SkyWatcher Esprit 120
From: $1,499.00 (incl. VAT plus shipping costs)
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The SkyWatcher Esprit 120 is a high-quality apochromatic refractor telescope with a 120mm aperture and 840mm focal length. Its ED glass objective lens and three-element, air-spaced triplet lens design minimize chromatic aberration and distortion. The telescope comes equipped with a 3.5″ focuser, 2″ adapter, 8×50 finderscope, and 2″ star diagonal, along with a field flattener and camera adapter for astrophotography.
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Product Description
The SkyWatcher Esprit 120 telescope is a high-quality apochromatic refractor telescope designed for discerning astrophotographers and visual observers. ED glass objective lens and three-element, air-spaced triplet lens design minimize chromatic aberration and distortion, yielding exceptional sharpness and contrast. 120mm aperture and 840mm focal length deliver high-fidelity images with virtually zero detectable colour fringing. Smooth mechanics and superb build quality make it an excellent choice for demanding astroimagers seeking ultimate optical performance. SkyWatcher Esprit 120 comes equipped with a 3.5″ focuser, 2″ adapter, 8×50 finderscope, and 2″ star diagonal for versatile mounting and accessory options.
The Esprit 120 utilizes an apochromatic triplet lens design. ED glass elements in the air-spaced optical assembly eliminate false color and color fringing. The result is high-contrast images with superior sharpness across the entire field of view.
Astrophotography enthusiasts benefit from the included field flattener and camera adapter. The field flattener ensures flat, sharp images edge-to-edge. The camera adapter allows easy attachment of imaging equipment.
Visual observers appreciate the included star diagonal and finderscope. These accessories enhance comfort and ease of use during stargazing sessions. The white optical tube with a glossy finish adds a professional touch to the telescope’s appearance.
Should you buy SkyWatcher Esprit 120 as your first telescope?
The SkyWatcher Esprit 120 is not recommended as a first telescope for most beginners. Buyers should evaluate their needs, experience level, and budget before considering this advanced instrument. The Esprit 120 costs more than entry-level telescopes. Its 15kg weight and 120cm length make it less portable for novice stargazers. The telescope’s f/7 focal ratio and 1.17 arcsecond resolution limit provide high-quality images but require more skill to use effectively. Beginners benefit from simpler, more user-friendly designs when learning telescope operation and celestial navigation. The Esprit 120 excels for experienced amateur astronomers pursuing astrophotography. First-time buyers should research alternatives, compare features, and read reviews of telescopes better suited for newcomers to astronomy.
Is Esprit 120 Refractor Telescope easy to use?
The Esprit 120 Refractor Telescope is easy to use for both beginners and experienced astronomers. Focus knobs operate smoothly for clear image adjustment. The clutch lever provides secure connection to the focuser. The telescope fixates various mounts, including an equatorial mount with GoTo controls. Tube rings ensure stable attachment to the mount. The focus lock design maintains precise focus. The solid focuser offers a stable platform for adjustments. A field-flattener yields corrected images with pinpoint stars, especially beneficial for astrophotography. Built-in rotators and included accessories enhance usability. The telescope’s user-friendly features and robust construction make it an excellent choice for those starting in astronomy.
Should you buy SkyWatcher 120mm Esprit Refractor for kids?
The SkyWatcher 120mm Esprit Refractor is not recommended for kids. The telescope is designed for advanced astrophotography and requires robust equipment and technical knowledge. It is a high-performance instrument intended for experienced users familiar with complex operation of professional-grade equipment. The Esprit series is specialized for imaging and not beginner-friendly. The telescope’s expensive price tag is not justified for a child’s casual interest in astronomy. Young astronomers would be better served by more accessible and easy-to-use telescopes designed for educational and observational purposes.
What can you see with SkyWatcher 120mm Esprit ED Refractor?
The celestial wonders you can see with the SkyWatcher 120mm Esprit ED Refractor are listed below.
- Moon
- Planets
- Orion Nebula
- Pleiades
- Andromeda Galaxy
- Double Cluster
- Hyades
- Star clusters
Should you buy SkyWatcher Esprit 120ED to observe planets?
