Re: Beginner - ETX 90AT vs. EC


"Mark S. Holden" <mark@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:OvOdnWDHBeYH1THfRVn-2A@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> NYxtr wrote:
>
> > I apologize for the beginner question. I can't help it, but I am a
> > beginner.
> >
> > I am considering buying my first telescope. I have zoomed in on Meade
> > ETX series but found two type for the ETX90, and EC and an AT version.
> > I searched previous messages and found a few that compare the two,
> > those messages claimed that the EC package is the same as the AT
> > package, but it lacks the Autostar and Tripod.
> > I found in Amazon the EC package that actually includes the
> > abovementioned Autostar and the tripod. That package is offered for
> > $499 while the AT package is offered in other stores at $570 and higher
> > (both are with the special UHTC coating).
> >
> > I am therefore a little puzzled; What is the difference?
> >
> > I would appreciate also an opinion on my choices - ETX 90. I live
> > in a big city, star watching here is the moon and maybe a dozen more
> > objects. My main interest is to watch when I travel out of the city.
> > Therefore, portability is a major factor. Also, the computer is an
> > issue, since, I will watch infrequently, and experience buildup will be
> > difficult. My budget is in the $500 $700 range.
> >
> > Thank you all,
> >
> > MR.
> >
>
> You might also look for something like a 4.5" to 6" classical newtonian.
>
> The newtonians aren't as compact - but they have some other advantages -
> no corrector plate to get covered with dew, and the secondary mirror
> will be a smaller obstruction than on a mak or sct so you'll get better
> views.
>
> The Celestron Nexstar 114 SLT is available for about $375. It'll gather
> 64% more light than the etx90. You'd have money left over to buy
> additional eyepieces.
>
> The Nextar 130 is about $430 and gathers more than twice as much light
> as the ETX90.
>
> The Meade LXD75 6" classical newtonian would be about $800 with goto -
> but gathers 2.84 times as much light as the etx90.
>

I'm also looking at the ETX 90AT so thanks for the additional
recommendations. One thing I'm thinking more and more about is
astrophotography. I have a Canon Digitial Rebel XT and it looks trivial to
attach the camera to the Mak telescopes. How easy is it with the other
designs?

Portability is a very important feature for me, too. This telescope is
going to be a gift, though, so astrophotography isn't as important for my
girlfriend. I look at the weights of the Maks and it seems that if I need
to do a little hike while camping to get out from under trees that it's
doable with the smaller aperature Maks, not so much with the other designs.

We don't have time to hit a star party before my girlfriend's bday so I
don't know if terrestrial objects are going to interest us most or not, I
think the moon and planets will be my focus but you never know.

Any more recommendations with those two priorities in mind would be
appreciated. I'll be hitting Woodland Hills Camera and Telescope or Scope
City in the next couple of days.

Greg



.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Beginner - ETX 90AT vs. EC
    ... ETX series but found two type for the ETX90, and EC and an AT version. ... those messages claimed that the EC package is the same as the AT ... Shooting planets and the Moon is reasonably easy on just about any scope - you just need a cooperative sky, and some patience in focusing - you might make a gizmo called a hartman mask to make focusing easier. ... I'll be hitting Woodland Hills Camera and Telescope or Scope City in the next couple of days. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Beginner - ETX 90AT vs. EC
    ... ETX series but found two type for the ETX90, and EC and an AT version. ... those messages claimed that the EC package is the same as the AT ... People tend to take care of their scopes, so buying used can be a good way to save money. ... Visiting a star party or two before deciding what to buy is a good idea because it'll let you look through telescopes you're considering so you know what to expect. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: 14" verses 12"
    ... 127-mm Orion/Syntha Mak. ... Orion Maks are certainly the best bang for the buck for that type of telescope ... 8-inch SCT nearby. ... Maksutov but it was not capable to hold water. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: 5" or 6" refractor
    ... I don't know if a well-made 6 inch Mak will match a 5 inch apo ... this produces a more satisfying telescope for me because: ... friend said it outperformed his old C-8 in terms of image clarity, sharpness, ... The Mighty Light of ten thousand suns ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: MEMO to Meade: How to write an honest news release
    ... >>one way to make a mak. ... > The only people effected by Meade using the term, ... > as and R-C, does it really matter what it's called? ... Making a telescope is hard work. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
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