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Meade Instruments – Infinity 70mm Aperture, Portable Refracting Astronomy Telescope for Beginners – Multiple Eyepieces & Accessories Included - Adjustable Alt-azimuth (AZ) Manual Mount
Brand | MEADE |
Model Name | Infinity |
Eye Piece Lens Description | Barlow |
Objective Lens Diameter | 70 Millimeters |
Telescope Mount Description | Altazimuth Mount |
Product Dimensions | 43"D x 33"W x 57"H |
Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Power Source | Solar Powered |
Finderscope | Reflex |
Item Weight | 7 Pounds |
About this item
- Aperture: 70mm(2.8"). Focal Length: 700mm. Focal Ratio: f/10. Rack-and-Pinion Focuser
- Altazimuth mount with a slow motion control rod for precision tracking means you can easily track objects day or night
- Low (26mm) and high (9mm) magnification eyepieces give you variety for any viewing situation & 2x barlow lens doubles the magnifying power of each eyepiece
- Red dot viewfinder helps you point your scope at objects you want to observe & accessory tray stores accessories while observing
- Includes Astronomical Software and Instructional DVD
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From the manufacturer
Components
Aperture: 70mm (2.8"); Focal Length: 700mm; Focal Ratio: f/10. Includes 9mm and 26mm 1.25" MA Eyepieces.
Mount
Features a precision Alt-azimuth Mount with slow-motion control rod, making it easy to track celestial objects as they move across the night sky.
Optics
Optical design is a Achromatic Refractor.
Accessories
With the included accessories such as a Red-Dot Viewfinder, 2x Barlow Lens, and (3) Eyepieces that provide varying levels of magnification, 90 Degree Erect Prism,1 and Preassembled Full Hight Aluminum Tripod.
Infinity 50mm Altazimuth Refractor | Infinity 60mm Altazimuth Refractor | Infinity 70mm Altazimuth Refractor | Infinity 80mm Altazimuth Refractor | Infinity 90mm Altazimuth Refractor | Infinity 102mm Altazimuth Refractor | |
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Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars
1,917
|
4.3 out of 5 stars
1,917
|
4.3 out of 5 stars
1,917
|
4.3 out of 5 stars
1,917
|
4.3 out of 5 stars
1,917
|
4.3 out of 5 stars
1,917
|
Aperture | 50mm | 60mm | 70mm | 80mm | 90mm (3.5") | 102mm (4") |
Optical Design | Achromatic Refractor | Achromatic Refractor | Achromatic Refractor | Achromatic Refractor | Achromatic Refractor | Achromatic Refractor |
Focal Length | 600mm | 800mm | 700mm | 400mm | 600mm | 600mm |
Focal Ratio | 12 | 10 | 5 | 6.7 | 5.9 | |
Barlow | 2x | 2x Barlow Lens | 2x | 2x Barlow, 1.25" | 2x | 2x |
Lowest Useful Magnification | 7x | 9x | 10x | 11x | 13x | 15x |
Highest Useful Magnification | 100x | 120x | 140x | 160x | 180x | 204x |
Diagonal | 90 Degree Erect-Prism | 90 Degree Erect-Prism | 90 Degree Erect-Prism | 90 Degree Erect-Prism, 1.25" | 90 Degree Erect-Prism | 90 Degree Erect-Prism |
Tripod | Aluminum | Pre-Assembled Full Height Aluminum | Pre-Assembled Full Height Aluminum | 1.25" Steel Tube with Accessory Tray | Pre-Assembled Full Height Stainless-Steel Tube Legs | Pre-Assembled Full Height Stainless-Steel Tube Legs |
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Price | Currently unavailable. | -10% $107.99$107.99 Typical: $119.99 | -34% $144.99$144.99 List: $219.95 | $69.99$69.99 | -10% $107.99$107.99 Typical: $119.99 | -50% $159.70$159.70 List: $319.95 |
Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
For beginners | 4.1 | 4.6 | 3.1 | 4.9 | 4.4 | 4.0 |
Easy to assemble | 4.3 | 4.7 | 3.5 | — | 4.5 | 4.4 |
Easy to use | 4.1 | 4.5 | — | — | 4.5 | 3.3 |
Value for money | — | 3.7 | — | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.7 |
Portability | — | 4.7 | 2.9 | — | 4.5 | — |
Sold By | — | Yogahome | Amazon.com | SVBONY Direct | Yogahome | HALF TIME |
focal length | — | — | 1000 millimeters | 32 millimeters | 600 millimeters | — |
focus type | Manual Focus | Auto Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus |
eye piece lens | Barlow | Barlow | Barlow | Barlow | Barlow | Plossl |
objective lens diameter | 70 millimeters | 80 millimeters | 127 millimeters | 32 millimeters | 80 millimeters | 90 millimeters |
telescope mount | Altazimuth Mount | Altazimuth Mount | Equatorial Mount | Fixed Mount | Altazimuth Mount | Altazimuth Mount |
lens coating | Fully Coated | Fully Multi-Coated | Fully Coated | — | — | Fully Coated |
What's in the box
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Product Dimensions | 33 x 43 x 57 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 7 pounds |
ASIN | B00LY8JVZ2 |
Item model number | 209003 |
Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #2,075 in Camera & Photo Products (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products) #187 in Telescope Refractors |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | May 1, 2014 |
Department | mens |
Manufacturer | Meade |
Warranty & Support
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Product Description
Product Description
Ideal for the observer who views both astronomical and terrestrial objects, the Meade Infinity Series combines an altazimuth mount and quality optics for a superb value. For newcomers and beginners alike, these refracting telescopes are a great way for you to discover the cosmos and the outdoors. You’ll discover more with the Meade Infinity Series. If you’ve never owned a telescope before, the Infinity 70 Refractor is a good telescope to get started in astronomy. This 70mm (2.8") aperture gives bright, sharp images for both land and celestial objects. Whether you're viewing the lunar craters, rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, or terrestrial objects, the Infinity 70 Refractor allows the first-time observer to explore the world, solar system, and beyond.
From the Manufacturer
Meade Infinity 70 Altazimuth Refractor Telescope comes complete with everything you need to view the wonders of the night sky the first time out. 70mm (2.8") Refracting Telescope delivers bright and detailed images that is perfect for viewing both land and celestial objects. Features an altazimuth mount with slow motion control rod for tracking celestial objects as they move across the night sky. Comes with 2 eyepieces that provide low and high powered magnification for viewing a wide range of objects (Moon, planets, or land). Bonus Autostar Suite Astronomy planetarium DVD with over 10,000 celestial objects (Windows PC only). One Year Warranty.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, ease of assembly, and value of the telescope. For example, they mention it's a fantastic entry-level scope, the eyepieces are decent, and the primary objective is nice. That said, opinions are mixed on clarity, performance, size, and ease of use.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the telescope. They say it's a fantastic entry-level telescope, with nice eyepieces and a clear primary objective. They also mention that the optical performance and quality of this telescope is good enough to start out on. Customers also say that it'll allow them to see the moon and Jupiter with great detail.
"...On a clear, dark night the scope will show very good views of star fields, galaxies, star clusters, the moon and several of the viewable planets...." Read more
"...The instruction manual is clear and has helpful advice about using the scope for best results. I was able to set up the scope in 10 minutes...." Read more
"...A few nights ago I also viewed Jupiter and was amazed with so much details to see the bands on Jupiter and seeing 4 of Jupiter's Moon...." Read more
"...Seeing was good enough to resolve the bands with a Plossl 9mm. Very good view.Viewed M42, Orion Nebula with a low quality 20mm lens...." Read more
Customers find the telescope easy to set up and use. They say the instructions in the booklet are fairly clear. Customers also mention that the telescope is easy for kids to use and has a red dot viewfinder.
