Product Comparison: Meade Instruments ETX125 (205005) vs Celestron NexStar 6 SE


General Specifications
Brand
Meade Instruments
Celestron
Model
ETX125 (205005)
NexStar 6 SE
Origin
USA
USA
About the Product
The return of the extremely popular ETX125 takes mobile astronomy to the next level. This large 127mm aperture and 1900mm (f/15) focal length marry the portability of the ETX with Meade’s premium optics.
Celestron’s signature orange-tube telescope combines advanced features and excellent optics in one easy-to-use system, the NexStar 6SE. It’s the perfect choice for your first serious telescope, offering striking views at an economical price.
Key Specs
Optical Design
Maksutov-Cassegrain
Schmidt-Cassegrain
Aperture
127 mm
150 mm
Focal Length
1900 mm
1500 mm
Focal Ratio
f/15
f/10
Highest Useful Magnification
354 x
Lowest Useful Magnification
21 x
What customers say about "Key Specs"
Meade Instruments ETX125 (205005) Observer Telescope with Tripod
  • Excellent telescope. Been a Meade user for over 20 years. For what this scope is designed for, namely the moon and planets, it excels.
  • This is a great scope. Beats the Monkey Wards (refractor) I got as a kid in the early 70's.
  • It's a great little grab and go scope, though I dearly wish it (the hand controller) would accept an autoguider (without venturing to adapting whatever skinny phone line it uses).
  • The backpack is also pretty cheezy, and the tripod is super flimsy. Good starter scope that quickly becomes aggravating.
  • If you want to see the moon, this scope is OK. Anything else is hardly worth it.
Celestron NexStar 6 SE Computerised Telescope
  • It was easy to assemble and the images are fantastic.
  • The telescope is very good.
  • It delivers good images.
  • The telescope works perfectly. The assembly is very simple.
  • This is a great telescope, it gives you a very nice and clear image.
Size & Weight
Height
63 in.
25.98 in.
Width
38 in.
32.01 in.
Depth
33 in.
12.01 in.
Weight
25 lbs.
21.38 lbs.
Features
Optical Coatings
Multi-Coated
StarBright XLT
Finderscope
Red Dot with mounting bracket
StarPointer
Accessory Tray Included
No
Yes
Extras
Two (2) Super Plossl Eyepieces 9.7mm & 26mm, 1.25” diameter, AudioStar™, Internal 90° Degree Diagonal & Flip Mirror System, Computerized, GoTo Dual-Fork Mount with DC Servo Motors
Fully automated GoTo mount, SkyAlign technology, NexStar+ Hand Control, 25mm eyepiece
Software
AudioStar™ - 30,000+ Objects Database
Celestron Starry Night Special Edition Software / SkyPortal App
Optical Tube Length
406mm (16")
Star Diagonal
1.25" Star Diagonal
What customers say about "Features"
Meade Instruments ETX125 (205005) Observer Telescope with Tripod
  • Surprisingly good optics for the price point. Solid views of Saturn and Jupiter, both with pinpoint clear moons, on the first night out of the box.
  • I feel the optics are great and the GoTo works well.
  • Small, compact, easy to actually pack and go. The optics are great, and can easily be transported.
  • The optics and electronic control are second to none.
Celestron NexStar 6 SE Computerised Telescope
  • Extremely well made and robust.
  • Good quality of materials.
  • Very surprised at the quality for the money.
  • Terrific build quality. Very precise control.
  • Good price, good build quality.
Mount Information
Mount Type
Tripod mount
Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
Tripod Material
Steel
Steel
Dovetail
EQ tilt plate
CG-5 Dovetail bar
Maximum Height Adjustment
0 in.
56 in.
Legs
1.25" steel tube legs
38.1mm (1.5") Stainless Steel
What customers say about "Mount Information"
Meade Instruments ETX125 (205005) Observer Telescope with Tripod
  • It is a dual mount for alignment, and has a good reputation for the wide field work I've been doing with a standard Photography Tripod.
  • The AutoStar audio dialog was extremely annoying, had to turn it off in the controller. The tripod is rock sold.
  • Even with the tripod lashed on the front of the pack, the whole operation is super lightweight and yet low vibration compared to others I've used in this price class.
  • The tripod is very lightweight, and not totally in a good way.
  • The optics are great, and can easily be transported. For the price, the tripod is stable enough and it is easy to align.
Celestron NexStar 6 SE Computerised Telescope
  • The telescope is good and the tripod is very sturdy.
  • Easy to assembly. Nice viewing experience.
  • Relatively easy to assemble and use.
  • Nice piece of kit. Good quality, worth the price.
  • The telescope is easy to assemble and is packed well.
Warranty / Certifications
Manufacturer Warranty
1 year(s)
2 year(s)
Certifications
CE, FCC
CE, FCC
Other Information
Manufacturer
Other reviews