SkyWatcher Explorer 130P StarQuest

The SkyWatcher Explorer 130P's 130mm mirror can be used not only for lunar and planetary observations but can show many deep sky objects as well under excellent conditions. While the main mirror in most of the smaller telescopes is spheroid this 130/650 model has a paraboloid main mirror making it usable even for higher magnifications. The f/5 focal ratio results in a short tube, so the telescope is easy to carry and handle. While the 650mm focal length might seem short, the good quality optics make it possible to use higher magnifications using a Barlow lens. A 10mm and 25mm Barium eyepieces included (26x and 65x magnification) but the magnification range can be extended up to 260x. The 34.5mm secondary mirror causes 26% central obstructions only.

The StarQuest mount is very similar to the Avant, but here the telescope can now attached to the mount with a more practical dovetail bar. Here we can adjust the pole height using the two screw solutions. Like the Avant, the axes are lightweight, but they have a strong design, and can be fixed by the discs on the bottom. Both axles have fine-tuning (with the usual flexible arms). The counterweight sits on a threaded end counterweight shaft. The length and weight is less than the EQ2 mount. The reason for this is that, due to the more compact mechanical head, the center of gravity of the telescope is closer, so a shorter axis and less weight are required.

The head is located on the thinner aluminum tripod, which still provides sufficient stability even on the 130/650 instrument. The head can be fixed to the stand with the usual hand-held screw. The head has a black finish with green sticker scale. The capacity of the mount is approx. 4 kg.

Direction of Dec and RA axes can be rotated at 360 degrees. The RA and Dec gear tooth numbers are 122.