And the optics are simply the best I've ever seen in a small Maksutov-Cassegrain or Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Although Meade recommends the UHTC coatings package for improved brightness, I find the improved contrast is much more impressive. I compared the ETX105EC, at 4. 13 inches of aperture, side by side with my 5 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain. The view of Saturn at 200X magnification in both telescopes was nearly identical. The Cassini division in Saturn's rings was obvious, and I could see 5 moons around Saturn with both scopes. The inner moons Tethys and Dione were easier to spot with the larger SCT. The ETX105EC with UHTC, however, was the clear winner on contrast and color. The UHTC coatings simply eliminated much of the scattered light that robs contrast from the views in my SCT. Saturn's equatorial belt was the same apricot color in the 4 inch ETX that I see in much larger scopes. When I looked at Jupiter with the ETX105EC, the pale orange-tan color of the famous Great Red Spot was plainly visible. The Autostar controller delivers excellent pointing accuracy. My usual set-up starts with centering Polaris in the scope, then leveling the optical tube. This automatically sets the telescope's "home position" within one degree of true North and level. After a careful setup the other night, the "easy align" routine put the first alignment star, Rigel, inside the field of view. And the second star, Procyon, was just outside the edge of the field. Easy as can be. (Nightwatch by Terence Dickinson will introduce you to these brighter stars by name. ) Even without precise alignment to North, the alignment stars were close enough that I had no trouble with the setup. Autostar's guided tour of "tonight's best" still placed every object but Saturn in the low power field of view, and Saturn was just outside the field. The model 884 tripod included in the ETX105EC package is well matched to the telescope. I saw very little vibration while using the straight up Alt/AZ position. I find the telescope tracks very smoothly in the equatorial position as well, although putting the full weight of the telescope over one tripod leg doesn't inspire confidence. The only flaw in the whole ETX105EC package is the right angle finder scope. The finder works well enough - in fact I like the image orientation that matches the main scope - but it's so close to the eyepiece that my nose gets in the way when I try to use smaller eyepieces. I was able to use my favorite Ultima 7. 5mm eyepiece for 200X magnification only by replacing the right angle finder with the smaller straight thru finder from my ETX90. You can also live with the finder by using a barlow lens or a taller eyepiece such as the Orion 10. 5mm Lanthanum (about 140X) for high magnification views of the planets. -Jeff Phillips Pros: Superb optics Small and portable Autostar controller finds and describes things for you Cons: The finder is too close to the eyepiece The Meade ETX-105EC is among the most advanced electronically controlled telescopes. Manufactured with an aluminum fork mount dedicated specifically to its size and aperture, the ETX-105EC Astro telescope moves effortlessly across the skies on ball-bearing axes, in either manual or electronic modes. The Autostar controller turns the ETX-105EC into an automatic celestial object-locating system. Just plug the Autostar into the telescope's HBX port in place of the standard-equipment electronic controller, do a quick telescope alignment, and you're ready to observe any object in the Autostar's 30,000-object database. The computer-driven Autostar controller makes it easy to find 30,000 celestial objects. This version of the ETX-105EC features Ultrahigh Transmission Coatings (UHTC). The UHTC coating permits the highest levels of light transmission (about a 20% increase in total telescope light transmission compared to the standard coatings) ever offered on amateur telescopes. With UHTC coatings are on all four optical surfaces, the detail of deep-space objects is dramatically enhanced. The ETX-105EC yields 36 percent more light-collecting power than the ETX-90EC. The entire range of celestial objects-the eight major planets, the Moon, galaxies, nebulae, star clusters-as well as terrestrial objects, may be observed with a significant, and immediately apparent, increase in resolution and image brightness. At the same time, the ETX-105EC maintains most of the compactness and ultraportability of the smaller-aperture ETX-90EC. Use the standard pushbutton electronic controller at any of four dual-axis speeds: 8x sidereal for image centering in the main telescope at high power; 32x for image centering at lower powers or for pushbutton object-tracking in the altazimuth mode; slow mode for image centering in the viewfinder or for terrestrial tracking of nature and sightseeing; or medium speed for fast slewing across the sky. The observer can instantly select any of these speeds simply by depressing the speed button on the controller. The telescope’s ultraportable design allows the viewer to view from any flat surface, be it a window sill, car hood, or picnic table. The optional tripod will raise the telescope to any comfortable height. The Nuts and Bolts 1. Eyepiece 2. Viewfinder 3. Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrew - Tightens the eyepiece in place. 4. 90° Eyepiece Holder - Holds the eyepiece upright for easy viewing. 5. 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. 6. Vertical Lock - Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope. 7. Fork Arms - Hold the optical tube in place. 8. Focus Knob - Moves the telescope’s optical tube in a finely-controlled motion to achieve precise image focus. 