”I have used a great number of telescopes; some are good, some mediocre and some bad. To me the Sky-Watcher range of instruments are very good indeed, and suited to amateurs of all kinds – and they are not priced out of the market! Excellent value.
Use them and enjoy them.“
Sir Patrick Moore CBE FRS
Note: The Sky-Watcher telescope models and mountings that have been tested, endorsed and recommended by Sir Patrick Moore are labelled accordingly in their respective sections on this website.
SKY-WATCHER ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPES
Ade Ashford Says...
"Having tested and reviewed a wide range of astronomical telescopes over the last couple of decades, for me there's one manufacturer that's risen above the rest in terms of delivering a coherent range of uncompromising, well-conceived designs, embodying consistently good optics and sensibly engineered mounts at very competitive prices — that's Sky-Watcher!!" Ade Ashford BSc
Ade Ashford has tested and reviewed astronomical equipment in a professional capacity for several publications, including Sky & Telescope, Astronomy Now & BBC Sky At Night Magazine. He is currently living in New Zealand and is an astronomer at Mt John Observatory, Lake Tekapo.
FANTASTIC ACCESSORY SET OFFER!!
Buy ANY Sky-Watcher or TAL telescope from ANY UK dealer & buy this superb
Sky-Watcher Eyepiece, Filter, Night Vision Torch & User Guide Set for just £79.00 (SRP £149.00) directly from OVL!!
Kit Comprises: 2mm, 5mm, 15mm & 20mm Long Eye Relief Eyepieces, Four Threaded Light Filters (Amber, Blue, Neutral Grey & Moon Filter) Dual - Beam LED Night Vision Torch, Astronomical Telescope User Guide, in lockable, foam-padded Aluminium Case
Terms of Offer Just send a photocopy of your receipt with a cheque (payable to OVL) and covering note to us at the address below. Order must be placed within FOUR MONTHS of telescope purchase. Please provide a daytime telephone number and an address, for guaranteed acceptance of delivery, between 9am-5pm Mon-Fri as the goods will be delivered by carrier. FREE delivery to any UK address!!
Offer commences 22nd. March 2011.
Post to: Accessory Set Offer, Optical Vision Ltd, Unit 3 Woolpit Business Park, Woolpit, Bury St.Edmunds, Suffolk, IP30 9UP
(Please note: We reserve the right to discontinue this offer at any time without prior notice)
The Sky-Watcher SKYMAX Maksutov-Cassegrains are the ultimate ‘take-anywhere’ telescopes. They are also ideal if working space is limited. Despite their small dimensions they pack a powerful punch. Their High-Resolution, diffraction limited optical systems are multi-coated to maximize contrast and image sharpness. The Skymax Maksutovs come in apertures of 90mm, 102mm and 127mm, and are available either complete with equatorial mounts and tripods, or as tube assemblies only, which can be mounted onto a standard photographic tripod. Whether your requirement is for terrestrial or astronomical use, these compact scopes are the perfect companion. Tube material: Aluminium.
Introduction
The Auto-Tracking telescope is an evolutionary alt-azimuth mount that allows automatic tracking of celestial objects without complicated add-ons. It can be used not only for astronomy but for terrestrial applications as well. It is fast to set-up and very simple and easy to use. Highly recommended for the first-time buyer.
Auto-Tracking Mount Features:
Ideal for both Astronomical & Terrestrial Use
Single-Arm Alt-Azimuth Mount
Powerful DC Servo Motor
Hand Control to Command the Motor
Choice of 1x, 4x or 8x Sidereal Rate Speeds in “Tracking on” mode
Choice of 32x Slow, 64x Medium or 800x High-Speed Alt-Azimuth Slewing in “Tracking off” mode, for Astronomical & Terrestrial Use
North & Level Start Position for Astronomical Auto-Tracking Feature
Clear Latitude Scale
Lightweight & Portable
Simple and Easy to Use
(n.b. Cruise button on handset has no function for Auto-Tracking Series)
SKYMAX MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAINS
Ade Ashford Says...
"Since its conception in the 1940s, the name Maksutov has become synonymous with compact, high-precision optical instruments. Sky-Watcher's range of SKYMAX Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes remain true to this hallowed tradition. Available in a range of apertures and focal lengths to suit just about any land- or sky-based observation where contrast and clarity of image are paramount. Capable of high-power viewing, their lunar and planetary performance is extremely good." Ade Ashford BSc
SKYMAX-102 SynScan™ AZ GOTO 102mm (4") f/1300 cOMPUTERISED MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN
This compact telescope, with its high-resolution multi-coated optical system, excels at medium-to-high-powers for the examination of the surface detail on the Moon, planets and also for double-star observations. Also useful for terrestrial use.
