Comet Enthusiast

List Price: $419.98
Sale Price: $179.99
You save: $239.99 (57%)

Description

The Meade ETX-70AT brings home technology that would seem far-fetched even in speculative future-fiction. Experience push-button astronomy as high-resolution Meade optics, combined with the incredible Autostar controller take you on an automated guided tour of the Solar System, the Galaxy, and beyond. Even novice stargazers can locate and explore planets, asteroids, comets, nebulae, galaxies, and other deep space objects, all with astonishing clarity and resolution RS-232 serial interface for software Tripod Included

The ETX70AT is my favorite of all the low-cost computerized telescopes, because of its compact body and also because it is so easy to use. The ETX70AT package includes everything a beginner needs to get started (except batteries). So what can you see, exactly, with this little telescope? It will show you craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter. Take it with you to dark country skies and the little ETX70AT will even show you galaxies and reveal the Milky Way as a brilliant river of stars. I found the low power views with the included MA25mm eyepiece, about 14X magnification, to be sharper from edge to edge than my 15X70 binoculars. Wide-field, low-power views allow you to take in the full picture of bright star clusters like the Pleiades. The Pleiades are known as the Seven Sisters because sharp eyed people can often see seven or eight stars with the naked eye, and though I've only ever been able to make out six, with the ETX70 on a good clear night, I counted 77 stars! The low power view of a rising moon, one day past full, was simply beautiful--the lunar rays splashed out of the major impact crater Tycho sharply etched against the Maria (the lunar seas). Higher magnification with the MA9mm eyepiece did begin to reveal the optical defects that short focus achromatic refractors always show. The moon was rimmed by a bright green glow, and the craters were no longer quite as sharp. When I turned my gaze to Saturn, I could plainly see the rings and Saturn's moon Titan, using either the MA9mm (39X) or my own SP6.4mm eyepiece (55X), but the image was not as sharp as it would have been in a classic style long focus refractor. The Autostar controller makes it easy to find more than 1400 celestial objects. The Autostar computer included with the ETX70AT is simply amazing. Plug in the Autostar and the batteries, point the tube North and level, and the Autostar's easy alignment routine will pick two alignment stars and help you find them. You will still need a guide book, like Nightwatch by Terrence Dickinson, to introduce you to the bright stars by name, but this is about the only detail Meade left out of the ETX70AT package. Take Autostar's guided tour of "tonight's best," and you'll soon be looking at galaxies and star clusters. Yes, you really can see galaxies with a little telescope like this. All you need are dark skies and knowing where to look. And Autostar takes care of the "knowing where to look" part. Once the telescope is aligned, bring up M31 on the menu and press "GO TO." You'll find yourself looking at the Andromeda Galaxy, two million light years away. Even from a dark location in the country you'll see why amateur astronomers refer to galaxies as "faint fuzzies." This view of faint and fuzzy galaxies is very much the way they looked to comet hunter Charles Messier who first discovered these so called "M" objects. A surprising number of people with bigger telescopes also own one of these little ETX refractors. There's no doubt about it, a compact, computerized telescope that actually finds things for you is just plain cool. --Jeff Phillips Pros: It's easy to find objects with the Autostar computer Wide field views Cons: Planet views could be better