9. Horizontal Lock - Controls the manual horizontal rotation of the telescope. 10. Computer Control Panel A. ON/OFF Switch. B. Auxiliary Ports - Provide connection for current and future Meade accessories. C. Handbox (HBX) Port - for the Electronic Controller or the optional Autostar handbox. D. The 12v connector, designed to accept an external power supply such as the optional AC Adapter or Power Cord. E. LED power indicator light. 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 - See your tripod’s instruction sheet for mounting information. 13. Right Ascension (R. A. ) Setting Circle. 14. Flip-Mirror and Flip-Mirror Control Knobs - ETX telescopes include an internal mirror. With the flipmirror control in the "up" position, light is diverted to the eyepiece. With the flipmirror control in the "down" position, as shown in Fig. 2b, light proceeds straight out the photo port for photography. 15. Photo Port - Attach any 35mm camera with a removable lens to this port using an optional adapter. 16. Declination Setting Circle (on left fork arm). 17. Viewfinder Alignment Screws - adjust these screws to align the viewfinder. 18. Viewfinder Alignment Bracket. 19. Dust Cap 20. Battery Compartment (not shown, underneath base).

With a magnification of 150X, the Cassini division in Saturn's rings was obvious all the way around Saturn, as were cloud bands and the dark polar region on the planet itself. When I boosted the power to 200X, the stars in the heart of M42, Orion's trapezium, were a beautiful sight. I saw little diffraction rings around the four brighter stars, and the fifth star "E" was glimmering on the edge of visibility. The model 884 tripod is a big improvement over the model 883 that was designed for the original ETX90. I especially like the spring loaded captive mounting screws that pop into place when you get the base lined up with the mounting holes. The tripod comfortably handled the ETX105 in the straight up Alt/Az position. It's probably a little light though if you want to use an equatorial alignment for photography. The Autostar controller delivered excellent pointing accuracy. My usual set up routine starts with centering Polaris in the scope, then leveling the optical tube. This automatically sets the telescope's 'home position' within one degree of true North and level. After a careful setup the other night, the 'easy align' routine put the first alignment star, Rigel, inside the field of view. And the second star, Procyon, was just outside the edge of the field. Easy as pie. (Nightwatch by Terence Dickinson will introduce you to these brighter stars by name. ) Even without precise alignment to North, the alignment stars were close enough that I had no trouble with the setup. The guided tour still placed every object but Saturn in the low power field of view, and Saturn was just outside the field. Now about those ergonomics. The finder scope is a problem because it is so close to the eyepiece that my nose gets in the way when I use eyepieces smaller then the included 26mm Super Plossl. If you're inclined to peer through the eyepiece with your left eye, it may not be an issue. I'm right eye dominant, so I can't use smaller eyepieces for higher magnification. I got around this problem by using my Celestron Ultima 2X barlow to raise the eyepiece for high power viewing. The Ultima barlow introduces a little extra reflection on bright objects, but the views are still fabulous. If I were to spring for just one more good eyepiece to go with this telescope I'd try an Orion 10. 5mm Lanthanum. About 150X seems to be a sweet spot with this scope, a magnification that offers great views of the planets without the diffraction rings around stars becoming very noticeable. The other well known ergonomic issue is the small and hard to reach focus knob. Meade would be happy to sell you a #1244 Electric Focuser. I found a third party Flex Focus adapter worked just fine. -Jeff Phillips Pros: Superb optics Autostar computer Small and portable Cons: The finder is too close to the eyepiece The Meade ETX-105EC is among the most advanced electronically controlled telescopes. Manufactured with an aluminum fork mount dedicated specifically to its size and aperture, the ETX-105EC Astro telescope moves effortlessly across the skies on ball-bearing axes, in either manual or electronic modes. The Autostar controller turns the ETX-105EC into an automatic celestial-object locating system. Just plug the Autostar into the telescope's HBX port in place of the standard-equipment electronic controller, do a quick telescope alignment, and you're ready to observe any object in the Autostar's 30,000-object database. The ETX-105EC yields 36 percent more light-collecting power than the ETX-90EC. The entire range of celestial objects-the eight major planets, the Moon, galaxies, nebulae, star clusters-as well as terrestrial objects, may be observed with a significant, and immediately apparent, increase in resolution and image brightness. At the same time, the ETX-105EC maintains most of the compactness and ultraportability of the smaller-aperture ETX-90EC. Use the standard pushbutton electronic controller at any of four dual-axis speeds: 8x sidereal for image centering in the main telescope at high power; 32x for image centering at lower powers or for pushbutton object tracking in the altazimuth mode; slow mode for image centering in the viewfinder or for terrestrial tracking of nature and sightseeing; or medium speed for fast slewing across the sky. The observer can instantly select any of these speeds simply by depressing the speed button on the controller. The telescope’s ultraportable design allows the viewer to view from any flat surface, be it a window sill, car hood, or picnic table. The optional tripod will raise the telescope to any comfortable height.

