**ALL-NEW** HERITAGE 130mm Table Top Reflector

Heritage--In honor of those that have gone before

Sky-Watcher is proud to present the commemorative International Year of Astronomy telescope --Heritage 130

- Collectable International Year of Astronomy 2009 Special Edition. Perfect gift idea for the little astronomers or anyone curious enough to look up and wonder.

- Extreme portability: Tube collapses to only 14.5" long. Total weight less than 14lbs

- Collapsible truss-tube design, no disassembling and collimation required between uses

- Aluminized paraboloidal mirrors, providing sharp and detailed images

- Enough light gathering power to provide outstanding resolution and bright image

- Great all-around astronomical viewing performance

- Diameter: 130mm, Focal length: 650mm, F/ratio: F/5




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BK909AZ3 - 90mm Refractor on AZ3 Mount

- Diameter/Aperture: 90mm
- Focal Length: 900mm
- Multi-coated achromatic objective lens
- Aluminum tube
- Dew cap/Sunshade
- Adjustable Objective-lens Cell (available in 2001)
- 6x30 finderscope for easy location of objects
- Pre-assembled tripod for convenient and quick assembly - Smooth rack-and-pinion 1.25" focuser
- 65% more light gathering power than 70mm
- Perfect for serious beginners


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Black Diamond ED 80

The Black Diamond ED80 is a modestly wide-field telescope offering bright, wide swaths of sky in a single view. It is well suited for wide-field astronomical observation of prominent nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies from a dark-sky location, or can be used as an astrograph for sky photography. As a terrestrial spotting scope or telephoto lens, the Black Diamond ED80’s performance is absolutely superb. Ultra high contrast allows the subtlest of details to be easily scrutinized under conditions of good seeing. The petite silhouette of the Black Diamond ED80 makes for an excellent compact, portable telescope that travels light and fits a small space. At about 50-power structural detail becomes apparent in our solar system’s gas giants like Saturn and Jupiter. The Moon also exhibits striking crater detail along the lunar terminator.

Schott Glass Used in Selected Models for Crown Element
Black Diamond ED80 SCHOTT benefit from the inclusion of Schott glass being used for the positive front Crown element in the objective. Schott is the recognized world leader in glass utilized for precision optical lens systems, including medical instrumentation, and famous-brand camera lenses. While Schott glass is only used in selected models, all other models utilize top-quality, Grade-A glass from perhaps less famous but, nonetheless, highly respected, high-quality glass manufacturers

Metallic High-Transmission Lens Coatings
Each air-to-glass lens surface has exotic anti-reflection metallic coatings applied to ensure optimum light through-put of approaching 99.5%. The proprietary Sky-Watcher “Metallic High-Transmission Coatings” (MHC) are the finest photon anti-rejection coatings in their class.

Light-Baffled Optical Systems
The objective lens cell is light-baffled to reject stray, unfocused light. The draw tube is likewise baffled to insure optimum contrast. The tube interior is flat blackened to help prevent unfocused internal light reflections from reaching the focal plane.

Precision 2” Crayford Focuser is Standard
Optical focus is achieved by means of a mechanically ultra-smooth, backlash-free, precision 2” Crayford rack & pinion focuser-assembly. This focuser offers fine and ultra-fine focusing adjustments.

Tube Materials
The optical tube material is rolled steel, powder-coated reflective gloss black with gold fleck accent. The front and back cells are cast-aluminum painted white, or black.

Telescope Tube Attachment Hardware:
The optical tube comes with attachment hardware that allows it to be securely fastened to any Sky-Watcher mount. The quick-release tube rings provided with Black Diamond ED80 are cast-aluminum, painted white.

Included Components for Selected Models*
Black Diamond ED80 is supplied with backlash-free 2” Crayford focusers and quality foam-lined metal carrying cases as standard equipment. Black Diamond ED80 is also supplied with 8x50mm viewfinder with bracket; 2” dielectric diagonal; two 1.25” LE (Long Eye Relief) eyepieces (LE20mm and LE5mm); 1.25” focuser adaptor; and tube ring attachment hardware for mounting to any Sky-Watcher, or other compatible mounts.


