So many people focus on being goofballs and focus too much on themselves instead of the scope. There's some dork named Josh who thinks we're all tuning in to see closeups of his goofy self.
I agree 110% MG!! Ed's style, content and quality of information is indeed a rare sight on YT these days!?? I think Ed should have 100+k subs!!?? That's how highly i regard Ed and his amazing channel! Wes, Liverpool, UK.
@@jcpulp4320 so true. Goofball factor has influenced almost every type of UA-cam interest videos. It’s weird to see the stupid open mouthed shocked face thumbnails for telescope videos. Oh well
@@wesleydonnelly2141 Quite so. It's the same on photography channels, which have become over-saturated with cloned content: the beanie hat; the photographer depicting himself as some hero in B-roll footage. Enough!
"No more telescopes!" LOL. Ed I'm so glad you have started making videos. I've been a big fan of yours ever since a I read your review of a TeleVue Ranger about 18 years ago.
ahahaha loved the ending there Ed!! Mrs Ting - "No more Telescopes!!" ... Mr Ting "These aren't mine!!" ( He says as his nose starts to grow...haha! ) Ace! Thanks Ed! ( and Mrs Ting! ) Wes, Liverpool, UK.
Whoa!! That photo of NGC 891 is fabulous!!! M33 also. I loved your story about experiencing a brief period of exceptionally steady seeing. One night in Calgary, circa 1996, in light snow, I had wonderfully steady seeing on Saturn (with my homemade 6” f/9 Newtonian). Thx for a wonderful review. “Go for a bicycle ride? No! Let’s look at a telescope instead”.
I don’t know why I laughed so much at the site of the scope outside with a dovetail bar almost the length of the scope lol, I have never seen a two foot long dovetail. Great review as always, Ed.
i owned this scope in Agua Dulce, CA in early 2015 and the 5mm included eyepiece at 180x was perfect on Saturn. So I think it depends on your seeing conditions. This scope is the one I wish I had never sold. Perfect for moon and planetary! Inky black background and awesome with binoviewers, an amazing 3D experience on moon and planets.
Thanks for the hint on the focuser! I needed that for my Sky Watcher 80 semi apo. It was creeping out and I was trying to use the lock to add friction. Thanks again!
hey Ed! My friend, impo your channel is by far the best for getting reliable, quality info on what telescopes are good, what are not so good, and what ones are best avoided! Also, i really identified with you when you shared that story about the perfect seeing on top of hill viewing Jupiter etc! I remember a couple years back, i had a very similar experience, i was viewing Moon with my 130/900 Newt. Reflector, and the seeing was that stable and perfect, i was able to "over-Max out" the mag to something like 400x mag and the view was insanely close and beautiful!! ( bearing in mind the theoretical practical max mag for that particular 'scope was 260x ). I actually still have folks asking me was i lying, or was i absolutely certain of the magnifications etc!!?? But i kid you not, that was the mag/views!! I'll never forget that better than perfect night my friend!! Wes, Liverpool, UK.
I found this scope two years ago on B&H for $695 and jumped on it. The focuser was wonky (had a stiff “hitch” in it - the bar connecting the knobs was not perfectly straight), but thanks to some guidance from Cloudy Nights I got it sorted. Love this scope - beautiful sharp views, easy to handle, and compliments the 12-inch DOB nicely.
Several years ago I was in Tucson for the Science & Astronomy Expo (turns out it was the last year Alan did it) and Scott Losmandy had a prototype Alt-AZ mount that held two scopes. He had borrowed the Sky Watcher 100mm just to have something to show on it. I ended up taking home that that mount; and some fond memories of that 100mm scope. Fast forward to this year and I was able to score on a used one that was a parts special. Optical tube, rings and bar - nothing else. Well I had a Moonlite focuser with 4" tube adaptor from a previous scope and it slotted right in. Still could use a dust cap. Made a nice little plywood case for it, scrounged some more spare bits to make it "complete" (I use a Lumicon diagonal - they work very good and I like the looks of them). For ease of use it fights with the C8. Just need the blood to thicken a bit; our summer was way too hot and long. A buddy has the Astro Tech 115mm and Covid scrapped our usual plans to get together in Tucson this fall (the Expo is long gone, but some of us still meet up), but every time I look through his I'm tempted to get one (or one slightly bigger.......). For the money, a better first scope than a Pronto (my experience) and light enough to put on a push type alt-az. A great little scope to have along side your dob or SCT.
Thanks for the excellent review of the EVOSTAR 100 ED refractor. Can you specify the correct link related to "How the adapting the focusser ? " Thanks in advance !!
