Bob,
Here are a few things that a beginners telescope should offer:
. If it is a refractor the main optics should be at least 70mm aperature which gives it enough light gathering to see the Moon, planets and some galaxies as well as some brighter clusters and nebulas. Reflectors and catadioptrics 90mm.
. The type of mount, equatorial or altazimuth doesn't matter but the AZ is more practical. The main thing is that it should be stable
. A light tripod is dersireable but it has to be rigid, test this by grabbing the tripod near the mount and try twisting it from left to right, it should be solid.
. The eyepieces should be 1.25" and the low power eyepiece should have at least 1.5 degree field of view.
. Don't listen to any hype that refers to 500x magnification....remember aperature size is the important point. More aperature, the more light gathering ability.
Now with reference to the Meade 114EQ-DH4. Go to http://www.skypub.com and click on test reports, read the article on the DS series of Meade telescopes. You won't be disappointed. Clear skies!

• Re: Re: 1st telescope - Meade 114EQ-DH4 or ETX 60 or 90??? Help Please - sweed - November 20, 2000 - 17:55 UTC