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Black Diamond ED 100 & 120


The additional aperture of this telescope provides a dramatic increase in resolution and a heighten sense of seeing lunar and planetary surface phenomenon in seemingly 3D-like high-definition. Tight globular star clusters like M13 in Constellation Hercules appear like a beehive of crisp stellar pin points, star upon thousands of stars deep into the objects core. In Deep-space, rich aggregates of stars within Galaxies, Nebulas, and open clusters appear brilliant contrasted against a very dark velvet black background. The wispy, delicate, featherlike structure of dust lanes and extension of glowing gasses can be seen reaching out far beyond the object’s core.

Schott Glass Used in Selected Models for Crown Element
Black Diamond ED benefit from the inclusion of Schott glass being used for the positive front Crown element in the objective. Schott is the recognized world leader in glass utilized for precision optical lens systems, including medical instrumentation, and famous-brand camera lenses. While Schott glass is only used in selected models, all other models utilize top-quality, Grade-A glass from perhaps less famous but, nonetheless, highly respected, high-quality glass manufacturers.

Metallic High-Transmission Lens Coatings
Each air-to-glass lens surface has exotic anti-reflection metallic coatings applied to ensure optimum light through-put of approaching 99.5%. The proprietary Sky-Watcher “Metallic High-Transmission Coatings” (MHC) are the finest photon anti-rejection coatings in their class.

Light-Baffled Optical Systems
The objective lens cell is light-baffled to reject stray, unfocused light. The draw tube is likewise baffled to insure optimum contrast. The tube interior is flat blackened to help prevent unfocused internal light reflections from reaching the focal plane.

Precision 2” Crayford Focuser is Standard
Optical focus is achieved by means of a mechanically ultra-smooth, backlash-free, precision 2” Crayford rack & pinion focuser-assembly. This focuser offers fine and ultra-fine focusing adjustments.

Tube Materials
The optical tube material is rolled steel, powder-coated reflective gloss black with gold fleck accent. The front and back cells are cast-aluminum painted white, or black.

Telescope Tube Attachment Hardware:
The optical tube comes with attachment hardware that allows it to be securely fastened to any Sky-Watcher mount. The quick-release tube rings provided with Black Diamond ED are cast-aluminum, painted white.

Included Components for Selected Models*
Black Diamond ED is supplied with backlash-free 2” Crayford focusers and quality foam-lined metal carrying cases as standard equipment. Black Diamond ED is also supplied with 8x50mm viewfinder with bracket; 2” dielectric diagonal; two 1.25” LE (Long Eye Relief) eyepieces (LE20mm and LE5mm); 1.25” focuser adaptor; and tube ring attachment hardware for mounting to any Sky-Watcher, or other compatible mounts.

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Black Diamond 6-inch Reflector w/ NEQ3 Mount

- Diameter/Aperture: 150mm
- Focal Length: 750mm
- Diffraction-limited secondary mirror support
- Paraboloidal (parabolic) primary mirror
- 150 primary mirror gathers enough light to reveal deep-sky luminaries. 33% more light gathering power than 130mm, 73% more light than 114mm
- 9x50 achromatic finderscope for easy location of objects
- Smooth 2" Crayford-type focuser (NEW)

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Black Diamond 10-inch Newtonian Reflector

Largest reflector in the Sky-Watcher Newtonian family. It is equipped with the EQ6 mount, a paraboloidal mirror made from Pyrex glass, diffraction-limited secondary mirror support, 2" focuser, one 2" eyepiece, a 2"-1.25" eyepiece adapter, and a 9x50 finderscope.

Specifications
D: 254mm
F: 1200mm
F/ratio: f/4.7
Highest practical power: 508X
Resolving power (arc sec.): 0.45
Finderscope: 9x50
Focuser diameter: 2" Crayford


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Black Diamond Mak 90mm on EQ1 Mount

The Sky-Watcher Maksutov-Cassegrains are the ultimate take-anywhere telescopes. They are also ideal if working space is limited. Despite their small dimensions they pack a powerful punch. Their High-Resolution, diffraction limited optical systems are multi-coated to maximize contrast and image sharpness. This Sky-Watcher Maksutov comes in apertures of 90mm, and is available either complete with equatorial mounts and tripods, or as tube assemblies only, which can be mounted onto a standard photographic tripod. Whether your requirement is for terrestrial or astronomical use, these compact scopes are the perfect companion. Tube material: Aluminium.