My focuser was loose also, must be typical. A lot of people will sell it or replace the focuser but Ed showed us that it can be fixed with adjustments. I love this scope. My Nagler 31 mm now works great, no creep. Btw - I also want more telescopes and guitars but..........
Ed..I have the TS115 truly Excellent. The TS 130mm with FPL53 Glass I recently sold on Ice in space in Sydney is EXTRAORDINARY on anything I looked at. Has remarkable CLARITY! And not just with my Naglers and Tak Abbes but a 5mm Starguider or ordinary Ortho!!
Another fine review Ed! Very clear and without and bs. I think you mentioned it’s an F/9 scope so I’m quite surprised that you were able to capture such nice wide FOV photos of DSO’s.
Appreciated the honest review, I have one of these and love it. Actually picked it up at a Fast Track Auction for $300, it was a bit of a gamble but the only thing A could find wrong was a bulge in the case from the finder shoe. Have since outfitted it with a guide scope camera, electronic focuser, PowerBox Advance, and a scope mounted PC. With a home made scope chart I can be ready for Polar Alignment in about 10 minutes. Next will be a filter wheel and a FR/FF. I am loving this scope. I do believe the focus tube is the weak link, with an extension and ASI1600 pointing near zenith can be a challenge with tension. Did learn a little trick though that helps out a lot.
OK, I am replying to myself here, I am still using my SW 100ED for astrophotography, but it has more attachments now. I added a Pegasus Ultimate Power box, Scope mounted computer, ZWO EAF, and image using a ZWO ASI 1600 MC-Pro. Attached a 200MM guide scope with an ZWO ASI 120 for guiding. This is all mounted on a Explore Scientific EXOS-2GT with PMC-8 mount attached to a rolling DIY scope cart. I am using NINA for all my scope control and imaging along with PHD2 Guiding. The entire system is controlled remotely from a warm location in my garage. Current upgrades in mind are a 7 x 2" filter wheel and a camera field rotator. To say I love my scope is an understatement. I did have lots of issues with the focuser, and adjusted it so so many times. At one point out of desperation I removed those little round rubber donuts that are supposed to provide cushion for the back plate, and all my problems vanished. I have never had to adjust it since and the EAF works very well maintaining HFR's in the 2.5 to 3.5 range consistently. Thinking about a focal reducer but just not sure I want the hassle, since I can image Mosaics so easily with NINA.
I owned the Skywatcher and it was amazing bang for the buck! Combine it with a binoviewers and you can visit the moon and planets in what feels like 3-D.
I was given one of these as a temporary replacement while my WO was in having a new focuser fitted. I was extremely impressed by the results I got in the short time I had it, getting nice, sharp exposures on M13 and Jupiter (with a 2 x PM), in particular.
I have an older version of this telescope. ED 100 Gold with high quality William Optics 2 inch Crayford focuser. Its a keeper aside with my Sky Watcher 180 Mak also upgraded with high quality 2 inch Crayford focuser, 2 inch high quality dielectric diagonal and good set of ayepieces. Quite good set for any city planets and Moon fanatic.
Not being a smarty-pants here but "vignette" is pronounced vē-nyet'. A word of French origin - and one very familiar to terrestrial photographers. Thank you for your excellent content, presented in a way far more appealing than many bling ego channels competing for views.
thank you for the constantly Dependable information I'm looking into refractors now as my fourth scope. I got to tell you it was just too funny when she yelled no more telescopes because she's right and we know she's right but we just get I think a disease. I have so many binoculars which I really love with a parallel tripod two reflectors 1 refractor and I'm looking for one more refractor but I'm not really sure why I just know that I don't have a really good one to see planets
I have the 80 ED and the focuser was ok and did not slip but was looser than I would prefer so I adjusted it, since then I has been flawless. Two 72 ED came with perfect tension in their similar focusers. Great reveiw Ed. Thanks again.
Until I started watching Ed's videos I thought owning 7 telescopes over 50 years was perhaps - a bit different. Now I know I've actually got some catching up to do with everyone else. :) Just keep that a secret from my wife....please..
