Kenneth Vessels (ynnek@bellsouth.net) adds: "I had often thought of purchasing one of these cases for my ETX, but I wanted to hear from someone else who did it first. Well, after reading Mr. Wartinger's comments, I went right to the B&H Photo Web page and ordered an extra-large case per his recommendations. After I received my case I must say that I was quite impressed with the quality. It is very sturdy and could take a lot of banging around while protecting the scope. And it is waterproof up to thirty feet! It also has a lifetime warranty. Customizing the two layers of foam is a breeze. I had mine done within thirty minutes. And contrary to stories I've heard, there are not little foam cubes falling out all over the place. It's hard to even tell that the foam is perforated until you start working with it. After I had created a cavity for my ETX, there was still plenty of room for accessories. I have two eyepieces and a Barlow, and the table top legs that came with the scope, all fitted in the foam with loads of space left over for future accessories. Some of these might include the hand controller for an electric focuser and declination motor, and of course more eyepieces. It has four latches on the outside,. two on the front and one on each side. It also has holes for a padlock. It is only $69 plus S&H ($82.75 with S&H). This is a case I would highly recommend for anyone wishing to protect their investment. And besides that, it really impresses your friends when you open that case and they just assume that it was made for the ETX."

Greg Achord (grega@wic.net) comments: "I too ordered the extra large Doskocil Seal Tight case from B&H Photo and was very pleased with the quality. The foam was easy to customize and the ETX just feels safe & secure in this case. I would guess it compares favorably with the Deluxe Hard case offered by Shutan, and at almost 1/2 the price ($85.00 with S/H). I too would Highly recommend this case."

Wayne Hale (WayneH7974@aol.com) sent this in: "After reading several reviews in your reader comment pages, I elected to go with the Doskocil case from B&H Photo in New York. I went for the large case which measures 20 3/4" X 16 1/2" X 9 1/4" outside and 18 7/8" X 14 1/4" X 8 1/4" inches inside. It come with three pieces of foam, two 2 1/4" thick and cut within about an inch of the outside in a 3/8" square pattern. The cuts do not go all the way through the foam and there are no loose "squares" to deal with. I found that a sharp knife easily cut the foam or it could be carefully pried apart along the cut lines. The foam is almost totally odorless. There is another slightly smaller piece of foam in the bottom of the case, about 3/4" thick, it is not scored for cutting, however. The lid has a piece of "eggcrate" foam attached, it looks to be about 3/4" thick. The cost of the extra large case was $69.95. I was in a hurry and ordered the case from B&H's website on a Saturday morning via credit card and had the case Wed afternoon. The shipping charges were $24.55, ouch!! The case came in a cardboard box, inside a larger cardboard box which had a layer of Styrofoam "peanuts." Considering the case looks indestructible, I thought their packing was a little overkill, but then again, it arrived in perfect condition. I placed the ETX on the upper foam layer and used a felt tipped marking pen to trace around the ETX. I then cut the foam well within the pen mark to make sure the resulting hole was smaller than the scope as I'd rather have it really snug and compressing the foam rather than the scope rattle around inside. After cutting the top layer more or less to accept the ETX, I used the marker to trace the outline of the hole on the lower thick piece of foam. Since the thicker pieces are quite snug in the case, registration is not a problem. I'd guess it took about half an hour to get everything trimmed. I offset the ETX toward the hinge side of the case as I wanted the center of gravity to be below the center line of the case, hopefully making it more stable from falling over if it is standing on its hinge edge. It was fairly easy to cut round holes in the foam to accommodate the 26mm standard lens in the Mead supplied plastic holder. I cut a hole in the upper foam to accommodate the Vixen 8-24mm zoom lens large enough for the upper barrel of the lens and a smaller hole in the lower piece of foam to secure the smaller diameter end of the lens. The case with the two lenses, a barlow and 45 degree lens mount weighs in at 19 pounds. The case comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is American made. The case has an "O" ring around the lid which is advertised to make the case water tight. The lid is secured in the closed position by four husky plastic clips, two on each side and two adjacent to the handle on the front. A nice touch is the lid stays in an upright position, opening to about 100 degrees This is enough that the lid stays open and doesn't have a tendency to flop closed on your fingers. Another nice touch is a "vent" screw in the bottom which can be used when you change elevations, especially from higher to lower as the differential pressure will create a vacuum making the lid hard to pry open if the O ring does its job. Many of the case parts are replaceable for a modest fee. The thick foam pieces sell for $15.55. The plastic is quite thick and looks pretty durable. There are two 1/4 inch holes adjacent to the front locking clips that could be used to secure the case with small padlocks although it wouldn't take much effort to break or cut the plastic in that area so it is more an insurance to keep the case from accidentally popping open. With the four clips securely holding the lid in place, I can't imagine accidental opening being a problem. I'd say that the case is just about the right size for the ETX, the round base fits almost within the lower compartment. If anything, the case could be another inch thicker and give a greater margin of protection but it should be more than adequate. I'd hesitate to say it will fit under an airline seat, it is about 3 or 4 inches larger than a standard hardside briefcase in length and width but is twice as deep. There are two "feet" molded into the hinge end of the case and it appears quite stable sitting on that end. All and all, I'd say this case is an excellent value for the money."

