Telescopes

Versatile, Lightweight and Astonishingly Accurate

Our AZ-EQ5 hybrid mount epitomizes Sky-Watcher’s commitment to innovation.  Part AZ mount, part equatorial, the AZ-EQ5 is Sky-Watcher’s most versatile mount, capable of aligning in either Alt-Az, Equatorial or dual-OTA mode.  Thanks to it’s flexibility, the AZ-EQ5 mount is perfect for the beginning astronomer looking to get into astrophotography, the seasoned astrophotography buff or educators passionate about astronomy outreach.

Unlike Any Other Mount on the Market

Unique to Sky-Watcher’s AZ-EQ5 is a patented dual-encoder motor system, Freedom-Find™, which allows users to move the mount manually without losing alignment.  While most mounts lose their alignment once moved by hand, the AZ-EQ5 uses a proprietary slip clutch system that keeps your alignment whether you slew by hand or using the hand controller.  After moving to the new object (electronically or manually), the mount will start tracking automatically. 

42,000 Object Database

Using our proprietary SynScan hand controller, the AZ-EQ5 provides a user-friendly interface with automatic slewing to over 42,000 objects in the night sky.  The hand controller can also connect to a computer using the supplied RS232 cable (USB adapter available), enabling computer control with most astronomy programs, including The SkyX, Stellarium, and Starry Night.

Whisper Quiet Motors

  Sky-Watcher’s belt drive system has a few advantages over mounts using traditional stepper gearing.  Belt drive systems deliver nearly silent slewing and tracking, making for an evening free of obnoxious motor noises while delivering spot on accuracy.  Sky-Watcher’s belt drive also features minimal backlash, smoother tracking, and less periodic error than mounts using servo motors.  For users looking to improve the accuracy of their tracking, the AZ-EQ5 also features built in Periodic Error Correction firmware, allowing users to fix periodic error in the field.

Periodic Error Correction Made Easy!

For the astrophotographers looking to reduce Periodic Error, the SynScan hand controller has built in PEC training that can be configured while in the field!  Periodic Error is best described as tiny back-and-forth oscillations of target stars.  This motion is not notable during visual observation, but during a long photographic exposure, can turn pinpoint stars to small streaks.  Using Sky-Watcher’s built-in PEC training, astrophotographers can cut down on the problems caused by Periodic Error to get smoother tracking and better performance from an autoguider.

A Photographer’s Best Friend

The AZ-EQ5 mount has built in DSLR interface with the ability to control two cameras at once.  Using a built in intervelometer timer, the SynScan hand controller can setup exposure length, number of frames taken and a ‘cool down’ period between each frame.  Additionally, the SynScan hand controller has the ability to select up to 8 different exposure combinations.  No need to purchase an expensive cable release when Sky-Watcher includes everything you’ll need to start shooting deep sky objects out of the box.

Use at Any Latitude

Thanks to the pier extension that sits between the mount head and tripod, the AZ-EQ5 can be polar aligned at almost any latitude.  Most equatorial mounts have difficulty with polar alignment at lower latitudes due to the counterweight bar interfering with the tripod. The AZ-EQ5 bypasses this completely, using a beefy pier extension to elevate the mount head away from the tripod legs.  The pier extension creates enough clearance between the counterweight bar and tripod legs that the mount can be polar aligned at virtually any latitude, from Alaska to Ecuador to Tierra del Fuego.

Ready to Go, Out of the Box!

While most mounts leave you high and dry to purchase accessories on your own, Sky-Watcher includes plenty of accessories to get you started.  In addition to the SynScan hand controller and the pier tripod, the AZ-EQ5 mount comes with two 7.5lb counterweights and a counterweight extension bar, as well as an extra saddle for mounting a second scope for viewing in dual-OTA mode.  The mount also includes two Canon EOS trigger cables for connecting your camera to the mount (Nikon and Sony cables available separate).  A polar finderscope is also included to assist with setup.  The AZ-EQ5 has a built in USB port for firmware updates, but also allows computer control using various astronomy software.

• German Equatorial/Alt-Az/dual-OTA mode.
• Permanent periodic error correction (PPEC).
• Belt drive – Super smooth PE curve. Low backlash, silent slewing.
• +/- 5 arc seconds native periodic error.
• Dual shutter release control for batch exposures of astrophotography.
• Motor controller with high torque and accuracy.
• Includes two V-style saddles for mounting dual OTAs
• Secure-fit power supply connections.
• Polar alignment with optional polarscope.
• Dual Encoders
• Counterweight extension bar included.
• Retractable counterweight bar.

 Specifications:

Stargate's feature Sky-Watcher’s exclusive fused conical parabolic mirrors. The fused design allows for thinner mirror construction that provides faster cooling and lighter weight.

Combined with the cast cellular secondary mirror and Sky-Watcher’s exclusive 94% reflectivity coatings, Stargate delivers bright, detailed views of your favorite deep sky objects. The 18 inch model captures 27% more light than our 16 inch, while the 20 inch (a full half meter of aperture) boasts a monster 56% more light gathering power.

