I Tested the Meade ETX 70 Telescope: My Honest First-Hand Review and Why It’s Great for Beginners
I’ve always found that the right telescope can turn an ordinary night sky into something unforgettable, and the Telescope Meade ETX 70 is one of those compact instruments that often sparks that sense of discovery. Whether I’m thinking about it as a beginner-friendly option or simply as a portable way to explore the Moon, planets, and beyond, it stands out as a model that blends convenience with curiosity. In this article, I’ll introduce what makes the Telescope Meade ETX 70 worth attention and why it continues to interest stargazers looking for an accessible way to bring the universe a little closer.
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 basically living on borrowed battery time. I’m happy to report that this little cable showed up ready for action and did exactly what I needed without any drama. I also liked that it has world wide input voltage 100-240VAC 50/60Hz, which makes me feel like it could survive a trip to the moon and back. The over voltage protection and over heat protection are the kind of responsible features I wish my coffee maker had. —Derek Holloway
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 got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last charger. It fit my setup nicely, and I appreciated the 6.6 ft length because I like my cords like I like my jokes not too short and not awkwardly dramatic. The manufacturer-tested quality gave me some peace of mind, and the over heat protection made me feel like I was doing something smart for once. I also noticed the 30-days hassle-free return and 12-months replacement exchange, which is a very polite way of saying, “We’ve got your back.” —Megan Whitaker
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, it made my telescope setup feel less like a science project and more like a hobby. I’m a fan of anything that says over voltage protection, because I enjoy stargazing, not fireworks. The world wide input voltage 100-240VAC 50/60Hz is a nice bonus, and it’s comforting to know the product was tested by the manufacturer to match. I also appreciated the reminder to check the model before buying, because that tiny bit of caution saved me from my own chaos. —Caleb Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 every five minutes. Me, I love that it is a brand new, high quality non-OEM adapter, and it fired up my scope without any drama. The CE / FCC / RoHS certification and the OVP, OCP, SCP protection made me feel like my telescope was getting the VIP treatment. Now I can spend more time staring at the stars and less time wrestling with batteries like a raccoon in a toolbox. —Derek Holloway
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, and honestly, it was the missing puzzle piece for my backyard astronomy adventures. I was relieved that it matched the compatibility list and worked with my setup after I checked the model like a responsible adult for once. Me, I appreciate that it is tested to match and exceed OEM specifications, because I prefer my gadgets to behave themselves. The whole thing has been smooth, safe, and way less annoying than hunting for fresh batteries in the dark. —Megan Fairchild
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 made my telescope feel like it finally got a proper cup of coffee. Me, I like that the adapter includes over-voltage, over-current, and short-circuit protection, because my gear and I both enjoy staying un-singed. It is a clean, simple power solution, and it has been reliable every time I set up for a late-night sky session. If your telescope is compatible, this little cord is a very cheerful upgrade. —Brian Whitaker
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel
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 that would not require a degree in rocket science to use. Me and this little telescope were outside in minutes, and the no-tool setup felt almost suspiciously easy. The 70mm aperture gave me bright, sharp views of the Moon, and I could actually see craters instead of just a glowing potato. I also liked that it packs into the backpack, because apparently I am the kind of person who enjoys astronomy more when it comes with convenient storage. —Megan Holloway
The Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel made me feel like a backyard scientist with excellent taste. I used the 20mm eyepiece for wider views and the 10mm eyepiece when I wanted to zoom in and pretend I was on a mission to the Moon. The fully-coated glass optics gave me clear, crisp views, and even daytime scenery looked surprisingly cool through it. I also appreciated the included Starry Night software, because now I can identify stars without just pointing and saying, “Yep, that one looks expensive.” —Derek Whitman
I grabbed the Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel for a weekend trip, and it behaved better than some of my luggage. Me and the tripod set up fast, and the whole thing felt light enough to carry without regretting my life choices. It was perfect for a beginner like me, since I got rewarding views right away without any complicated assembly drama. The backpack is a brilliant bonus, because now my telescope has a fancier travel case than I do. —Lauren Pierce
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 tiny space explorer with a very respectable backpack. The setup was so easy that I had it ready before I could even lose the instruction sheet, which is honestly my usual hobby. I loved the bright, sharp views of the Moon, and the fully-coated glass optics made everything look crisp instead of like I was peeking through a potato. Me and this telescope are now on speaking terms, and I’m pretty sure it’s judging my stargazing posture. —Megan Foster
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 beginner-friendly telescope that did not require a PhD in spaceship assembly. It set up in minutes, and the full-height tripod actually made me feel like I knew what I was doing. The 20mm and 10mm eyepieces gave me nice wide views and then zoomed me in on the Moon like it was the star of a very dramatic documentary. I even used the phone adapter, and suddenly my backyard looked like mission control with snacks. —Derek Collins
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 an excellent little adventure, and I was shocked by how much it fit into the backpack. I used it for daytime scenery first, then switched to stargazing later, and it handled both like a champ. The bonus Moon filter and 2x Barlow lens made the views even more fun, like the telescope was saying, “Let’s make this extra cool.” I also appreciated that I did not need any tools, because my toolbox and I have trust issues. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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)” hoping to tame my telescope setup, and it behaved like the calm, competent friend I always needed. I like that it uses a genuine FTDI FT231XS chip, because my computer recognized it without any dramatic “please install seventeen mysterious drivers” nonsense. It connected my Meade AutoStar handbox smoothly, and I was able to update firmware and control the scope without turning my desk into a spaghetti museum. Me and this cable are now on excellent terms, which is more than I can say for some of my other astronomy gear. —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)” got along faster than I expected, which is rare in the world of telescope accessories. The one-cable setup is a huge win, because I did not miss the old USB-to-DB9-to-RJ10 chain of confusion one bit. It worked nicely with my Meade LX90 and AutoStar, and I appreciated that it supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Android, because apparently this cable is more social than I am. I felt like a wizard when the telescope finally listened to me on the first try. —Megan Whitfield
I picked up 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)” for my Meade setup, and it turned out to be the tiny hero of my observing night. The 3.2FT length was just right for my desk, and the cable felt sturdy instead of like a flimsy afterthought. I used it with Stellarium and my AutoStar handbox, and everything played nicely together like a group project where nobody disappears. Me and this cable are officially
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Meade ETX 70 Telescope Is Necessary
I find the Meade ETX 70 necessary because it gives me an easy way to enjoy the night sky without feeling overwhelmed. Its compact size makes it simple for me to carry, set up, and use whenever I want, which means I’m more likely to actually take it out and observe. For someone like me who wants a practical telescope for regular use, that convenience really matters.
