SkyWatcher 250P
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The SkyWatcher 250P is a Dobsonian telescope with a 250mm (10-inch) paraboloidal primary mirror and 1200mm focal length. It features an f/4.8 focal ratio, patented Flextube design for easy handling, and a SynScan AZ hand controller for precision control. The telescope excels at observing faint celestial objects like nebulas, galaxies, and star clusters, with a limiting magnitude of 14.5.
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Product Description
The SkyWatcher 250P telescope is a classic Dobsonian telescope designed for visual observing of deep-sky objects. SkyWatcher 250P features a 250mm (10 inches) paraboloidal primary mirror with a focal length of 1200mm and a focal ratio of f/4.8, effectively eliminating spherical aberration. SkyWatcher 250P excels at observing faint celestial objects like nebulas, galaxies, and star clusters, delivering stunning views with its large aperture that collects more light than smaller telescopes. SkyWatcher 250P incorporates a patented Flextube design for easy handling and smooth movement when viewing the sky. SkyWatcher 250P comes with a SynScan AZ hand controller for precision control, enabling observers to easily find and enjoy night sky treasures with a limiting magnitude of around 14.5.
The SkyWatcher 250P has an f/4.7 focal ratio, making it suitable for both planetary and deep sky observation. Its paraboloidal mirror eliminates aberration, providing clear and sharp images. The telescope excels at revealing subtle features of nebulas, galaxies, and star clusters. Astronomers can observe the Moon and planets with clarity and precision using the SkyWatcher 250P.
Should you buy SkyWatcher 250P as your first telescope?
SkyWatcher 250P is not ideal for beginners. Large 250mm aperture dobsonian telescope requires manual tracking and weighs 25kg. Size and complexity make handling difficult. Schmidt-Cassegrains offer better beginner-friendly options. Compact design with computerized mounts enables easy celestial object tracking. Smaller, user-friendly telescopes provide a gentler introduction to astronomy for novices.
Is SkyWatcher 250mm f/4.7 Reflector Telescope easy to use?
The SkyWatcher 250mm f/4.7 Reflector Telescope is easy to use for both beginners and advanced astronomers. Assembly is simple with included tools. The telescope weighs 18kg and measures 254mm x 137cm, making it easy to transport. Setup is straightforward on various surfaces due to its sturdy, adjustable tripod. The Dobsonian design allows smooth movement for effortless celestial object tracking. The large 250mm aperture gathers 1300 times more light than the naked eye, providing excellent viewing quality. Users report clear, detailed views of celestial bodies. The telescope includes a 2″ Crayford-Style Focuser, 6×30 Finderscope, and two Super Plossl Eyepieces for easy stargazing. Customers praise the telescope for its balance of simplicity, performance, and value.
Should you buy SkyWatcher 10-inch Newtonian Reflector Telescope for kids?
The SkyWatcher 10-inch Newtonian Reflector Telescope is suitable for kids aged 10 and above with adult supervision. Large aperture and wide field of view enable observation of faint celestial objects. Dobsonian mount provides easy use for children. Setup and collimation require adult assistance due to the telescope’s size and weight. The f/4.8 focal ratio allows fast visual observation and astrophotography. Moderate pricing makes it affordable for families and educational institutions. The telescope has a learning curve for basic astronomy concepts. Adult guidance helps children maximize telescope use and choose appropriate accessories. Transport difficulty arises from the telescope’s weight of 18 kg (39.7 lbs).
What can you see with SkyWatcher 250P Newtonian Reflector Telescope?
The celestial wonders you can see with the SkyWatcher 250P Newtonian Reflector Telescope are detailed below.
- Jupiter
- Jupiter’s four largest moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto)
- Saturn
- Saturn’s rings
- Mars
- Mars’ polar ice caps
- Orion Nebula
- Pleiades
- Andromeda Galaxy
- Lunar craters
- Lunar mountains
- Lunar lava flows
- Jupiter’s Great Red Spot
- Jupiter’s cloud bands
- Pluto (under ideal conditions)
Should you buy SkyWatcher 250P EQ5 Telescope to observe planets?