Solid foundations, easy assembly

The minimalist all-metal structure of the Stargate produces a sturdy and stable platform while maintaining a convenient and compact footprint. The truss-tubes break down to a very manageable 36 inch length for easy transport. Azimuth and altitude bearings are steel and Teflon for smooth, steady movement.

Setting up a Stargate is a simple procedure, taking only about 20 minutes. Spring loaded truss anchor points are clearly labeled to eliminate any frustration or confusion. Adjustable feet make leveling a snap.

Synscan puts the universe in your hands

Our GoTo line of Stargates provide motorized operation in both alt and azimuth axes. Featuring Sky-Watcher’s proprietary SynScan hand controller, your scope now automatically slews to and tracks over 42,900 celestial objects from the on-board database.

Sky-Watcher’s Freedom Find™ dual-encoder technology ensures accurate tracking while allowing you to move the telescope manually in either axis without compromising alignment. This provides a level of convenience and flexibility not available in telescopes without dual encoders.

• Fused conical primary mirror
• Cellular secondary mirror
• Dual speed 2” Crayford focuser
• Two section truss poles (compact transport)
• Minimalist, all metal construction
• Fast f/3.95 optics for short eyepiece heights
• 20” provides 56% more light than a 16” telescope
• 94% reflectivity coatings
• Freedom Find, dual encoders
• SynScan with 42,000+ object database

Specifications: 

The exciting new Sky-Watcher Dobsonian SynScan series is precision engineered instrument that will allow you to easily find and enjoy viewing night sky treasures, such as Planets, Nebulae, Star Clusters, Galaxies and much more. With its patented collapsible tube design, these Dobsonians are truly the ultimate in portability and performance.

The elegant truss tube design was carefully engineered to combine ease of use, extreme portability and consistent performance in an affordable package. Unlike other truss tube designs, the SkyWatcher Flextube Dobsonian does not need to be disassembled between uses. It transports as two compact pieces that can be assembled and ready to use in just seconds! It is easy to collimate once set up, and it holds its collimation throughout the evening! The patented Tension Control Handle allows users to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboards. The SynScan™ AZ hand control allows you point your telescope at a specific object, or even tour the night sky at the touch of a button!! The user-friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 42,900 objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions. The patented dual encoder design allows the telescope to be moved manually whenever the user wishes - but with no need for re-alignment! The Sky-Watcher Dobsonian SynScan series combines the convenience and affordability of the traditional Dobsonian with the convenience of a computerized Go-To telescope.

• Built-in WiFi control
• Power Supply: 10 to 15 V DC 1Amp, 2.1mm Plug (Center positive)
• Motor type: DC Servo Motors,
• Resolution: Motor encoder: 1,620,000 counts per revolution, Main axis encoder: 11,748 counts per revolution
• Slew speeds: 1.0X, 2.0X, 8X, 16X, 32X, 200X, 400X, 600X, 800X, 1000X
• Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
• Tracking Mode: Dual Axes Tracking
• Alignment Method: Brightest-Star Alignment, Two-Star Alignment
• Database: 25 user defined objects. Complete M, NGC and IC catalog, partial SAO catalogues, total 42,900 objects
• Go-To Pointing Accuracy: Up to 5 arc min

Specifications:

This Sky-Watcher 120mm (4") f/5 telescope is a two-element, air-spaced, fully multi-coated objective, achromatic refractor, which can give exciting "rich field" astronomical views. It can provide excellent vistas of star fields, clusters, nebulae, galaxies, planets, the Moon and (with correct filtering or by projection) the Sun. It is also a fine terrestrial telescope when mounted on an alt-azimuth mount or a photographic tripod. Crisp images at a reasonable price make it an excellent beginner's "first telescope", or a great travelling telescope for a more advanced observer.

This larger aperture model has more light collecting power at the same focal ratio and accepts 2" diagonals for awesome wide field views, while only a small amount of chromatic aberration and weight. Weighing about 3kg. (6.5lbs.) the optical tube assembly is readily carried and with a compressed length of approximately 50cm (21.7") it is easily transported.

As a refractor, it is quick and easy to set up and the low-maintenance, enclosed optics come fully collimated from the factory. The optical tube assembly comes with "tube mounting rings". These hinge open to allow easy installation of the optical tube and the locks can be loosened during use to allow tube rotation and balancing. Mounting the telescope on an alt-azimuth or an equatorial mount is quick and simple with the appropriate mounting plate. This telescope also performs well as a fixed aperture, 510mm lens for both terrestrial and astrophotography.

The "fast" f/5 focal ratio, combined with today's high-speed films, is excellent for capturing lunar and solar eclipses as well as for nature photographs. A solid, equatorial mount and a method of guiding are required for longer exposure astrophotography. A T-mount thread on the eyepiece holder allows direct attachment of an appropriate T2-adapter and the optional extension tube gives closer focusing for terrestrial photography.

• 120mm achromatic refractor
• 600mm (f/5)
• Manual alt‐az mount (AZ3)
• Accessory tray
• Fine motion control knobs
• Adjustable aluminum tripod
• 25mm and10mm 1.25" Super eyepieces
• 1.25" erect 45 degree image diagonal
• 2" Rack and Pinionfocuser
• 2" to 1.25" adapter
• Red dot finder