The scope in question is really no mre than a spotter scope. My finder on my 6" refractor is 50mm. If money is an object (like for most of us) then investing in a large pair of binoculars is a good way to begin star gazing. There are many kinds to choose from that are less or as much as $100. As for Meade...let`s just say that their smaller scopes lack quality. Another way is to save your bucks and then come asking around for larger scopes id you are a patient person. Try looking at binoculars first. They`re pretty much maintenance free and they are decent for casual star gazing on a lawn chair. Good Luck!!

Orion Telescopes & Binoculars