The scope at Sam's Club is actually a 114EQ-DH4. Since it appeared to be quite a bit like the DS114-EC, I called the Meade customer service line to check. I learned that the telescope is the same except for the .965" focuser, but that if you request Meade will send what is needed to use 1.25" eyepieces for free. Although the eyepieces are .965", three are included (H 25mm, H 12.5mm, and SR 4mm) plus a 3X Barlow. The included Starfinder controller contains the same software as the 495 Autostar controller, available as an option for the DS114. The Starfinder controller omits the direct entry numeric keys, but still allows entry of coordinates by scrolling to the numbers. The 114EQ comes with a 5X24 rather than 6X30 finder scope. The biggest difference between the two packages is that the 114EQ comes with an equitorial mount rather than the altazimuth found on the DS114. I have purchased the outfit from Sam's, but have had cloudy nights since. All in all the 114EQ seems to be an incredible value, $244 complete with the GOTO controller, compared to $399 for the DS114 plus $99 for the controller. When I questioned the price while talking to the Meade CSR, he pointed out that in the telescope trade a company is lucky to receive orders in pallet size quantities, but Sam's ordered many truckloads.

• I just purchased a DS-114EC for $200 - bobrae1013 - December 27, 2001 - 05:07 UTC