Review: Meade 20218 NG-70SM 70MM Altazimuth Refractor Telescope


Featuring the red dot projection viewfinder, the Meade NG70-SM Altazimuth Refractor Telescope is ideal for observing Jupiter, Saturn, the Moon as well as objects on land. Similar telescopes were used by some of the world’s best astronomers when they got started. After observing the Moon’s craters or the rings of Saturn, you will feel inspired to explore as much as possible. Objects are discovered and tracked easily with slow motion controls on both axes. Heavy-Duty Steel Tube Tripod provides a very sturdy platform for viewing.

Click Here To Get Free Shipping On The Meade Altazimuth Refractor Telescope

Features:

  • Slow motion controls on both axes – Find and track objects easily with precision controls
  • Includes Red Dot Projection Viewfinder – For easy acquisition of guide stars while star-hopping for celestial targets.
  • Heavy-Duty Steel Tube Tripod – Provides a rock solid platform for viewing
  • 9mm and 25mm Eyepieces

The NG70-SM also comes with AutoStar Suite Astronomer Edition Software on DVD that will teach you more about the night sky. Over 10,000 celestial objects are displayed, including galaxies, stars, planets, and nebulas. Star charts can be printed out, and your observing sessions can be planned. Instructional videos are also included.


Pros

  • Easy to set up, easy to use. Great instruction sheet.
  • Very good quality optics for the money, good light capture
  • Quality of materials and workmanship
  • Very durable



Cons

  • Light weight and tough to stabilize in windy conditions
  • Not as well suited for viewing stars compared to landscape or planet viewing.



Click Here To Get Free Shipping On The Meade Altazimuth Refractor Telescope

Customer Reviews

“I was blown away by how well made this telescope is for the price paid. Although this is my first telescope, I believe this one will last many years and may even be something I can pass down to my nephew one day. It uses standard 1.25″ eyepieces, so there are many accessories and options for this telescope. The only thing I wasn’t impressed with (and this can be remedied by selecting higher power eyepieces or a Barlow lens) is that I have some midrange binoculars that magnify as well or better for landscape viewing. Overall I would definitely recommend this telescope if you are looking for a good entry level unit.” – BearFootTrailBob from Bryson City, NC

“We purchased this telescope to give to our grandsons who live outside the country. On delivery to them we discovered that the switch on the red dot viewfinder was broken. On contacting Meade, they immediately agreed to send us a new part. We are delighted with the quality of the telescope and attribute the broken switch to shipping. With the replacement part, we will be very, very satisfied. A good telescope for the beginning astronomer at a most reasonable price, with a company that stands behind its product.” Susan S. Young from Woodstock NH

“I must say this is a big improvement over my last telescope. I was eager to put it together. After I got the box open and the stand together, I mounted the scope. the azimuth mount feels more like an equatorial mount with out the weights and cables. The dials are easy to use and they provide slow precise movement for tracking objects. I noticed the lenses (they are not cheep) inside nice protective cases along with a nice lens accessory tray between the legs of the stand. I can’t wait until the weather clears so I can take this outside. 70 MM aperture, steel leg tripod with accessory tray, azimuth mount for ease of control, and a great pair of lenses plus software for finding those stars.” – Robert Manning from Boston

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