Meade ETX90 Observer Review: Discontinued Classic and 2025 Alternatives

The Meade ETX90 Observer held a special place in amateur astronomy for over three decades, serving as many astronomers' introduction to computerized telescopes. However, this beloved Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope was discontinued in 2021, with Meade Instruments closing entirely in mid-2024. If you're researching the ETX90 Observer, this comprehensive review covers its legacy performance and recommends the best modern alternatives available in 2025.

Meade ETX90 Observer: The Legacy Telescope Overview

For over 30 years, the ETX90 Observer represented Meade's commitment to portable, high-quality optics. This compact telescope combined the optical advantages of a Maksutov-Cassegrain design with computerized GoTo functionality, making it an attractive option for both beginners and experienced astronomers seeking portability.

Technical Specifications

The ETX90 Observer featured impressive specifications for its size:

Specification	Details
Optical Design	Maksutov-Cassegrain
Aperture	90mm (3.5 inches)
Focal Length	1250mm
Focal Ratio	f/13.8
Optical Coatings	UTHC (Ultra-High Transmission Coatings)
Mount Type	Dual-arm fork mount with GoTo
Database	30,000+ objects via AudioStar
Weight	Approximately 12 lbs (telescope only)

What Made It Special (And What Didn't)

The ETX90 Observer included several innovative features, though real-world performance often fell short of marketing promises:

AudioStar Hand Controller: The 2-line LED display with 20-key red backlit keypad provided intuitive navigation through the extensive object database. The integrated speaker offered audio guidance during alignment procedures - when it worked properly.

Flip Mirror System: A unique dual-viewing capability allowed simultaneous visual observation and camera attachment, making it one of the few telescopes in its class to offer this flexibility. However, this added complexity without significant practical benefit for most users.

Removable Tube Design: The telescope tube could be detached from the fork mount, enhancing portability and storage options. This was genuinely useful for travel and storage.

True Portability: At 12 pounds with case included, the ETX90 fit in airline carry-on luggage and setup took minutes. This remains one of its strongest attributes that modern alternatives struggle to match.

Mixed Build Quality: The external tube assembly demonstrated solid construction, but the mount internals and focuser felt cheap compared to the premium price point. Users often describe the overall feel as "plasticky" despite the decent optics.

ETX90 Observer Performance Review

Optical Quality and Views

The ETX90's 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optics delivered respectable performance within its limitations:

Planetary Observation Excellence: The telescope genuinely excelled at lunar and planetary viewing, which experienced users consistently praise. Saturn's rings, Jupiter's Great Red Spot and moons, and detailed lunar craters were clearly visible. The f/13.8 focal ratio provided excellent contrast for high-magnification planetary work - this was the ETX90's true strength.

Deep-Sky Limitations Reality: The modest 90mm aperture severely restricted capabilities to only the brightest deep-sky objects. While star clusters like the Pleiades and Orion Nebula were visible, galaxies and fainter nebulae appeared as disappointing gray smudges. The telescope simply couldn't gather enough light for impressive deep-sky performance, which frustrated many users expecting more.

Field of View Challenges: Users frequently mention the ETX90's narrow field of view as a significant limitation. The long focal length makes finding objects difficult and limits the viewing experience for larger celestial targets.

Image Quality: When properly collimated, the Maksutov-Cassegrain design produced sharp, high-contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration across the field of view. The optics themselves were never the problem - it was the mount and limited aperture that held it back.

Mount and Tracking Performance

Unfortunately, the ETX90's mount was its most criticized component, with user experiences ranging from frustrating to completely unreliable:

Alignment Issues: Many users reported persistent alignment problems with the fork mount system. The "Level North" technology often failed to provide accurate polar alignment, leading to poor tracking performance even after careful setup.

Mechanical Play and Backlash: The drive bases suffered from excessive backlash, requiring users to position objects at field edges to compensate for tracking delays. Users frequently described the mount as feeling "cheaply cobbed together" with noticeable mechanical play in the gears.