Yes, you should buy the SkyWatcher Esprit 120ED to observe planets. The Esprit 120ED performs exceptionally well for planetary observation, delivering top-of-the-line images with contrasting details and no coloring defects. Its 120mm aperture allows for more detailed planet views compared to smaller telescopes. The achromatic optical design eradicates false color and minimizes chromatic aberration, producing crisp, clear images of planets without distortion. Observers enjoy stunning views of Jupiter’s cloud bands, Saturn’s rings, and Mars’ polar ice caps through this telescope. The Esprit 120ED combines large aperture and high-quality optics to reveal subtle planetary details, making it an excellent choice for astronomers exploring the solar system.
Should you buy SkyWatcher 120mm Esprit ED Refractor to observe galaxies?
Yes, you should buy the SkyWatcher 120mm Esprit ED Refractor to observe galaxies. The refractor excels at observing galaxies and other deep sky objects. Its 120mm aperture gathers ample light for clear views of many galaxies. The superb optics and flat field deliver outstanding performance for both visual observations and astrophotography. The Esprit ED Refractor produces sharp, high-contrast images with minimal chromatic aberration. The 840mm focal length suits galaxy viewing, while the included 2x Barlow lens increases magnification. Astrophotographers benefit from the prime optics designed to capture high-quality galaxy images. The larger aperture and exceptional imaging capabilities satisfy discerning deep sky enthusiasts.
Should you buy SkyWatcher 120mm Esprit Refractor for astrophotography?
Yes, you should buy the SkyWatcher 120mm Esprit Refractor for astrophotography. The refractor delivers excellent performance specifically designed for astrophotography enthusiasts. It eliminates false color and provides exceptional contrast through its achromatic optical design. The telescope includes a field flattener that offers a flat field, ensuring sharp images across the entire view. The 120mm aperture resolves detail and collects faint light effectively. Its Crayford focuser handles payloads up to 5kg, supporting various imaging trains. The scope remains portable despite its larger aperture. Astronomers praise its top-notch quality and reasonable price. The SkyWatcher 120mm Esprit Refractor takes astrophotography to the next level with its combination of high-end features and value.
Is SkyWatcher Esprit 120mm ED Refractor Telescope portable?
SkyWatcher Esprit 120mm ED Refractor Telescope is portable. Kevin describes the telescope as portable. SkyWatcher designed it to be compact and lightweight. The telescope weighs 22 pounds (10 kg) and measures 34 inches (86 cm) when assembled. Its weight and size make it easy to transport for stargazing at different locations.
Specifications
| Telescope type | Refractor |
|---|---|
| Optics structure | Newtonian |
| Optical design | Achromatic |
| Optics material | Glass |
| Aperture size | 120mm |
| Focal length | 840mm |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 12.5 |
| Focal ratio | f/7 |
| Aperture ratio | 1:7 |
| Resolution limit | 1.17 arcseconds |
| Resolving capacity | 1.17 arcseconds |
| Light gathering capacity | 459x |
| Lowest useful magnification | 17x |
| Maximum useful magnification | 240x |
| Tube material | Aluminum |
| Tube diameter | 130mm |
| Type of focuser | Crayford |
| Eyepiece size | 31.7mm |
| Magnification of eyepiece | 10mm |
| Mount type | Equatorial |
| Mount structure | Steel |
| GoTo controls | Yes |
| Motors | DC servo motors |
| Type of electronics | SynScan |
| Batteries | 12V DC |
| Power supply | External power supply |
| WiFi | No |
| GPS | No |
| Includes hand controller | Yes |
| Tripod height | 137cm |
| Tripod leg diameter | 50mm |
| Tripod material | Steel |
| Finderscope | 9×50 |
| Barlow lens | 2x |
| Size dimensions | 120cm x 25cm x 25cm |
| Weight | 15kg |
| 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 | Easy |
| Assembly | Required |
| Release date | 2015 |
| Brand | SkyWatcher |
| Telescope series | Esprit |
| Manufacturer | SkyWatcher |
| Country made in | China |
10 reviews for SkyWatcher Esprit 120
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
crystalcaldwell (verified owner) –
As an amateur astronomer, I wanted a telescope for clear, detailed views, and the Esprit 120 ED Refractor Telescope delivers. Image quality is super sharp with bright, vivid colors. The objective lens is the standout feature of this SkyWatcher 120mm Esprit Refractor Telescope. It provides a wide field of view, allowing me to observe more of the sky at once. Utmost care has gone into designing the Esprit 120 Refractor, evident in its build quality and attention to detail.
