SkyWatcher 130mm EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope

The SW 130NS-EQ2's shorter 650mm focal length is designed to capture wide fields of view at lower powers. This lends itself to the kind of observing typical of deep-space. Many galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters are quite large. The wider field is beneficial to be able to see these objects in the same field at one time. Their presentation is also often more dramatic when framed by surrounding dark sky. Sky objects will appear much brighter when compared to other 130mm and 114mm Telescopes. The additional light gathering yields brighter images and higher resolution compared to smaller diameter telescopes like the SW 114N-EQ2. Read on and discover why this telescope may possibly deliver everything you are looking for in a great first experience in astronomy!

The 130mm diameter of the SkyWatcher provides light gathering sufficient to resolve rudimentary structural detail in prominent deep-space objects to a greater extent than a 114mm telescopes. Solar system objects can be seen easily within the city. The SkyWatcher 130NS-EQ2 resolves lunar and planetary detail adequately.

The Sky-Watcher brand name is your assurance of painstakingly rigorous standards of optical quality. The primary mirror is fabricated from Grade-A glass to exacting demands of smoothness and optical figure. The mirror is aluminized and over coated with a hard protective quartz layer for lasting quality. The focuser assembly is solid and stable with a mechanically smooth rack and pinion focuser.

Only premium quality Plossl eyepieces are supplied with SW entry level telescopes. For this reason alone, the SW 130Ns will outperform most all other instruments in its class! Eyepieces are half of the telescope's optical system. They are hugely important to a telescope's overall optical performance. This $225 telescope comes with $94 worth of premium Plossl eyepieces. But now it's yours for only $149.50.

Equatorial mount and tripod with robust construction and mechanical quality!

The SkyWatcher 130NS-EQ2 includes a solid equatorial (polar) mount, stable tripod, and slow-motion controls for precision manual tracking of sky objects. Slow-motion controls allow very fine incremental tracking adjustments that facilitate keeping fast moving sky objects centered in the eyepiece. Just a fraction of a turn of the cable control knob is all that is required to keep an object easily captured in the telescopic field of view. Stability of the mount and tripod is critical to the utility and enjoyment of a telescope. Insufficiently rigid mounts and vibration prone tripods act like tuning forks transferring undesirable vibration to the eyepiece. This will deprive the viewer of a steady view. Fortunately, Sky-Watcher equatorial mounts and tripods are some of the most stable and robust in their class. The mount of this telescope is made of metal in all critical structural and functional areas. The equatorial body itself is metal, the gear assembly is metal, the slow-motion cables are flex-steel, the latitude adjuster is metal, heavy-duty tripod is aluminum, the counterweight shaft and counterweights are metal, and the optical tube rings are metal. This quality telescope is structurally sound and offers smooth, precise mechanical controls. The telescope also includes as standard features a latitude scale, setting circles, and accessory tray.

Sky-Watcher entry level telescopes are supplied with Red Dot finders to facilitate easily locating objects prior to viewing through the telescopes main optical tube. The illumination is variable and the platform for the finder includes micrometric controls for aligning with the main optical tube. 2X Barlow Lens 1.25": Sky-Watcher entry level telescopes are provided with 2X Barlow lenses that provide twice the power when used with any eyepiece. Superior Super Plossl Eyepieces - SP25mm and SP12mm 1.25": Sky-Watcher entry level telescopes are provided with premium 4-element Super Plossl eyepieces. The same eyepieces often supplied as standard equipment on telescopes costing thousands of dollars. Planetarium Software for the PC: Sky-Watcher entry level telescopes are provided with a planetarium program that allows for exploring the heavens on your personal computer. Overall this telescope is a great value at an unheard of price!  Please don't hesitate to call 800.266.9590 with any questions you may have.