Let Meade high-resolution optics and revolutionary Autostar capability take you on an automated guided tour of the Solar System, the Galaxy, and beyond. Now even the most novice amateur astronomer can locate and explore the planets, galaxies, and nebulae, as well as star clusters, asteroids, and comets, all at the push of a button. The Meade ETX-70AT Astro Telescope brings the full range of celestial images to your eye with astonishing levels of clarity, resolution, and definition. Refractors This is a refractor telescope. Refractors (also known as a dioptrics) capture light with a lens at the front of a long tube and send it to an eyepiece at the other end. They look, in other words, just like what most people think of when they hear the word "telescope." Refractors offer--potentially, at least--the cleanest images of any telescope design. They are simple and reliable (the sealed tube is maintenance-free), and are good for both celestial and terrestrial viewing. Read more about different telescope designs in our buying guide All of the major planets except Pluto are easily observable through the ETX-70AT. Study Saturn and its ring system; the primary cloud belts of Jupiter as well as its four major satellites; the Moonlike phases of Mercury and Venus; prominent features on Mars; the starlike images of the distant planets Uranus and Neptune. The Moon stands out in stark, almost three-dimensional detail - craters, mountain ranges, and fault lines. In our galaxy the telescope displays hundreds of nebulae, star clusters, double and multiple stars, and variable stars - plus dozens of external galaxies in all their variations of form and structure. Terrestrial Observing The Meade ETX-70AT also makes an excellent land-view instrument for the birdwatcher, the naturalist, or for the home with a view. Image quality and resolution typically far exceed levels normally expected of terrestrial telescopes. Terrestrial observers quickly appreciate the advantages afforded by the Autostar hand controller. Using Autostar, many land objects can be readily followed, or tracked, from a distance, using one of nine selectable speeds. Optical System The ETX-70AT includes a multi-coated, achromatic objective lens of exclusive Meade design and manufactured of Grade-A crown and flint optical glass components. The lens yields razor-sharp images of astronomical and terrestrial subjects. In the optical design of ETX-70AT, light enters from the right through a 2-element objective lens and travels to a focus at the focal plane. Field stops internal to the optical tube prevent off-axis light from reaching the focal plane, thereby enhancing image contrast. The Autostar Hand Controller makes it easy The included Autostar controller permits the automatic location of over 1400 celestial objects: Solar System Planets 8 Moon 1 Asteroids 26 Comets 15 Constellation 88 Deep-Sky Named Objects 66 Galaxies 74 Diffuse Nebulae 31 Planetary Nebulae 19 Quasars 11 Caldwell Objects 109 Messier Objects 110 Stars Named Stars 79 Double Stars 395 Variable Stars 189 SAO Stars 200 Earth Satellites 50 Autostar Hand Controller For all of their advanced imaging capabilities, portability, ease of use, and contemporary cosmetic design, Meade ETX telescopes are above all uniquely defined by the revolutionary Autostar hand controller. It's easy to use: just enter the object you wish to observe on to the Autostar display, press GO TO, and watch as the telescope moves rapidly in seconds to place the object in the telescope's field of view. One observing session validates the prediction made by Sky & Telescope that "The ETX/Autostar concept will go down as the greatest happening in amateur astronomy yet." Objects stored in the Autostar's database include the entire range of celestial phenomena and are designed to keep the active observer busy for many a starlit evening. The above database listing has been specifically chosen as suitable for observing with the ETX-70AT and provides an excellent introduction to the diversity of astronomical objects visible through the telescope. In addition to its object-locating capabilities Autostar permits pushbutton centering of objects within the telescopic field at any of nine selectable speeds. Once Autostar locates an object, it directs the telescope automatically to track the object across the sky, compensating fully and precisely for the effects of the Earth's axial rotation. Ultraportable Easy to carry to any observing location, whether a distant mountaintop or your own back yard, the Meade ETX-70AT telescope brings the excitement of astronomy to users of any age. Just place the telescope on any flat surface (or use the standard-equipment field tripod), do a quick, easy alignment of the telescope's computer to the sky, and start observing. Six internal (user-supplied) AA-batteries power the ETX-70AT for about 20 hours. Features 1. Eyepiece 2. Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrew - Tightens the eyepiece in place. 3. 90° Eyepiece Holder - Holds the eyepiece upright for easy viewing. 4. Optical Tube - The main optical component that gathers the light from distant objects and brings this light to a focus for examination with the eyepiece. 5. Movable Objective Lens Cell - This component contains the telescope's lenses. The focus knob moves the cell for precise image focus. 6. Vertical Lock - Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope. Turning the vertical lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the vertical axis. Turning the vertical lock clockwise (to a "firm feel" only) prevents the telescope from being moved manually, but engages the vertical motor drive for Autostar operation. 7. Fork Arms - Hold the optical tube in place. 8. Focus Knob - Moves the telescope's objective lens (5, Fig. 1) in a finely-controlled motion to achieve precise image focus. The ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT telescopes can be focused on objects from a distance of about 17 ft. to infinity. Rotate the focus knob clockwise to focus on distant objects, and counterclockwise to focus on nearby objects. 9. Horizontal Lock - Controls the manual horizontal rotation of the telescope. Turning the horizontal lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope, enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the horizontal axis. Turning the horizontal lock clockwise prevents the telescope from being rotated manually, but engages the horizontal motor drive for Autostar operation. 10. Computer Control Panel A. Handbox (HBX) Port for the Autostar coil cord. B. LED - The red power indicator light illuminates when power is supplied to the Autostar handbox and to the telescope's motor drive. C. ON/OFF Switch - Turns the Computer Control Panel and Autostar ON or OFF. D. Auxiliary (AUX) Port - Provides connection for current and future Meade accessories, such as the Meade AstroFinder Software with Cable Connector Kit, which allows you to control your ETX from a PC. 11. Base Housing - Supports the telescope for placement on a flat, level surface, such as a tabletop or optional tripod. 12. Holes for Optional Tripod (not shown, on the bottom plate). 13. Right Ascension (R.A.) Setting Circle. 14. and 15. Cellback containing Flip-Mirror and Flip-Mirror Control Knob - ETX telescopes include an internal mirror. 16. Photo Port - Attach any 35mm camera with a removable lens to this port using an optional #64ST T-Adapter or attach the #933 Erecting Prism for correctly oriented images through the eyepiece. 17. Declination (Dec) Setting Circle (on left fork arm). 18. Autostar with attached coil cord. 19. Dust Cap. 20. Battery Compartment.

