”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.
SIMPLY THE STATE-OF-THE-ART
PRO-SERIES is the name for the new generation of professional quality telescopes and mounts of the Sky-Watcher range, targeted at the most discerning and critical observers.
PRO-SERIES products are manufactured to extremely high levels of optical and mechanical precision, undergoing very strict quality control procedures and testing by specially assigned technicians, to ensure the highest standards of quality and performance are consistently maintained.
Sky-Watcher Pro Series products have received a "Hot Product" commendation in the Astronomy Now April 2006 product review
HEQ5 & EQ6 PRO SynScanTMCOMPUTERISED GO-TO MOUNTING SYSTEMS
Tour the night sky at the touch of a button
For amateur astronomers seeking superior equatorial control and the ease of a high-precision computerised GOTO telescope mounting system, the new extra heavy-duty HEQ5 PRO SynScanTM and super heavy-duty EQ6 PRO SynScanTM mounts are your answer. Both SkyScanTM PRO models are advanced mounting systems which have been thoughtfully designed for ease of operation. With the user-friendly push-button hand control, locating and viewing the treasures of the night sky becomes as easy as a walk in the park. The SynScanTM hand control allows you to point the telescope at a specific object or even tour the skies at the touch of a button. The user-friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 13,400 objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions. The mounts differ mainly in their physical size/weight and their subsequent payload capacity. They both come with the following advanced features that even the most discerning observers will appreciate:
SynScanTM V.3 Firmware Updateable Handset
New features include ongoing firmware updateability via the internet, Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE), and capability to store star alignment data. Also can accept new GPS mouse attachment.
Positioning Accuracy up to 1 arc minute. Accuracy enhanced by software collimation error (mount mechanical error) compensation.
Extra-Quiet Stepper Motors with 1.8° step angle and 64 micro steps driven.
High Slewing Speed up to 3.4°/sec (800X) and a resolution of 0.144 arc sec.
Auto Guider Interface for astro-photography.
Auto Guider Guiding Speed Selectable from 0.25X, 0.50X, 0.75X, or 1X.
Object Catalogues: Messier, IC, NGC, Caldwell.
42,900 Object Database: Including Planets, Named Stars, Double Stars, Variable Stars & User-Defined Objects.
Minimal Vibration for steady long-exposure photography.
Periodic Error Correction (PEC) Training is included for astro-photography without auto guiding.
Alignment Methods: 1-star, 2-Star or 3-Star alignments, built-in polarscope.
Massive Payload Capacity of up to 25kg (EQ6 PRO) & 15kg (HEQ5 PRO).
“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
Γ’β¬ΒThe SupaTrak mount is a lightweight mount, suitable for small telescopes; it is easy to assemble, align and use...A particularly strong point is the sturdiness of the mount...There is no excessive vibration...Controls and slew rate are excellent.Γ’β¬Ε
Endorsed and recommended by
Sir Patrick Moore CBE FRS
EQ3 PRO SynScan Computerised GO-TO Equatorial Mounting System
(Supplied with aluminium TRIPOD)
Sky-Watcher offers simple solutions for users who would like to attach their smaller telescope to a convenient computerized system but do not wish to deal with the weight of the HEQ5 or EQ6 mounts. The EQ3 PRO SynScanTM mounts use the same Go-To system found in the HEQ5 and EQ6 PRO SynScanTM. It allows you to point the telescope at a specific object or even tour the skies at the touch of a button. Its extensive database includes a massive 42,900+ night sky objects.
The EQ3 PRO SynScanTM mount is a perfect instrument for novice visual observers and imagers to enjoy astronomy with minimal setup time and in-depth knowledge of the night sky.
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)
Positioning Accuracy up to 1 arc minute. Accuracy enhanced by software collimation error (mount mechanical error) compensation.
Stepper motors with 1.8° step angle and 64 micro steps driven.
Slewing speed up to 3.4°/sec (800X).
Guiding speed selectable from 0.25X, 0.50X, 0.75X, or 1X.
42,900+ Object database containing complete Messier, NGC, and IC catalogues.
Periodic Error Correction.
PC compatibility.
Upgradeable hand control via internet download.
Maximum Payload e.g. Explorer-150P/PL Reflector or Evostar-120 Refractor
Supplied with Aluminium Tripod & Accessory Tray
"I wanted something that could replicate the functionality and ease of use of my EQ6 PRO mount, but packaged in an ultra-portable form....GOTO accuracy was simply amazing for a mount of this size and cost. It hit every one of the ten or so targets with the 26mm eyepiece....has the potential to revolutionise the portable astronomy market. Whilst other products exist for the travelling astronomer, this one seems to have it all" Astronomy Now Magazine
EQ5 PRO SynScanTM Computerised GO-TO Equatorial Mounting System
Tour the night sky at the touch of a button
Hardware Features:
SynScan TM V.3 Firmware Updateable Hand Control
New features include ongoing firmware updateability via the internet, Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE), and capability to store star alignment data. Also can accept new GPS mouse attachment.
