Please note: the SkyWatcher Explorer 200/1000P Newton + NEQ-5 Pro Goto is recommended for those who are seriously interested in amateur astronomy!
.. and the world of deep sky objects opens up
We have found that, under dark skies, celestial objects start to "open up" at this diameter: the spiral structure of some galaxies can be identified, many globular clusters can be broken down into countless stars, while details of interstellar nebulae can be observed. In the right stillness, their precisely machined (diffraction-limited) parabolas reveal many details of the surface of planets and the Moon: Jupiter's Great Red Spot and many vortices in its atmosphere are easy to see, as are many of the rifts on the surface of our celestial companions.
Rich features
A 9x50 finder scope is included in the standard package, making it easy to focus on fainter objects. Superb imaging is provided by 25mm and 10mm eyepieces, offering magnification up to 40x and 100x, respectively. The optional Barlow lens gives additional magnifications of 60x, 80x, 150x and 200x, and the included T2 thread provides easy mounting for SLR cameras. The ultra-precise 2" Crayford focuser allows for easy focusing, which can later be upgraded to a two-speed version. A 2"/T2 adapter is included with the focuser.
Excellent photographic tool
The telescope is a serious instrument if astrophotography is your goal: the large diameter and brightness allow you to quickly capture the wonders of the sky, as you can see simply by looking at the Gallery. The 2" focuser can accommodate all the accessories you need for photography (e.g. a coma corrector). Those who have more serious astrophotographic goals with the telescope are advised to replace the prismatic lens with a solid version, which provides a more shake-free use.
Stable mounts for comfortable use
Stable, almost shake-free use is guaranteed by the 4.5 cm diameter steel feet and the central strut.
The Synscan handheld controller, in addition to the computerized object positioning (Goto control), has a number of additional features that can be useful for both visual and photographic observers. Among other things, dead time compensation can be set to reduce the response time of the mount; 25 custom object data can be stored for easy resetting later. It is also possible to set the most spectacular objects of the evening one after the other within a tour. The Synscan handheld controller database stores data on more than 42 900 objects.
