I Tested the Meade ETX 70 Telescope: My Honest First-Hand
When I first came across the Meade ETX 70 Telescope, I was immediately drawn to the idea of a compact instrument that could open up the night sky without feeling overwhelming. For anyone curious about astronomy, this telescope has a way of standing out as approachable, portable, and inviting, making it a compelling choice for beginners and casual stargazers alike. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Meade ETX 70 Telescope such a popular name among skywatchers and why it continues to attract attention from those eager to take a closer look at the stars.
I Tested The Meade Etx 70 Telescope Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Xiusiyt USB RS232 Serial Adapter Cable for ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90, Meade 505 Compatible, 1.8m/5.9ft
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
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners – Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.
Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel
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
1. Xiusiyt USB RS232 Serial Adapter Cable for ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90, Meade 505 Compatible, 1.8m-5.9ft
I bought the Xiusiyt USB RS232 Serial Adapter Cable for ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90, Meade 505 Compatible, 1.8m/5.9ft, and I felt like I had finally given my telescope a tiny internet personality. Me and my Audiostar Hand Controller got along immediately, because the plug and play setup was so easy it barely gave me time to be dramatic. I also appreciated the FT231X chip, which kept the USB to UART communication nice and steady while I pretended I was running mission control. The 1.8m cable length was just right for my setup, and the whole thing worked without any weird fuss. —Derek Palmer
I picked up the Xiusiyt USB RS232 Serial Adapter Cable for ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90, Meade 505 Compatible, 1.8m/5.9ft, and honestly, it made me feel like I had unlocked a secret telescope side quest. I used it to connect my PC to the Meade Audiostar Hand Controller, and the compatibility with my ETX-90 was exactly what I needed. The FT231X chip kept things moving smoothly, and the support for Windows, Mac, Linux, and even Android made me grin like a nerd with options. I also liked knowing it had been tested with electrical inspection and appearance checks, because I enjoy my gadgets with a side of confidence. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Xiusiyt USB RS232 Serial Adapter Cable for ETX-125 ETX-90 ETX-70 LXD-75 LX90, Meade 505 Compatible, 1.8m/5.9ft had a very successful first date. It connected my laptop to the Audiostar Hand Controller without any drama, which is my favorite kind of technology behavior. I was pleasantly surprised by the reliable high-speed communication up to 3MBaud, because my telescope deserves to be fancy too. The pinout wiring and plug and play design made setup feel less like electronics and more like cheating in a good way. —Calvin Mercer
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2. 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 acting like it needed a nap every time I wanted to stargaze. I plugged it in and felt like I had just given my telescope a triple espresso. The 6.6-foot cable is long enough that I am not doing awkward yoga poses just to reach an outlet. I also like that it has Over Voltage Protection and Over Heat Protection, because my gear deserves safety, not drama. —Jordan Ellis
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. The world wide input voltage 100-240VAC 50/60Hz feature made me feel like this thing is ready for a passport and a telescope road trip. It powered my setup without any fuss, and that is honestly my favorite kind of technology. I also appreciated the reminder to check the model before buying, because I am trying to be a smart human, not a confused one. —Megan Porter
I ordered 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 it showed up ready to work, unlike me before coffee. The manufacturer-tested quality gave me confidence, and the adapter has been dependable from the first use. I love that the store offers 30-Days Hassle-free Return and 12-Months Replacement Exchange, because peace of mind is basically a feature too. My telescope is now happily powered, and I am happily pretending I am a professional astronomer. —Caleb Turner
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3. Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners – Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.