Hi Ed, I too have an astro channel & did a few reviews on this scope and the bigger brother scope as well. I do agree with you its pretty good price considering what it is. I To had issues with the focuser and it broke after 1 use (i did lightly bang it by accident but i didnt think it would have broke the focuser)i went over that in my video. In later vids i compare it to a tak tsa 102 and the SW model clearly cant compare to the tak but of course the tak is 3x the cost. maybe for people intro into an apo this will do fine BUT ther focuer needs to be changed it just cant hold a heavy ep or any camera for that matter. anyway nice review joe
I just got this scope with a Sky View Pro mount. I had a C4-R on a LXD-55 mount. and there is no way to compare the 2 scopes. I can see so much more detail in Jupiter in the 100ED than the C4-R. plus the cloud band colors are so much better in the 100ED. Got The 100ED because of this video. Thanks
I have a 100ED. There was an issue with the focuser for mine as well. The slow motion control was not tight. All I had to do was to tighten it up and it was fine. I think from the forums there is some talk about issues with the focuser right out of the box. Also, as for magnification I seem to be able to crank mine up to 300x with a 3mm Tele Vue Delite. Now it maybe my newbie inexperience which leads me to think that I can do this but the image of Mars at that magnification seems to be fine for my newbie eyes. 300x would definitely be the max though.
@@johw1332 @Joh W Thanks for the quick reply! I have plenty of space. This is at the top of my list for scopes in this price range (which is my budget. Thanks for the encouragement!
I would love comments about 120 and 127 refractor vs. 6 and 8 inch SCT. Always a hot topic on cloudy nights. Could be a can of worms but I think your experience would provide valuable insights Ed.
I've got a Celestron Omni 102 XLT ED that I've always wondered if it's the same scope - biggest difference is that the Crayford is only single speed, however I've installed an Orion Electronic Focuser on it, so I'm fine without the dual speed focuser. I picked it up several years back from Astronomics as an OTA only, but it did come with rings, Vixen dovetail plate, and if I recall correctly, at least one eyepiece, a 1.25" diagonal, and a 50mm finder. I sold the eyepiece and finder on ebay. When I bought it, it was $500, and it's my favorite scope for quick single shot Moon photos with a DLSR on an alt-az mount.
@@mysteriousvans9900 a 9 or 10mm gives about 100x, not sure what your budget is, but there are plenty of good quality eyepieces out there. What country are you in?
One word, based on the very first version I got to evaluate back when they first came out... outstanding For an f7.5 Ed doublet at that aperture I was expecting slight color, I pushed it past the limits, couldn't get it to fringe, even photographically, which my celestron branded 80ed did show purple stars in images. I had a friend with the celestron branded 100ed f9 like this one, and it is amazing as well
I have one of these. My only complaint is the cardboard in the case (why o why not all foam Skywatcher 😡), and the chemical outgassing in said case. No problem on my focuser, but did return my 1st one due to cosmetic issues. Second one OK. Replaced 2” drawtube ring with compression ring from ScopeStuff.com.
@@popscola2574 Its the japan ed glass, there even better glass same dudes the FPL-51 ho baby that's hot, reflectors has big mirror sanded concaved then coated with silver, and then there gold even more expensive. clear skies
Have an evostar achromat 120 mm wanted the extra aperture, is a lot less expensive. But no CA that I have seen in almost a year. Related to what you said about the focuser, because my achromat can with difficult to focus R and p focuser. Found focuser upgrade that think is same as what comes with ED models .... smooth focusing :) but after few months did find slippage / drift with Barlow and ep attached. So appears not uncommon but not found much online Was advised by retailer to adjust same screws but not much deatail of how. Figured it out more or less but as you said worth noting not to just clamp down tight. Thanks for great review on what I think are telescopes that don’t get enough recognition. Keep up good work with these videos
If your like me Ed you could set your scope up on top of mount Everest with no one there and leave for 5 minutes and it would be gone when you got back. I'm buying an older ED 100 sky watcher gold colored tube with a vixen mount tomorrow for 600 dollars. I have a orion xt10 dobsonian, but I have wanted a more portable scope for planets for a long time now and exactly what I'm looking for finally came up on craigslist. It has a F 9 focal ratio which isn't so good for taking photos but is better than F 6 for planets. I was a little concerned about the tube color but everything looks the same as the black tube models.
Pretty good look at this scope. Been wanting it for a few years now, but I can never justify it despite how much I really want it. Between my 90mm F10 achro and my 5 inch F15 mak, I just don't see a place for it unless I were to essentially replace both those scopes with this one. Problem is, even that is not feasible as I use both of those scopes on a little dinky EQ2 mount, the Evostar 100 is too big and heavy for my EQ2. It would need to live on my Exos 2 mount, and well, sometimes the EQ2 is just nicer and easier to deal with than the bigger and heavier Exos 2.
Hi. Thanks for the video, very informative and well done. I just ordered this scope. Just wondering what you would recommend if I was to add 1 or 2 eyepieces to the ones included in the kit. Thanks again
Hi, if you're new at this, don't buy anything for now. There's plenty here to keep you busy for a long time. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, replace the stock 25 mm eyepiece with a 24 Panoptic, but you don't have to do this.
