More about the series EQ-3...
The AC 120/1000 telescope: This telescope provides powerful optics and high resolution, making it ideal for detailed planetary observing. Its 120mm aperture makes this achromatic refractor one of the larger examples of this type of amateur telescope design. The aperture ratio of f8.3 means most chromatic aberration has been well corrected. The telescope is a refractor and so provides a high contrast image - essential for observing the planets. The most important thing when observing planets is being able to see the individual details, such as the polar ice caps on Mars or the Great Red Spot on Jupiter. With this telescope, there is nothing standing in the way of you taking a tour through the solar system. Many deep-sky objects, such as the Ring Nebula or the distant globular cluster M13, can also be seen. With 293X more light gathering capacity than the naked eye alone, it can shows objects that cannot even be seen without optical assistance. The telescope collects 44% more light than a 100mm telescope. It comes with a 2" focuser which includes a 1.25" reducing adapter, meaning both sizes of eyepiece may be used. A 2" eyepiece lets you achieve the widest possible field of view. So, for example, a 40mm 2" eyepiece with 72° apparent field of view lets you observe 2.8 degrees of the night sky. Consequently, extended deep sky objects will fit well into the field of view. The finder scope provided is mounted parallel to the main telescope tube and is indispensible when for first locate objects. Astrophotography can also be done with this telescope: The Moon, planets, and even the most nebulae can be photographed using it.
The advantages in a nutshell:
- powerful refractor
- high contrast images and reduced chromatic aberration
- 2 inch focuser
- well suited to astrophotography
- prism rail for quick mounting of optics
- finder scope
The OTA is also visually a real gem, and looks simply stunning. It features an elegant design for the both OTA and finder scope in an aesthetically pleasing shimmering black metallic effect.
The EQ3-2 mount:
This mount is a further development of the EQ-3 mount designed in white. It provides a stable base for most medium-sized optics and is ideal for exploring the night sky. Once you have aligned the parallactic mount with the Pole Star, you can easily sight on an object, adjust it in the field of view and track it using the flexible slow-motions. Fine adjustment is possible in both right ascension and declination. The polar elevation at the observing site can be set using the fine scale provided and adjusted perfectly by using two screws. Both polar finder and electric motors plus a control can be retrofitted to both axes: the EQ3-2 is suitable not only for visual observing, but also for getting started in astrophotography. With optional add-ons such as the motor kit or GoTo upgrade kit, long exposure astrophotography also becomes possible. With a little practice, you will soon be able to produce successful images of galaxies and nebulae.
Included with the mount:
- mount with manual adjustment knobs
- extra brace with eyepiece tray
- suitable counterweights
It not only matters which telescope you buy but also where you buy it. Our additional services:
- We are a leading telescope dealer and know the devices we sell. Our customer service team will gladly help you after your purchase if you have problems with assembly or operation.
- We provide a copy of the 80-page "Telescope ABC" beginners handbook with every telescope.
Our expert comment:
The NEQ 3 is a stable mount suitable for beginners or for use as a travel mount on holiday. A C5 or C6, short Newtonian or refractor OTA are well supported and can be tracked smoothly. Telescopes of longer lengths, but within the weight limit of the NEQ 3 may take longer to damp down any vibrations due to the longer lever effect. If that could be a problem for you, then you should consider the Skywatcher 120/1000 EvoStar NEQ-5.
(Achim Mros)