New Meade short tube at Ritz Camera

I recently was surprised to see a Meade 60mm F/5.8 short tube with 2
1.25 inch eyepieces, a barlow (plastic) and a 45 degree prism with a
small tripod and carrying case. The tube has the standard 1/4 - 20
threads for tripods. All of this for only $50. I couldn't resist and
have found that the optics aren't that bad but are not coated. A star
test shows some spherical aberation and slight astigmatism but overall
not bad especially for the $50. Color is also not that bad. This can
make a good finder or auxilary scope as it is quite lightweight.
Saturn showed the slightest hint of the Casini division using a good
diagonal and planetary eyepiece. Overall I think this is an
interesting find.