walnut
Mesa Boogie Lonestar and MUCH more.
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MMICKELS
Aluminum Knight
Reged: 01/20/04
Posts: 27851
Loc: The Land of Shake and Bake
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Ron, can we move along now? I've told you privately and I'll tell you publicly that the forum is not the place to resolve a dispute with either a vendor or a manufacturer. I'm sorry that you're unhappy with the paint job, but enough is enough.
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Mark
"Never eat more than you can lift"
Miss Piggy
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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Quote:
I don"t understand that, "i use i in the dark" concept. Don"t you guys care about pride of ownership? I like to show my stuff of a bit!
My stuff is all on display in my den which now looks like a small scope emporium. Up till recently it really ticked off the little woman. She wanted me to pack it all away and find a new hobby. So I reminded her I could be out drinking with the boys instead of remaining home so she immediately changed her tune and now accepts it. I even got her out on a cold night to look at the eclipse. 
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Rainbow
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/27/04
Posts: 662
Loc: Norfolk, UK
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LOL you tell her
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Meade ETX 90 UHTC, 497 Autostar, 884 tripod, right angle finder.
CALIBRATE MOTORS and TRAIN DRIVES!
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Odin
super member
Reged: 03/21/07
Posts: 193
Loc: Ont, Cdn 46N 84W
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Does anyone know if Meade has an upgrade to the New Finder ?
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*=== Life Is Great Under The STARS ===*
LX90 8" EMC
Rigel Quickfinder
ETX125PE UHTC
60mm Refractor Meade Digital Series
Meade Electronic Eyepiece
32mm,26mm,15mm,9.7mm series 4000 Super Plossl
2x Barlow
10x50 Tasca Binoculars
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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The new finder is it. And it is plastic. I saw one yesterday at a local scope store. Very cheaply made. But it's a lot better than the previous version. It looks like it won't break off. I swear the one I saw at Meade was aluminum and glass. Oh well....
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Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Bilbobaker
member
Reged: 02/23/08
Posts: 15
Loc: Cottage Grove OR
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I just got mine today and I sure like it.
It's much bigger than the ETX 70 but still portable enough to toss in the trunk on a whim and head out of town for a hour or two of viewing.
I need a case for it now to make it even easier.
And I need to get some additional eyepieces and barlow.
How do I choose those wisely?
Bill
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Starlighter
Post Laureate
Reged: 08/03/07
Posts: 4493
Loc: Sunny California
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FYI
Woodland Hills Camera & Telescope now sells the ETX-125PE with the Astro Tube for $695 on a blow-out clearance:
http://telescopes.net/doc/2100/mftr/meade/cat/1020
They're also selling the ETX-90PE for $595. It also has the Astro Tube design.
--------------------
Celestron C4-R 102mm achromat
Celeston Nexstar 6SE SCT
Meade 80mm APO Triplet
Televue NP-101
Televue TV-85
Vixen A70Lf
Vixen A80Mf
William Optics 66mm Zenithstar Patriot
Celestron CG4 EQ mount
Orion Skyview Pro AZ mount
Vixen Portamount
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Classic8
sage
Reged: 04/12/06
Posts: 236
Loc: Naperville, IL, USA
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I guess I have the newer finder on my 125PE. It's still plastic, and after a short while I could no longer get it to align, the screws are as far as they go and it isn't enough. I could maybe take it off and open it up, but the whole thing is plastickey and I wasn't optimistic so I put a Rigel Quickfinder on my ETX, which is not ideal but it's a big improvement.
I have the astro design on my tube and I have no problem with how it looks, it looks like the one the vendor had in the photo above. I think the ETX looks kind of cool overall and there's something about that meniscus lens that just looks, well, sturdy and technologically advanced, if that makes any sense. If I'm going to use my ETX I leave it in the garage to cool down, and when I put it on the driveway I get pretty good views fairly quickly
For some reason the ETX's time has been off though lately and I've had to fix that. Don't know what's up with that.