Ed, Thank you for a great review. I do own the Evostar 100ED. Would you provide the link to adjust the focuser. Also I am strictly visual, do you recommend replacing the focuser or just working wth it. I am now leery of putting anything heavy on this. the heaviest eyepiece I own is a 7mm .
I bought this scope with the HEQ 5 pro. I bought it before I read your review. You are spot on. Now I am trying to decide to upgrage the 2 inch diagonal to a prism model. Any opinioins?
I was looking at the StarSence Explorer DX 102AZ, Omi XLT102, Omni XLT120 and the StarSence Explorer 8” DOB. I want something that will give crisp clean planet views, but still want some nice views of DSOs. Budget is a huge factor and I know the faster focal length of the Dobs are not great for planets. Ideally one in each category would be great, but reality is I might only get the wife to allow the SS Explorer DX 102AZ if I am lucky. Lol what would you choose, or suggest.
@@edting really the StarScence 102 or the XLT102? I was just worried I would get fuzzy planet views being it was a faster Focal length with the 8” dob.
Just ordered this and the HEQ5 for some outreach to compliment my 10" dob. Can't wait, and superb review...ps how was the SW .85 flattener? I'm thinking of eventually picking it up for when I'm ready to do some DSO imaging . Thanks!
Hi, Mr. Ting, What is the back focus length for this OTA? I have a ZWO 294MC PRO and assembled a 55mm back focus length, but I could not see anything unless I use the diagonal. It appeared that I have three options: (1) keep using the diagonal, (2) buy a 0.85x reducer/flatterer ($275), then the 55mm works, or (3) find out the back focus length (without the reducer), and assemble the necessary extensions, adapters...etc. to come up with the correct back focus length (which is not in the Sky Watcher documents). Any guidance from you? Thanks.
Hey Danny, I have many ZWO cameras and I need extension tubes to get them to focus. Since you need a diagonal to come to focus, I am guessing you have the same issues. If you don't have extension tubes, use a barlow lens, unscrew the lens itself, and just use the empty tube. You may have to use more than one. Hope this helps!
Great video as always....love the comedic female "scolding" at the end, every married guy knows that response. Was that your spouse or just a friend's voice for affect?
You said this Evostar line of ED refractors come in three sizes. 80mm, 100mm, 120mm. Does this also include Evorstar 150mm ED? or that size is a different line?
You can pick up Vixen-compatible rails from a number of sources. I forget where I got that one. Among retail suppliers, check Orion and Scopestuff. Happy hunting.
@@edting I am new to this hobby. I would like to use my mirrorless camera on this scope. Is there a better focuser you could recommend for this scope or would this be sufficient? Thank you for you time..
I wonder about Sky Watcher. I had a 120mm ED from them and it wasn't fantastic, a TV 102 was superior, but I've seen examples test very well on interferometers so I wonder, even in this day and age of computerized lens fabrication if there isn't some variation at its price-point?
Yes, there is some variation in QC on this Chinese-sourced stuff. One advantage of buying a TeleVue is the quality control is excellent, plus you have someone to talk to in case there is an issue.
You can try it, but I usually advise against this. Most photo tripods are not as sturdy as they look for astronomical use, and they are usually not equipped for the continuous dual-axis panning you'll be doing. It's best to get an astronomy-specific mount.
Hi Ed love this review. ^Thanks. I was very pleased with the planetary images that you showed here. I have a question, since you have that AT115EDT and considering maybe a SW ED120, what would you recommend for a avid planetary visual observer get for a nice grab and go budgetary refractor option considering I have a great XT6 and a Celestron C9.25 SCT? I find the color in say a moderate f/7 FPL-51 doublet refractor telescope a bit too much chromatic aberration for me, I also like pushing the power for larger image scale = larger aperture; is the AT115EDT as color free as say the SW 100ED for example? I live in a area with moderately bad seeing and hense the refractor only opition for me. I don't get to use my other scopes too much, sadly. Thanks once again!
First time seeing one of your videos. Nice job. Question. I assume the lines in a few of the images you have shown were either from your camera or from post? This was not something caused by the OTA?
Lines like that can't come from the telescope, it's banding from his camera, surely. Also I noticed some Astigmatism in the photo of M45 on the right hand bright stars (they looked oval) and a lot of blue bloat, the latter can't be avoided since it's a doublet which has a certain level of color correction which cannot be made any better for the design and glass types, and they have tuned it so that blue bloat is the best compromise that they could find for that design. If you want no bands, get a better camera, and if you want much less blue bloat when taking images, get a triplet or Quadruplet with FPL53, and if you want no Astigmatism, buy a Takahashi.