View plants, stars, galaxies, nebulae, comets and more-all at the push of a button. Go to the Tonight's Best tour in your AutoStar and it automatically selects the best objects in the sky for that particular time and location! The AutoStar controller can be updated -FREE- over the internet. Keep your AutoStar up-to-date and your ETX telescope will grow with you for years to come. - Optical Systems: ETX Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes produce superlative, diffraction-limited optical performance and resolution. Optics so high in contrast, image brightness, and resolution that ETX-90 PE models often outperform many telescopes of larger apertures. The little Meade ETX90EC, one of the most popular telescopes ever made, is a 3. 5-inch f/13. 8 Maksutov-Cassegrain designed for maximum portability while also delivering outstanding images. It certainly succeeds on both counts, and at a terrific price. The telescope comes with a 26mm Meade Super Plössl eyepiece, an 8x21 finderscope, a very nice screw-on dust cap, a fork mount, an adjustable tripod, and a built-in computer for finding and tracking sky objects. Images through the ETX90EC are absolutely textbook perfect. The excellent optical quality produces some wonderful views of brighter sky objects, such as the Moon and naked-eye planets. Meade's recently introduced UHTC optical coatings further strengthen optical performance by enhancing image contrast. Given the amazing low price for what you get, the ETX90EC is a great triumph in low-cost, mass-production optical fabrication techniques. The computer-driven hand controller makes it easy to find 14,000 celestial objects. Once properly set up and initialized, the onboard Autostar computer control can guide users to more than 14,000 sky objects. I have always found the Autostar navigation system to be extremely accurate, even if it does include many more targets than a 3. 5-inch telescope could possibly see under the best conditions. As good as the optical assembly is, the finderscope leaves something to be desired. I find it difficult, if not impossible to look through because of how closely it is mounted to the tube of the telescope. The problem only gets worse as the telescope raises in altitude, causing my nose to scrunch up against the eyepiece. I would recommend augmenting the finder with a small one-power aiming device, such Orion Telescope's EZ Finder II Reflex Sight. Another drawback is the focusing. Although the focuser's movement is smooth, the small, aluminum knob is very difficult to grasp when looking through the eyepiece. The tube assembly comes mounted on a miniaturized, clock-driven, fork equatorial mount made mostly from molded plastic. The DC-powered clock drive runs for more than 20 hours on eight common AA-size batteries. The clock drive tracks the sky quite accurately after it has been properly initialized. Consumers should note, however, that since the tube is longer than the fork arms, the telescope cannot swing all the way through the mount. This could limit the telescope's ability to look low in the sky, depending on how and where you have it set up. What that point is exactly will depend on the angle at which the ETX is tilted for polar alignment, but it worsens as you head south. I also feel that the plastic fork mounting is just barely solid enough to support the weight of the telescope. It is certainly not strong enough to hold both it and a camera. Overall, despite the weaknesses mentioned above, the ETX90EC is a well-made instrument and has an amazingly low price. Computer tracking and slewing coupled with outstanding optics in such a compact package would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. Yet, here it is. -Phil Harrington, author of Star Ware Pros: Outstanding optics Compact size Amazing value for the money Accurate computer control and tracking Cons: Poor finderscope Weak plastic mounting Focusing knob very close to eyepiece Small aperture only suitable for the brightest sky targets This telescope includes a free Autostar computer controller and deluxe field tripod with this ETX-90EC-a value of $349. And with the ETX-90EC, Meade brings a serious telescope into the price range of the casual consumer. The ETX-90EC Astro offers extraordinary optics at an affordable price. It combines a high-resolution optical design and diffraction-limited imaging with microprocessor-controlled, precise celestial-object tracking, all in a nicely styled, highly portable package. The Autostar controller turns the ETX-90EC into an automatic celestial-object locating system. Just plug the Autostar into the telescope's HBX port in place of the standard-equipment electronic controller, do a quick telescope alignment, and you're ready to observe any object in the Autostar's 30,000-object database. The UHTC Difference Each time light encounters a mirror (above) or lens (below), some light is lost. In the case of a lens, light is lost at both the entrance to and exit from the lens. UHTC