Features

• Exclusive multicoated, air-spaced achromatic objective lenses
• Razor-sharp images of both astronomical and terrestrial subjects
• Extremely portable at only 6.8 pounds
• Telescope can be used on any flat surface
• Meade 882 tripod included

List Price: $25.90
Sale Price: $9.00
You save: $16.90 (65%)

Description

If you have a SLR or DSLR camera and other maker/mount lenses, the Fotodiox Mount Adapters allow you to use your lenses on the film/digital camera body. Sharing lenses has some distinct advantages. Certain prime lens just can't be replaced, and you save cost of purchase lenses. ¡Fotodiox offers a range of adapter from large format to smaller format digital adapters. Adapting larger format lens, i.e., large format û medium format, medium format û 35mm, excellent edge-to-edge sharpness; and the smaller 24x36 mm image field helps minimize the effects of lens distortion and aberration.

Features

• All Metal Design
• Smooth surface for effortless mount
• Infinity Focus Guaranteed
• Accurate Flange to Focus distances
• 24 Month Manufacture Warranty

List Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $18.00
You save: $1.99 (10%)

Description

With Meade 64ST Adapter for ETX-60 & 70AT you can reach for the stars and take them home with you! Designed to complement the ETX 60 and 70 telescopes, the adapter links your 35mm camera to the telescope and creates a powerful telephoto lens. The Meade 64ST Adapter telescope accessories work by placing the scope's internal mirror in the straight-through position and threading a T-Mount specific to your camera to the photo adapter, enabling you to capture the magic of the skies on film. (T-mount sold separately)

Features

• Photo adapter
• For SLR cameras
• Mounts camera to telescope
• Camera becomes 350mm optical system
• Take pictures of celestial objects

List Price: $39.00
Sale Price: $34.00
You save: $5.00 (13%)

Description

Measuring a mere 2.5" long, the #126 Short-Focus Barlow Lens (1.25") can be inserted into a star diagonal for 2x power, or the diagonal can be inserted into the #126 for 3x power. It's a perfect match for any telescope that accepts 1.25" eyepieces, even those with limited focus range like the ETX and DS series. The #126 maintains the crisp image quality achieved by the #122 lens.The lens is multi-coated for maximum image contrast and light transmission, and provides precise corrections for spherical and chromatic aberrations at all photo-visual wavelengths. 27mm diameter (26mm clear aperture).