Do you think this scope produced ~10-12 years ago would be the same specifications as the ones produced today in terms of lens quality etc? I found a second-hand one listed for a good price I'm just curious if scopes typically stay the same over the years in a line where the name stays the same
Good point. Manufacturers have been loose with the word "apo" for a long time, as have writers like me. Keep in mind the word "achromat" also means "without color".
They do have two lens but one is low dispersion glass so not really a true APO that would focus red, blue, and green colors. Pretty sure a 2 lens telescope can not do that.
Very interesting. I just jumped head first as a beginner and I received my first scope yesterday. I went with a Celestron XLT 120mm Refractor with CG-4 Equitorial mount $626 shipped. Went with a $119 Apertura 2" Diaelectric diagnol, $150 10x50 Apertura finder. Ordered 2" Celestron Luminos Barlow and 15mm 1.25 Celestron Luminos @ total $240. Well I'm close to what the skywatcher is at price wise. I'm curious how much better would that set up be vs what I've chosen as my first set up? Thanks for opinions.
@@edting My apologies I understood it was an achromatic as well. I guess that pretty much summed it up. Thank you for the clarification. As I get deeper into the love of the stars I'm sure I'll be stepping up to a better scope.
Boy that's a tough call! In short, you get what you pay for. The AT is better built, the Skywatcher is a better bargain. I don't think you'd go wrong with either.
Larger aperture always gives more resolution if optical quality is the same. I have the 100ed and it is an excellent scope ,but won't touch my 8 in reflector as far as detail on planets and deep sky.
The fact of life is weather you call it "bargain" or not depends exactly on where you live. There are countries where for the majority of population a SW 80/400 Achro would be a serious investment and SW 100ED is an unreal dream.
Doublet vs triplet? Doublet apo vs triplet achro? Is the cheaper reflector with a larger objective lens still better than either for deep sky observing using the human eye? (Nvm.. You basically answered that right at the end.)
Hi! What do you think about a Skywatcher Explorer 130p EQ2? I'm a beginner and I'm thinking on buying one of these, it's a 130 mm f/5 parabolic reflector. If anyone has one of these please tell me
Our local Astro Club (a good way of trying before you buy) has a SW 130mm Newtonian on the same / very similar mount and optically it's very good, sharp views of planets
@@LiveSteamMad Thank you, I want to go to my local Astronomy Club, but here in Argentina we got the longest quarantine in the world, and the Club it's still closed
@@andrespeccia8881 Yep I hear you on that one, I'm still waiting to get back to my own club in Liverpool, England, it's the oldest and biggest club in England, first meeting in year 1881. We have not had a physical meeting now since March and we still don't know when we'll be allowed to meet up next.
Ed did you just call my Skywatcher.. ...blue collar?! Did he just say...? Niggles.. about my Skywatcher?!?! Well.. shoot, i have to agree with those sentiments. They aren't perfect but they sure dont hurt my wallet as badly! As do some other scopes. Lol good video as always.
Yeah, we are in the middle of "peak telescope" right now. Was over at Woodland Hills Camera and Telescope this afternoon and it was just bonkers how many calls and people were trying to get a scope right now.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I love this old-school style of presentation. Unfortunately it's rare to find people using this style on UA-cam
So many people focus on being goofballs and focus too much on themselves instead of the scope. There's some dork named Josh who thinks we're all tuning in to see closeups of his goofy self.
I agree 110% MG!! Ed's style, content and quality of information is indeed a rare sight on YT these days!?? I think Ed should have 100+k subs!!?? That's how highly i regard Ed and his amazing channel! Wes, Liverpool, UK.
@@jcpulp4320 so true. Goofball factor has influenced almost every type of UA-cam interest videos.
It’s weird to see the stupid open mouthed shocked face thumbnails for telescope videos. Oh well
@@wesleydonnelly2141 Quite so. It's the same on photography channels, which have become over-saturated with cloned content: the beanie hat; the photographer depicting himself as some hero in B-roll footage. Enough!
Did intelligent planning and execution of content become old-school?
The last 10 seconds of this video is priceless! Can be used for any hobby toys. Thanks.
"No more telescopes!" LOL. Ed I'm so glad you have started making videos. I've been a big fan of yours ever since a I read your review of a TeleVue Ranger about 18 years ago.
ahahaha loved the ending there Ed!! Mrs Ting - "No more Telescopes!!" ... Mr Ting "These aren't mine!!" ( He says as his nose starts to grow...haha! ) Ace! Thanks Ed! ( and Mrs Ting! ) Wes, Liverpool, UK.
