Weasner's Meade DS Models User Feedback

DS MODELS USER FEEDBACK

Last updated: 28 July 2004

This page is for user comments and information specific to the Meade DS telescope models. Accessories and Feedback items appropriate to the ETX models are posted on other pages as appropriate. If you have any comments, suggestions, questions or answers to questions posed here, e-mail them to me and I'll post them. Please use an appropriate Subject Line on your message. Thanks.

Subject:	Beginners Book
Sent:	Monday, July 26, 2004 11:44:31
From:	sambrewca@bellsouth.net
I recently purchased a Meade DS2114ats and would like to expand my
knowledge or astronomy. If you had to recommend 1 book for a complete
novice with little to no expereince with astronomy, what book would you
recommend?

Also, I am very interested in viewing planets. What type of
quality/clarity can I expect out of my DS2114?

Thanks for your help and the excellent web site.
Joel

Mike here: One of the most popular books is "Turn Left at Orion" (see the Accessory Reviews: Books page). I have no direct experience with the DS models but others like what they see through it.

Subject:	scope question
Sent:	Thursday, July 22, 2004 11:15:41
From:	Ray (rayjay@mail.ccsinet.net)
Need a little info...hope that you have a moment to answer a question or
two.

Just recently purchased an old Meade 2045 SCT that looks like new. It
only came with the original portable legs that screw into the drive
base. Do you know where I can purchase a standard wedge and tripod for
this item or do you know if the deluxe field tripod for the ETX 125 will
work with this scope?

Thanks ahead of time,
Ray Clark

Subject:	Meade ETX-70AT vs. DS-2130AT
Sent:	Saturday, July 17, 2004 12:03:47
From:	Smith (catalyst7@comcast.net)
Happened upon your excellent site.

I am considering buying a telescope for my daughter [16] and I to use.
We live near the ocean 15 miles north of Boston We would use it off our
2nd floor deck-looking east and south [80% of time] or up in the NH
woods [20%]

1 I  have narrowed our choices down to two Meade scopes:

            ETX-70AT   refractor
            DS 2130AT reflector

Having the Autostar controller is a real plus for us.

2 Also do you have an opinion on buying factory refurbished units
directly from MEADE Which include full warranty coverage?

Current published refurb prices from Meade including shipping

            ETX- 70             $129
            DS2130             $158 

A few nicks don't bother us as long as the optics and reliability are
good.

I respect your knowledge and opinion.

Thanks

Morgan

Mike here: See my comments to "Whitey Stewart" further down this "DS, Older Models" feedback page. He was making the same comparison. Also, I suggest you look at the Helpful Information: User Observations page for some actual reports. Refurbs through Meade should be OK.

Subject:	DS2114ATS with Digital Camera
Sent:	Thursday, July 15, 2004 06:58:41
From:	sambrewca@bellsouth.net
I just purchased a Meade DS2114ATS. Is it possible to use this scope
with my Canon G3 digital camera? What quality photos can I expect using
a digital camera with my scope? Any information would be greatly
appreciated.

Thanks,
Joel

Mike here: Yes, you can use practically ANY digital camera with practically ANY telescope. See the Helpful Information: Astrophotography page for lots of info.

Subject:	buying advise
Sent:	Friday, July 9, 2004 10:22:46
From:	Whitey Stewart (wstewart@wfol.net)
I am going to purchase a telescope to use with my sons.  I have read
many of the posts.  If choosing between  a ds2114at and a etx-70 which
is the better camera in the long run for quality? I do not know the
extent of viewing we will get in to. I presume viewing of the plants
will be the start.  Should I bite the bullet and spend more for a
etx-90. My dad always said you get what you pay for......Preston Stewart

Mike here: Before buying any telescope you should consider just WHAT you expect to do with it and what your expectations are for the views. Too small a telescope and you might be disappointed, which would mean the telescope ends up in the closet. Too large a telescope might be too cumbersome for you to set up and use. There is quite a bit of difference in capabilities between the ETX-70 and the DS-2114AT. The ETX-90 makes a nice compact telescope with pleasing views.

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