Features

• Doubles the power of your eyepiece!
• Compatible with most 1.25 Inch eyepieces
• Extremely short size (2.5")

List Price: $419.98
Sale Price: $179.99
You save: $239.99 (57%)

Description

The ETX70AT is my favorite of all the low-cost computerized telescopes, because of its compact body and also because it is so easy to use. The ETX70AT package includes everything a beginner needs to get started (except batteries). So what can you see, exactly, with this little telescope? It will show you craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter. Take it with you to dark country skies and the little ETX70AT will even show you galaxies and reveal the Milky Way as a brilliant river of stars. I found the low power views with the included MA25mm eyepiece, about 14X magnification, to be sharper from edge to edge than my 15X70 binoculars. Wide-field, low-power views allow you to take in the full picture of bright star clusters like the Pleiades. The Pleiades are known as the Seven Sisters because sharp eyed people can often see seven or eight stars with the naked eye, and though I've only ever been able to make out six, with the ETX70 on a good clear night, I counted 77 stars! The low power view of a rising moon, one day past full, was simply beautiful--the lunar rays splashed out of the major impact crater Tycho sharply etched against the Maria (the lunar seas). Higher magnification with the MA9mm eyepiece did begin to reveal the optical defects that short focus achromatic refractors always show. The moon was rimmed by a bright green glow, and the craters were no longer quite as sharp. When I turned my gaze to Saturn, I could plainly see the rings and Saturn's moon Titan, using either the MA9mm (39X) or my own SP6.4mm eyepiece (55X), but the image was not as sharp as it would have been in a classic style long focus refractor. The Autostar controller makes it easy to find more than 1400 celestial objects. The Autostar computer included with the ETX70AT is simply amazing. Plug in the Autostar and the batteries, point the tube North and level, and the Autostar's easy alignment routine will pick two alignment stars and help you find them. You will still need a guide book, like Nightwatch by Terrence Dickinson, to introduce you to the bright stars by name, but this is about the only detail Meade left out of the ETX70AT package. Take Autostar's guided tour of "tonight's best," and you'll soon be looking at galaxies and star clusters. Yes, you really can see galaxies with a little telescope like this. All you need are dark skies and knowing where to look. And Autostar takes care of the "knowing where to look" part. Once the telescope is aligned, bring up M31 on the menu and press "GO TO." You'll find yourself looking at the Andromeda Galaxy, two million light years away. Even from a dark location in the country you'll see why amateur astronomers refer to galaxies as "faint fuzzies." This view of faint and fuzzy galaxies is very much the way they looked to comet hunter Charles Messier who first discovered these so called "M" objects. A surprising number of people with bigger telescopes also own one of these little ETX refractors. There's no doubt about it, a compact, computerized telescope that actually finds things for you is just plain cool. --Jeff Phillips Pros: It's easy to find objects with the Autostar computer Wide field views Cons: Planet views could be better