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Black Diamond 102mm Mak w/ EQ2 Mount

The Sky-Watcher Maksutov-Cassegrains are the ultimate take-anywhere telescopes. They are also ideal if working space is limited. Despite their small dimensions they pack a powerful punch. Their High-Resolution, diffraction limited optical systems are multi-coated to maximize contrast and image sharpness. The Sky-Watcher Maksutovs come in apertures of 102mm, and is available either complete with equatorial mounts and tripods, or as tube assemblies only, which can be mounted onto a standard photographic tripod. Whether your requirement is for terrestrial or astronomical use, these compact scopes are the perfect companion. Tube material: Aluminium.

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Black Diamond 127mm Maksutov Cassegrain OTA

The Sky-Watcher Maksutov-Cassegrains are the ultimate take-anywhere telescopes. They are also ideal if working space is limited. Despite their small dimensions they pack a powerful punch. Their High-Resolution, diffraction limited optical systems are multi-coated to maximize contrast and image sharpness. This Sky-Watcher Maksutov comes in apertures of 127mm, and is available either complete with equatorial mounts and tripods, or as tube assemblies only, which can be mounted onto a standard photographic tripod. Whether your requirement is for terrestrial or astronomical use, these compact scopes are the perfect companion.

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Black Diamond 180mm Maksutov Cassegrain OTA

The Maksutov Signature Series is the new generation of professional quality Maksutovs from Sky-Watcher. These telescopes are manufactured to the highest levels of optical and mechanical precision, resulting in exquisite optical performance and finish. Even the most critical observer will be delighted and surprised by the performance of the Sky-Watcher Signature Series Maksutov telescopes. In many applications the sharpness and image quality of these telescopes matches and exceeds that of the classic Schmidt-Cassegrain design.
Schott Glass Used in This Models for Crown Element
This model benefit from the inclusion of Schott glass being used for the positive front Crown element in the objective. Schott is the recognized world leader in glass utilized for precision optical lens system

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*NEW* 190mm Maksutov-Newtonian

For more information click here

Skywatcher Equinox 80

The Equinox 80 is another excellent choice for birding, nature study, and photography. Its fast, high-contrast optics and generous field of view make it an ideal instrument for studying larger clusters and star fields, and it is a proven performer for astrophotography – you can even use it with a common SCT focal reducer to achieve speeds down to f/4.5! But don’t be afraid to push up the magnification, too. Its crisp optics make it a strong performer on tight double stars, and it provides crisp, clear lunar and planetary images with no image breakdown, even at 150x.

Schott Glass Used in Selected Models for Crown Element
Equinox 80 benefit from the inclusion of Schott glass being used for the positive front Crown element in the objective. Schott is the recognized world leader in glass utilized for precision optical lens systems, including medical instrumentation, and famous-brand camera lenses. While Schott glass is only used in selected models, all other models utilize top-quality, Grade-A glass from perhaps less famous but, nonetheless, highly respected, high-quality glass manufacturers

Metallic High-Transmission Lens Coatings
Each air-to-glass lens surface has exotic anti-reflection metallic coatings applied to ensure optimum light through-put of approaching 99.5%. The proprietary Sky-Watcher “Metallic High-Transmission Coatings” (MHC) are the finest photon anti-rejection coatings in their class.

Standard Features:
D = 80 mm, fast, flat f/6.2, F = 500.
Razor sharp, colour-free, high contrast optics.
Retractable aluminum dewshields.
Removeable L-shape bracket for easy mounting on any any camera tripod.
Perfect for astronomy, birding and terrestrial use.
Fast speeds and flat fields for widefield astrophotography.
Aluminum carrying case for safe, easy transportation.

High-Precision Indexed Focuser:
Dual-Speed machined Crayford focuser.
360-degree adjustable for easy framing of objects for photography.
Graduated scale on drawtube for fast and precise focusing with CCD or DSLR cameras.

Whatever your application, we’re sure that Sky-Watcher Equinox refractors will meet and exceed your most demanding performance requirements with their superior mechanics, high portability and razor-sharp colour-free optics. Contact your SkyWatcher dealer to get an Equinox refractor today.