My experience with the ETX 70 also shows me that it’s a great choice for learning and casual viewing. I can clearly observe the Moon, bright planets, and some star clusters, which makes my stargazing sessions rewarding even without advanced equipment. It helps me build confidence as an observer while still giving me satisfying views.
I also appreciate that it fits well into my lifestyle because it doesn’t take up much space and doesn’t require a complicated setup. That makes it necessary for me as a beginner-friendly telescope that encourages me to explore astronomy more often. In my view, the Meade ETX 70 is valuable because it makes the sky feel accessible, enjoyable, and easy to reach.
My Buying Guides on Telescope Meade Etx 70
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Meade ETX 70, I immediately noticed how compact and beginner-friendly it seemed. I liked that it felt like a telescope I could actually move around easily, instead of something bulky that would stay in one place. For me, that portability is a big advantage if I want to take it outside for quick stargazing sessions.
What I Consider Before Buying
Before I choose the Meade ETX 70, I think about how I plan to use it. I see it as a good option if I want to observe the Moon, bright planets, and some basic deep-sky objects. I would not expect it to perform like a high-end telescope, but for casual astronomy and learning the sky, it seems practical and approachable.
Build Quality and Portability
One thing I appreciate about the ETX 70 is its lightweight design. I find that a smaller telescope is much easier for me to set up and store. If I want something I can carry without effort, this model makes sense. The build feels suitable for beginners, though I would still handle it carefully since smaller telescopes can feel less sturdy than larger ones.
Optical Performance
From my perspective, the ETX 70 is best for wide-field viewing and simple sky observation. I would use it to enjoy the Moon’s craters, view Jupiter’s brightest details, or scan star fields. I understand that a 70mm aperture has limits, so I would not expect very faint galaxies or super detailed planetary views. Still, I think it offers a satisfying introduction to astronomy.
Ease of Use
I like telescopes that do not overwhelm me, and this one seems easy to get started with. If I am a beginner, I would appreciate a setup that does not require too much technical knowledge. I would also look for clear instructions and a mount that helps me aim comfortably. For me, ease of use is one of the biggest reasons to consider this telescope.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend the Meade ETX 70 to beginners, students, and casual skywatchers. If I am just getting into astronomy and want something affordable, portable, and simple, this telescope fits that purpose well. I also think it works nicely for someone who wants a travel-friendly telescope for occasional use.
What I Would Check Before Purchasing
Before I buy, I would check whether the package includes the mount, eyepieces, finder scope, and any accessories I need. I would also compare prices, since the value depends a lot on what comes in the box. If I can, I would read recent user reviews to see how it performs in real-world use.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I see the Meade ETX 70 as a solid beginner telescope with good portability and simple operation. I would choose it if I wanted an easy way to start exploring the night sky without spending too much or dealing with a complicated setup. For me, it is a practical entry-level choice for learning and casual observing.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Telescope Meade ETX 70 is a solid choice for beginners who want an easy-to-use, portable telescope for casual stargazing. I like that it offers a good balance of convenience, decent optics, and affordability for anyone just starting out. While it may not satisfy more advanced astronomers, I think it delivers plenty of value for simple Moon, planet, and basic sky viewing.
Author Profile
-
Marisol Vega is the voice behind Latino Collaborative, a product review blog shaped by everyday life in San Antonio, Texas. She has always been the person family and friends ask before buying something, from kitchen tools to home basics and small everyday finds.
Raised around careful choices, shared advice, and practical spending, Marisol pays attention to the little details that decide whether a product truly earns its place at home.
Through Latino Collaborative, she shares honest, first-person thoughts on items she has used, compared, or researched, helping readers choose with more comfort, clarity, and confidence.
Latest entries
- June 10, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Active Stylus Pen for Samsung Tab A9: My Honest Review and Best Picks
- June 10, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Dr. Mercola’s Molecular Supplements: Honest Reviews, Results, and What I’d Buy Again
- June 10, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Hisense 58 Inch TV: Full Specifications, Features, and My Honest Review
- June 10, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Kitchen Mats for Wood Floors and Found the Perfect Non-Slip Pick