Let Meade high-resolution optics and revolutionary Autostar capability take you on an automated guided tour of the Solar System, the Galaxy, and beyond. Now even the most novice amateur astronomer can locate and explore the planets, galaxies, and nebulae, as well as star clusters, asteroids, and comets, all at the push of a button. The Meade ETX-70AT Astro Telescope brings the full range of celestial images to your eye with astonishing levels of clarity, resolution, and definition. Refractors This is a refractor telescope. Refractors (also known as a dioptrics) capture light with a lens at the front of a long tube and send it to an eyepiece at the other end. They look, in other words, just like what most people think of when they hear the word "telescope." Refractors offer--potentially, at least--the cleanest images of any telescope design. They are simple and reliable (the sealed tube is maintenance-free), and are good for both celestial and terrestrial viewing. Read more about different telescope designs in our buying guide All of the major planets except Pluto are easily observable through the ETX-70AT. Study Saturn and its ring system; the primary cloud belts of Jupiter as well as its four major satellites; the Moonlike phases of Mercury and Venus; prominent features on Mars; the starlike images of the distant planets Uranus and Neptune. The Moon stands out in stark, almost three-dimensional detail - craters, mountain ranges, and fault lines. In our galaxy the telescope displays hundreds of nebulae, star clusters, double and multiple stars, and variable stars - plus dozens of external galaxies in all their variations of form and structure. Terrestrial Observing The Meade ETX-70AT also makes an excellent land-view instrument for the birdwatcher, the naturalist, or for the home with a view. Image quality and resolution typically far exceed levels normally expected of terrestrial telescopes. Terrestrial observers quickly appreciate the advantages afforded by the Autostar hand controller. Using Autostar, many land objects can be readily followed, or tracked, from a distance, using one of nine selectable speeds. Optical System The ETX-70AT includes a multi-coated, achromatic objective lens of exclusive Meade design and manufactured of Grade-A crown and flint optical glass components. The lens yields razor-sharp images of astronomical and terrestrial subjects. In the optical design of ETX-70AT, light enters from the right through a 2-element objective lens and travels to a focus at the focal plane. Field stops internal to the optical tube prevent off-axis light from reaching the focal plane, thereby enhancing image contrast. The Autostar Hand Controller makes it easy The included Autostar controller permits the automatic location of over 1400 celestial objects: Solar System Planets 8 Moon 1 Asteroids 26 Comets 15 Constellation 88 Deep-Sky Named Objects 66 Galaxies 74 Diffuse Nebulae 31 Planetary Nebulae 19 Quasars 11 Caldwell Objects 109 Messier Objects 110 Stars Named Stars 79 Double Stars 395 Variable Stars 189 SAO Stars 200 Earth Satellites 50 Autostar Hand Controller For all of their advanced imaging capabilities, portability, ease of use, and contemporary cosmetic design, Meade ETX telescopes are above all uniquely defined by the revolutionary Autostar hand controller. It's easy to use: just enter the object you wish to observe on to the Autostar display, press GO TO, and watch as the telescope moves rapidly in seconds to place the object in the telescope's field of view. One observing session validates the prediction made by Sky & Telescope that "The ETX/Autostar concept will go down as the greatest happening in amateur astronomy yet." Objects stored in the Autostar's database include the entire range of celestial phenomena and are designed to keep the active observer busy for many a starlit evening. The above database listing has been specifically chosen as suitable for observing with the ETX-70AT and provides an excellent introduction to the diversity of astronomical objects visible through the telescope. In addition to its object-locating capabilities Autostar permits pushbutton centering of objects within the telescopic field at any of nine selectable speeds. Once Autostar locates an object, it directs the telescope automatically to track the object across the sky, compensating fully and precisely for the effects of the Earth's axial rotation. Ultraportable Easy to carry to any observing location, whether a distant mountaintop or your own back yard, the Meade ETX-70AT telescope brings the excitement of astronomy to users of any age. Just place the telescope on any flat surface (or use the standard-equipment field tripod), do a quick, easy alignment of the telescope's computer to the sky, and start observing. Six internal (user-supplied) AA-batteries power the ETX-70AT for about 20 hours. Features 1. Eyepiece 2. Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrew - Tightens the eyepiece in place. 3. 90° Eyepiece Holder - Holds the eyepiece upright for easy viewing. 4. Optical Tube - The main optical component that gathers the light from distant objects and brings this light to a focus for examination with the eyepiece. 5. Movable Objective Lens Cell - This component contains the telescope's lenses. The focus knob moves the cell for precise image focus. 6. Vertical Lock - Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope. Turning the vertical lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the vertical axis. Turning the vertical lock clockwise (to a "firm feel" only) prevents the telescope from being moved manually, but engages the vertical motor drive for Autostar operation. 7. Fork Arms - Hold the optical tube in place. 8. Focus Knob - Moves the telescope's objective lens (5, Fig. 1) in a finely-controlled motion to achieve precise image focus. The ETX-60AT and ETX-70AT telescopes can be focused on objects from a distance of about 17 ft. to infinity. Rotate the focus knob clockwise to focus on distant objects, and counterclockwise to focus on nearby objects. 9. Horizontal Lock - Controls the manual horizontal rotation of the telescope. Turning the horizontal lock counterclockwise unlocks the telescope, enabling it to be freely rotated by hand about the horizontal axis. Turning the horizontal lock clockwise prevents the telescope from being rotated manually, but engages the horizontal motor drive for Autostar operation. 10. Computer Control Panel A. Handbox (HBX) Port for the Autostar coil cord. B. LED - The red power indicator light illuminates when power is supplied to the Autostar handbox and to the telescope's motor drive. C. ON/OFF Switch - Turns the Computer Control Panel and Autostar ON or OFF. D. Auxiliary (AUX) Port - Provides connection for current and future Meade accessories, such as the Meade AstroFinder Software with Cable Connector Kit, which allows you to control your ETX from a PC. 11. Base Housing - Supports the telescope for placement on a flat, level surface, such as a tabletop or optional tripod. 12. Holes for Optional Tripod (not shown, on the bottom plate). 13. Right Ascension (R.A.) Setting Circle. 14. and 15. Cellback containing Flip-Mirror and Flip-Mirror Control Knob - ETX telescopes include an internal mirror. 16. Photo Port - Attach any 35mm camera with a removable lens to this port using an optional #64ST T-Adapter or attach the #933 Erecting Prism for correctly oriented images through the eyepiece. 17. Declination (Dec) Setting Circle (on left fork arm). 18. Autostar with attached coil cord. 19. Dust Cap. 20. Battery Compartment.