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Skywatcher Equinox 120

The Equinox 120 is the star of the Equinox Series. Its generous aperture makes it an ideal observing instrument for solar system and deep space objects alike – and it really shines on double stars. For astrophotography, the Equinox 120 features an f/7.5 focal ratio – more than speedy enough for today’s sensitive CCDs and digital SLR cameras. Plus, it can be coupled with a common SCT focal reducer to achieve even faster speeds.
Its high-power views are stunning. Consider these comments elicited by the Equinox 120 at a recent star party. Saturn was being viewed at 180x: “This is the view of Saturn that I have been waiting all my life to see” Brian, D., an amateur astronomer with 30 years of experience; “Come on, you’ve got a picture in there somewhere” Karen, P., first time ever looking in a telescope.
For experienced observers and novices alike, the Equinox 120 delivers remarkable and memorable views. It has the perfect configuration of aperture, focal length and focal ratio to make it a general-purpose telescope that can be used for everything from widefield viewing to high-power planetary imaging. It may be the only telescope you will ever need, and one of the finest you will ever look through in this aperture class.

Schott Glass Used in Selected Models for Crown Element
Equinox 120 SCHOTT benefit from the inclusion of Schott glass being used for the positive front Crown element in the objective. Schott is the recognized world leader in glass utilized for precision optical lens systems, including medical instrumentation, and famous-brand camera lenses. While Schott glass is only used in selected models, all other models utilize top-quality, Grade-A glass from perhaps less famous but, nonetheless, highly respected, high-quality glass manufacturers.

Metallic High-Transmission Lens Coatings
Each air-to-glass lens surface has exotic anti-reflection metallic coatings applied to ensure optimum light through-put of approaching 99.5%. The proprietary Sky-Watcher “Metallic High-Transmission Coatings” (MHC) are the finest photon anti-rejection coatings in their class.

Standard Features:
D = 120 mm, F = 900, f/7.5.
Razor sharp, colour-free, high contrast optics.
Retractable aluminum dewshield.
Tube rings and dovetail included
Built-in finder scope bracket
Outstanding high-power instrument for lunar and planetary viewing and imaging.
Outstanding low- and medium-power instrument for widefield imaging and viewing.
Aluminum carrying case for safe, easy transportation.

High-Precision Indexed Focuser:
Dual-Speed machined Crayford focuser.
360-degree adjustable for easy framing of objects for photography.
Graduated scale on drawtube for fast and precise focusing with CCD or DSLR cameras.

Whatever your application, we’re sure that Sky-Watcher Equinox refractors will meet and exceed your most demanding performance requirements with their superior mechanics, high portability and razor-sharp colour-free optics. Contact your SkyWatcher dealer to get an Equinox refractor today.


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Skywatcher BD 1025AZ3 Refractor

This Sky-Watcher 102mm (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. Similar to the popular 80mm f/5 refractor, 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 to 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.

Being 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 astro photography. 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 is required for longer exposure astrophotography. A T-mount thread on the eyepiece holder allows direct attachment of an appropriate T-adapter (readily available through camera shops for a specific SLR) and the optional 60mm (2.5") extension tube gives closer focussing for terrestrial photography.


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Skywatcher BD 804AZ3 Refractor

The Sky-Watcher 70mm (2.8") f/5 and 80mm (3.1") telescopes are two-element, air-spaced, fully multi- coated objective, refractors. The 80mm f5 is a well- proven performer which gives "rich- field" views of star fields, clusters, nebulae, bright galaxies, planets, the Moon and (with correct filtering or by projection) the Sun, as well as excellent terrestrial views. Both telescopes give images which are crisp and with very little chromatic aberration.

One of the greatest assets of these solidly built telescopes is portability. The light-weight optical tubes (1.25kg; 2.8lbs for the 70mm and 1.5kg; 3.3lbs for the 80mm), and the compressed lengths of about 380mm (15") and 480mm (18") make them "take it with me" telescopes. Their optical tubes can be adapted to fit into an airline carry-on bag, or into a hiker's backpack. Whether they are to be used as a beginner's telescope, a "rich-field", a backup, a guide scope or a travelling telescope, the very reasonable prices make them choices to seriously consider.

They are quick and easy to set up and the low- maintenance, enclosed optics come fully collimated from the factory. Alignment of the finderscope and polar alignment of the optional equatorial mount are all that are needed to start viewing. The optical tube assemblies are held firmly by hinged, felt-lined "tube mounting rings" which allow easy installation and optical tube rotation and balancing. Mounting one of these telescopes on the supplied aluminum alt-azimuth mount or a photographic tripod is quick and simple with the supplied "multi-function mount plate".