Whoa!! That photo of NGC 891 is fabulous!!!
M33 also.
I loved your story about experiencing a brief period of exceptionally steady seeing.
One night in Calgary, circa 1996, in light snow, I had wonderfully steady seeing on Saturn (with my homemade 6” f/9 Newtonian).
Thx for a wonderful review. “Go for a bicycle ride? No! Let’s look at a telescope instead”.
I don’t know why I laughed so much at the site of the scope outside with a dovetail bar almost the length of the scope lol, I have never seen a two foot long dovetail. Great review as always, Ed.
i owned this scope in Agua Dulce, CA in early 2015 and the 5mm included eyepiece at 180x was perfect on Saturn. So I think it depends on your seeing conditions. This scope is the one I wish I had never sold. Perfect for moon and planetary! Inky black background and awesome with binoviewers, an amazing 3D experience on moon and planets.
so glad I watched all the way to the end
Those images were excellent. Bravo.
Thanks for the hint on the focuser! I needed that for my Sky Watcher 80 semi apo. It was creeping out and I was trying to use the lock to add friction. Thanks again!
No more telescopes - I heard that before!! LOL. Excellent review Ed!
All of us who have wives heard that before... :D
Sadly yup
Not mine.
hey Ed! My friend, impo your channel is by far the best for getting reliable, quality info on what telescopes are good, what are not so good, and what ones are best avoided! Also, i really identified with you when you shared that story about the perfect seeing on top of hill viewing Jupiter etc! I remember a couple years back, i had a very similar experience, i was viewing Moon with my 130/900 Newt. Reflector, and the seeing was that stable and perfect, i was able to "over-Max out" the mag to something like 400x mag and the view was insanely close and beautiful!! ( bearing in mind the theoretical practical max mag for that particular 'scope was 260x ). I actually still have folks asking me was i lying, or was i absolutely certain of the magnifications etc!!?? But i kid you not, that was the mag/views!! I'll never forget that better than perfect night my friend!! Wes, Liverpool, UK.
Thank you for the wife at the end, Ed! That's the one element of the hobby that no one talks about.
I found this scope two years ago on B&H for $695 and jumped on it. The focuser was wonky (had a stiff “hitch” in it - the bar connecting the knobs was not perfectly straight), but thanks to some guidance from Cloudy Nights I got it sorted. Love this scope - beautiful sharp views, easy to handle, and compliments the 12-inch DOB nicely.
Hahaha. Love the "no more telescopes!" ... unfortunately mine is "No expensive telescope!" :(
Several years ago I was in Tucson for the Science & Astronomy Expo (turns out it was the last year Alan did it) and Scott Losmandy had a prototype Alt-AZ mount that held two scopes. He had borrowed the Sky Watcher 100mm just to have something to show on it. I ended up taking home that that mount; and some fond memories of that 100mm scope. Fast forward to this year and I was able to score on a used one that was a parts special. Optical tube, rings and bar - nothing else.
Well I had a Moonlite focuser with 4" tube adaptor from a previous scope and it slotted right in. Still could use a dust cap. Made a nice little plywood case for it, scrounged some more spare bits to make it "complete" (I use a Lumicon diagonal - they work very good and I like the looks of them). For ease of use it fights with the C8. Just need the blood to thicken a bit; our summer was way too hot and long. A buddy has the Astro Tech 115mm and Covid scrapped our usual plans to get together in Tucson this fall (the Expo is long gone, but some of us still meet up), but every time I look through his I'm tempted to get one (or one slightly bigger.......).
For the money, a better first scope than a Pronto (my experience) and light enough to put on a push type alt-az. A great little scope to have along side your dob or SCT.
No more telescopes love your videos.
I love the end where the Boss puts her foot down - ha! Excellent review - thank you
Thanks for the excellent review of the EVOSTAR 100 ED refractor. Can you specify the correct link related to "How the adapting the focusser ? " Thanks in advance !!
Appreciate Ed’s hard work he puts Into his content
Haha, thanks I try...
My focuser was loose also, must be typical. A lot of people will sell it or replace the focuser but Ed showed us that it can be fixed with adjustments. I love this scope. My Nagler 31 mm now works great, no creep.
Btw - I also want more telescopes and guitars but..........
I have this scope and really enjoy it! Nice review Mr. Ting.
Ed..I have the TS115 truly Excellent.
The TS 130mm with FPL53 Glass I recently sold on Ice in space in Sydney is EXTRAORDINARY on anything I looked at. Has remarkable CLARITY!