"...The instruction manual is clear and has helpful advice about using the scope for best results. I was able to set up the scope in 10 minutes...." Read more
"...Set up is a breeze and took no time. The tripod is cheap and lightweight but sufficient, the altazimuth mount is slightly better...." Read more
"...It had to meet the following criteria: easy to use, not too heavy, easy to use, works well, and... is easy to use...." Read more
"...I found that aligning the viewfinder and telescope was quite difficult because the tripod shakes...." Read more
Customers like the value of the telescope. They mention it's good for the money, powerful, and a great price for young kids.
"...This is a nice scope at the price point...." Read more
"This is a very affordable and capable telescope aimed at new amateur astronomers...." Read more
"...But, for what it is, this telescope seems like an excellent value, and it certainly works well enough for my needs...." Read more
"...But the instruction manual is quite clear, and there are lots of low-cost (and even free) astronomy programs available." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the image quality of the telescope. They mention that it's really good looking, breathtaking, and has beautiful colors. They also appreciate the clear and amazing terrestrial and night-sky images. They say it'll be amazing to look at these planetary bodies. Customers also appreciate that the basic design is OK and the stand is nice.
"...The scope provides the best overall image of the Pleiades compared to any of my other scopes and finding objects is much easier due to the wide field..." Read more
"...I was surprised how sharp the images were with the lower-power lenses...." Read more
"...I think I got more than my money's worth. Jupiter and Saturn both look great on a clear night...." Read more
"...see Saturn its rings, which again, was very clear and sharp with its vibrant yellow color, I could not see the Cassini division though, Titan was..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the clarity of the telescope. Some mention that the knobs work well, and the views they are getting are very clear. They say it is much better at visual observing than astrophotography, and that viewing Jupiter is best through the 9mm eyepiece with the barlow added. However, others say that the viewing conditions are not ideal, and it makes viewing anything a little difficult.
"...Looking forward to using them as viewing the moon was to painfully bright and as an eye glass wearer, using red dot forces me to constantly take..." Read more
"...The 102mm optics are excellent and produce sharp, bright images...." Read more
"...Moon view is impressive (I used moon filter to cut down glare). Unable to view planets at this time due to closeness to sun...." Read more
"...offers a little too much resistance, adjusts smoothly, the optics appear to be quite good and deal well with chromatic aberration, and the scope and..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the telescope. Some mention that it works well enough for their needs, while others say that it does not work with some eyepieces and the azimuth mount does not operate properly.
"...the following criteria: easy to use, not too heavy, easy to use, works well, and... is easy to use...." Read more
"...The construction of the telescope is solid and functional. There are no dummy knobs or structural vulnerabilities...." Read more
"...Even so the tripod and mount are not suitable for long-term use with heavy premium 2 inch accessories...." Read more
"...The Red Dot Finder is also excellent and works really well...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the size of the telescope. Some mention that it is the perfect size, with everything fitting properly. They say it is a good size for traveling. However, other customers mention that the dust cover does not make a tight fit over the front objective, the eyepieces and adapters fit a little loose, and the width of the tube is not that much. They also say that the lenses will not fit into the holes in the accessory tray and that the dew shield is too large.
"...(though it is admittedly a very tight fit, and results in a weird orientation)..." Read more
"...Not to mention it's also quite sturdy. The tri-pod is stable and highly adjustable. The construction of the telescope is solid and functional...." Read more
"...If removed though the dust cover does not make a tight fit over the front objective. Also the dew shield is not secured to the scope in any way...." Read more
"...As with all entry level scopes the leg tubing is woefully undersized and my specimen has several loose rivets in the joints...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the ease of use of the telescope. Some mention that it was easy to find things in the sky and move along with them using the slow movement. They also say that sighting it in was relatively easy, and they were able to see details on the moon. However, others say that the field of view make it extremely difficult to use, cumbersome, and clumsy.