dramatically decreases this light loss. Image brightness in a telescope is crucially dependent on the reflectivity of the telescope's mirrors and on the transmission of its lenses. Neither of these processes, mirror-reflectivity or lens-transmission, is, however, perfect; light loss occurs in each instance where light is reflected or transmitted. Uncoated glass, for example, reflects about 4% of the light impacting it; in the case of an uncoated lens 4% of the light is lost at entrance to and at exit from the lens, for a total light loss of about 8%. Meade standard mirror and lens coatings equal or exceed the reflectivity and transmission, respectively, of virtually any optical coatings currently offered in the commercial telescope industry. Ultra-High Transmission coatings (UHTC), recently developed at the Meade Irvine coatings facility, however, have permitted the vacuum-deposition of a series of exotic optical coatings precisely tuned to optimize the visual, photographic, and CCD imaging performance of Meade telescopes. This telescope includes primary and secondary mirrors coated with aluminum enhanced with a complex stack of multi-layer coatings of titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide. The thickness of each coating layer is precisely controlled to within 1% of optimal thickness. The result is a dramatic increase in mirror reflectivity across the entire visible spectrum; at the important hydrogen-alpha wavelength of 656nm. - the predominant wavelength of emission nebulae - reflectivity is increased from 89% to over 97%. This telescope presents dramatically brighter images on the full range of celestial objects — from emission and planetary nebulae such as M8, M20, and M57 to star clusters and galaxies such as M3, M13, and M101. Observations of the Moon and planets, since they are observed in reflected (white) sunlight, benefit in image brightness from the full spectrum of increased transmission. And more The ETX-90EC also includes high-torque DC motors on both telescope axes, permitting electronic operation from the handheld controller. This pushbutton electronic controller has four dual-axis drive speeds: slow, 8x for image centering at high power; medium, 32x for image centering at lower power or for pushbutton tracking in altazimuth mode; moderate, 0. 75 degrees per second for image centering in the viewfinder or for terrestrial tracking; and fast, 5 degrees per second for fast scanning across the sky. The Meade ETX-90EC is specially designed to be portable and used in the field. It offers cordless operation, allowing you to use the telescope's dual-axis drive system for more than 40 hours on eight AA batteries. At approximately 8 pounds, and 15 inches in length, it packs a lot of power into a compact unit. The ETX-90EC uses a 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design. Meade also uses EMC super-multicoatings on all optical surfaces to maximize light transmission through the corrector lens and reflectance from the primary and secondary mirrors. The flip-mirror system allows for 90-degree observation of land and sky objects, straight-through observation using the optional 45-degree erecting prism, or photo-ready imaging using the optional T-adapter and your own 35mm camera. The Nuts and Bolts 1. Eyepiece 2. Viewfinder 3. Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrew - Tightens the eyepiece in place. 4. 90° Eyepiece Holder - Holds the eyepiece upright for easy viewing. 5. 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. 6. Vertical Lock - Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope. 7. Fork Arms - Hold the optical tube in place. 8. Focus Knob - Moves the telescope’s optical tube in a finely-controlled motion to achieve precise image focus. 9. Horizontal Lock - Controls the manual horizontal rotation of the telescope. 10. Computer Control Panel A. ON/OFF Switch. B. Auxiliary Ports - Provide connection for current and future Meade accessories. C. Handbox (HBX) Port - for the Electronic Controller or the optional Autostar handbox. D. The 12v connector, designed to accept an external power supply such as the optional AC Adapter or Power Cord. E. LED power indicator light. 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 - See your tripod’s instruction sheet for mounting information. 13. Right Ascension (R. A. ) Setting Circle. 14. Flip-Mirror and Flip-Mirror Control Knobs - ETX telescopes include an internal mirror. With the flipmirror control in the "up" position, light is diverted to the eyepiece. With the flipmirror control in the "down" position, as shown in Fig. 2b, light proceeds straight out the photo port for photography. 15. Photo Port - Attach any 35mm camera with a removable lens to this port using an optional adapter. 16. Declination Setting Circle (on left fork arm). 17. Viewfinder Alignment Screws - adjust these screws to align the viewfinder. 18. Viewfinder Alignment Bracket. 19. Dust Cap 20. Battery Compartment (not shown, underneath base).