Yes, the SkyWatcher 250P EQ5 Telescope is a suitable choice for observing planets. The 250mm aperture allows more light to enter, resulting in clearer and more detailed views of celestial objects. Reflector design eliminates chromatic aberration, providing undistorted views of planetary surfaces. Equatorial mount enables smooth tracking of planets across the sky for extended observation periods. Parabolic primary mirror made of BK7 glass offers good optical quality in this price range. Moderate cost makes it an attractive option for planetary observation without excessive expense. Collimation is required and vibrations take time to settle, demanding patience from users. High-quality eyepieces are necessary to maximize telescope performance for planetary viewing.
Should you buy SkyWatcher 250P Reflector Telescope to observe galaxies?
SkyWatcher 250P Reflector Telescope offers effective visual performance for brighter galaxies, clusters, and nebulae. 250mm aperture and 14.5 limiting magnitude allow observation of faint objects. Telescope struggles with extremely faint galaxies. 1200mm focal length and f/4.8 ratio are suboptimal for large, extended objects. Serious galaxy observers should consider 300mm+ aperture and 600-800mm focal length telescopes.
Should you buy SkyWatcher 250P Newtonian Reflector Telescope for astrophotography?
The SkyWatcher 250P Newtonian Reflector Telescope is suitable for astrophotography with some limitations. We recommend pairing it with an EQ6 mount for improved stability and tracking. The telescope comes with eyepieces and is usable out of the box, offering value for beginners in astrophotography. Its transportable design reduces bulk and improves convenience. The 250mm aperture serves as a good starting point for capturing brighter objects and showing lunar craters. Serious astrophotographers will achieve better results by upgrading their rig or buying a new telescope designed specifically for imaging. Refractor telescopes or higher-end Newtonian reflectors with robust mounts provide more capable astrographs for deep-space photography.
Is SkyWatcher 250P Newtonian Reflector Telescope portable?
SkyWatcher 250P offers moderate portability. Collapsible design reduces length by 41 cm, improving transport ease. 14.5 kg weight allows car travel and setup in 30-40 minutes. Telescope fits in sedans with careful arrangement. Optional carrying case ($100) or soft bag ($50) enhance travelling convenience. Size limits backpacking or air travel without careful planning.
Specifications
| Telescope type | Dobsonian |
|---|---|
| Optics structure | Parabolic Primary Mirror |
| Optical design | Newtonian |
| Optics material | BK7 Glass |
| Aperture size | 250 mm (9.84 in) |
| Focal length | 1200 mm (47.24 in) |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 13.4 |
| Focal ratio | f/4.8 |
| Aperture ratio | 1:4.8 |
| Resolution limit | 0.464 arcseconds |
| Resolving capacity | 0.464 arcseconds |
| Light gathering capacity | 1300 times more than the naked eye |
| Lowest useful magnification | 35x |
| Maximum useful magnification | 500x |
| Tube material | Steel |
| Tube diameter | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Type of focuser | 2" Crayford-Style Focuser |
| Eyepiece size | 2" (50.8 mm) |
| Magnification of eyepiece | 10 mm (0.39 in) and 20 mm (0.79 in) Super Plossl Eyepieces |
| Mount type | Equatorial Mount |
| Mount structure | Steel |
| GoTo controls | No |
| Motors | No |
| Type of electronics | None |
| Batteries | None |
| Power supply | None |
| WiFi | No |
| GPS | No |
| Includes hand controller | No |
| Tripod height | 137 cm (53.94 in) |
| Tripod leg diameter | 50 mm (1.97 in) |
| Tripod material | Steel |
| Finderscope | 6×30 Finderscope |
| Barlow lens | No |
| Size dimensions | 254 mm x 137 cm (10 in x 53.94 in) |
| Weight | 18 kg (39.7 lbs) |
| Recommended for Moon and planets | Yes |
| Recommended for nebulae and galaxies | Yes |
| Recommended for astrophotography | Yes |
| Recommended for beginners | Yes |
| Recommended for advanced astronomers | Yes |
| Portability | Moderate |
| Ease of use | Moderate |
| Assembly | Required |
| Release date | 2015 |
| Brand | Sky-Watcher |
| Telescope series | SkyWatcher EvoStar |
| Manufacturer | Sky-Watcher |