Joe Hartley (jh@brainiac.com) reports: "Based on this site, I decided to buy the extra-large Doskocil hard case from B&H photo. Even though I'd specified FedEx Saver as the shipping method (the cheapest way), I still got it on Xmas eve day, which was the day after I placed the order. (Thanks, FedEx!) Price of the unit was $69.95, and shipping was only $9.20. The case is as advertised - a rugged hard plastic case with modifiable foam inside. I have 2 minor problems with the case: it lacks the rubber O-ring that should go around the inside lip for waterproofing, and it only has one layer of the cubed foam. I have a call into B&H;'s customer service (at 2:00 PM Xmas eve day there was still someone answering the phone!), and I hope they'll be able to send out the parts separately. Even without these items, I would keep this case. The foam was easily customized to the shape of the ETX, the tabletop legs and the lens with plenty of room for additional lenses and other small accessories in the future. Even with just one layer of foam, the ETX is held in quite securely, and the waterproof O-ring seal is not terribly important to me, but it will be interesting to see if B&H;'s service rises to the occasion. Overall, I'm very happy with this case as it is, and am much happier with this than if I'd gone with a soft case. Many thanks to Mike for this great resource for the ETX! Without it I likely would have ended up with an inferior case cradling my new baby :)"

Jim O'neill (jplowry@concentric.net) adds: "i bought the x-tra large case from doskocil and it's great,i have every thing in there 5 e.p.'s a barlow 3 filters ,both controllers ,the 497 and the standard one underneath it also flashlight[red],compass,tripod base[round one] that goes in standing up on it's side,a solar filter underneath telescope under tube for support [a tuthill]spare batteries ,one e.p. is on scope #5 also a 1x spot scope still mounted on scope w/ a little cutout on the eggshell linning on lid .you can dig out foam underneath to store more stuff and buy some 3m dbl. sided strips to keep the upper layer of foam in place when pulling out your scope THIS IS A GREAT BUY also check out university optics for low price, extreme quality eyepieces i stress the fact due to the reason that i've tried all kinds of e.p.'s for over 25 years and went back to u.o. optics, check it out at www.universityoptics you won't be dissapointed unless you like to buy vanity eyepieces and spend 150 to 300$ and get the same results."

Bob Allman (bald1@usa.net) notes the following important point: "The Doskocil Seal-Tight extra large case is rightly featured in your case forum but the source given, B&H Photo-Video apparently has discontinued carrying the line around the spring of '99. I conducted an extensive search online and by phone and no one has them for the $69.95 B&H once did. The best I found was at tallyns.com: $79.95 plus $9 S&H. This is a pro-photo shop run by Scott Tallyn (800-433-8685). Next best was a full $10 higher (Pocono Scopes). And other prices ranged up to $119 (Orion). Thought posting the additional source might save others a lot of time, so I've sent this info along. Thanks again for a great site!"

Kurt Sowers (Kurt.Sowers@dtn.com) responds: "Bob, I read your post on the Mighty ETX site, and I beg to differ with you. I purchased the Doskocil Seal Tight Extra Large case last week from B&H. Go to www.bhphotovideo.com Click on the "Photo" button near the top-left of the page. On this page, under the "Photo Accessories" category, click on the "Bags/Cases/Carts" link. On this page, under the "Hard Cases" category, click on the "Watertight" link. This page has what you're looking for."

Bob Allman (bald1@usa.net) replies: "I used the B&H search feature and neither Doskocil nor Seal-Tight are recognized (check it, Doskocil isn't listed among manufacturers' products carried). To compound things twice I was left on hold when I called. No net search engine, and I use them all, came up with an active link to B&H for these cases. Every old link was said to be out of date circa April '99. But you're right, I tried the cumbersome approach you outlined and I've now spent $10 more than I needed to have. It'd sure be nice if B&H would fix their search engine and their phone folks. Most sites who don't list a manufacturer don't carry their line period."