Both telescopes perform well as a fixed aperture lenses for both astrophotography and terrestrial photography. The "fast" focal ratios, combined with today's high speed films, make them useful for capturing lunar and solar eclipses as well as nature photographs. With a suitable T-adapter, a camera can be connected directly to the T-mount thread on the eyepiece holder and a supplied 60mm (2.4") extension tube allows closer focussing for terrestrial photography.


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Skywatcher 6-inch & 8-inch Dobsonian Reflector

The Sky-Watcher Dobsonian Telescope 153mm/1200mm (6") have a "paraboloidal" primary mirror to eliminate spherical aberration and a four-arm, secondary- mirror bracket with fine supports (0.5mm thick), to reduce diffraction spikes and light loss. In addition, this models include a 2" focuser with a 1.25" adapter, allowing the use of either eyepiece size. This models also include the new feature-tension control handle.

WHAT is Dobsonian Telescope and WHY the Tension Control Handle?

A simple, elegant form of an alt-azimuth mount made to carry a Newtonian reflector was popularized by John Dobson in the late 1970's. The Dobsonian mounted telescope is popular among amateur astronomers and telescope makers because of its simplicity. In its simplest form, the Dobsonian mount consists of a box which allows the optical tube assembly to pivot in altitude, while the box itself is swiveled on a base in azimuth.

The Dobsonian mount usually relies on the friction between the side bearings on the optical tube of the telescope and a frictional material on the saddle to hold the optical tube in place. If there is too much friction, the telescope is difficult to move to center an object in the filed of view. If there is too little friction, the telescope will not sty where it is positioned. This makes stabilizing the optical tube of the telescope difficult when using a Dobsonian mount, especially when accessories, such as a finderscope or an eyepiece, are added to the optical tube. As long as the amount of friction is at an appropriate level, and therefore stabilization of the optical tube is achieved, the telescope can remain in its desired position to view an object and maintain its position even when the mount is rotated.

The devices for stabilizing a telescope on the Dobsonian mount currently available include: a sliceable weight to counter balance the weight of the telescope, a friction lock that must be adjusted to inhibit movement of the telescope, and a spring attached between the telescope tube and mount to aid in stabilization. These devices are inconvenient to use because they do not provide a simple and user-friendly way to adjust the friction.

The object of the Sky-Watcher Tension Control Handle invention (US Patent No. 6,940,642) is to provide a tension adjuster that users can easily turn to add or reduce tension, thereby increasing or decreasing the friction between the optical tube and the sideboard of the mount. By providing such a tension adjuster, the telescope does not need to be balanced in order to stay in position. The tension adjuster can be tightened such that the optical tube can stay in a position but can still be moved when prompted to adjust the position of the optical tube. Alternatively, the tension adjuster can be completely tightened to lock the optical tube in position.


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Skywatcher 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch Collapsible Reflector

A COLLAPSIBLE TRUSS-TUBE DOBSONIAN DESIGN THAT REQUIRES NO REASSEMBLY --THE ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE!

SkyWatcher does it again. An old favorite gets a complete facelift with new features and upgraded components!

The venerable Dobsonian reflector design has recently undergone some important upgrades and improvements: SkyWatcher is pleased to introduce the all-new Collapsible Dobsonian complete with Crayford focuser – the ultimate in large aperture portability and performance.

This 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 Collapsible 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 bearing system has been redesigned as well. The new SkyWatcher Collapsible Dobsonians feature buttery smooth azimuth bearings. Even the twelve-inch model can be rotated with just the push of a finger. Like our traditional Dobsonians, the new Collapsible Dobsonians feature SkyWatcher’s patented tension adjustment control on the altitude bearings. This eliminates the need and added cost of clumsy counterweight systems to balance the telescope.

To top it off, all of the new Collapsible Dobsonians are shipping with ultra smooth Crayford focusers. 90 degree finderscope is also available.


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Skywatcher Sk8044TAEQ Table Top Refractor

Equipped with a 13"-high tabletop equatorial mount, these table top telescopes are the most portable star-tracking telescopes available. The mount includes all the features of a standard-size equatorial mount. It can also be fitted with single axis motor drive for hands-free tracking. The short lengths of these scopes ensure stable images even under high powers.

Each of these table-top telescopes comes standard with a convenient padded carrying bag. This soft bag holds the complete telescope, including the tripod. Size just 16"x 9"x 8", this bag is small enough to be carried anywhere, even on all forms of public transportation.


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