Telescope Reviews: ETX-LS ACF First Light

I posted this on the Meade Yahoo Group, it may be valuable here.

Well, I received my Meade ETX-LS ACF (coma-free optics) on Wednesday and it had its first light last Thursday night. Sky conditions were not very good – but I was able to use the LS technology in setting up and compare the optics.

Some background – I am a newbie to this forum, but have extensive experience in astronomy technology of goto mounts and optics. I have owned Celestron equipment (C14, CGE,etc), Meade (LX200R 14, 12, etc), refractors (TMB 130ss, 152, 175; SV90, etc) and currently operate a home observatory (homedome 10, paramount ME, RCOS 14.5 f/8). These days I spend most of my time doing CCD astronomy. However, I have been looking for a “grab and go” scope for visual and also be used for some DLSR photography. I have no affiliation with Meade.

Initial reaction with the ETX-LS is very positive. I have placed some pictures of the scope, packaging, and assembly in this posting. I was very impressed with the packaging – all extremely well done. Everything arrived as expected in excellent condition – a big improvement in previous Meade scopes. Assembly took less than 20 mins – again, good instructions by Meade. The optics had no visible flaws.

I then carried the ETX outside and placed on fairly level ground. I inserted the batteries and turned the LS. The scope went through a series of alignments (finding north, horizontal level, etc) – it then did a 2 star alignment using the built in CCD camera and the LS automatic procedure software – again all went well. The entire alignment process took less than 20 min and there was no action required on the user (me) part – I just looked on and drank my coffee.

I then slewed to Saturn – looked very good using my 22 mm TV eyepiece. Saturn looked sharp. I then slewed to a star and checked the optical alignment – the scope was spot on – required no adjustment – very nice!

The in/out-of -focus star image and diffraction pattern looked good. Even with sky conditions of 6/10 – the in-focus diffraction pattern showed good correction. In addition, the scope did not need any alignment adjustment.
I then slewed to other objects (M13, M81/82, etc) – again, the optics and goto performed surprising well. The field was flat and stars looked good to the very edge of the field.

Bottom-line: Meade’s ETX-LS ACF appears to deliver as advertised – but more nights under the stars are still needed.

Pros: Excellent packaging, easy assembly, attractive with clean optics, good mechanical feel and fit, goto electronics worked out of the box, one person can manage transportation and setup, good instructions

Cons: cheap finder, there appears to be no way to manual move the scope, battery compartment is flimsy, should include 12v source, the 1.25" eyepiece holder in the rear cell thread is also flimsy – should include 2” eyepiece holder.

Jason

--------------------
Jason
Lovettsville, VA US
[url=http://homepage.mac.com/jprovi57/Jason_Astro_Images/[/url]

RC 14.5"
TMB 130SS
TMB 92SS L
Meade 6" ETX-LS ACF
iOptron Tower
Paramount ME
SBIG STL11000
10' Homedome