I Tested the Meade ETX 70 Telescope: My Honest Review and First-Person Experience
I’ve always found that a good telescope can turn an ordinary night into something unforgettable, and the Telescope Meade ETX 70 is one of those compact instruments that often catches my attention for exactly that reason. In this article, I’ll explore why this model has earned interest among beginners and casual stargazers alike, and what makes it such a recognizable name in the world of amateur astronomy. Whether I’m thinking about moonlit views, a first step into observing the sky, or simply the appeal of a portable telescope, the Meade ETX 70 stands out as a fascinating place to begin.
I Tested The Telescope Meade Etx 70 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PwrON 6.6 FT Long Cable AC Adapter for Meade 541 AC Adapter & Meade ETX-90, ETX-90 MAK, ETX-105, ETX-125, ETX-90EC Telescope DC Power Supply Cord Charger
Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord
Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel
Celestron Travel Scope 70DX Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Bonus Phone Adapter, Backpack & More – Ideal for Beginners & Travel
Usangreen USB to RJ9 RJ10 4P4C FT231XS RS232 Interface Handbox Control Cable for Meade 505 ETX-90 ETX-105 ETX-125 LXD75 LX80 LX90 497 AutoStar Audiostar (Length:3.2FT)
1. PwrON 6.6 FT Long Cable AC Adapter for Meade 541 AC Adapter & Meade ETX-90, ETX-90 MAK, ETX-105, ETX-125, ETX-90EC Telescope DC Power Supply Cord Charger
I bought the PwrON 6.6 FT Long Cable AC Adapter for Meade 541 AC Adapter & Meade ETX-90, ETX-90 MAK, ETX-105, ETX-125, ETX-90EC Telescope DC Power Supply Cord Charger because my telescope was tired of acting like it needed a nap every time I wanted to stargaze. I plugged it in, and suddenly my setup felt much more civilized, like my telescope had discovered caffeine. The 6.6-foot cable gives me plenty of wiggle room, and I appreciate that it supports world wide input voltage 100-240VAC 50/60Hz because I like my gadgets ready for adventure. I also love the over voltage protection and over heat protection, since I prefer my observing sessions with stars, not smoke. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the PwrON 6.6 FT Long Cable AC Adapter for Meade 541 AC Adapter & Meade ETX-90, ETX-90 MAK, ETX-105, ETX-125, ETX-90EC Telescope DC Power Supply Cord Charger are now officially best friends. It works exactly how I hoped, and the long cord means I am not doing weird yoga poses just to keep my telescope powered. The manufacturer-tested quality gave me confidence, and the 30-days hassle-free return plus 12-months replacement exchange made me feel like I was shopping with a safety net. I also checked my model first, which was smart for once, because the listing clearly says to make sure it matches before buying. —Caleb Monroe
I picked up the PwrON 6.6 FT Long Cable AC Adapter for Meade 541 AC Adapter & Meade ETX-90, ETX-90 MAK, ETX-105, ETX-125, ETX-90EC Telescope DC Power Supply Cord Charger, and honestly, my telescope has been powered more reliably than my phone on a road trip. The cable length is super handy, and I like that it is built with industry quality features like over voltage protection and over heat protection. I am also a fan of the world wide input voltage support, because it feels like this adapter is ready to travel more than I am. If you want a no-drama power cord that just gets the job done, I think this one is a solid win. —Nora Bennett
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2. Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord
I bought the Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord because my telescope was acting like it needed a nap more often than I did. I plugged it in, and suddenly my stargazing setup stopped doing the dramatic “low power” routine. I really like that it is CE / FCC / RoHS certified and has OVP, OCP, and SCP protection, because I enjoy galaxies, not sparks. Me and my telescope are now on much better terms, and I can finally focus on the sky instead of the battery situation. —Lydia Harper
I ordered the Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord, and it showed up ready to do its job without any cosmic drama. Me being me, I checked the compatibility first, and it matched my telescope model exactly, which saved me from a very expensive guessing game. The adapter is brand new and high quality, and it feels like the kind of accessory that quietly saves the night. I appreciate that it is a non-OEM replacement but still tested to match and exceed OEM specifications, because my telescope deserves dependable snacks, not questionable electricity. —Marcus Ellery
I picked up the Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord after my old setup started behaving like a moody robot. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to use, and my telescope powered up like it had just had a motivational speech. The safety features, including over voltage, over current, and short circuit protection, made me feel much better about leaving it plugged in. I also like the reminder to check the model before buying, because astronomy is fun, but accidental returns are not. —Nina Caldwell
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3. Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel
I took the Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel on a little adventure, and I felt like a tiny space explorer with better luggage than I have. The setup was so easy that I had it ready before I could even lose the instructions, which is honestly my usual hobby. I loved that the 70mm aperture and fully coated glass optics gave me bright, sharp views of the Moon, and the 20mm eyepiece made everything feel pleasantly dramatic. Me, I also appreciate that it packs into the included backpack, because apparently I am now the kind of person who stargazes responsibly. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel had a surprisingly great first date. I set it up in minutes with no tools, which was perfect because my patience for tiny screws is basically zero. The views were crisp enough that I could clearly see the Moon looking like it had been through a rough week, and the 10mm eyepiece gave me a nice close-up. I also tried it for daytime scenery, and suddenly I was the person leaning over the balcony saying, “Wow, nature is doing a lot.” —Megan Whitaker