And not just with my Naglers and Tak Abbes but a 5mm Starguider or ordinary Ortho!!
Another fine review Ed! Very clear and without and bs. I think you mentioned it’s an F/9 scope so I’m quite surprised that you were able to capture such nice wide FOV photos of DSO’s.
Appreciated the honest review, I have one of these and love it. Actually picked it up at a Fast Track Auction for $300, it was a bit of a gamble but the only thing A could find wrong was a bulge in the case from the finder shoe. Have since outfitted it with a guide scope camera, electronic focuser, PowerBox Advance, and a scope mounted PC. With a home made scope chart I can be ready for Polar Alignment in about 10 minutes. Next will be a filter wheel and a FR/FF. I am loving this scope. I do believe the focus tube is the weak link, with an extension and ASI1600 pointing near zenith can be a challenge with tension. Did learn a little trick though that helps out a lot.
OK, I am replying to myself here, I am still using my SW 100ED for astrophotography, but it has more attachments now. I added a Pegasus Ultimate Power box, Scope mounted computer, ZWO EAF, and image using a ZWO ASI 1600 MC-Pro. Attached a 200MM guide scope with an ZWO ASI 120 for guiding. This is all mounted on a Explore Scientific EXOS-2GT with PMC-8 mount attached to a rolling DIY scope cart. I am using NINA for all my scope control and imaging along with PHD2 Guiding. The entire system is controlled remotely from a warm location in my garage. Current upgrades in mind are a 7 x 2" filter wheel and a camera field rotator. To say I love my scope is an understatement. I did have lots of issues with the focuser, and adjusted it so so many times. At one point out of desperation I removed those little round rubber donuts that are supposed to provide cushion for the back plate, and all my problems vanished. I have never had to adjust it since and the EAF works very well maintaining HFR's in the 2.5 to 3.5 range consistently. Thinking about a focal reducer but just not sure I want the hassle, since I can image Mosaics so easily with NINA.
What an incredible review. Thank you very much for the information.
I owned the Skywatcher and it was amazing bang for the buck! Combine it with a binoviewers and you can visit the moon and planets in what feels like 3-D.
I was given one of these as a temporary replacement while my WO was in having a new focuser fitted. I was extremely impressed by the results I got in the short time I had it, getting nice, sharp exposures on M13 and Jupiter (with a 2 x PM), in particular.
I have an older version of this telescope. ED 100 Gold with high quality William Optics 2 inch Crayford focuser. Its a keeper aside with my Sky Watcher 180 Mak also upgraded with high quality 2 inch Crayford focuser, 2 inch high quality dielectric diagonal and good set of ayepieces. Quite good set for any city planets and Moon fanatic.
Not being a smarty-pants here but "vignette" is pronounced vē-nyet'. A word of French origin - and one very familiar to terrestrial photographers. Thank you for your excellent content, presented in a way far more appealing than many bling ego channels competing for views.
Thanks for that info!
Nice to see new video again. You're the best!
My first telescope was a 6-inch F/8 Newtonian on a German equatorial mount. The two Newtonians and pedestal mounts behind the OP brings back memories.
thank you for the constantly Dependable information I'm looking into refractors now as my fourth scope.
I got to tell you it was just too funny when she yelled no more telescopes because she's right and we know she's right but we just get I think a disease.
I have so many binoculars which I really love with a parallel tripod two reflectors 1 refractor and I'm looking for one more refractor but I'm not really sure why I just know that I don't have a really good one to see planets
Thank you for sharing and explaining information .
I have the 80 ED and the focuser was ok and did not slip but was looser than I would prefer so I adjusted it, since then I has been flawless. Two 72 ED came with perfect tension in their similar focusers.
Great reveiw Ed. Thanks again.
Thinking of buying this 'scope. I wanted F10 but F9 is close enough. It's quite a bargain with all those extras! Great review, thanks Ed!
Great review. 😊👍
Thanks for confirming my suspicions - that this range from Skywatcher are performance bargains.
Love the wife at the end. Sounds just like mine!
Until I started watching Ed's videos I thought owning 7 telescopes over 50 years was perhaps - a bit different. Now I know I've actually got some catching up to do with everyone else. :) Just keep that a secret from my wife....please..
BTW, Ed, you are an amazing public speaker.
