N 200/1000 telescope:
With a 200mm aperture, this telescope opens up new details in deep sky observing for the observer as compared to smaller telescopes. With 78% more light gathering ability compared to a 150mm telescope, even the delicate spiral arms of many galaxies and additional structures in other nebulae can be observed. Globular clusters, such as the famous M13 cluster in Hercules, can be resolved at their edges to a large degree. The parabolic primary mirror is diffraction limited, allowing sharp images of the object. The very high-contrast optics are optimised by the use of a small secondary mirror and thin secondary mirror spider vanes, allowing sharp and bright planetary observing even at higher magnification. The OTA has a solid 2-inch Crayford focuser for a low image shift focusing - of particular importance at high magnifications and for astrophotography. The use of 2 inch eyepieces allows the maximum possible field of view to be exploited. The telescope has an f5 aperture ratio, putting it in the class of 'fast' Newtonian telescopes, so this telescope is particularly well suited to astrophotography.
The OTA is also visually a real gem, featuring an elegant design for the both OTA and finder scope in an aesthetically pleasing shimmering black.
The advantages in a nutshell:
- relatively high light gathering power thanks to 200mm aperture
- resistant to the effects of vibration and wind
- diffraction limited parabolic primary mirror
- high-contrast image due to thin secondary mirror spider vanes and small secondary mirror
- well suited to astrophotography due to the 'fast' optics
The PDS version of the Explorer comes with a dual speed focuser. This has a 1:10 reduction ratio for sensitive focusing which is most important for astrophotography, but is also very useful for visual observing. The tube length has been slightly shortened compared to the Explorer P version and the secondary mirror has consequently been enlarged in order to further optimize the system for astrophotography.
Included in delivery:
- OTA with 200mm aperture and 1000mm focal length
- 2 inches Crayford focuser with 1:10 fine adjustment
- 2", 28mm eyepiece
- 9x50 finder scope
- prism rail for quick mounting of OTA
- OTA weight (with tube ring clamps) 8.8 kg
- OTA outer diameter approx. 235mm
The HEQ-5 Pro GoTo mount:
The high-quality parallactic HEQ-5 Pro GoTo mount turns your telescope into a precision instrument for exciting and fascinating astronomical observing. The extensive equipment included with the HEQ-5 Pro GoTo mount includes a polar finder for easily aligning the telescope to the correct position in the sky, aluminium right ascension and declination scales and electric tracking motors on both axes. So you only need to align the parallactic mount to the celestial North Pole before observing and then let your telescope track via the motors - ideal for getting started in astrophotography! The mount weighs 7.4 kg and is much more stable than the simpler EQ-5 mount. The HEQ-5 Pro GoTo also damps down vibrations much more quickly.
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 HEQ-5 mount comes equipped with two 5.1kg counterweights. However, these are not enough to balance out the telescope in all situations, especially when heavy eyepieces or cameras are mounted. A third counterweight helps in such cases: Skywatcher Counterweight, 5.1kg, white
(Benjamin Mirwald)
