Skywatcher Esprit 120ED APO Triplet Refractor Telescope - OTA Only

DSO imaging, some DSO observing; planetary imaging and observing

This system comes complete with everything you need for your first night visual observing. You need only to provide a 12 volt power source for the mount, and you're in business. I purchased this scope for astrophotgraphy. It required a couple of additional components (T-adapter, Barlow lens), but within just a few sessions I was producing images far better than I had created with my fork mount SCT. The CGEM mount is easy to understand and operate, though you will need patience and practice to align accurately enough for long exposure AP. For casual observing, alignment is achieved in under 15 minutes most nights. Once properly aligned, the ease of the GOTO database function means more time observing, less times trying to locate objects in your eyepiece. The scope ... MoreThis system comes complete with everything you need for your first night visual observing. You need only to provide a 12 volt power source for the mount, and you're in business. I purchased this scope for astrophotgraphy. It required a couple of additional components (T-adapter, Barlow lens), but within just a few sessions I was producing images far better than I had created with my fork mount SCT. The CGEM mount is easy to understand and operate, though you will need patience and practice to align accurately enough for long exposure AP. For casual observing, alignment is achieved in under 15 minutes most nights. Once properly aligned, the ease of the GOTO database function means more time observing, less times trying to locate objects in your eyepiece. The scope comes with two oculars. I found the 25mm to be more than satisfactory, but find that the 5mm is challenging to use due to it's very short eye relief. The 2" Crayford style focuser is satisfactory, though I did find it to be poorly set up to handle my Canon 450D DSLR when aiming at objects far above the horizon. Some additional adjustment of the assembly improved this somewhat, and I am able to image objects close to the zenith now. Overall, this is a great performer, and despite its few minor faults, I am very pleased with the value and quality of the system. This is definitely a good mid-range setup for the serious hobbyist.

I have read many good reports and seen many YouTube recommendations and now I can join the praise for this awesome piece of kit! This scope exceeded my expectations for clarity,build quality and what you actually get. At just short of 10kg it’s a solid beast and needs a equally solid mount . It comes in a solid “roadie” style hard case on casters. Inside you get along with your scope, all the adapters including canon eos dslr adapter,a nice 2” dielectric star diagonal with 1.25 adapter ,a very sharp 9x50 angled finder scope, dedicated 2 element field flattener even a 28mm 2” eyepiece and more . I could be here all day praising this magnificent beast but in short this is one very classy triplet for very good value for your money. It DOSE live up to its well deserved ... MoreI have read many good reports and seen many YouTube recommendations and now I can join the praise for this awesome piece of kit! This scope exceeded my expectations for clarity,build quality and what you actually get. At just short of 10kg it’s a solid beast and needs a equally solid mount . It comes in a solid “roadie” style hard case on casters. Inside you get along with your scope, all the adapters including canon eos dslr adapter,a nice 2” dielectric star diagonal with 1.25 adapter ,a very sharp 9x50 angled finder scope, dedicated 2 element field flattener even a 28mm 2” eyepiece and more . I could be here all day praising this magnificent beast but in short this is one very classy triplet for very good value for your money. It DOSE live up to its well deserved reputation as excellent quality and value for its class - Highly recommended if your serious about your astrophotography!