In the case of a lens, light is lost at both the entrance to and exit from the lens. UHTC dramatically decreases this light loss. Image brightness in a telescope is crucially dependent on the reflectivity of the telescope's mirrors and on the transmission of its lenses. Neither of these processes, mirror-reflectivity or lens-transmission, is, however, perfect; light loss occurs in each instance where light is reflected or transmitted. Uncoated glass, for example, reflects about 4% of the light impacting it; in the case of an uncoated lens 4% of the light is lost at entrance to and at exit from the lens, for a total light loss of about 8%. Meade standard mirror and lens coatings equal or exceed the reflectivity and transmission, respectively, of virtually any optical coatings currently offered in the commercial telescope industry. Ultra-High Transmission coatings (UHTC), recently developed at the Meade Irvine coatings facility, however, have permitted the vacuum-deposition of a series of exotic optical coatings precisely tuned to optimize the visual, photographic, and CCD imaging performance of Meade telescopes. This telescope includes primary and secondary mirrors coated with aluminum enhanced with a complex stack of multi-layer coatings of titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide. The thickness of each coating layer is precisely controlled to within 1% of optimal thickness. The result is a dramatic increase in mirror reflectivity across the entire visible spectrum; at the important hydrogen-alpha wavelength of 656nm. - the predominant wavelength of emission nebulae - reflectivity is increased from 89% to over 97%. This telescope presents dramatically brighter images on the full range of celestial objects — from emission and planetary nebulae such as M8, M20, and M57 to star clusters and galaxies such as M3, M13, and M101. Observations of the Moon and planets, since they are observed in reflected (white) sunlight, benefit in image brightness from the full spectrum of increased transmission. And more The computer-driven Autostar controller makes it easy to find 30,000 celestial objects. Just plug the Autostar into the telescope's HBX port in place of the standard-equipment electronic controller, do a quick telescope alignment, and you're ready to observe any object in the Autostar's 30,000-object database. ETX optical systems include a Maksutov meniscus corrector lens of Grade-A BK7 optical glass. High-transmission magnesium fluoride (MgF2) coatings on both sides of the correcting lens, as well as aluminum-silicon monoxide coatings on the primary and secondary mirrors, are provided as standard equipment. Use the standard pushbutton electronic controller at any of four dual-axis speeds: 8x sidereal for image centering in the main telescope at high power; 32x for image centering at lower powers or for pushbutton object tracking in the altazimuth mode; slow mode for image centering in the viewfinder or for terrestrial tracking of nature and sightseeing; or medium speed for fast slewing across the sky. The observer can instantly select any of these speeds simply by depressing the speed button on the controller. The telescope’s ultraportable design allows the viewer to view from any flat surface, be it a window sill, car hood, or picnic table. The optional tripod can raise the telescope to any comfortable height. The Nuts and Bolts 1. Eyepiece 2. Viewfinder 3. Eyepiece Holder Thumbscrew - Tightens the eyepiece in place. 4. 90° Eyepiece Holder - Holds the eyepiece upright for easy viewing. 5. 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. 6. Vertical Lock - Controls the manual vertical movement of the telescope. 7. Fork Arms - Hold the optical tube in place. 8. Focus Knob - Moves the telescope’s optical tube in a finely-controlled motion to achieve precise image focus. 9. Horizontal Lock - Controls the manual horizontal rotation of the telescope. 10. Computer Control Panel A. ON/OFF Switch. B. Auxiliary Ports - Provide connection for current and future Meade accessories. C. Handbox (HBX) Port - for the Electronic Controller or the optional Autostar handbox. D. The 12v connector, designed to accept an external power supply such as the optional AC Adapter or Power Cord. E. LED power indicator light. 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 - See your tripod’s instruction sheet for mounting information. 13. Right Ascension (R. A. ) Setting Circle. 14. Flip-Mirror and Flip-Mirror Control Knobs - ETX telescopes include an internal mirror. With the flipmirror control in the "up" position, light is diverted to the eyepiece. With the flipmirror control in the "down" position, as shown in Fig. 2b, light proceeds straight out the photo port for photography. 15. Photo Port - Attach any 35mm camera with a removable lens to this port using an optional adapter. 16. Declination Setting Circle (on left fork arm). 17. Viewfinder Alignment Screws - adjust these screws to align the viewfinder. 18. Viewfinder Alignment Bracket. 19. Dust Cap 20. Battery Compartment (not shown, underneath base).