High precision stepper motors
Motor Controller: Microstep driving with auto-power saving feature
42,900+ Object Database: Including Planets, Named Stars, Double Stars, Variable Stars & User-Defined Objects
Backlash compensation
Periodic Error Correction
Premium PC Interface: ASCOM compatible, Nexstar-5i compatible protocol and command set
User-tunable LCD contrast, LED backlight and buzzer volume
EQ5 SYNSCAN
“The first impressions of the assembly were of reassuring stability…The 3-star alignment is a great feature of the Go-To facility. Every time we set up, it accurately place the item we wanted in the field of view of our 25mm eyepiece. The more it was used, the easier is was to go straight to an object or star…The alignment process could not be simpler…In all, the alignment process works so well that you can be on a selected object and tracking it accurately within minutes…Overall the EQ5 SynScan gave a new lease of life to our smaller scope. It is easy to carry and it allowed us to give friends and neighbours a quick tour of the delights of the night skies.” BBC SKY AT NIGHT MAGAZINE
"Both the NEQ3 and EQ5 PRO SynScan are excellent mounts; pleasingly firm, with little vibration and easily set up.Tracking is also very satisfactory"
Endorsed and recommended by
Sir Patrick Moore CBE FRS
SynScanTM PRO GOTO UPGRADE KIT available for upgrading the STANDARD HEQ5 mount
Available for easily upgrading the standard (non-PRO) HEQ5 or EQ6 mountings for computerised GO-TO capabilities. Kits comprise V.3 SynScanTM Flash Upgradeable GO-TO handset, 2 X Stepper Motors for DEC and R.A. Drives,Replacement Control Panel / Motor Board, Hand Control Cable, Cable Clamp and Hand Control Holder. (12V D.C. Power Supply Required (not supplied.)
SynScanTM PRO GOTO UPGRADE KIT available for upgrading the STANDARD EQ6 mount
Available for easily upgrading the standard (non-PRO) mountings for computerised GO-TO capabilities. Kits comprise V.3 SynScanTM Flash Upgradeable GO-TO handset, 2 X Stepper Motors for DEC and R.A. Drives, Replacement Control Panel / Motor Board, Hand Control Cable, Hand Control, Cable Clamp and Hand Control Holder. (12V D.C. Power Supply Required - not supplied.)
PILLAR MOUNT SUPPORT FOR HEQ5 & EQ6 MOUNTINGS (Including PRO models)
Provides a stable platform for all the standard HEQ5, EQ6 mountings including PRO versions. Complete with wheels, which can be disengaged when mount is in use. Designed for use on a reasonably hard, level surface close to where the telescope is normally stored. Colour: Black.
Please note the picture features the HEQ5 pillar support
(n.b. Equatorial head not included)
SynScanTM V.3 UPDATEABLE HANDSET For V.2 owners wanting to upgrade
For V.2 owners wanting to upgrade, the V.3 SynScanTM hand control includes new features such as: Firmware-updateability via the internet, Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE), and capability to store star alignment data. Also can accept new GPS mouse attachment. (n.b. handset cable not included - available separately)
For amateur astronomers seeking superior equatorial control and the ease of a precision computerized GOTO system, the HEQ5 PRO SynScantm is your answer. The Sky-Watcher HEQ5 PRO SynScantm is designed with the novice user in mind. With the user-friendly pushbutton hand control, locating and viewing the treasures of the night sky becomes as easy as a walk in the park. The hand control allows you to point the telescope at a specific object or even tour the skies at the touch of a button. The user-friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 42,000+ objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions. The HEQ5 PRO SynScantm also comes with features that advanced astronomers can appreciate:
Positioning Accuracy up to 1 arc minute. Accuracy enhanced by software collimation error (mount mechanical error) compensation. Stepper motors with 1.8° step angle and 64 micro steps driven. Slewing speed up to 3.4°/sec (800X). Auto Guider Interface for astro-photography. Power Supply Required - not supplied Guiding speed selectable from 0.25X, 0.50X, 0.75X, or 1X. Object database containing complete M, NGC, and IC catalogues. Minimal vibration for steady long-exposure photography.
"The Three-star alignment accurately corrects for cone error and subsequent GO-TO accuracy was impressive." BBC Sky At Night Magazine
"I like these mounts, they are solid, well thought out and work quietly and effectively" Astronomy Now Magazine
Available for easily upgrading the standard EQ5 mount for computerised GoTo capabilities. Comprises GoTo handset, Stepper Motors for Dec and R.A.Drives, Replacement Control Panel / Motor Board, Hand Control Cable, Cable Clamp, Hand Control Holder and Rechargable Power Supply Unit required - not supplied.
For amateur astronomers seeking superior equatorial control and the ease of a precision computerized GOTO system, the NEQ6 PRO SynScanTM is your answer. The Sky-Watcher NEQ6 PRO SynScanTM is designed with the novice user in mind. With the user-friendly pushbutton hand control, locating and viewing the treasures of the night sky becomes as easy as a walk in the park. The hand control allows you to point the telescope at a specific object or even tour the skies at the touch of a button. The user-friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 42,000 + objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions. The NEQ6 SynScanTM also comes with features that advanced astronomers can appreciate:
Positioning Accuracy up to 1 arc minute.
Accuracy enhanced by software collimation error (mount mechanical error) compensation.
Stepper motors with 1.8° step angle and 64 micro steps driven.
Slewing speed up to 3.4°/sec (800X).
Auto Guider Interface for astro-photography.
Guiding speed selectable from 0.25X, 0.50X, 0.75X, or 1X.
Object database containing complete M, NGC, and IC catalogues.
Minimal vibration for steady long-exposure photography.
Specifications
Power Supply Required: 12 VDC 2Amp Tip positive (not supplied)
Available for easily upgrading the standard EQ6 mount for computerised GoTo capabilities. Comprises GoTo handset, Stepper Motors for Dec and R.A.Drives, Replacement Control Panel / Motor Board, Hand Control Cable, Cable Clamp, Hand Control Holder and Rechargable Power Supply Unit required - not supplied.
A plug-in accessory for the V.3 Handset (requires V3.1 Firmware) that uses global positioning satellite technology to automatically locate and input the users position (longitude & latitude) to the handset. Supplied with USB connector.
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