The Meade ETX-70AT brings home technology that would seem far-fetched even in speculative future-fiction. Experience push-button astronomy as high-resolution Meade optics, combined with the incredible Autostar controller take you on an automated guided tour of the Solar System, the Galaxy, and beyond. Even novice stargazers can locate and explore planets, asteroids, comets, nebulae, galaxies, and other deep space objects, all with astonishing clarity and resolution RS-232 serial interface for software Tripod Included

Features

• Exclusive multicoated, air-spaced achromatic objective lenses
• Razor-sharp images of both astronomical and terrestrial subjects
• Extremely portable at only 6.8 pounds
• Telescope can be used on any flat surface
• Meade 882 tripod included

Sale Price: $59.99

Description

Sometimes looking through a straight finder scope can be a strain, making you crouch down and crane your neck. Well, you can call off the chiropractors because our right-angle finder scopes let you view in contortion-free comfort! What's more, they have a built-in Amici prism to provide a correctly oriented view - not upside-down as with standard finders. These achromatic, crosshair finders feature fully coated glass lenses, internal baffling, and focus adjustment. Each includes an aluminum bracket with two perpendicular thumbscrews for easy alignment. Dovetail foot fits many Orion telescopes (see list). Dovetail base (#7214) can be purchased for custom installations. Prism and eyepiece are not removable.

Features

• You don't have to be a contortionist to use this 6x30 finder scope which features a 90-degree viewing angle and correct daytime image orientation
• Right-angle design lets you aim your telescope in comfort - no more crouching or craning your neck!
• This crosshair finder scope makes aiming easy by showing an upright, non-reversed image
• Finder scope features substantial 6x magnifying power, 30mm diamter objective lens and 7-degree field of view
• Fully coated, achromatic glass optics yield crisp, bright images