Build Quality Concerns: While optics were excellent, the focuser and axis locks felt cheap and imprecise compared to the overall construction quality. The dual-arm fork mount, though distinctive, proved less stable than modern single-arm designs.

User Experience Reality: Long-term users often reported that the mount's reliability decreased over time, with some experiencing complete tracking failures that rendered the GoTo functionality useless.

Why the ETX90 Was Discontinued

Several factors contributed to the ETX90's discontinuation and the complete end of Meade operations:

COVID-19 Impact: The 2020-2021 pandemic disrupted manufacturing and supply chains, making continued production challenging for Meade's already struggling operations.

Market Evolution: Modern alternatives offered superior tracking systems, larger apertures, and more intuitive software at competitive prices, making the ETX90's dated design less competitive.

Complete Company Closure: Optronic Technologies, Inc., the parent company of both Meade Instruments and Orion Telescopes, permanently shut down operations on July 9, 2024. All staff were let go, and the California offices closed permanently.

Customer Support Void: As of July 2024, Meade provides no customer support whatsoever. Phone lines give permanent busy signals, warranty claims are void, and telescopes sent for repair may be permanently lost. The company's assets went to auction in January 2025.

Quality Control Issues: Persistent mount problems and customer service complaints damaged the product's reputation in its final years, with many users seeking alternatives due to reliability concerns.

Best ETX90 Alternatives in 2025

Modern telescope technology has significantly advanced since the ETX90's heyday. Here are the top alternatives that surpass the ETX90's capabilities:

Celestron NexStar 4SE (Premium Choice)

The Celestron NexStar 4SE offers superior performance in a similar package:

Feature	NexStar 4SE	ETX90 Observer
Aperture	102mm	90mm
Focal Length	1325mm	1250mm
Mount Quality	Excellent tracking	Problematic alignment
Database	40,000+ objects	30,000+ objects
Price	~$679	Discontinued

Key Advantages: SkyAlign technology eliminates alignment frustrations, while the larger aperture provides 25% more light-gathering power. The single-arm fork mount tracks more accurately than the ETX90's dual-arm design. For those seeking even greater aperture and superior performance, consider the Celestron NexStar 8SE, which offers nearly double the light-gathering power with 8-inch optics.

Celestron NexStar 127SLT (Best Value)

The Celestron NexStar 127SLT delivers exceptional value:

• Aperture: 127mm (40% larger than ETX90)
• Mount: German equatorial with GoTo
• Price: ~$499 (exceptional value compared to ETX90's original MSRP)
• Performance: Superior deep-sky capability due to larger aperture

This telescope completely outclasses the ETX90 for both planetary and deep-sky observation while costing substantially less.

Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P (Advanced Option)

For serious observers, the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P represents the pinnacle of portable automation:

• Aperture: 150mm (nearly 3x the light-gathering of ETX90)
• Mount: Advanced GoTo with smartphone control
• Portability: Tabletop design rivals ETX90's portability
• Price: ~$699

The dramatically larger aperture reveals details the ETX90 could never show, while modern software provides seamless operation.

Dobsonian Telescopes: Maximum Aperture for Your Budget

Experienced users consistently recommend Dobsonian telescopes as the best alternative for serious visual observing, offering dramatically more aperture than the ETX90:

Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P (Best Value Portable)

The Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P represents exceptional value for portable astronomy:

• Aperture: 130mm (nearly 3x the light-gathering power of ETX90)
• Design: Collapsible truss-tube folds to just 14.5 inches
• Weight: Under 14 pounds - easily fits in a backpack
• Price: ~$189 (exceptional value)
• Performance: Shows details the ETX90 simply cannot reveal

Why Users Love It: The Heritage 130P provides "the best bang for your buck" according to community consensus, offering significantly better deep-sky views while maintaining excellent portability. For a comprehensive comparison, see our detailed Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P review.