The exciting new Sky-Watcher SynScan™ Alt-Azimuth GoTo Mount is a precision engineered instrument that will allow you to easily find and enjoy viewing night sky treasures, such as Planets, Nebulae, Star Clusters, Galaxies and much more. The SynScan™ AZ hand control allows you point your telescope at a specific object, or even tour the night sky at the touch of a button!! The user-friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 42,900+ objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions.
Combined with telescope OTA’s of proven high quality, these Superb Packages are all you need to Explore the Universe to your Heart’s Content!!
Main Features:
SynScan™ Database: Total 42,900+ Objects, including Complete M, NGC, IC & SAO Catalogues
Alignment Method: Two-star or Brightest star alignment
"The optics of the review instrument were staggeringly good giving superb views of the Moon"...."Also excels for double-star observatons" Skymax-90. BBC Sky at Night Magazine
SKYMAX-127 SynScan™ AZ GOTO 127mm (5") f/1500 cOMPUTERISED MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN
A larger version of the Skymax-102 providing a massive 55% more light-gathering power, and packing an even more powerful punch than its smaller cousin for medium-to-high-power work.
"This is one of the jewels in the Sky-Watcher’s crown. Its large enough to produce richly detailed, high-contrast Lunar and Planetary images…The Skymax-127 packs a performance punch with a relatively short cool-down time….For daytime terrestrial use, the instrument is quite capable of focusing down to 8 metres" Ade Ashford, www.scopetest.com
The exciting new Sky-Watcher SynScan™ Alt-Azimuth GoTo Mount is a precision engineered instrument that will allow you to easily find and enjoy viewing night sky treasures, such as Planets, Nebulae, Star Clusters, Galaxies and much more. The SynScan™ AZ hand control allows you point your telescope at a specific object, or even tour the night sky at the touch of a button!! The user-friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 42,900+ objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions.
Combined with telescope OTA’s of proven high quality, these Superb Packages are all you need to Explore the Universe to your Heart’s Content!!
Main Features:
SynScan™ Database: Total 42,900+ Objects, including Complete M, NGC, IC & SAO Catalogues
Alignment Method: Two-star or Brightest star alignment
Review of Skymax-127 OTA
“…Optically, all the lenses are multicoated and the internal baffles had no shiny surfaces that could cause reflections of bright objects…The Focuser was quite smooth with very little image shift…The field was sharp across 80 percent of the view…We were pleased with the quality of the view even when pushing the telescope to higher magnifications…Mars and Saturn bore high magnifications well…The rings of Saturn appeared sharply defined…Turning to the Moon, it was a revelation through the Skymax…This telescope certainly does a good job on the more detailed Solar System objects…In the deep sky, the Skymax performed well on everything to galaxies to nebulae” Sky At Night Magazine
”The telescope is optically very good, giving clear, sharp images.“
Endorsed and recommended by
Sir Patrick Moore CBE FRS
Prod. Code
SKYMAX-127 (EQ3-2)
10675
SRP Ł 449.00
Gallery Images
Click on images for larger view of photos taken using this telescope model
EQ3 PRO SynScanTM Computerised Go-To Deluxe Equatorial Mount (Requires 12 volt DC Power Supply)
42,900+ Object database containing complete Messier, NGC, and IC catalogues.
Focusing by Moving Primary Mirror
Built-in Polar Alignment Scope Holder
Aluminium Tripod with Accessory Tray
55% more Light gathering than 102mm
PLEASE NOTE: The Motor Control box supplied (situated left of handset in above picture) is designed to clamp onto 1.75” Diameter Stainless Steel tripod legs. In this instance the Motor Control Box should be attached with either cord or Velcro (User Supplied)
Precision Computerised GO-TO Mount!!
