SkyWatcher 130P (130/650) Newtonian reflector on StarQuest-2 mount

This SkyWatcher Explorer 130PS Newtonian telescope is one of the highest performace instrument in the beginner's recommended segment. With it's 130mm main mirror it can be used for Deep Sky objects observations besides the Moon or planet hunting. Under a clear sky up to 500 Deep Sky objects are visible. It's an ideal telescope for travelling thanks to it's short build.

While most small telescopes utilize spherical mirror, this scope offers parabolical mirror which makes it suitable for observations with higher magnifications. The F/5 aperture is a high advantage in portabilty, utilizing and balancing since the tube is short. The main use is in smaller magnifications, however it's excellent image quality allows higher magnifications and even using a Barlow lens. The package includes a 10mm and a 20mm eyepieces (32.5x and 65x magnifications) which can be extended up to 260x magnification with optional eyepieces and Barlow lenses. Finding objects is assisted by the included red dot (StarPointer) finder. Secondary mirror is 34,5mm which causes only 26% shadow in the center which slight effect on contrast.

Sky-Watcher's StarQuest mechanics provide easy usability at a reasonable price. The mount has a light structure, but a strong design. The gear wheel of the RA axis has a diameter of 95 mm, which enables precise fine movement. Fixing and releasing the axles is convenient thanks to the large, easy-to-reach discs. Both axes are 360 deg fine-tuned, so it is very easy to follow the set celestial bodies. It is possible - optionally - to use it with a RA motor, in which case the comfort of following celestial objects is greatly increased.

The mount head can be attached to the tripod with a simple hand screw. The telescope can be attached to the mount with the practical dovetail plate, using a manual screw.

Due to the more compact mount head, the telescope's center of gravity is closer to the center of mass, so a shorter shaft and less counterweight are required, so the total weight of the system is also lower.