Jamey Ethridge (jethridg@ro.com) adds: "I ordered the extra large Doskocil Seal Tight case from B&H Photo last week and received it three days later. The case was packed in a cardboard box with styrofoam peanuts, packed inside another box with styrofoam peanuts. Overkill? Probably, but then again, the case was in perfect shape after a 1000 mile shipping odyssey to my house. After some planning and serveral different trial configurations, I was able to create a layout for the case that would hold my ETX-90EC, Autostar, Orion solar filter, Orion Skyglow filter, Orion moon filter, Meade 26mm eyepiece, Meade Shorty Barlow, Orion 13mm eyepiece, Orion 7mm eyepiece, and a PhotoCo LensPen. Designing the layout and "plucking" the foam cubes took about 45 minutes. After the plucking was done and I was happy with the design, I glued the two cubed-foam pieces together using contact cement so they would not lift out of the case when I removed the scope. I was able to consolidate the contents of two (inferiorly built) cases into this one (excellently built) case. A quick trip to a local department store allowed me to buy two dial-combination padlocks (I rarely have my keychain with me when I'm in the backyard, so keeping track of keys is a hassle). All in all, I am VERY happy with the construction and quality of this case, not to mention the price. If I had to do it again, I would in a heartbeat! I HIGHLY recommend this case to anyone wanting to protect their ETX and equipment, but without unnecessarily spending more for less of a case. I am including a picture of my case and it's internal layout, as well as an inset picture of the outside of the case showing the two padlocks."

Rick Raiton (azrickster@hotmail.com) adds: "Just thought you might want to post another site that sells the DOSKOCIL Cases. I just ordered one from them - the extra large for $55.81 plus $8.00 for shipping (from Arlington, Texas to Phoenix, AZ). They also have the large case for $42.00. They have an online order form, but lack any means of calculating shipping. I had to call them (817-784-9138)to find out the shipping charge. Thanks for a great ETX site."

Ken Toliver (kentoliver@mindspring.com) adds this important comment: "Please be advised, this case is NOT for the ETX-125EC! I know it must seem obvious, but I myself purchased the unit at the same time I bought my 125. Not having my 125 in hand, I simply assumed that the "extra large" Doskocil case would hold it. The article mentions the ETX in several places, but does not clarify which one! That aside, the article was great and I truly wish the thing would fit! I just thought I'd pass this along so no one else makes the same mistake."

Mike here: Based upon the comment above about the smell of the foam in a new case, JMI has informed me that they now air out cases and have purchased an electronic air deodorizer to help in the process. They sent me a case to check out and while there is a slight odor, it does not seem that different from other foam-lined cases I have seen (and smelled) over the years. Apparently, the airing out process is working. As to the case itself, it is entirely of plastic with metal latches (lockable, keys included). Locking the latches would appear to useful only to prevent accidental opening; prying off the latches would simply pull the rivets through the plastic. As shown in the photograph, there are cutouts for the ETX itself along with several eyepiece holes, a slot for the legs, and slots for some JMI accessories (or other small items). The ETX fit quite snugly and there was no concern about movement as there is with the Meade softcase. JMI is considering adding a hole for a Barlow Lens. As with any foam, scraping off flakes is possible, so I would suggest inserting a 35mm film can into the ETX eyepiece hole to prevent any possible foam flakes from entering the ETX. Is the case is worth $110? In comparison to the Meade softcase for $50, it certainly is priced correctly. Yes, you can get other cases such as the Doskocil Seal-Tight case described further up this page for less money but then you have to make the modifications yourself to support the ETX and accessories. For some people this is OK but others may prefer a final case for their money. Only you can decide. The JMI case will provide good protection for your ETX while traveling. But as with any expensive sensitive device, I would recommend hand carrying it on airplanes. The JMI case should fit in the overhead compartments.

