Meade ETX-60 AT Telescope

Pros: Nice optics Low Price Object Database
Cons: No view finder (not a big deal) More lens would be nice.

I received this telescope as a gift for Christmas and I must say that it really is a fun little scope. I also have a Bushnell 450 and this by far is more enjoyable to use.

The celestial objects database computer makes an incompetent astronomer...

Pros: Accurate and robust Autostar, decent tracking, reasonably well-built.
Cons: Small. Focuser knob hard to reach when scope pointing up. Fork mount vibrates.

I have been using an ETX-60AT for about 6 months now. It is a competent 60mm refractor. It does what it does well -- tracking mars at 162X (which is much higher than the recommended maximum magnification for this scope) is good enough that mars remains in ...

Pros: Perfect for school-age astronomy science lessons
Cons: Options quickly double the purchase price

Costco blew these out last summer, $120 plus a $20 rebate, so I really couldn't go wrong. Perfect for the slightly-above average beginner 'scope, the clock drive is pretty accurate, once you get the hang of it. Without reading the manual (The best "smoke...

Pros: Good optics, and the computer control is fun.
Cons: Eats batteries. Where's the viewfinder? Focus knob extremely hard to use.

The ETX60AT was given to me as a gift, and I don't want to look a gift telescope in the .... hmm. Well, on with the review.

Yes, it has good, clear optics. But I'm surprised that others have been able to see Saturn's rings and Jupiter's clouds...

Pros: Inexpensive, T mount, automatic, Quality Optics, Compact
Cons: refractor telescope, 60mm aperture, No finder, No AC adapter

I purchased the Meade AT 60 on impulse. It was cheap and there. It costed me about $130.00. The computer control finder and Meade's reputation made it an attractive purchase. Because I was not looking to spent gazillion dollars on one, I plunged and...

Pros: Low price ($129.00 at Costco), excellent beginners/backup unit. Exceptional optics for the price.
Cons: Optional tripod (#882) is very shaky. Manual not very clear.

Found this unit at Costco for under $129.00. Street price hovers around $199.00 so I couldn't pass this up! Very appropriate packaging, well built, came with Autostar controller & software. Very stable on table tops but the recommended (not included)...