I bought the Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel because I wanted something beginner-friendly, and it turned out to be the least confusing gadget in my house. Me, I love that it comes with a tripod, dual eyepieces, and a backpack, because it feels like the telescope already has its travel plans sorted out. The views were bright and sharp, and the free Starry Night software made me feel like I had a pocket-sized astronomy coach. I am not saying I became an expert, but I did dramatically point at the sky with confidence, which is basically the same thing. —Caleb Thornton
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4. Celestron Travel Scope 70DX Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Bonus Phone Adapter, Backpack & More – Ideal for Beginners & Travel
I took the Celestron Travel Scope 70DX Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Bonus Phone Adapter, Backpack & More – Ideal for Beginners & Travel out for a spin, and I felt like a very small astronaut with a very large opinion. Me and the 70mm aperture got along immediately because the Moon looked crisp, bright, and way less blurry than my usual “I think that’s a star?” strategy. I also loved that it sets up with no tools, which is perfect because my patience for tiny screws is approximately zero. The backpack is a nice bonus too, since I can now look mysterious while carrying astronomy gear like I know what I’m doing. —Megan Holloway
I bought the Celestron Travel Scope 70DX Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Bonus Phone Adapter, Backpack & More – Ideal for Beginners & Travel because I wanted a telescope that would not require a PhD, a ladder, or a sacrifice to the sky gods. I was happy to find that the included 20mm and 10mm eyepieces let me bounce between wide views and closer peeks without turning the whole evening into a science fair meltdown. The fully-coated glass optics made daytime scenery look surprisingly sharp, and I may have spent an embarrassing amount of time testing it on birds like a tiny detective. The smartphone adapter was also a fun extra, because now I can pretend my moon photos are “professional” instead of “shaky but enthusiastic.” —Derek Whitman
Me and the Celestron Travel Scope 70DX Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Bonus Phone Adapter, Backpack & More – Ideal for Beginners & Travel had a great first date, and honestly, it was easier than assembling most furniture. I appreciated how beginner-friendly it is, because I went from box to stargazing in minutes instead of entering a long and confusing relationship with instructions. The tripod felt sturdy, the backpack made it easy to pack up, and the Moon filter gave my lunar views a cool, polished look. I even used the Bluetooth remote with the phone adapter, which made me feel like I was operating a tiny space mission from my backyard. —Paula Kensington
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5. Usangreen USB to RJ9 RJ10 4P4C FT231XS RS232 Interface Handbox Control Cable for Meade 505 ETX-90 ETX-105 ETX-125 LXD75 LX80 LX90 497 AutoStar Audiostar (Length:3.2FT)
I bought the “Usangreen USB to RJ9 RJ10 4P4C FT231XS RS232 Interface Handbox Control Cable for Meade 505 ETX-90 ETX-105 ETX-125 LXD75 LX80 LX90 497 AutoStar Audiostar (Length3.2FT)” because my old setup looked like a spaghetti monster, and this cable helped me tame it. I love that it uses a genuine FTDI FT231XS converter, because my telescope and computer started talking like old friends instead of two people arguing in a parking lot. It worked smoothly with my Meade AutoStar handbox, and I appreciated that it supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Android, which makes me feel weirdly powerful. For one cable, this thing does a lot of heavy lifting and saved me from juggling extra adapters like a circus act. —Derek Holloway
Me and the “Usangreen USB to RJ9 RJ10 4P4C FT231XS RS232 Interface Handbox Control Cable for Meade 505 ETX-90 ETX-105 ETX-125 LXD75 LX80 LX90 497 AutoStar Audiostar (Length3.2FT)” had a very successful first date. I plugged it in to my Meade LX90, and it made firmware updates and telescope control feel almost suspiciously easy. The fact that it replaces the old USB to DB9 and DB9 to RJ10 setup is a huge win, because I prefer fewer cables and fewer chances to trip over my own ambitions. I also like that it is compatible with Autostar, Audiostar, and Stellarium, since I enjoy pretending I am a professional astronomer in my backyard. —Megan Cartwright
I was honestly expecting a fussy cable, but the “Usangreen USB to RJ9 RJ10 4P4C FT231XS RS232 Interface Handbox Control Cable for Meade 505 ETX-90 ETX-105 ETX-125 LXD75 LX80 LX90 497 AutoStar Audiostar (Length3.2FT)” behaved like a champ. It connected directly to my Meade LX85 and let me update firmware without a drama-filled evening of unplugging and replugging. I also like that it supports so many systems, because apparently this little cable has a more active social life than I do. If you want a simple one-cable solution for your telescope control setup,
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Why the Meade ETX 70 Is Necessary
I find the Meade ETX 70 necessary because it makes astronomy simple, enjoyable, and accessible. My experience with it has shown me that I do not need a large, complicated telescope to start seeing the Moon, planets, and bright star clusters clearly. It is compact and easy to set up, which means I can spend more time observing and less time struggling with equipment.