| Country made in | China |
7 reviews for SkyWatcher 250P
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
ebrown (verified owner) –
Optical quality was a key feature that attracted me to the SkyWatcher 250mm Telescope. Images are crisp and clear with minimal distortion around the edges. Planetary objects are easily observable, and the views of the moon have been stunning. The hard case accompanying the SkyWatcher 250P EQ Telescope was initially a concern, but it turned out to be a great addition. The case is sturdy, well-made, and has a diameter just large enough to fit the telescope snugly. Transporting my SkyWatcher 250mm f/4.7 Newtonian Reflector Telescope to dark sites has been a breeze thanks to this case. My telescope stays protected from the elements. A minor complaint is the finicky focuser. I also noticed a slight nick on the edge of the primary mirror. These issues are relatively minor for such a powerful instrument. The SkyWatcher 10″ 250P Reflector Telescope is simple yet effective. It’s been a wonderful addition to my astronomy kit.
Zara (verified owner) –
Perfect size for my backyard setup. Ready to go out of the box with clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Front focuser is smooth and precise, making sharp images a breeze. Been using it for a few weeks now. Superb views have me impressed. Moon looks stunning through it. Spotted planets easily. Diameter of the primary mirror is larger than expected – a nice bonus. Only complaint is about the tripod. Low to the ground, but it’s a minor quibble. No major issues so far. Excited to discover more wonders with it.
osmall (verified owner) –
The SkyWatcher 250P reflector telescope has a solid build quality that stands out immediately. SkyWatcher 250P Newtonian reflector telescope features a sturdy handle, making it easy to move around. The compact design is perfect for storing in my garage. Sharp images have been a pleasant surprise. Spherical mirrors provide a wide field of view. The powerful parabolic primary mirror reveals plenty of detail in the night sky. Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects are easily observable. Setup and calibration are required.
Jill Leach (verified owner) –
The SkyWatcher 250P reflector telescope has been a superb addition to my astronomy hobby. Initially, I was critical of the SkyWatcher 250P newtonian reflector telescope’s mechanical build quality. After extensive use, the mechanical build quality proved acceptable. The focal length is perfect for my needs.
david17 (verified owner) –
The SkyWatcher 250P EQ5 reflector telescope has been a crucial addition to my astronomy setup. SkyWatcher 250P Newtonian reflector telescope consistently delivers spectacular views. I’ve observed various celestial objects, from planets to deep-sky wonders. The fast f/4 focal ratio really impresses me. Wide fields of view are possible with this ratio. Large nebulae and star clusters look perfect through the eyepiece. The generous 250mm aperture lets in tons of light. Detailed views of observed objects are achievable thanks to the aperture.
Jason Davidson (verified owner) –
SkyWatcher 250P EQ5’s parabolic mirror is a classic design that works beautifully, delivering solid and stable images. Planetary views are handled with ease, showing a deep level of detail I’ve never seen before. Light gathering ability is enough for my needs. Faint objects previously invisible are now easily observable. Build quality impressed me – the telescope feels solid and well-made. The mount is sturdy and handles the optical tube’s weight effortlessly. Focuser could be a bit smoother, but that’s a minor quibble.
Amanda Owen (verified owner) –
Crystal-clear views come from the parabolic mirror, and the optical quality is top-notch. Planetary details are easy to observe. Intuitive controls make finding objects a breeze. As an amateur astronomer, I’m seeing exactly what I want – Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons are stunning. The slightly longer focal length takes some getting used to but delivers amazing detail. The tripod can be a little short for taller folks, but it’s generally not an issue. There’s a bit of flex in the tripod legs, but it’s nearly imperceptible when the scope is balanced properly.