Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)First off I bought this scope used with the intention of reviewing it, and of course using it. The short version: If you looking for a telescope that will give you good views of the planets, and beyond, look elsewhere unless you want to spend extra on better eye pieces and in the long run spend even more on a new focuser, and better finder scope.
First things first, and I must say "Shame on you Meade for selling a decent scope with trash eye pieces!" I lost allot of respect for Meade after buying this scope. The eye pieces that come with the Meade 114EQ are just plain trash and offer very faint and terrible views of even the closet of planets. Not to mention they are .965", instead of the more common 1.25" eye pieces that come with 95% of today's telescopes. However all is not lost! If you call Meade Customer support they will send you out a "FREE" 1.25" adapter (Feeling a little guilty?). The first night I took this scope out was one very clear night, and I thought for sure that I would have at least been able to see Jupiter clearly. Sadly the only thing I ended up seeing was a white blob no larger then a pencil eraser - even with the 4mm eye piece. For a 4.5" scope (114mm) I should have been able to make out some texture. I have other 4.5" scopes and believe me, I can see allot more. After receiving the adapter from Meade the scope did perform close to other scopes in it's range but not it was still not quite up to par but did perform a little better with some decent eye pieces.
Another downfall is the focuser. Not only is it made of cheap plastic but it will also wear out quite easily. Now I understand that mine was used, but the teeth where almost gone. An indication that in time you will need to upgrade and or repair the focuser.
The finder scope is "OK" but still could be allot better. It is also made of cheap plastic, and I am constantly re-aligning it every time I take this scope out - it is often times way off.
The mount is steady untill I take the magnification beyond 100x. However filling the legs with play sand made a big difference, but was still shakey.
I was unable to try out the starfind motor as it was burned out! This could have been due to mistreatment by the previous owner, but then again it maybe it was not.
Overall I still gave the scope 3 stars because it did perform well enough with the 1.25" EPs. But if your looking for a first scope, look elsewhere as this is not the one for you, and is simply a waste of money. Meade does produce quite a few quality scopes however this is just not one of them. As a rule of thumb, never buy a departement store telescope! This one was sold at SamsClub and Costco for $230-$300. You could get a really decent telescope for that kind of money, and enjoy it for years to come.
In closing I have since upgraded this poor little telescope with new optics, focuser, finder scope, mount, and even a fresh coat of paint. It now performs, and even outperforms some of my other 4.5" telescopes. With work, it has potential. If you can find it cheap ($50-$70) it might be worth your time if you don't mind a few upgrades. Total cost of upgrades: $127 = A really nice scope. But by itself? No thank you.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Meade 114EQ-DH4 4.5" Equatorial Starfinder Reflecting Telescope
The Meade 114EQ-DH4 4.5-inch Equatorial Starfinder Reflecting Telescope is one of the finest telescope values available anywhere. The Meade optical system includes a superb, hand-figured parabolic primary mirror constructed from low-expansion, fine-annealed Pyrex glass. The mirror meets the theoretical limit of resolution for its aperture and is matched with an elliptical flat secondary mirror of appropriate minor axis. This high-quality construction maximizes performance and is sure to deliver crisp, clear images of your favorite celestial bodies.
This telescope can be used manually to view distant street signs, mountains, trees and other structures. For the beginner, the manual observation is an excellent way to associate yourself with the telescope. However, the biggest benefit of the Starfinder telescope is the electronic motor drive system. This awesome feature allows you to track celestial bodies and move your telescope with a small handbox remote control. Once you answer a series of questions about your location, the handbox will help you find and track your favorite celestial bodies. The motor can operate at seven different speeds, so you'll be able to track almost anything in the sky with a simple press of a button.
With fine construction, built to detailed specifications, and empowering features like the electronic Starfinder motor system, the 114EQ-DH4 is an outstanding telescope for the amateur astronomer.
What's in the Box 114EQ-DH4 4.5-inch reflecting telescope, tripod, 3x Barlow lens, eyepieces, Starfinder motor and handbox, and battery pack.
