Editorial Reviews : When the original ETX telescope, the ETX-90RA, was introduced in 1996, it quickly created a revolution in amateur astronomy. Here for the first time was an ultraportable and highly versatile telescope system of unprecedented optical resolution and performance. Within a year of its introduction the ETX became the top-selling modern telescope in the world. Manufactured entirely at Meade's Irvine, California, facility, ETX Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes produce optical performance and resolution that equal or exceed any Maksutov optics of similar apertures ever manufactured at any price, past or present. Their optics are so high in contrast, image brightness, and resolution that the ETX-90EC and ETX-125EC often outperform many telescopes of larger apertures. These models build on the original ETX concept to create the most advanced electronically controlled telescopes--including optional automatic go-to-object location with the Autostar computer controller--ever produced in their price range. And yet they don't sacrifice any of the user-friendly features that started the ETX revolution.
With twice the light-collecting area of the Meade ETX-90EC, the Meade ETX-125EC permits a much broader range of astronomical study. Jupiter's cloud belts, for example, are observable at a significantly heightened level of detail, with whirls and festoons and the Great Red Spot readily visible as they transit the planet's disc. The Cassini division in Saturn's rings is routinely seen, as are additional features of the planet's surface, even under less than perfect seeing conditions. Microfine lunar detail beyond the reach of smaller telescopes can be resolved in the Meade ETX-125EC. Looking to deep space, the ETX-125EC's larger aperture enables the observation of galaxies and nebulae in much wider extension. The entire Messier listing of 110 objects is now not only visible, but every object additionally takes on a readily discernible structure.
The observer who accepts astronomy as a serious field of interest will find the Meade ETX-125EC a deeply satisfying instrument for a lifetime of high-resolution astronomical study.
Buyer Reviews : If you are considering purchasing any of the ETX models of telescopes I would strongly suggest paying extra for the 125EC. The 125EC's aperture is 193% larger than the 90EC's and this makes a huge difference. The brightness of galaxies and star clusters allow even closer magnification and brilliance. If you are going to make an investment on a telescope, you want a scope that you can be happy with for many many years, and with the resolve capabilities of the 125EC, you will be. I have seen spectacular displays of the Andromida galaxy along with many closer objects such Mars, Jupiter, and our moon.
Be aware though, that the price does not stop at this telescope. In order to get any practical viewing out of this you absolutely must purchase the deluxe field tripod for $200. This somewhat limits the portability of the telescope, but if you do not have it, you will not be able to see much at all. Also, the hard carrying case is greatly beneficial. For about 6 months I lugged this telescope around in the original box that it came in and it was a pain. The cardboard was bending and it would get wet and soft. Also you cannot take any accessories in the original box like eyepieces or the Autostar controller. The hard carrying case holds at least three eyepieces and has room for other accessories. Any other things that you buy with this telescope would be luxuries, like the T-adapter for taking pictures, the dew shield (you don't really need that and it doesn't always work), or any filters.
If you have thought about buying the Autostar controller, I would hold off for a bit. It is extremely beneficial to learn the sky on your own, so that if ever you part with that controller, or your batteries run dead, you are not lost in the dark. It is not hard at all to learn the skies, and with a few weeks time, with or without a telescope, you can master most of the constellations. An unparalleled benefit of the controller is its capability to track objects during your observations. It is able to hold objects in the field of view for hours without having to adjust the telescope manually.
The ETX telescope itself is great; it has a motor drive system with four speeds so finding any object under any magnification is easy. Its portability is handy when it comes to taking it over long distances. I had no problem taking this scope with me in a canoe in the Adirondacks to a remote camping site (the viewing there was spectacular). This would be a great telescope for any astronomer, as a first one to learn the skies, or as a backup, to use for long trips.
Features/Technical Specs : * 500x maximum magnification * Fork mounts with standard-equipment dual-axis drive system and electronic controller * Altazimuth or equatorial operation * Cordless field operation * Flip-mirror system
