Telescopes Skywatcher

Telescopes Skywatcher

Would you recommend the SkyWatcher Skymax-127 Telescope?

I would be using it for viewing the planets and deep space.
Here are the specs:
Magnifications (with eyepieces supplied):x60 & x150

Not necessarily as a first scope though you could do alot worse.

The problems with Maksutov telescopes are, among other things a slow cool down time. While they are praised for their sharp planetary views (for their size, though still not as good as an apochromat refractor of the same size though Maks are a lot cheaper), you would have to let the scope sit outside for 1-2 hours before the optics cooled down to the ambient temperature before you were able to get the optimum view. And if you didn't choose a night with steady seeing (calm air, no turbulence) you might still be disappointed with the view --- though bad seeing will affect all telescopes.

Another issue, is the limited field of view even with the longest focal length eyepieces, due to the long focal length of the telescope itself. If you were trying to use low power to find an object the limited field of view would make it harder to find things, though if you have working GOTO that helps. It still won't frame well large extended objects like the Double Cluster or the Andromeda galaxy, though there are focal reducers (which are like a reverse Barlow lens) available.

You will also need to get a dew shield and/or dew heater for the front of the telescope. Otherwise your viewing session will be over almost as soon as it has begun. And DO NOT WIPE the lenses when they are covered in dew. Allow them to air-dry or use a hair dryer after you bring the scope back inside.

Again, this is a decent telescope, but not an ideal first telescope. And some folks are more enamored with the Maksutov design than others.

For More Telescopes Skywatcher Info Click On The Links Below

	Skywatcher SW 80AR-AZ4 80mm Achromatic Refractor Telescope with Red Dot Finder, 900mm Focal Length
	The Skywatcher SW 80AR AZ4 80mm Refractor Telescope packs a powerful one-two punch of quality optics, plus sufficient aperture to see prominent astronomical phenomenon well. The rock-solid mount and tripod banishes the wiggles and distracting vibrations common with telescope mounts of lesser capability...

	Skywatcher 90°, 2" Diagonal Mirror for Refractor Telescopes
	The Skywatcher high quality 90° multi-coated diagonal mirror for refractor allows you to take advantage of the wider field of view provided by 2" eyepieces. An adapter is included to accept 1-1/4" eyepieces.

	Skywatcher Pro SW 120ED APO 120mm ED Refractor Optical Tube Assembly with ED Refractor Design, 900mm Focal Length
	The Skywatcher Pro SW 120ED APO 120mm ED Refractor Telescope is coveted for the superb contrast, high-definition and coal-black sky background that make stars appear like diamonds imbedded in black velvet...

	Skywatcher GreatStart SW 130N-EQ2 130mm, 5", Manual Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Red Dot Finder, 900mm Focal Length
	The Skywatcher GreatStart SW 130N-EQ2 130mm Manual Reflector Telescope provides light gathering sufficient to resolve rudimentary structural detail in prominent deep-space objects to a greater extent than a 114mm mirror instrument...

	Skywatcher LightChariot SW 130N-AZ 130mm, 5", Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Red Dot Finder, 650mm Focal Length
	The Skywatcher LightChariot SW 130N-AZ 130mm Telescope has larger 130mm aperture which is particularly advantageous for viewing fainter objects in deep-space. Each primary mirror is fabricated to exacting standards of smoothness and optical correction by a skilled optician ensuring premium optical performance...

	Skywatcher 12" Dobsonian 1500mm Focal Length (f/5.0) with 2" Crayford Style Focuser, 1.25" adaptor, 10mm & 25mm Plossl Eyepieces, 8x50 VF, & Rocker Mount
	The Skywatcher 12" Dobsonian Telescope makes everything in deep-space appears brighter and wider. Many of the more challenging to resolve objects in smaller diameter telescopes now reveal their essential structure...

	Skywatcher EQ5P 102AR PRO, Manual Achromatic 102mm Refractor Telescope with Red Dot Finder, 1000mm Focal Length, f/9.8
	The Skywatcher EQ5 102 AR Achromatic Refractor has unobstructed near textbook perfect diffraction pattern. This telescope delivers breathtakingly pristine celestial views with a dramatic coal-black sky background that makes stars glisten like diamonds...

	Skywatcher 10mm Super Plossl Series 1.25" Eyepiece with 52° Apparent Field of View.
	The Skywatcher 10mm Focal Length Super Plossl Eyepiece sets the performance standard for modern telescope binoculars. SP series eyepieces minimize spherical aberration, distortion, astigmatism and off-axis color...

	Sky-Watcher GreatStart 130N-EQ2 Newtonian Reflector Telescope
	The Sky-Watcher GreatStart 130N-EQ2 is a Newtonian reflector telescope packaged with a sturdy equatorial mount, two plossl eyepieces, a 2X barlow lens, and planetarium software for your PC. Invented by Sir Isaac Newton, reflector telescopes provide more light gathering power per dollar than any other telescope design...

	Skywatcher 35mm SW Series 2" Wide Field Eyepiece with 56° Apparent Field of View.
	The Skywatcher 35mm Focal Length 2" Wide Field Eyepiece is multi-coated and features long eye relief, a wide field of view and soft rubber eyecups. This 2" eyepiece is multi-coated to ensure maximum light transmission and enhanced contrast levels.

For the newcomer to stargazing or indeed planet gazing, a good pair of binoculars are a major step up from scanning the skies with the unaided eye.

You will be able to develop your astronomical ability by looking at stars, viewing planets and locating constellations before going to the relative expense of purchasing a telescope.

There are many benefits to using binoculars for stargazing.

* The cost, good binoculars can be a lot less expensive than a telescope

* They are much easier to handle and use for a less experienced skywatcher. They are smaller, lighter and don't require any setting up.

* Binoculars provide a much larger field of view than the vast majority of telescopes. This makes finding objects easier. This is one of the biggest challenges faced by the beginner.

* Locating constellations, and observing comets is much easier with binoculars, as you can scan a lot of the sky quickly.

* Binoculars have lots of other uses and so you will get value from your purchase.

As well as your binoculars you will also need an astronomy sky chart to help you find your way around the skies.

A red flashlight is also handy. This allows you to look at your charts or any books you may have with out ruining your night vision. If you can't purchase a red torch, just cover a normal white light torch with red cellophane.

If you have developed your sky watching skills with your unaided eyes, you will find it a lot easier to pick things out using binoculars. Planet gazing will be within reach with binoculars too.

A visit to your local library will be very beneficial. Try to find a book that will show what a certain planet or object will look through binoculars.

Also remember that when going out on a clear night for a spot of sky watching that the temperature can soon drop. So always wrap up warm.

If you have decided to use a large pair of binoculars, you may find a tripod with a binocular mount a great help.

It isn't much fun finding a planet or constellation and then having the views ruined by your trembling hands.

A notebook is another good thing to carry. You can the write down and make notes about the things you have seen.

As with all things, the internet is absolutely fantastic for finding information about astronomy, and a quick Google will yield enough results and reading material to feed your hungry brain for a long time.

But even if your interest in astronomy only runs to learning the names of the stars in the sky,

a nice, small and compact pair of binoculars make stargazing and planet viewing more interesting.

Take a look at my binocular discount centre below and happy viewing.

http://www.bestbinocularsprice.com

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Many thanks for reading our Telescopes Skywatcher article