--------------------
George
8" Celestron SCT
ETX 125PE
SV102
MaxScope 40
"Oral agreements aren't worth the paper they're written on"
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Lee Jay
sage
Reged: 02/27/08
Posts: 463
Loc: Westminster, CO
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Well, skipping the entire story, I just bought one of these.
Pretty happy so far, but a couple of notes and newbie questions.
First, the finder is plastic on a plastic ring. Unbelievably cheesy and won't stay in alignment. Not a big deal, though. Does someone make an upgrade? Where does it mount?
Having trouble with the alt brake. I have to crank it down pretty darned tight to get it to stay. Given how it's built I'm not surprised (I've taken off the knob for a look inside - really small radius), but I'm wondering if others have noticed the same thing.
Does someone make a pre-fab adjustable weight bar for this scope? With an eyepiece it's nose-heavy, with a dSLR on the back it's way tail-heavy. I'm thinking of making my own balance system but if someone makes something, maybe I'll save myself the trouble.
The optics seem pretty solid, after two days of terrestrial testing. I was surprised to find an erect non-reversed image through my dSLR straight through the back mount. Nice!
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jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 6758
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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Finders seem to be somewhat problematic on the ETX series; thank goodness for GoTo. Once I have my mount aligned I rarely have to use my finder. I had a similar problem with the alt clutch on my ETX-60BB. I took it apart and roughed up the clutch bearing surface with some abrasive paper.
--------------------
-John
================================================
Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
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Bilbobaker
member
Reged: 02/23/08
Posts: 15
Loc: Cottage Grove OR
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In turning left mine makes a bunch of noise with no motion before actually moving.
Any ideas as to correcting it?
Quote:
Finders seem to be somewhat problematic on the ETX series; thank goodness for GoTo. Once I have my mount aligned I rarely have to use my finder. I had a similar problem with the alt clutch on my ETX-60BB. I took it apart and roughed up the clutch bearing surface with some abrasive paper.
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Lee Jay
sage
Reged: 02/27/08
Posts: 463
Loc: Westminster, CO
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Quote:
In turning left mine makes a bunch of noise with no motion before actually moving.
Any ideas as to correcting it?
You sure you have the clutch brake set tight? Mine did the same thing, but then I realized I had not set the brake tightly at all - just barely engaged.
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orion9
sage
Reged: 11/08/07
Posts: 202
Loc: North Carolina
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I too couldn'd resist the sale price on a quality scope like the 125pe. But since it has arrived it has rained non-stop or been threatening to rain. So much for the drought. But what really amazes me is why I keep getting reflectors when I'm a refractor guy. I wonder what Jung would say?
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13796
Loc: CyberSpace
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Quote:
I too couldn'd resist the sale price on a quality scope like the 125pe. But since it has arrived it has rained non-stop or been threatening to rain. So much for the drought. But what really amazes me is why I keep getting reflectors when I'm a refractor guy. I wonder what Jung would say?
Now is a good time to read the owners manual.. 
The ETX still needs the motors calibrated and train the drives.
Backlash can also be adjusted..
Enjoy..
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Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
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jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 6758
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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I finally pulled the trigger on one of these. I dearly love my DSX-90 as a grab'n go telescope and I particuarly enjoy using it with my binoviewers. However, I often find myself wishing I had a Mak with just a bit more light grasp as the 90 runs out of light before it runs out of resolution and the 125 sounds like a nice choice. I looked around at some other Mak OTAs that I could put on my DS-2000 mount (and I still might try that with the 125) but I wasn't convinced I'd get the same optical quality I enjoy with my 90, soooo I decided to stick with Meade. We'll see, but hopefully I'll be all set for a fun holiday weekend!
