Telescope Reviews: Re: An ETX-80 Buyer's Checklist

My 80 is the backpack version (BB). The backpack works well, but fits a little too tightly on the scope (it helps to run the focuser in, shortening the scope, when you put it in the pack). There is enough extra room in the eyepiece compartment for spare batteries, but not a lot more. Padding is sufficient for "careful" use, but don't drop it.

The tripod is very easy to level, just watch it's bubble, loosen the clamp on the appropriate leg, and slide it up or down as needed. Mine also came with an "eyepiece level/compass". I first level the tripod with the tripod bubble. Then mount the scope. With the eyepiece bubble, I level the scope up and down only, but ignore side to side since I've already leveled the tripod (the eyepiece bubble generally always disagrees a little with the tripod bubble, but seems to work best relying mostly on the tripod). Then I point it north and align with the Autostar.

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I'm a "just for fun" photographer that also takes nighttime sky pictures.

Meade ETX-80AT-TC-BB
Canon PowerShot SX100 IS
Affordable Astrophotography
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