julia77 (verified owner) –
Skywatcher 120mm Esprit refractor is the ultimate tool for capturing stunning night sky images. The 840mm focal length impressed me the most. It’s long enough to capture detailed shots of planets and deep-sky objects. The 120mm aperture balances portability and light-gathering ability nicely. I’ve snapped amazing moon photos and precious moments of Jupiter during clear skies. The smooth focuser is a joy to use. The diagonal mirror enhances comfort while observing. Build quality feels solid and sturdy. Little touches like the carrying handle make transport easy. Prime focus can be finicky to get right at first. Once you get the hang of it, prime focus becomes a breeze. The Esprit 120 is quite compact, not too big or bulky.
harrisonkeith (verified owner) –
Skywatcher’s 120mm Esprit refractor delivers incredibly sharp views with no noticeable chromatic aberration. The Esprit 120 ED APO refractor telescope maintains clarity even at high magnifications. I’ve been using it for lunar and planetary observing. The level of detail is outstanding. Views remain unobscured and clear, without distortion or vignetting. Jupiter and Saturn showed details I’d never seen before through other scopes. Comparing to similar refractors, the Esprit 120 stands out as one of the best. The fit and finish are top-notch, with a solid, well-built feel. I’ve also used it for astrophotography with amazing results. The scope has allowed me to capture stunning night sky photos. Performance has been flawless in all my observing sessions.
williampruitt (verified owner) –
The Esprit 120mm ED APO Refractor captures bright, clear images with almost unmatched detail in its class. SkyWatcher’s 120mm Esprit Refractor Telescope handles a large range of magnifications impressively. The rotatable focuser makes switching between eyepieces a breeze. Professional-grade build quality gives the scope a solid, durable feel.
Craig Johnson (verified owner) –
Transporting the lightweight scope to favorite observing spots is a breeze. Capturing amazing night sky images is easy with the unobscured aperture, providing a wider field of view and more detailed shots. Stunning chromatic images of nebulae and galaxies are now within reach.
Brandy Lynch (verified owner) –
The Esprit 120 ED Refractor has been a fantastic addition to my astrophotography setup. Skywatcher 120mm Esprit Refractor impressed me right out of the box with its hefty weight. That weight provides a solid foundation for capturing sharp images.
Florence (verified owner) –
The Esprit 120 ED APO refractor effectively captures night sky details. SkyWatcher’s 120mm Esprit refractor produces bright and strong stars in photos. Stars appear sharp and spherical, even at frame edges. The optional field flattener made a huge difference in my astrophotography image quality. I’m glad I tried it. The Esprit 120 APO refractor telescope is truly exceptional. Compact size is highly practical for impromptu observing sessions. Easy to transport and set up. Better to use with a sturdy tripod due to the telescope’s weight. Only time will tell if it holds up to regular use.
Celin (verified owner) –
It’s highly practical to set up and use. The fit is perfect, and I can easily carry it without straining my back. The focuser and finder scope are top-notch components.
Simona (verified owner) –
SkyWatcher Esprit 120mm refractor’s apochromat design was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Images captured are incredibly sharp and free of chromatic aberration. Dual-speed focuser is a joy to use, with smooth motion for precise focus. Focuser handles my camera’s heavy payload well. Esprit 120 refractor OTA impresses with its ability to handle full-frame camera sensors without vignetting or distortion.
Gregory Wilson (verified owner) –
The Esprit 120 refractor telescope has been a stunning addition to my astronomy setup. Weight was initially a concern, but I’ve found it manageable to move around.