Sky-Watcher Explorer 200 F/5

Skywatcher Explorer 200 F/5 & HEQ5 Mount As this telescope comes in two parts (the scope - the mount) and each part is available separately, I've written two reviews, one for each. Firstly the Scope ***Specifications*** Main Mirror Size = 8" (200mm), generally the bigger the better. But the bigger it is the less portable everything becomes, it's a bit of a balancing act... Focal Length = 1000mm, the length from the main mirror to the Eyepiece. There is no "better" here; a lot depends on what you want the scope to do. Focal Ratio = F/5 (Fast), associated with Focal length above. The lower the ... more

The large aperture on this scope gives it good light gathering capacity enabling you to the see further fainter objects that smaller aperture scopes don't. It's well built and keeps its collimation if treated right. The optics are great giving sharp clear views although the focuser can be a little tricky for faint objects. The eyepieces are standard so it's easy to get more of different powers to enhance your viewing experience' with the right adaptors which are easily obtained, a camera or webcam can be easily attached to this telescope. The tracking motors if you go for that option are ... more