"...of the Pleiades compared to any of my other scopes and finding objects is much easier due to the wide field...." Read more
"...The 4” aperture allows for deep sky viewing. Did not consider larger scope at this time due to lack of portability...." Read more
"...I found it frustrating trying to focus on planets, the mount and tripod are not that sturdy...." Read more
"...so lots of city light, and the first night I as out I was able to see details on the moon... could clearly see the rings on Saturn and was able to..." Read more
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The eyepieces included with the 102mm where another surprise and were very good but not as good as premium (and expressive) eyepieces. There are better eyepieces with better eye relief if you plan to stay with the hobby. While not required I would plan on replacing the high power eyepieces to gain a wider field and better eye relief. Many scopes come with low quality eyepieces to cut costs but the included eyepieces were perfectly good. The Barlow felt cheap because it was so light weight but it performed very well. The red dot finder worked well but I prefer a right angle optical version.
The 102mm optics are excellent and produce sharp, bright images. If you are looking at this scope you probably know a larger aperture will produce a brighter image because it is able to capture more light. I was looking at the 80mm but decided on the 102mm for the larger aperture and the much better tripod and mount. The supplied diagonal is plastic but good and very study. I even put my premium 2 inch eyepieces in the diagonal with little to no worry.
You need to know that this scope has an adapter which when removed fits a 2 inch diagonal. Even so the tripod and mount are not suitable for long-term use with heavy premium 2 inch accessories. There are some good lighter 2 inch accessories that will work but because this is a wide field scope, 2 inch accessories do not give you much improvement. I use 2 inch equipment on several of my other scopes so it made since for me to upgrade the tripod and mount.
On a clear, dark night the scope will show very good views of star fields, galaxies, star clusters, the moon and several of the viewable planets. The scope provides the best overall image of the Pleiades compared to any of my other scopes and finding objects is much easier due to the wide field. Jupiter’s showed good surface details as well as Saturn’s ring division. In a smaller scope don’t expect to see much detail and Mars, Venus and other planets will only appear as small colorful dots even with an 80mm scope.
Bottom Line: I would highly recommend this scope even for advanced users like me. This scope is portable and provides great wide field views. The supplied eyepieces are very good but I would add a nice 1.25 ES 24mm 68 degree eyepiece if you have the money. The tripod with its slow motion control’s is a must have benefit and is a valid reason to skip the 80mm version. If you think you will be serious about astronomy skip any telescope under 80mm and this is a good choice.
Looking at the details of the Meade scope, it looked to have everything I’d want: it’d include a dovetail mounting rail (allowing it to be used with my SLT go-to mount), a red-dot spotter (actually a preference of mine over a small refractor spotter), and had the same aperture and focal ratio as the ST-80. Moreover, the Infinity 80 would also include 3 eyepieces, a 2x Barlow, and a manual fine-control alt-az mount (also a plus, since it’d be nice to have the option for non-powered astronomy/general viewing with my Mak). Finally, it promised to deliver everything for a price less than the ST-80A. Surely, then, Meade must have cut corners in quality somewhere, right?
I’ll be honest; I had several reservations about purchasing this scope. I’d heard that the focuser was plastic, that the optics were inferior, and that other aspects of the build quality must be lacking. I’ve had the scope for about a month, now, and can happily report that none of that is true. The focuser is metal and, while it offers a little too much resistance, adjusts smoothly, the optics appear to be quite good and deal well with chromatic aberration, and the scope and accessories appear to be of good quality as well. The dovetail rail allows me to use the Infinity 80 scope with my SLT go-to mount (though it is admittedly a very tight fit, and results in a weird orientation), and the mount that came with the Infinity 80 accommodates my Mak without issue. Moreover, aside from using a manual mount, the tripod for the Infinity 80 appears to be identical to the tripod that came with the 127 SLT, and is pretty stable.