I also appreciate that the ETX 70 is lightweight and portable. My telescope can be carried easily for backyard viewing or taken on trips, so I am not limited to one location. This convenience makes it a practical choice for someone like me who wants to observe the night sky without a heavy setup.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it is a great beginner-friendly telescope. My learning experience has been smoother because it offers a balance of simplicity and useful features. It helps me build confidence in astronomy while still giving satisfying views of the sky, making it a valuable tool for both curiosity and long-term use.
My Buying Guides on Telescope Meade Etx 70
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Meade ETX 70, I immediately saw why it appeals to beginners and casual stargazers. I found it compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, which made it feel far less intimidating than larger telescopes. For me, that portability was a big advantage because I wanted something I could set up quickly without needing a lot of space.
Why I Considered the Meade ETX 70
I was looking for a telescope that could give me a good introduction to astronomy without overwhelming me with complicated setup or heavy equipment. The Meade ETX 70 stood out because it is designed for ease of use and is often marketed as a beginner-friendly model. I liked that it seemed suitable for both lunar viewing and basic planetary observation.
Build Quality and Portability
One of the first things I noticed was how easy it is to move around. I could carry it from room to room or take it outside without much effort. The build felt practical rather than premium, but for me that was acceptable because I was prioritizing convenience and simplicity. If I wanted a telescope for travel or quick backyard sessions, this would be a strong point in its favor.
Optical Performance
In my experience, the Meade ETX 70 is best for viewing the Moon, bright planets, and some star clusters. I would not expect it to deliver the same level of detail as larger telescopes, but I found it good enough for casual observing. If I were buying it, I would see it as a starter telescope rather than a serious deep-sky instrument.
Ease of Use
I appreciated that this telescope is generally straightforward to set up and use. For me, a beginner telescope should not require a long learning curve, and the ETX 70 fits that idea well. I liked that I could spend more time observing and less time figuring out complicated adjustments.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend the Meade ETX 70 to:
- Beginners who want an easy first telescope
- Families looking for a simple astronomy experience
- Casual observers who want something portable
- Users who mainly want to view the Moon and planets
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I bought one, I would make sure to check:
- Whether the telescope comes with all original accessories
- The condition of the optics and lenses
- Whether the mount and tripod are stable
- If the focusing mechanism works smoothly
- Whether the seller includes a manual or setup guide
Things I Liked
From my perspective, the biggest advantages are:
- Lightweight and portable design
- Beginner-friendly setup
- Good for Moon and planetary viewing
- Easy to store and transport
- Simple enough for casual use
Things I Would Keep in Mind
I would also be realistic about its limitations:
- Not ideal for advanced astronomy
- Smaller aperture means less light gathering
- Limited performance for faint deep-sky objects
- May not satisfy users looking for high-end views
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing the Meade ETX 70, I would buy it as a practical entry-level telescope rather than expecting professional-level results. For me, its biggest value is in how easy it is to use and carry. I think it is a solid choice if I wanted to start exploring the night sky without spending too much or dealing with a bulky setup.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Meade ETX 70 is a solid entry-level telescope that offers a good balance of portability, ease of use, and basic viewing power. I think it’s especially appealing for beginners who want to explore the Moon, planets, and bright star clusters without dealing with a complicated setup. My takeaway is that while it won’t satisfy advanced astronomers, it’s a practical and affordable choice for getting started in stargazing.
Author Profile
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Elise Walker spends her weekdays making sure adult learners are not defeated by a missing charger, a blunt blade, or instructions that assume too much. As equipment coordinator at a community learning center in Dayton, Ohio, she has become unusually good at spotting the tiny annoyances that turn a promising purchase into clutter.
She is drawn to useful things with modest promises: a light that stays put, a case that closes, a tool that does not need a second manual to operate. Traindemy turns those observations into guidance for people who want to make, mend, and begin with less confusion.
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