SkyWatcher 130PDS

Product Description

The SkyWatcher 130PDS telescope is a high-quality Newtonian reflector designed for deep space exploration and astrophotography. SkyWatcher 130PDS incorporates a dual-speed Crayford focuser, allowing smooth and precise focusing at high magnifications. SkyWatcher 130PDS features a 130mm aperture, 650mm focal length, and f/5 focal ratio, offering a wide field of view and high light transmission. SkyWatcher 130PDS utilizes a high-quality glass mirror that provides superb optical performance for observing nebulae, DSOs, and celestial objects. SkyWatcher 130PDS weighs 6 kg, making it lighter and more portable than many competing telescopes while still delivering performance on par with others in its class.

A dual-speed 2-inch Crayford focuser with a 10:1 ratio enables precise and smooth focusing. The SkyWatcher 130PDS weighs 4kg, making it lightweight and portable. It belongs to the Explorer series, known for high-performance optics and superb mirror-sets.

The telescope excels in observing nebulae and Deep Sky Objects (DSOs). Its rich field capabilities make it excellent for night sky exploration. The SkyWatcher 130PDS delivers superb performance for both visual observation and astrophotography.

The economical price point offers exceptional value without sacrificing performance. The robust construction and high-quality optics ensure years of reliable service. The SkyWatcher 130PDS is suitable for astronomers of all levels, combining versatility with high performance in a compact package.

Should you buy SkyWatcher 130PDS as your first telescope?

The SkyWatcher 130PDS is not recommended as a first telescope for beginners. Experienced astronomers will appreciate its capabilities, but new stargazers should consider alternatives. The telescope requires a mount for operation and some knowledge of astronomy. It offers good astrophotography results with its 130mm aperture and 650mm focal length. The Newtonian design demands more maintenance and frequent collimation compared to simpler telescopes. Beginners should evaluate more user-friendly options like the Celestron NexStar 130SLT or Meade Instruments Infinity 102mm AZ Refractor Telescope. The SkyWatcher 130PDS is priced around $300-$400, making it relatively affordable. Buyers must factor in additional costs for accessories like eyepieces and filters. The telescope’s short focal length benefits deep-space observations but may not be ideal for planetary viewing. Astronomers should assess their specific needs, experience level, and budget before deciding on the SkyWatcher 130PDS.

Is SkyWatcher Newtonian 130PDS Telescope easy to use?

The SkyWatcher Newtonian 130PDS Telescope is easy to use for beginners and intermediate astronomers. The telescope features an easy setup process with a sturdy equatorial mount, allowing users to start stargazing quickly. Its quick cool-down time enables immediate night sky observation. The telescope’s great optics and superb glass mirror deliver crystal-clear images of celestial objects. It works well for observing the Moon, planets, nebulae, and galaxies. The easy handle and strong, well-made construction allow effortless operation. The 130mm useful aperture provides ample light-gathering capacity for astrophotography. We recommend this telescope for imaging celestial objects. The SkyWatcher Newtonian 130PDS serves as an ideal rich-field telescope for observing large sky areas. It offers a good starting point for astronomy enthusiasts, combining ease of use, quality optics, and affordability.

Should you buy SkyWatcher 130PDS Newtonian Reflector Telescope for kids?

The SkyWatcher 130PDS Newtonian Reflector Telescope is suitable for kids interested in astronomy, those aged 10 and above. Parents should consider the child’s age, skill level, and ability to maintain the telescope before purchasing. The telescope requires knowledge of astronomy and regular maintenance, including mirror cleaning and collimation. Its parabolic mirror quality is excellent, offering impressive light-gathering capacity for observing planets. The dual-speed focuser enables sharp imaging for basic astrophotography. The telescope serves as an entry-level Newtonian, providing a great starting point for visual observation and learning astrophotography techniques. The price is reasonable for its quality and features, and the wind resistance is adequate for most conditions. Proper supervision and guidance will enable kids to fully enjoy and benefit from this telescope.

What can you see with SkyWatcher 130PDS Reflector Telescope EQ2?

The celestial wonders you can see with SkyWatcher 130PDS Reflector Telescope EQ2 are listed below.

• The Moon
• Mercury
• Venus
• Mars
• Jupiter
• Saturn
• Double stars with separations as small as 1.8 arcseconds
• Orion Nebula (M42)
• Pleiades (M45)
• Globular Cluster M13
• Andromeda Galaxy (M31)
• Bright stars
• Relatively faint stars up to a magnitude of 12.5

Should you buy SkyWatcher 130PDS Reflector Telescope to observe planets?

SkyWatcher 130PDS Reflector Telescope offers decent planetary views for beginners. 130mm aperture provides clear planetary details. Telescope allows observation of Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and Venus. Equatorial mount suits planetary viewing. Additional eyepieces enhance planetary observation. Telescope balances aperture and portability well. Users report good results despite limitations. Realistic expectations are necessary for satisfactory experience.

Should you buy SkyWatcher 130PDS Reflector Telescope to observe galaxies?

The SkyWatcher 130PDS Reflector Telescope is a good choice for observing galaxies on a budget. Its 130mm aperture allows views of hundreds of galaxies, including Andromeda and Triangulum. The telescope shows clear images of nebulae and deep sky objects. It reveals craters on the Moon and rings of Saturn in good detail. The SkyWatcher 130PDS is well-made, lightweight, and offers good value for its price. Dark skies are essential for optimal galaxy viewing. The telescope is limited by its aperture size for observing finer details of distant galaxies. It performs best at lower magnifications up to 260x. Practice is necessary to achieve the best possible views and images of galaxies with this instrument.

Should you buy SkyWatcher Newtonian 130PDS Telescope for astrophotography?

The SkyWatcher Newtonian 130PDS Telescope is a recommended choice for astrophotography beginners. SkyWatcher 130PDS offers a compact and portable alternative to larger telescopes. The telescope is primarily designed for visual astronomy but performs well for astrophotography with some modifications. A coma corrector is essential for minimizing aberrations and producing sharper images. The included focuser may present challenges, but upgrades are available to enhance performance. SkyWatcher 130PDS produces fairly good images when paired with a DSLR camera, especially for deep-sky objects. The telescope’s affordability, portability, and performance make it a preferred choice among amateur astronomers in Europe.

Is SkyWatcher 130mm PDS EQ2 Telescope portable?

The SkyWatcher 130mm PDS EQ2 Telescope is moderately portable. Its weight of 12.5kg and dimensions of 154cm x 25cm x 25cm allow for manageable transport to different observing locations. The telescope lacks a flextube design and grab-and-go system, which are associated with highly portable options. Compared to larger telescopes, it remains relatively portable. The steel tube and equatorial mount provide sturdiness but add to the weight. Frequent transporters might prefer more lightweight alternatives. Astronomers willing to manage the transport challenges will be rewarded with high-quality observations of celestial objects.