Regarding the eyepieces, spotter, and Barlow, I’ve been pleased with everything but the Barlow. The eyepieces all offer a sharp image, and the 26 mm piece is a nice inclusion. The red-dot spotter works just like the spotter that came with my Celestron scope, and is easy to adjust and use. The Barlow, however, was dirty on arrival, and didn’t include a cap on one end of the piece. Additionally, it appears that there may be some aberrations in the optical element, but that may just be some dust. As I already had a 2x Barlow, I haven’t yet attempted to clean the Barlow that came with the Infinity 80, and it hasn’t been a high priority for me, nor does it really impact my review.
So, how does the scope work when paired with the NexImage 5? I’ve included a lunar shot so you can judge for yourself. Though the photo may have some contrast issues (not really the fault of the scope), I think it’s fairly representative of what to expect. Note, also, that to use the NexImage 5 without introducing a diagonal, it is necessary to use an extension tube. I purchased the 2” Orion 5123 extension tube for this purpose, and while it’s a bit pricey for what is just an additional 2” of metal, I’d say it’s a worthwhile addition for photography.
While I don’t think I’ll use this scope for any planetary viewing (the Mak does a much better job at that, as would be expected), I’ve been very pleased with this scope, especially when paired with the NexImage 5 for recording wide-field views. This is great as a fast second scope, or even as a general first scope, and I’d highly recommend it.
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2015
Looking at the details of the Meade scope, it looked to have everything I’d want: it’d include a dovetail mounting rail (allowing it to be used with my SLT go-to mount), a red-dot spotter (actually a preference of mine over a small refractor spotter), and had the same aperture and focal ratio as the ST-80. Moreover, the Infinity 80 would also include 3 eyepieces, a 2x Barlow, and a manual fine-control alt-az mount (also a plus, since it’d be nice to have the option for non-powered astronomy/general viewing with my Mak). Finally, it promised to deliver everything for a price less than the ST-80A. Surely, then, Meade must have cut corners in quality somewhere, right?
I’ll be honest; I had several reservations about purchasing this scope. I’d heard that the focuser was plastic, that the optics were inferior, and that other aspects of the build quality must be lacking. I’ve had the scope for about a month, now, and can happily report that none of that is true. The focuser is metal and, while it offers a little too much resistance, adjusts smoothly, the optics appear to be quite good and deal well with chromatic aberration, and the scope and accessories appear to be of good quality as well. The dovetail rail allows me to use the Infinity 80 scope with my SLT go-to mount (though it is admittedly a very tight fit, and results in a weird orientation), and the mount that came with the Infinity 80 accommodates my Mak without issue. Moreover, aside from using a manual mount, the tripod for the Infinity 80 appears to be identical to the tripod that came with the 127 SLT, and is pretty stable.
Regarding the eyepieces, spotter, and Barlow, I’ve been pleased with everything but the Barlow. The eyepieces all offer a sharp image, and the 26 mm piece is a nice inclusion. The red-dot spotter works just like the spotter that came with my Celestron scope, and is easy to adjust and use. The Barlow, however, was dirty on arrival, and didn’t include a cap on one end of the piece. Additionally, it appears that there may be some aberrations in the optical element, but that may just be some dust. As I already had a 2x Barlow, I haven’t yet attempted to clean the Barlow that came with the Infinity 80, and it hasn’t been a high priority for me, nor does it really impact my review.
So, how does the scope work when paired with the NexImage 5? I’ve included a lunar shot so you can judge for yourself. Though the photo may have some contrast issues (not really the fault of the scope), I think it’s fairly representative of what to expect. Note, also, that to use the NexImage 5 without introducing a diagonal, it is necessary to use an extension tube. I purchased the 2” Orion 5123 extension tube for this purpose, and while it’s a bit pricey for what is just an additional 2” of metal, I’d say it’s a worthwhile addition for photography.
While I don’t think I’ll use this scope for any planetary viewing (the Mak does a much better job at that, as would be expected), I’ve been very pleased with this scope, especially when paired with the NexImage 5 for recording wide-field views. This is great as a fast second scope, or even as a general first scope, and I’d highly recommend it.
Top reviews from other countries
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 22, 2021