Traditional Dobsonians for Serious Observing

For users willing to sacrifice some portability for maximum performance:

Orion XT8 (when available): 8-inch aperture provides nearly 8x the light-gathering of the ETX90, revealing faint galaxies and nebulae with stunning detail. Experienced users frequently mention this as the "sweet spot" for serious amateur astronomy.

2025 Market Update: Due to new China tariffs implemented in February 2025 and supply chain disruptions, many traditional Dobsonian models face availability challenges. Prices have increased 15-25% across most telescope categories, making value comparisons with the discontinued ETX90 even more favorable for alternatives.

Smart Telescopes: The Modern Portable Solution

For users seeking the ETX90's portability with modern technology, smart telescopes offer automated astrophotography and observing:

DwarfLab Dwarf 3 (Ultra-Portable Smart Choice)

The DwarfLab Dwarf 3 revolutionizes portable astronomy:

• Weight: Just 1.3kg (lightest smart telescope available)
• Aperture: 35mm with advanced sensor technology
• Field of View: 2.9° × 1.7° (fits Moon six times over)
• Price: ~$499
• Features: Automated tracking, smartphone control, built-in astrophotography

ZWO Seestar S50 (Advanced Smart Option)

The ZWO Seestar S50 offers superior optical performance:

• Aperture: 50mm (larger than Dwarf 3)
• Focal Length: 250mm for detailed planetary views
• Weight: 3kg (still highly portable)
• Price: ~$499
• Performance: Better lunar and planetary detail than compact alternatives

Budget Smart Option: The ZWO Seestar S30 at $349 provides an affordable entry into smart telescope technology.

Manual Maksutov-Cassegrain Alternatives

For users who prefer the Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design without the ETX90's problematic mount:

Sky-Watcher 127mm Maksutov (Flexible Mounting)

The Sky-Watcher 127mm Maksutov tube offers ETX90-class optics with mounting flexibility:

• Aperture: 127mm (40% larger than ETX90)
• Mount Options: Use on any tripod or equatorial mount of your choice
• Price: ~$449 (tube only)
• Advantage: Avoid integrated mount problems entirely

Celestron C90 (Classic Compact Design)

The Celestron C90 provides similar portability:

• Aperture: 90mm (same as ETX90)
• Weight: Just 2.1 pounds (optical tube only)
• Versatility: Works as telescope or spotting scope
• Price: ~$229 (excellent value for optics quality)

Decision Framework: Choosing Your ETX90 Alternative

Based on community insights and real user experiences, use this framework to find your ideal telescope:

Step 1: Define Your Primary Observing Goals

Planetary Observation Priority: If you loved the ETX90's planetary performance:

• Best Choice: Celestron NexStar 4SE (102mm, superior mount)
• Budget Option: Sky-Watcher 127mm Maksutov on manual mount
• Advanced: Smart telescopes (Seestar S50) for imaging planets

Deep-Sky Priority: If you want to see galaxies and nebulae the ETX90 couldn't show:

• Best Value: Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P (3x light gathering)
• Serious Observer: 8-inch Dobsonian (when available)
• Portable: Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P

Astrophotography Interest: If you want to capture images:

• Beginner: DwarfLab Dwarf 3 or Seestar S30
• Advanced: Seestar S50 or dedicated smart telescopes
• Traditional: Consider equatorial mounts with tracking

Step 2: Assess Your Portability Needs

Backpack Portable (ETX90-level portability):

• Heritage 130P (folds to 14.5 inches)
• DwarfLab Dwarf 3 (1.3kg)
• Celestron C90 (2.1 lbs tube only)

Car Transportable (slightly larger but manageable):

• Celestron NexStar 4SE or 127SLT
• Seestar S50 (3kg)
• Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi series

Stationary Setup (maximum performance):

• Traditional 8-inch Dobsonians
• Larger Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes
• Permanent pier mounts with tracking

Step 3: Budget Considerations

Under $300 (Better value than used ETX90s at $200-400):

• Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P ($189) - exceptional value
• Celestron C90 ($229) - similar portability, no mount issues
• Quality binoculars ($150-250) - ultimate portability solution

$300-600 (Sweet spot for ETX90 alternatives):

• Celestron NexStar 127SLT ($499) - larger aperture, reliable mount
• Smart telescopes: Seestar S30 ($349), Dwarf 3 ($499)
• Sky-Watcher 127mm Maksutov ($449) - flexible mounting options

$600+ (Premium alternatives with significant advantages):

• Celestron NexStar 4SE ($679) - superior mount, proven reliability
• Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P ($699) - dramatically larger aperture
• Advanced smart telescopes for astrophotography

Price Comparison Context: With 2025 tariff impacts, these prices represent excellent value compared to what the ETX90 originally cost ($800-1200 MSRP) while offering superior performance and ongoing manufacturer support.

Step 4: Learning Curve Tolerance

Want Simple Operation (like ETX90's GoTo):

• Smart telescopes (smartphone controlled)
• Celestron NexStar series (modern GoTo)
• Avoid manual Dobsonians initially

Willing to Learn (traditional astronomy skills):

• Heritage 130P (simple push-to operation)
• Manual Maksutov tubes on quality mounts
• Traditional Dobsonians with star charts

Key Decision Points (based on user experiences):

• Mount reliability is crucial: Avoid anything with known tracking issues
• Aperture trumps convenience: Larger aperture always shows more
• Manufacturer support matters: Choose companies with ongoing support
• Consider learning curve: GoTo isn't essential for enjoyable astronomy

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Modern Maksutov Telescope

When choosing an ETX90 alternative, prioritize these features:

Aperture Over Everything: Light-gathering power determines what you can see. Even 102mm provides significantly better performance than 90mm.

Mount Quality: Modern Alt-Az GoTo mounts far exceed the ETX90's problematic fork system. Look for telescopes with proven tracking accuracy.

Software Integration: Smartphone apps and WiFi connectivity make modern telescopes more user-friendly than the ETX90's dated AudioStar system.

Manufacturer Support: Choose established companies with ongoing product support, unlike the now-defunct Meade.

Should You Buy a Used ETX90?

Used ETX90 telescopes occasionally appear on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, but proceed with caution:

Known Issues to Check:

• Fork mount alignment accuracy
• Excessive backlash in drive systems
• AudioStar hand controller functionality
• Mirror collimation and optical quality

Fair Pricing: Used ETX90s should sell for $200-400 maximum, given their limitations and discontinued status. Be extremely cautious of sellers asking more, as these telescopes have significant known issues.

Major Risk Warning: With Meade permanently closed, any problems with a used ETX90 cannot be repaired. No parts, no service, no warranty support exists. Units currently "in for repair" at Meade may be permanently lost.

When It Makes Sense: Only consider a used ETX90 if you specifically want a collector's item or need parts for an existing unit. For actual observing, modern alternatives offer superior performance, reliability, and ongoing manufacturer support at competitive prices.

Conclusion

The Meade ETX90 Observer earned its place in astronomy history as an accessible, portable introduction to computerized telescopes. However, its discontinuation marks the end of an era, not a loss for modern astronomers.

Today's alternatives like the Celestron NexStar 4SE, NexStar 127SLT, and Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P deliver superior optics, reliable tracking, and modern convenience at competitive prices. Rather than mourning the ETX90's absence, embrace these advanced telescopes that fulfill its original promise with 21st-century technology.

For current telescope recommendations and detailed reviews of modern alternatives, explore our comprehensive telescope buying guides. Consider our best telescopes for beginners guide for additional options, or review our best telescopes under $200 for budget-conscious alternatives to the ETX90.

If you're interested in computerized telescopes similar to the ETX90's concept, our Celestron NexStar 8SE review covers a larger, more capable alternative, while the Sky-Watcher Heritage 130P review details the most popular manual alternative recommended by the astronomy community.