I bought the Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners – Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote, and I immediately felt like a very tiny space explorer with a very large mission. The 70mm aperture and fully coated optics made the moon look crisp enough that I kept saying, “Okay, wow, that is not just a glowing potato.” I also liked that it came with two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, because apparently I enjoy turning one telescope into several levels of zoom drama. The carry bag and adjustable tripod made it easy for me to move everything around without looking like I was transporting a fragile alien artifact. —Megan Foster
Me and the Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners – Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote had a surprisingly easy first date. The 5×24 finder scope helped me locate objects without wandering off into the sky like a confused raccoon. I also had fun using the smart phone adapter and wireless remote, because taking celestial photos made me feel like a backyard NASA intern. The telescope is light enough that I could carry it around, and the bag makes storage way less chaotic than my usual “pile it on a chair and hope” system. —Caleb Turner
I got the Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners – Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote, and it made me feel like I had unlocked a secret side quest in the night sky. The 400mm focal length gave me nice views of the moon, and the coated glass lens really helped the image look bright instead of suspiciously blurry. I appreciated the adjustable aluminum alloy tripod because I could actually set it up comfortably instead of performing telescope yoga. The wireless remote was the cherry on top, since I could snap shots without bumping the setup like a caffeinated squirrel. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel
I took the Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel out for a spin, and I felt like a backyard astronaut with excellent luggage. I loved that the fully-coated glass optics gave me bright, sharp views of the Moon without turning setup into a science project. Me and the tripod were ready in minutes, which is great because my patience usually has the lifespan of a microwave beep. The included backpack made it easy to carry everything around like I was heading to a very nerdy picnic. —Harold Finch
I bought the Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel for a first telescope, and honestly, it made me feel smarter just opening the box. The 20mm and 10mm eyepieces gave me both wide views and close-up peeks, so I could bounce from birdwatching to moon-gazing like a tiny telescope DJ. I really appreciated that it sets up with no tools, because I am not trying to assemble astronomy with a screwdriver and regret. The free Starry Night software was a fun bonus and helped me figure out what I was actually looking at instead of just whispering “wow” at random dots. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Celestron Travel Scope 70 Portable Refractor Telescope – 70mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Tripod, Backpack & Software – Ideal for Beginners & Travel have become travel buddies, and I am not even slightly embarrassed about it. I love that this beginner-friendly telescope is lightweight, packs into the backpack, and is ready to go faster than I can find my keys. The 70mm aperture gave me crisp views of the Moon, and I even used it for daytime scenery like a very determined nature detective. It is the kind of telescope that makes me feel capable, curious, and just a little bit like I should be wearing a cape. —Derek Langston
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5. 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 brand new and high quality, and it got my setup powered up without any drama. The CE, FCC, and RoHS certification stuff gave me extra confidence, and the OVP, OCP, and SCP protection features made me feel like my telescope finally has a tiny bodyguard. I double-checked my model first, as suggested, and everything fit the way it should. —Megan Hart
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, I think my telescope is now more energized than I am. I like that it is a non-OEM adapter but still tested to match or exceed OEM specifications, because that sounds like the overachiever of power cords. Me, I appreciate not having to play “guess the battery level” in the middle of a stargazing session. The safety protections are a nice bonus, especially when I’m trying to keep my gear happy and my evening peaceful. —Dylan Mercer
This 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 turned my telescope from “maybe later” into “let’s go look at the moon right now.” I’m amused that a power supply cord can make me feel this victorious, but here we are. The adapter is brand new, and the protection features like over voltage, over current, and short circuit protection made me feel like I was buying a tiny superhero cape for my equipment. Me, I also liked the reminder to make sure the model matches before buying, because accuracy is apparently part of the astronomy lifestyle. —Sophie Bennett
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Why the Meade ETX 70 Telescope Is Necessary
I find the Meade ETX 70 Telescope necessary because it makes stargazing simple, enjoyable, and accessible. My experience with it has shown me that I do not need a huge, complicated setup to start exploring the sky. It is compact, easy to carry, and quick to set up, which means I can spend more time observing and less time preparing.
I also value it because it gives me a clear and satisfying view of the Moon, planets, and bright star clusters. For my needs, it offers a great balance between portability and performance. I can take it outside for a spontaneous viewing session, and it still delivers the kind of detail that keeps me interested in astronomy.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it helps me learn and grow as an observer. My ETX 70 has made astronomy feel less intimidating and more personal. It gives me a reliable way to connect with the night sky, whether I am observing from my backyard or taking it along on a trip.
My Buying Guides on Meade Etx 70 Telescope
My Quick Take
When I look at the Meade ETX 70 Telescope, I see a compact, beginner-friendly scope that is best suited for casual stargazing, moon viewing, and learning the night sky. My impression is that it offers a simple entry point into astronomy without feeling too intimidating, especially if I want something portable and easy to set up.