Robert Van Den Huevel (rvdh@ecs.csun.edu) writes: "I thought I'd let your readers know how the JMI hardcase stacks up in my opinion. I returned my image erector, since the vignetting and increased image size plus loss of sharpness were all too much to bear for me. With the trade-in credit and a little more money I bought a JMI hardcase. I wasn't about to go to Home Depot and buy a toolbox and some bubble-wrap for a makeshift case... :-) From what I have seen today, the JMI case is very light weight, (now) has no detectable smell to the foam, and its foam cutouts accomodate a fairly nice array of accessories and the ETX itself. The JMI case closes decently albeit slightly unevenly and feels fairly solid when filled with stuff. It's true that compared to some of the other cases in your reviews, it is not as well constructed. I don't think it is as good a value. But then again I will never need waterproofing nor some of the other bells and whistles these cases provide. Actually, there is ONE "feature" that I am a little worried about. This case should not be on the bottom of your suitcase stack or equipment pile in your car, and here is why. The side padding is not more than 0.25" thick, and the plastic siding is thin and flexible for such a type of case. Since I don't plan on stacking heavy objects on top of this case, (which would cause the side panels, which are not rigid like a metal case would be, to flex and press against the ETX assembly inside) I probably won't ever have a problem. I kind of am disappointed, because I'd like to be able to be reassured that I could kick the case coming from any direction and not have a problem. If you really press hard on both sides at once, a wheezing sound comes out of the JMI case as though it is breathing. I paid $65 on top of an exchange for credit for this case, and I blindly trusted my sales guy to stock the best case. I got a compromise, not "the best" by any means, but good enough for me now. I will say this -- it came ready-to-go and within minutes I had everything in the case. The cutouts are pretty nicely done and I feel good about the generous foam distances everywhere except the side panels. In my situation, I think I did OK for me, but not optimal in the long term. Everybody who reads this and is considering buying a hard case should take a close look at their actual needs and also maybe a little look at their psychological fears.... I think it might be worth the extra money to get a bomb-proof case. Think about it. You spend $550, $700, maybe even $1500 on an ETX and its eyepieces, then try to save $50 on the case? As Spock would say, "unwise." If you possibly can, get the best, or else wait. This accessory could be more important than all the rest. Take care all, thanks for reading, clear skies and no sodium vapor lamps."

Kit-ying Hui (khui@csd.abdn.ac.uk) provided the following comments: "I just got my ETX carrying bag and I'd suggest others NOT to get it unless you have no other choice. The bag is badly designed. There is no handle but only a shoulder-strap. Maybe Meade is so confident in the ETX that they put in just 1cm (or less?) of packing. Originally I thought I can reinforce the protection by adding extra sponge. However, the bag is so tight that there is no space for anything extra, at least, for both ends of the bag. The bottom of the bag is also very weak, which I suspect to be made of cardboard paper (???). And finally, I saw the label "Made in Hong Kong". You know, I'm just back from HK (where I bought my ETX) and now I'm buying this "Made in HK" bag in the U.K.! In conclusion, try to find a big-enough camera bag instead of the Meade one. I don't think Meade has put any thought into the design & manufacturing of this carrying bag."

Kit-ying Hui (khui@csd.abdn.ac.uk) provided the following additional comments: I'm the guy who blamed the ETX carrying-bag a lot last time. Anyway, I live with it and I found that you can actually use a lunch-box to keep your eye-pieces and put them in the ETX carrying-bag. The solution is to put it under the ETX. In this picture you can see 3 eye-pieces, the 2x barlow and the 45-degree erect prism for the ETX. The box measures 19 x 14 x 5.5 cm in dimension and provides sufficient protection. The only problem is that there isn't enough space for me to put the EZ-finder together with the EPs. In the 2nd picture, you can see the arrangement of the box in the ETX bag. Simply speaking, I put the box on one end of the bag and fill the remaining space with a 3cm thick sponge. The trick is that the ETX has some space under the OTA when it is lying flat. The 3rd picture shows the arrangement of the ETX in the bag. You can see that I put the ETX base to the other side of the bag so that the OTA is directly on top of the lunch box. With the extra space on either side of the OTA, you can put in other accessories. Like an air-brush, in my case. Above the OTA, you can put a pocket star-atlas. The whole arrangement allows me to pick up the ETX and go in a few seconds. Of course, I can't put the tripod into the bag. I hope this information is useful to other ETX users.

Ron McCafferty (RonMcCafferty@email.msn.com) offers the following: "I have one of Meade's soft carrying cases that I think deserves some credit. It is at least 1/2 the price of a hard case. It is well constructed. The material is strong. The zipper works well. The stitching is well done. The strap goes to the bottom of the case for strength. It is small enough to travel with. I use Tupperware containers for accessory storing as suggested by another Weasner's Mighty ETX site contributor. I looked at less expensive bags and was not happy with the material and/or strap strength, stitching, or zippers. I was worried that the bag would fail and that my scope would drop to the ground. I used to buy my kids cheap backpacks for school. They would last a couple of months. I finally bought them nice Jansports that they been using for 2 years with no show of wear except a little dirt. I think the lesson I learned applies here. I'd like the Meade case to be more like my 7 year old Tamrac video camera bag with a handle, customizable compartments, and more padding. But I paid $99 for that bag. Compared to less expensive bags that you'd find in K-Mart I think the Meade bag is worth the money. I decided to get the Meade bag because I was tired of using the shipping box and because I wanted to spend my money on viewing accessories rather than a hard case. I just traveled via airplane from California to Florida to a family reunion with the Tamrac and Meade Bags. I "carried on" my Meade and Tamrac bags. Actually my daughter carried the Tamrac. They fit together under the seat or in the overhead bin. My telescope was undamaged. I wowed the family with views of Jupiter and Saturn. The ETX has performed beyond my expectations."