SkyWatcher 70/700
From: $129.00 (incl. VAT plus shipping costs)
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The SkyWatcher 70-700 is a refractor telescope with a 70 mm aperture and 700 mm focal length (f/10). It features a multi-coated achromatic objective lens, rack and pinion focuser, dew cap, sunshade, and 6×30 finderscope. The telescope excels at observing the moon, planets, star clusters, and nebulae, offering clear celestial images and intricate details on lunar and planetary surfaces.
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Product Description
The SkyWatcher 70-700 telescope is a refractor telescope with a 70 mm aperture and 700 mm focal length (f/10). SkyWatcher 70-700 offers beginners an affordable entry into astronomy, featuring a multi-coated achromatic objective lens for clear celestial images. The telescope includes a rack and pinion focuser, dew cap, sunshade, and finderscope to enhance observation capabilities. Users can observe the moon’s craters, Jupiter’s atmospheric details, and faint objects like open clusters and nebulae. The AZ mount provides smooth movement and easy operation, making it an excellent introduction to stargazing for novice astronomers.
SkyWatcher 70-700 excels at observing the moon and planets. The 70mm aperture collects sufficient light to reveal intricate details on lunar and planetary surfaces. Star clusters and nebulae are visible in stunning detail through this telescope.
A 6×30 finderscope is included with the SkyWatcher 70-700. The finderscope aids in locating and centering objects in the eyepiece, simplifying navigation of the night sky for beginners.
SkyWatcher 70-700 offers an affordable price point for new astronomers. The telescope balances quality, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Its user-friendly design makes it an ideal instrument for those starting their astronomical journey.
Should you buy SkyWatcher 70-700 as your first telescope?
The SkyWatcher 70-700 is a suitable first telescope for beginners interested in astronomy. We recommend this refractor telescope for its ease of use and low maintenance requirements. The 70mm aperture provides adequate light-gathering ability for observing the Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects. The 700mm focal length suits both land viewing and observing smaller celestial objects. The equatorial mount enables manual tracking of celestial objects across the sky. The lightweight and compact design allows for easy transport and setup. The affordable price point offers good value for beginners on a budget. Manual operation helps develop essential telescope skills. The SkyWatcher 70-700 balances quality, ease of use, and affordability for those starting their astronomical journey.
Is SkyWatcher 700mm Refractor Telescope easy to use?
The SkyWatcher 700mm Refractor Telescope is indeed easy to use, especially for beginners and casual astronomers. Beginners appreciate its simple setup process, allowing quick assembly without extensive technical knowledge. The telescope delivers clear images of celestial objects through its 70mm aperture and 700mm focal length. Its lightweight design of 5.5kg enables easy transport to different stargazing locations. The manual azimuthal mount simplifies tracking of objects moving across the sky. A red dot finder helps users quickly locate celestial bodies without tedious alignment procedures. Instructions provided are easy to read and understand, enabling users to grasp device basics quickly. Many customers, even those with little prior experience, have found the telescope easy to operate.
Should you buy SkyWatcher 70/700 AZ Telescope for kids?
The SkyWatcher 70/700 AZ Telescope is not the best choice for kids. The telescope is suited for beginners due to its ease of use and affordability. However, its flimsy mount causes frustration when tracking objects. Young astronomers quickly outgrow the telescope’s capabilities. The telescope shows limited detail in celestial observations, disappointing eager children. Binoculars are a better option for young stargazers, providing a more intuitive and immersive experience. The equatorial mount on this telescope is a poor choice for beginners, especially children. An AZ (altazimuth) mount would be more suitable due to its simplicity. The telescope’s 70mm aperture and 700mm focal length are insufficient for detailed observations. Families should consider other telescope options that will grow with a child’s interests and provide more satisfying astronomical experiences.
What can you see with SkyWatcher 70-700mm Telescope?
The celestial wonders you can see with the SkyWatcher 70-700mm Telescope are outlined below.
- The Moon’s surface, including lunar craters and mountains
- Jupiter’s cloud belts
- Jupiter’s Great Red Spot
- Jupiter’s four largest moons (Galilean moons)
- Saturn’s rings, including the Cassini Division
- Mars as a reddish disk with polar ice caps and dark regions
- The Pleiades star cluster
- M13 globular star cluster
- The Orion Nebula (M42)
- The Ring Nebula (M57)
- The Andromeda Galaxy (M31)
- Various open star clusters
- Various globular star clusters
- Many Messier objects within reach
Should you buy SkyWatcher 70-700 AZ Refractor Telescope to observe planets?