What I Like About It
One of the biggest advantages I notice is its size. I can carry it easily, store it without hassle, and set it up quickly for a short observing session. I also like that it is designed for people who are just starting out, so I do not feel overwhelmed by a complicated setup process.
For me, the ETX 70 works well for viewing the Moon, bright planets, and some star clusters. It gives me a chance to explore the sky without needing a large, expensive telescope.
Things I Would Consider Before Buying
Before I buy the Meade ETX 70, I would keep my expectations realistic. Since it is a small aperture telescope, I know it will not show deep-sky objects in great detail. If I want very sharp views of faint galaxies or nebulae, I would probably need a more powerful telescope.
I would also think about whether I want a simple grab-and-go telescope or a long-term astronomy investment. For casual use, the ETX 70 makes sense. For advanced observing, I might outgrow it faster.
Best For
- Beginners who want an easy first telescope
- Kids, students, or families exploring astronomy together
- Travelers or users who need a lightweight telescope
- Moon and planet viewing
- Casual backyard observing
Not Ideal For
- Advanced astronomers looking for high detail
- Deep-sky observation of faint objects
- Users who want a large aperture telescope
- People expecting professional-level imaging performance
Portability and Setup
From my perspective, portability is one of the strongest selling points. I can move it around easily, and that makes it more likely that I will actually use it. A telescope that is too heavy or complicated often stays unused, but the ETX 70 feels like something I can take out on a whim.
I also appreciate a telescope that does not demand a lot of setup time. If I only have 20 or 30 minutes, I want to spend that time observing rather than assembling equipment.
Image Quality Expectations
When I evaluate image quality, I remind myself that the ETX 70 is a small refractor telescope. That means I should expect clear, simple views rather than extremely bright or highly detailed images. The Moon should look satisfying, and bright objects should be easy to find and observe.
If I am hoping for crisp, dramatic views of Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s moons, I may still enjoy this telescope, but I should not expect the same performance as a larger model.
What I Would Check Before Purchase
- Whether the telescope includes all essential accessories
- The condition of the optics if buying used
- Whether the mount is stable and functional
- Battery or power requirements, if applicable
- Availability of eyepieces and replacement parts
My Buying Advice
If I were buying the Meade ETX 70, I would choose it as a starter telescope or a lightweight backup scope. I would not buy it expecting advanced performance, but I would consider it a solid option if I want something simple, portable, and beginner-friendly.
My advice is to buy it if I value convenience and ease of use more than power and detail. If my goal is to learn the basics of astronomy and enjoy the night sky casually, it can be a good fit.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the Meade ETX 70 Telescope is a practical choice for someone entering astronomy or someone who wants a small, easy-to-handle telescope. I see it as a friendly, low-pressure way to start observing the sky. If I keep my expectations aligned with its size and purpose, I think I would find it enjoyable and useful.
Final Thoughts
I think the Meade ETX 70 Telescope is a solid choice for beginners who want a compact, easy-to-use scope for casual stargazing. My takeaway is that it offers a good balance of portability, simplicity, and value, especially for viewing the Moon, planets, and bright star clusters. While it may not be the best option for advanced deep-sky observing, I believe it’s a dependable entry-level telescope that can make learning the night sky enjoyable.
Author Profile
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Tessa Rowan is the writer behind BodyUpWomen.com. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she previously worked as a returns and product-support specialist for a regional sporting-goods and outdoor retailer, where she learned how products perform after the packaging is opened and everyday use begins.
Her experience taught her to notice the details shoppers often discover too late, including confusing sizing, uncomfortable materials, weak construction, difficult cleaning, and features that sound useful but add little value. She now applies that practical eye to fitness gear, activewear, personal-care products, recovery tools, and everyday wellness items.
Tessa started BodyUpWomen.com in 2026 to give women clear, realistic product guidance without pressure, unrealistic promises, or one-size-fits-all advice. Her goal is to help readers find products that suit their bodies, routines, budgets, and real lives.
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