I've set aside a budget of 1500$ for my first scope, including all accessories. I'm familiar with sky charts, binoculars and other stuff. I live in this sub-urban light-polluted area where you need a trip to the beach for clear skies. So I've ruled out dobs. I also have an interest in photography and wildlife. I own a DSLR. So my scope has to support casual astrophotography and terrestrial viewing. I know it's too much to ask from a scope of 1000 bucks, but I'm sure I'm gonna upgrade my equipment as my passion grows.

I'm considering the Meade ETX 125PE because it's quite portable, and can double up as a spotting scope. I've contacted a few stores in NJ, but they don't stock the 125PE. Is it safe to purchase from an online store? Which store offers best service? Is there a chance of damage via UPS shipping? I would appreciate any feedback from owners of the ETX.

Dragunov:

I've set aside a budget of 1500$ for my first scope, including all accessories.

That's a very nice starter budget!

I live in this sub-urban light-polluted area where you need a trip to the beach for clear skies. So I've ruled out dobs.

An 8-inch dob is quite portable, even in small cars, but I understand. It would not be a great choice for terrestrial observing.

I also have an interest in photography and wildlife. I own a DSLR. So my scope has to support casual astrophotography and terrestrial viewing.

I'm not sure how well the ETX 125 is going to serve you for DSLR astrophotography, since it's an alt-az mount. For long-exposure photography you'll want to wedge-mount it (adding significantly to the cost). But it will be excellent for webcam lunar and planetary astrophotography, or photography using something like the DSI (again, adding significantly to your budget).

I'm considering the Meade ETX 125PE because it's quite portable, and can double up as a spotting scope.

Bingo on both counts. In addition, I've used several of these and they all had excellent optics.

Is it safe to purchase from an online store?

Depending on the store and how you choose to pay, yes.

Which store offers best service?

I can tell you of several which have provided me excellent prices and service:

• OPT: Oceanside Photo and Telescope
• HandsOn Optics
• Astronomics
• Adorama
• Anacortes
• Amazon (yes, they do sell telescopes and binoculars)

Is there a chance of damage via UPS shipping?

Absolutely. This is what insurance is for ... you should insure your shipment for 1.5X its actual replacement value, to cover handling charges, phone calls, and any incidental costs you might incur in pursuit of a claim. Sometimes you can buy shipping insurance from the seller, and other times you can only get it from the shipper. Be sure to read the fine print ...

I'll add two more reputable vendors: Skies Unlimited and Highpoint Scientific.

Dave Mitsky

Thanks for the valuable insight guys. Can hardly wait to lay my hands on the beauty. Will keep you posted.

Regards.

You may find some of the following links in a recent post of mine helpful: 

There are a number of links on urban astronomy posted at http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=ss&id=152

Open clusters and high surface brightness planetary nebulae are the best deep-sky targets for city observers, although a number of globular clusters and some bright emission nebulae such as M8 and M42 and galaxies like M31 and M81 can also be seen.

Here are some lists of deep-sky objects that are visible from cities:

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/projects/3074841.html

http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/urban/urbanld.html

http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=4744

Dave Mitsky

DaveMitsky:

You may find some of the following links in a recent post of mine helpful: 

There are a number of links on urban astronomy posted at http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=ss&id=152

Those quality articles make me want to subscribe to Astronomy magazine.

DaveMitsky:

Here are some lists of deep-sky objects that are visible from cities:

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/objects/projects/3074841.html

http://www.astroleague.org/al/obsclubs/urban/urbanld.html

http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=4744

Those links were very enlightening. Thanks for the help. I'm gonna love this community.

I second that motion: subscribe! Check with your local astronomy club, if there is one ... they often offer discounts.

Thnx pal. Its not the scope that matters, its how you put it to use. Clear skies!

You have made a good choice! I have had my ETX 125 for 6 years now, and I love it. It is the classic blue/purple tube. I too live in suburban, light polluted surroundings. The scope is shipped in well protected packaging. But I guess you never know. But that goes for any scope. The optics of the ETX 125 are fantastic. Star clusters and doubles are like jewels. Planets will keep you going back for more. And when the next good comet comes around, you will be glad you have an ETX 125. A great web site to go to (after this one of course) is Mike Weasner's Mighty ETX. It is the holy grail for the ETX.

Enjoy your purchase!

I've been to Weasner's ETX website and read user observation reports. They were so heartening, except for a few users complaining about GoTo. Not one complaint about the optics though. Hope my scope arrives in good shape!

Just follow the directions on setting up telescope and autostar. If you need to, go to Weasners site for setup hints and other help. Most of those user complaints are from not setting up correctly. For example, not calibrating and training scope properly. It's really not too hard. Hope you get it soon. I remember waiting for mine.