SkyWatcher 70-700 AZ Refractor Telescope is not ideal for observing planets. 70 mm aperture provides good views of Moon, Venus, and Jupiter. 70 mm aperture struggles with Mars and Mercury details. 700 mm focal length lacks resolution for planetary surfaces. AZ mount hinders planet tracking. Larger 100 mm apertures offer superior planetary observations.
Should you buy SkyWatcher 70/700 AZ Telescope to observe galaxies?
The SkyWatcher 70/700 AZ Telescope is not recommended for observing galaxies. Its 70mm aperture is too small for effective galaxy observation. Galaxies are faint, distant objects requiring larger apertures to gather sufficient light. Astronomers recommend reflector telescopes with at least 150-200mm apertures for galaxy viewing. The limited light-gathering ability of a 70mm telescope makes galaxy observation challenging, especially in urban areas with light pollution. Dark skies are necessary for any chance of seeing galaxies with this telescope. Observers will only be able to see the brightest galaxies, with minimal detail. Binoculars or naked-eye viewing might provide better results for galaxy observation under these conditions. More affordable options exist for better deep-space observation performance. Investing in a larger aperture telescope will offer more satisfying galaxy viewing experiences. Galaxy observation requires patience and realistic expectations when using limited aperture telescopes like the SkyWatcher 70/700 AZ.
Should you buy SkyWatcher 70-700mm Telescope for astrophotography?
The SkyWatcher 70-700mm Telescope is not recommended for astrophotography. Its 70mm aperture limits capabilities for capturing deep-space objects. Astrophotography requires apertures of 200mm or larger. The telescope provides clear images of the moon and planets, making it suitable for beginners exploring the night sky. Serious astrophotographers should consider saving up for a more advanced telescope with a larger aperture and computer-controlled mount. Refractors are recommended for planetary observation, but larger apertures (150-200mm) are better for deep-space objects. The manual equatorial mount lacks the precise tracking needed for astrophotography. A dark sky and patience are necessary to get the most out of this telescope.
Is SkyWatcher 70-700 AZ Refractor Telescope portable?
Yes, the SkyWatcher 70-700 AZ Refractor Telescope is portable. The telescope weighs only 5.5kg, making it lightweight and easy to handle. Its compact design allows for easy transport to different observing locations. The azimuthal mount provides smooth and intuitive controls, facilitating quick setup and takedown. The telescope’s portability combines with its ease of use, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced astronomers alike. The highly affordable price point adds to its appeal as a portable telescope option for stargazers seeking hassle-free astronomy exploration on the go.
Specifications
| Telescope type | Refractor |
|---|---|
| Optics structure | Newtonian |
| Optical design | Parabolic |
| Optics material | Glass |
| Aperture size | 70mm |
| Focal length | 700mm |
| Limiting stellar magnitude | 11.5 |
| Focal ratio | f/10 |
| Aperture ratio | 1:10 |
| Resolution limit | 1.6 arcseconds |
| Resolving capacity | 1.6 arcseconds |
| Light gathering capacity | 100 |
| Lowest useful magnification | 14x |
| Maximum useful magnification | 140x |
| Tube material | Steel |
| Tube diameter | 70mm |
| Type of focuser | Rack-and-Pinion |
| Eyepiece size | 1.25" |
| Magnification of eyepiece | 10mm, 20mm |
| Mount type | Equatorial |
| Mount structure | Manual |
| GoTo controls | No |
| Motors | No |
| Type of electronics | None |
| Batteries | None |
| Power supply | None |
| WiFi | No |
| GPS | No |
| Includes hand controller | No |
| Tripod height | 120cm |
| Tripod leg diameter | 30mm |
| Tripod material | Steel |
| Finderscope | 6×30 |
| Barlow lens | No |
| Size dimensions | 120cm x 20cm x 20cm |
| Weight | 5.5kg |
| Recommended for Moon and planets | Yes |
| Recommended for nebulae and galaxies | Yes |
| Recommended for astrophotography | No |
| Recommended for beginners | Yes |
| Recommended for advanced astronomers | No |
| Portability | Good |
| Ease of use | Easy |
| Assembly | Required |
| Release date | 2015 |
| Brand | SkyWatcher |
| Telescope series | Classic |
| Manufacturer | SkyWatcher |
| Country made in | China |
11 reviews for SkyWatcher 70/700
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coopertammy (verified owner) –
The SkyWatcher 70mm refractor telescope delivers portability I was looking for. SkyWatcher 70/700 refractor telescope is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take on trips around national parks. Views are indeed crisp and clear. I can see substantially more detail than with my old telescope. The equatorial mount is smooth and quick to adjust, making it easy to track objects in the night sky.
