Meade ETX-90 vs. Meade RedTail Spotting Scope 90mm (1 Viewer)

[RebelXSi]

Is there a difference between the two besides their design ?
Im considering a Meade 90mm for digiscoping with my Canon Rebel DSLR.
Will both models be able to hook up to my DSRL ?

Or of course, is there another recommended spotting scope under $300 ?
Id like to get the largest sized objective lens while maintaining decent quality.

Thanks !

 

[Matt_RTH]

The two scopes are very different types. The ETX90 is a Maksutov-Cassegrain, which is a mirror type scope. The RedTail is a type of refractor where there is no mirror. Both can be hooked to the DSLR. This would not be digiscoping per se, as it's really just treating the scope as a lens.

The pros of the ETX will be shorter length, probably easier to connect via a standard T-adapter, and probably longer focal length , although I think the adapter to connect to the RT will probably be a doubling type (barlow) which may net that out. The ETX will also have significantly less chromatic aberration (CA). This is critical with digiscoping. Cons will be the famous "doughnut" bokeh (a misnomer of the french word bouquet) meaning the out of focus highlights. It's annoying, but often controllable due to framing or editing. Do a search on "mirror lens" and you should be able to see examples. ETX will also be significantly heavier. Mirror lenses also have lower contrast usually than the equivalent refractor (traditional) lens.

The RT is a garden variety, entry level scope, and will probably be satisfactory for records, but not for presentation quality. No doubt there are those that can photochop out the chromatic aberration, but life is short, I say. I believe ETX is still made in the USA (or at least Japan) and the RT will invariably be made in China.

In summary, if these were the only two options, no brainer - ETX.

However, if it were me, I'd say "no go", take some time to go to birding events where there will usually be scopes freely shared where you can see the pros and cons. Local Audubon field trips are great for this. Digiscoping really needs ED, to limit CA. It also needs to be light if you want to get in miles. Off your porch or out the car window is another story.

PS - under $300, there really aren't any fabulous (ED) new models that I know of, but there are serviceable models, and I've also scored deals used in the past. If you use a compact camera instead of DSLR, the aperture isn't as critical, and a handy 65mm does very well and is easy to get around.

PPS - none of this really matters cuz virtually all digiscoping is 50% gear and 50% sweat. Go with what works and if you grow out of a certain config and can afford it, start over! But if you start with good gear, then you can only second guess technique

 

[Paul Corfield]

The Meade one probably isn't even made by Meade but just has their name on it. It looks exactly like a few other generic entry level spotting scopes that just get rebranded and sold under various names but are all the same scope.

Paul.

 

[RebelXSi]

Within my budget, will I be stuck with an imported poor quality lens ? Im not too concerned with the best quality photos, but rather getting up close to the action.

 

[Matt_RTH]

Within my budget, will I be stuck with an imported poor quality lens ? Im not too concerned with the best quality photos, but rather getting up close to the action.

I think a better option is to use a true digiscoping approach of connecting the camera to the eyepiece rather than using the scope as a lens. There you get significant advantages of good shutter speeds at reasonable ISO levels. I wouldn't be too disheartened about lower end gear. There are deals out there. With the aforementioned CA, some are better than others. There was a recent "no-name" deal at Eagle Optics which was apparently a decent deal for under $200. I know it's overwhelming but keep your eyes peeled.

One other thing that needs to be said is that with the original models mentioned, you will be dealing with SLOW focal ratios. The ETX is F13.8 and a spotting scope with a DSLR adapter will typically be F11. These will be focal lengths of about 800 to 1250 - not that long in digiscoping terms! That will mandate high ISO and other techniques to get the right settings. Oh and composing will be not fun - viewfinder will be quite dark except on bright days! Doesn't the XSi have liveview? In that case, composing/focusing with a loupe will be a halfway decent option.

Otherwise, what about a long, conventional lens or the Canon?

 

[RebelXSi]

I considered a long lens (maybe 500mm) with possibly a 2x adapter.
Ideally im looking to get a solid scope for viewing off my balcony and sometimes travelling which I can also use to snap pics.