Telescopes (Meade ETX 70 & Skylux) in Lidl Monday 22nd N

Hi Cathy


Ok fair enough you don’t agree with me.

I’m only saying what I feel no one can argue about that. As for that scope again I see nothing mentioned about it being a Meade..all it says is…….computer telescope!!

Now….if it is a Meade why not have the name there? But if it turns out to be a Meade in disguise please except my apologies. But as I see it to my eyes it’s a junk scope. I cant say no more than that its just my opinion that’s all. If im wrong about this……again except my apologies.

Has anybody seen it yet? Is it a Meade or something else?

Orion

Orion - yes, it *is* a Meade - you can see the Meade badge (on the scope)in the photo and as far as I know, no-one else other than Meade sells a scope with a model number 'ETX-70'.

This is not a 'junk scope' but neither is it a top end fluorite apo. Most certainly what it is, is cheap and value for money. Seems there are real bargains to be had these days! Fair play to Lidl.

Al - Takahashi at Tesco? Who knows... :shock:

Cheers

Dave

Orion,
Just to confirm, it is definetly a Meade telescope. It shows that on the pic of the hand controller which is linked on Page 1 of this message. I admit, the picture could be clearer but been the owner of a Meade telescope myself, I can confirm that the writing does say "Meade" and the title "ETX-70" would be legally protected by Meade anyway, as Dave said.
I can understand where you're coming from with regard to the optical quality of the whole thing and whether to recommend it or not. I think most of us here know that this little telescope is not very big nor does it have the most amazing quality optics. Rather, it's quite a good deal for a small telescope with reasonable (not brilliant nor rubbish) optics and goto capability.
Like any telescope, it's always a compromise. You've probably noticed another thread where Dave is considering the purchase of an Astrophysics telescope. In terms of optical quality, they have a reputation for producing the best quality telescopes. However, they ain't cheap.
On the other side there's Tasco. Most of us know that the quality of Tasco products would be, well, how will I say this politely...not very good! However, they cost very little. Very often it's these scopes that are featured in department store and chemists' shop windows and often find their way into Santa's sleigh at Christmas. As you correctly pointed out, they are not very good and should not be recommended.
Ultimately, it's always a case of each person trying to get the best value scope for their budget but without buying complete rubbish either. Either of the two telescope featured in Lidl would make a fine gift for a child (or adult) this Christmas.

Ok all.

You’ve decided that im the black sheep of the family so to speak!!

So it’s a Meade then…I didn’t say it was or it wasn’t all it said was computer telescope. Now as it was said that it’s a Meade why not mention it on the website? wouldn’t lidl be proud to be selling something from Meade!!

Look………im just a bit suspicious of it all. Its Ireland only(republic) why is this how come the telescope shops that sell this model aren’t selling it at that price? Surley Meade would give priority to them over lidls it doesn’t make sense. Unless there so called factory rejects? As Cathy said Meade is not a junk scope, I never said it was, what I did say was the scope in general was junk. I didn’t see any Meade logo or name all I saw was an imitation of a Meade. Am I so wrong to call it a junk scope……I think not.

Im just stating a fact from 25 years of knowledge in astronomy and reading articles about telescopes and where not to buy them on advice from the pros. I might not own a good telescope yet but that doesn’t mean to say im talking out of my backside. They all advise to keep away from such places, now lidls is selling this scope everyone is rushing to buy it from a supermarket….are you getting my drift yet? Sorry to be blunt but it’s the truth. Look at any astronomy website they say the same thing. Well all I can say is I hope it’s a good scope for the beginner and they wont be disappointed in it…….I really do. Its ok for you with experience you will find use for it but for the beginner I think it wouldn’t be suitable.

Orion.

Orion - I'm sure no-one here would vilify you for expressing your opinion. And in no way would anyone think of you as a black sheep!

Expressing opinions and requesting the opinions of others is the reason that this is such a great forum.

I can see exactly where you are coming from - all the mags and most astronomers tell you to run a mile from any high-street stores flogging any kind of optical instrument. And quite rightly so. If you are going to buy specialist equipment, then you go to the specialist equipment shop - right? There you can get advice on choices and after-sales support. You also get a route to take if things go wrong. And you get access to accesories.

Of course, even within the specialist shops, there are some that some some kinds of equipment, and others that sell other kinds of equipment. There would also be a range of quality in terms of advice and after-sales service.

All in all - if you are going to invest a substantial part of your budget on specialist equipment then you need to do the research and invest it through a reputable dealer.

Here's the crunch though - it just so happens that, on the face of it, Lidl are offering a scope of known pedigree at a very competitive price. Lidl are not a specialist astonomy shop. I'm sure that you will get no advice from the sales assistant at the store and I'm sure the after sales service will be limited to their refund policy/procedure - you won't be buying a Televue Nagler from them for sure or asking them if they can help you upgrade the software...

On the face of it, you can go into Lidl on Monday and get an ETX-70 at a great price and use it for whatever purpose you want. But, buyer beware. And by the way, that goes for specialist dealers in astronomy equipment too! We could all think of a dealer or supplier where we've gotten a bum deal in the past or perhaps paid way over the odds.

But as I said before, you do the research and make your choice.

Luckily, the posters on this board have done most of the research for us all. So now its a case of deciding to nip over to the cash machine and head for Lidl, or not.

You make some very good points and your opinion really does matter. You will not be considered a 'black sheep', at least not by me. And I may not always agree with your opinion or the opinion of others. But I would absolutely defend your right to always express it at all times!

So - keep 'em coming!

Cheers

Dave

Hi its me again!!

I just want to post this for people that cant understand what im saying. This is my argument about junk telescopes in unqualified shops whatever make it is. Have a look at this site and come back and tell me that im still wrong about what ive been saying. Im only talking for the beginners here like myself who’s looking for there first telescope.

I will let you judge for yourselves. All this is aimed at the beginner….if it was me I would save the money for something better after all if your not happy with it? that’s your money gone and your left with a scope that you wont like anymore. Its your choice im only offering a bit of advise. If you got your heart set on buying it then go ahead it could turn out to be a first class scope? www.backyardastronomer.com/pages/scopes.html

This is one of many sites that advise beginners what not to do. that’s all ive been saying in my posts. But it seems like ive upset people in the way ive mentioned this scope.

Ps……to me this is still a supermarket selling telescopes that’s why im still calling it a junk scope. Whatever brand is stamped on it.

Thanks for putting up with me

Orion.