Pranav (verified owner) –
The SkyWatcher 70mm telescope delivers excellent performance after a few nights of use. SkyWatcher 700mm AZ refractor telescope is quite affordable and lightweight, making it easy to set up. Images appear bright and clear, revealing details I couldn’t see with binoculars. The telescope efficiently gathers light, allowing observation of traditionally difficult objects for smaller scopes.
Anthony Vaughn (verified owner) –
SkyWatcher 70-700 provides bright and clear images of the night sky. Skywatcher 70mm telescope’s chromatic aberration correction is quite impressive. I was able to observe the moon’s surface in significant detail. The focal length of 700mm allowed me to get close to the craters. Open design makes it easy to navigate and adjust. Saturn’s rings were clearly visible, creating a special moment for me.
Rachel Martinez (verified owner) –
The SkyWatcher 70mm refractor telescope offers great portability for dark sky adventures. SkyWatcher 700mm telescope’s apochromat lens provides clear, sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration. Lunar targets reveal impressive detail through the 700mm focal length. Deep sky objects are visible, though not the telescope’s strong suit. Easy setup and transport make stargazing hassle-free. Naked eye night sky views are substantially improved. Interesting addition to my astronomy hobby. Ideal for observing the moon and planets. Clear views of various celestial objects are achievable.
Koray (verified owner) –
The SkyWatcher 70mm telescope provides equal quality views across the board. Skywatcher 700mm refractor telescope allows me to observe the moon and planets with great clarity. Distant galaxies are even visible. The doublet lens design effectively minimizes chromatic aberration, making for a more enjoyable viewing experience. My niece has joined me for stargazing sessions and is thrilled to see stars and planets up close. Her interest in astronomy has been sparked. The telescope is ideal for families or beginners. I’ve used it often enough to say it’s far more capable than expected.
Melissa Harper (verified owner) –
The SkyWatcher 70mm refractor telescope has been an absolute delight to use for the first few months. SkyWatcher 70-700 AZ refractor telescope provided crisp and clear views of the moon and planets initially. Started using it more often and noticed some bad habits. The tripod is shaky, making it difficult to get a stable view, especially for faint objects.
Ojas (verified owner) –
Setting up the SkyWatcher 70/700 refractor telescope was a breeze. The SkyWatcher 70-700 telescope blew me away with its clarity and detail. Traditionally, I’ve used reflector telescopes, but this refractor has won me over. Portability and ease of use make it a standout choice. Faint details on the moon’s surface caught my attention immediately. Images appeared sharp and clear through the eyepiece. Separate craters and mountains were easily distinguishable. Other telescopes I’ve tried in the past don’t come close to the level of detail provided by the SkyWatcher. Build quality is solid, not flimsy as some might suggest.
jonathanjennings (verified owner) –
The light gathering capability of this SkyWatcher 70mm refractor telescope is amazing. SkyWatcher 70/700 AZ refractor provides stunning views of the moon and planets with great image quality and minimal distortion.
Justin Gray MD (verified owner) –
SkyWatcher 700mm telescope kit has allowed me to see incredible details in the night sky. Never thought such views were possible with an affordable telescope. The mount is a standout feature – sturdy, smooth, and great for tracking objects even in windy conditions. Small and lightweight design makes the telescope easy to transport to different geographic locations. Took it on a few trips, and it’s been a huge hit with friends and family. Only minor complaint is the doublet lens, which can struggle in certain lighting conditions. Not a deal-breaker at all. Definitely not your typical entry-level telescope.
victoriasanchez (verified owner) –
Performance is what matters most, and this telescope delivers. Views through the eyepiece are open and expansive. Planetary views are absolute breathtaking. I saw the moon’s craters with stunning clarity and caught a faint glimpse of Saturn’s rings. The focuser can be a bit finicky at times, but it’s a minor issue. I plan to take it out to darker skies soon to spot more hidden gems. It has far exceeded my expectations. SkyWatcher 70-700 is one of the best entry-level telescopes out there.
erichardson (verified owner) –
The SkyWatcher 70mm telescope with 700mm focal length surprised me with its performance. SkyWatcher’s 70/700 refractor telescope provides crisp, clear views of the moon and planets with minimal edge distortion. Attractive appearance and sleek design exude advanced engineering. Lightweight and easy to maneuver, contrary to my initial expectations. Spherical bearings in the mount make tracking celestial objects smooth and effortless. Lacks a decent finder scope, typical of lower-end telescopes. Fully compensated by using a separate red dot finder, which worked like a charm. Excellent choice for astronomy beginners, though not perfect. Definitely a step up from the naked eye. Had worse views through more expensive scopes.