Meade ext-125 at setup

The ETX Observer has a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design for pinpoint star images and extraordinary contrast, making it a great deep-sky performer and ideal for detailed lunar and planetary observation. The ETX Observer also includes a stable but portable full-size steel tripod with dual-fork mount and equatorial EQ tilt plate - allowing for polar alignment, which is ideal for astrophotography. This model has an internal flip mirror to let light focus to the rear of the telescope instead of the mirror reflecting the light degrees to the eyepiece , allowing attachment of a camera on the back of the scope - adapters sold separately.

Approximate assembled weight: 25 lbs. Enjoy detailed, close-up views of the Moon and planets, and be amazed by the stunning views of star clusters, nebulae, and more! Go ahead, start exploring! Be the first to review this product. Once I got the ends aligned it went in fine. The only real difference that might matter to some users i. The adjustable height tripod allows for using the telescope sitting down or standing up.

I normally use my ETX telescopes while sitting down, so did not extend the tripod legs. After setting up the telescope I returned to the house to read through the manual. The big difference with the AudioStar vs the older AutoStar is the addition of Meade's Astronomer Inside with audio content for over objects.

For those new to viewing the night sky and the objects visible in a telescope, these audio descriptions will be fun and educational. For experienced amateur astronomers the audio content will likely not be needed and can be turned off. That discovery is left to the user but I'll tell you how in the "First Light" section on page 2 of this review.

However, most users will never need to remove the OTA from the fork arms. So even when the sky is still too bright to see the North Star Polaris or it is hidden by an obstruction, you can still begin the alignment process by using the supplied magnetic compass and selecting Magnetic North on the AudioStar. When mounting in Equatorial Polar mode the manual Appendix D is less clear about the "home position".

Two figures 28 and 29 both show positions for "polar alignment" but the captions are the same in both figures. And neither figure is described as the Polar "Home Position". Figure 29 shows the correct position. The manual notes that the ETX has an "internal time chip" and so will know the date and time on first power up.

Of course, that would need to be corrected for your location. Surprisingly, there is no such time chip in the newer ETX model; I had to input the current date and time on each power-up. The manual includes a brief discussion of the rear "photo port" on the ETX models, which has been on every ETX model since It says this is where you attach a "35mm camera".

Hey Meade, it is past time to update the manual to remove the references to a 35mm camera! Anyone still using 35mm cameras?