Review of Skymax-127 OTA
“…Optically, all the lenses are multicoated and the internal baffles had no shiny surfaces that could cause reflections of bright objects…The Focuser was quite smooth with very little image shift…The field was sharp across 80 percent of the view…We were pleased with the quality of the view even when pushing the telescope to higher magnifications…Mars and Saturn bore high magnifications well…The rings of Saturn appeared sharply defined…Turning to the Moon, it was a revelation through the Skymax…This telescope certainly does a good job on the more detailed Solar System objects…In the deep sky, the Skymax performed well on everything to galaxies to nebulae” Sky At Night Magazine
SKYMAX-127 SupaTrakTM AUTO 127mm (5”) f/1500 MOTORISED MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN AUTO-TRACKING TELESCOPE
The highly-acclaimed Skymax-127 Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA excels for high-power Lunar and Planetary observations, double-star observations, as well as being suitable for terrestrial daytime observations. The Skymax-127 features a compact but extremely powerful, high-contrast, high-resolution diffraction-limited optical system. High-transmission multi-coatings are employed on all optical surfaces for optimum performance.
The new SupaTrak™ Auto-Tracking Alt-Azimuth Mount is a heavier-duty version of the standard Auto-Tracking mount, designed to carry heavier OTA’s. This mounting, with its built-in dual-axis multi-speed Servo motors is ideal for both Astronomical & Terrestrial use. In Astronomical mode, after following the simple set-up procedure, the mount is capable of tracking astronomical objects automatically. The fully motorised mount is convenient, practical, lightweight and easy to set-up and is ideal for both beginners and experienced users alike.
Overall this is a sizzling telescope package offering a truly phenomenal, ground-breaking combination of quality, performance and value for money.
SupaTrakTM Heavy-Duty Motorised Multi-Speed Auto-Tracking Alt-Azimuth Mount
Power Requirement: 12v DC Power Supply (Tip Positive) or AA Batteries (not supplied)
Aluminium Tripod with Accessory Tray
”This is one of the jewels in the Sky-Watcher crown. It's large enough to produce richly detailed, high-contrast lunar and planetary images…. The Skymax-127 packs a performance punch with a relatively short cool-down time….For daytime terrestrial use, the instrument is quite capable of focusing down to 8 metres….The new SupaTrak™ mount shares more than a passing resemblance to the Celestron SLT, but the somewhat quieter and heavier duty SupaTrak sports a more robust Vixen-style dovetail clamp…. I found that the SupaTrak was capable of following a celestial object at high magnifications for tens of minutes before slowly drifting out of the field of view, which is perfectly adequate for visual use or simple webcam imaging…. If you are looking for an intuitive and far less intimidating user experience than that offered by cheaper GoTo mounts, the SupaTrak is highly recommended as a versatile grab-and-go system.” Ade Ashford, www.scopetest.com
Review of Skymax-127 OTA
“…Optically, all the lenses are multicoated and the internal baffles had no shiny surfaces that could cause reflections of bright objects…The Focuser was quite smooth with very little image shift…The field was sharp across 80 percent of the view…We were pleased with the quality of the view even when pushing the telescope to higher magnifications…Mars and Saturn bore high magnifications well…The rings of Saturn appeared sharply defined…Turning to the Moon, it was a revelation through the Skymax…This telescope certainly does a good job on the more detailed Solar System objects…In the deep sky, the Skymax performed well on everything to galaxies to nebulae” Sky At Night Magazine
”The telescope is optically very good, giving clear, sharp images; a particularly strong point is the sturdiness of the mounting for the price, and the whole instrument is easy to use. Recommended to the serious amateur.“
Endorsed and recommended by
Sir Patrick Moore CBE FRS
Specification and optics same as Skymax-127 (EQ3-2) but supplied without Equatorial Mount and Tripod.
Review of Skymax-127 OTA
“…Optically, all the lenses are multicoated and the internal baffles had no shiny surfaces that could cause reflections of bright objects…The Focuser was quite smooth with very little image shift…The field was sharp across 80 percent of the view…We were pleased with the quality of the view even when pushing the telescope to higher magnifications…Mars and Saturn bore high magnifications well…The rings of Saturn appeared sharply defined…Turning to the Moon, it was a revelation through the Skymax…This telescope certainly does a good job on the more detailed Solar System objects…In the deep sky, the Skymax performed well on everything to galaxies to nebulae” Sky At Night Magazine
”The telescope is optically very good, giving clear, sharp images.“
Endorsed and recommended by
Sir Patrick Moore CBE FRS
The prices listed on this website are U.K. suggested retail prices (SRP) including VAT for reference purposes only
and that prices may vary from dealer to dealer. Please contact your nearest stockist for firm pricing information.
As we are purely a distributor, we regret we are unable to sell directly to the public.
Specifications subject to variation due to later production changes. E&OE.
Optical Vision Ltd
Unit 3, Woolpit Business Park, Woolpit, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP30 9UP, England
Email: info@opticalvision.co.uk