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-John
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Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
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StarWars
Postmaster
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 13796
Loc: CyberSpace
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Quote:
I finally pulled the trigger on one of these. I dearly love my DSX-90 as a grab'n go telescope and I particuarly enjoy using it with my binoviewers. However, I often find myself wishing I had a Mak with just a bit more light grasp as the 90 runs out of light before it runs out of resolution and the 125 sounds like a nice choice. I looked around at some other Mak OTAs that I could put on my DS-2000 mount (and I still might try that with the 125) but I wasn't convinced I'd get the same optical quality I enjoy with my 90, soooo I decided to stick with Meade. We'll see, but hopefully I'll be all set for a fun holiday weekend!
Still on sale for $698..
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Sony Digital Media player..
MX 460 earbuds
Celestron 2x Barlow Lens
Orion Collimation Eyepiece
Rigel Quick Finder
Assorted Bino's
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jgraham
Postmaster
Reged: 12/02/04
Posts: 6758
Loc: Dayton, Ohio
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Cool beans, I received an email confirmation that my telescope has shipped and should be here Thursday. Just in time for a long weekend! I hope the Weather Deities are kind to me.
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-John
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Homebuilt scopes from 4.25-16.5"
Meade LXD75-N6/SN6/SC8, DSX-90, ETX-60BB, ETX-125PE, DS-2130
Orion StarBlast, BinoViewers, Coronado PST
Rebel XT/XTi, DSI Pro (I, II, & III), DSI, LPI, Electronic Eyepiece, Phillips SPC900NC
Tasco 60mm Refractors
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tellint
member
Reged: 04/21/08
Posts: 62
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Very close to ordering this...just waiting for final approval from the old CFO. Should order in the next few days.
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southmike
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 11/22/04
Posts: 2828
Loc: Fayetteville, NC
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lol I hope the sale ends they made my non pe version..
very hard to sell. it is a shame cause they are good scopes.
And I can't just give mine away.
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group scope pic
my refractors
LX200 10"-St120
LX200 8" f6.3-Orion 80ed
LX200 8" f10-Orion 90 Mak setup pic
Meade 102ED LXD650
Sky Watcher 100 ED Triplet prototype
Nexstar 5
etx125
etx70's
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kumarjaybee
journeyman
Reged: 05/20/08
Posts: 7
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Greetings!!
I'm a newbie. Need a quick suggestion from the experts.
Someone in my local area is selling a (used 4 times) ETX-125EC with EMC super multi coatings for $500 with the following add-ons :
#1. #497 Autostar Controller (with over 14,000 objects)
#2. #825 8x25mm Right Angle Viewfinder
#3. SP26mm LP Multi-coated Telescope eyepiece (1.25")
#4. #1247 Electric Focuser
#5. #883 Deluxe Field Tripod ( There are holes in mounting plate for optional table tripod)
#6. #775 Hard Carrying Case for traveling
#7. Seven additional eyepieces with hard carrying case
#8. Electronic eyepiece for output to monitor or television
I want to know if it is worth buying the above for $500 or buy a new ETX125 ~$700
Appreciate any suggestions from the experts.
Thx,
k
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Zebra24601
Postmaster
Reged: 10/09/05
Posts: 11485
Loc: San Gabriel Valley, CA 91770
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If it's in good working order, the extras are worth several hundred dollars, easy. Heck, just the eyepiece kit and hard carrying case for the OTA are worth over $200. So $500 for everything sounds good, to me.
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Zebra24601
Meade 8" SCT w/UHTC * Celestron 100ED * Celestron C11 * Celestron Firstscope 80EQ
Meade LXD55 mount * Orion Sirius goto mount
Bushnell Voyager 4.5" Compact Reflector * Barska 15x70 binoculars * Galileoscope * Really cheap Tasco spotting scope
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tellint
member
Reged: 04/21/08
Posts: 62
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I just ordered mine a few minutes ago. Now comes the hard part...waiting!
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kumarjaybee
journeyman
Reged: 05/20/08
Posts: 7
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Zebra24601, Thx for your input.
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