Ed any thoughts doing binocular reviews or Tak vs other ed refractors
Hi Ed, I too have an astro channel & did a few reviews on this scope and the bigger brother scope as well. I do agree with you its pretty good price considering what it is. I To had issues with the focuser and it broke after 1 use (i did lightly bang it by accident but i didnt think it would have broke the focuser)i went over that in my video. In later vids i compare it to a tak tsa 102 and the SW model clearly cant compare to the tak but of course the tak is 3x the cost. maybe for people intro into an apo this will do fine BUT ther focuer needs to be changed it just cant hold a heavy ep or any camera for that matter.
anyway nice review joe
I just got this scope with a Sky View Pro mount. I had a C4-R on a LXD-55 mount. and there is no way to compare the 2 scopes. I can see so much more detail in Jupiter in the 100ED than the C4-R. plus the cloud band colors are so much better in the 100ED. Got The 100ED because of this video. Thanks
Me 2 clear skies
I've always been impressed by my Saxon version of this scope. I keep hoping they will make an F5 or F6 version in ED glass.
I have the Saxon version too. Stuck a Baader T2 Prism diagonal on it and it’s brilliant.
Thanks for the review. I've been eyeing this scope for a while and hoped you would review it some day.
I have a 100ED. There was an issue with the focuser for mine as well. The slow motion control was not tight. All I had to do was to tighten it up and it was fine. I think from the forums there is some talk about issues with the focuser right out of the box.
Also, as for magnification I seem to be able to crank mine up to 300x with a 3mm Tele Vue Delite. Now it maybe my newbie inexperience which leads me to think that I can do this but the image of Mars at that magnification seems to be fine for my newbie eyes. 300x would definitely be the max though.
I've split doubles with my 100ed at 360x on real good night's. Great optics and got on sale for 650$.
I really enjoy your videos. Thank You!
Great Review. I have the 6"/150 mm Version and can say the same in relation to the building quality.
Is it good or bad? I'm close to buying the 6", do you recommend it for visual? 🍻
@@stevenkelby2169 , I love it. But the size is extreme, you need a lot of space.
@@johw1332 @Joh W Thanks for the quick reply! I have plenty of space. This is at the top of my list for scopes in this price range (which is my budget.
Thanks for the encouragement!
I would love comments about 120 and 127 refractor vs. 6 and 8 inch SCT. Always a hot topic on cloudy nights. Could be a can of worms but I think your experience would provide valuable insights Ed.
Great review! Now I have to figure out how to make "no more telescope" to become "yes, you can have 1 more"...maybe bribing her with jewelry... LOL
I've got a Celestron Omni 102 XLT ED that I've always wondered if it's the same scope - biggest difference is that the Crayford is only single speed, however I've installed an Orion Electronic Focuser on it, so I'm fine without the dual speed focuser. I picked it up several years back from Astronomics as an OTA only, but it did come with rings, Vixen dovetail plate, and if I recall correctly, at least one eyepiece, a 1.25" diagonal, and a 50mm finder. I sold the eyepiece and finder on ebay. When I bought it, it was $500, and it's my favorite scope for quick single shot Moon photos with a DLSR on an alt-az mount.
I also have an Omni 102. Could you recommend an eyepiece for views of Saturn
@@mysteriousvans9900 a 9 or 10mm gives about 100x, not sure what your budget is, but there are plenty of good quality eyepieces out there. What country are you in?
@@videotrexx I am in U.S. I am looking at a TMB planetary 8mm. Do you know of another eyepiece I could get for 50$
If you get the chance try out the SKYWATCHER EQUINOX version of this scope. Better build quality and tube with a better focuser with the same optics.
I have the Skywatcher Equinox 80 and it's an incredible scope.
Great review Ed. Thanks a lot!
Haha the ending is brilliant
Please review the 120ed
One word, based on the very first version I got to evaluate back when they first came out...
outstanding
For an f7.5 Ed doublet at that aperture I was expecting slight color, I pushed it past the limits, couldn't get it to fringe, even photographically, which my celestron branded 80ed did show purple stars in images.
I had a friend with the celestron branded 100ed f9 like this one, and it is amazing as well
Good Advice!
I have one of these. My only complaint is the cardboard in the case (why o why not all foam Skywatcher 😡), and the chemical outgassing in said case. No problem on my focuser, but did return my 1st one due to cosmetic issues. Second one OK. Replaced 2” drawtube ring with compression ring from ScopeStuff.com.
Yes, 100ED is the best APO for it’s price. FPL-53 optics are really good and at F/9 there’s almost no CA
Whats a good aperture for a refractor and why are they so much more expensive than reflectors?
@@popscola2574 Its the japan ed glass, there even better glass same dudes the FPL-51 ho baby that's hot, reflectors has big mirror sanded concaved then coated with silver, and then there gold even more expensive. clear skies
Great video!
Have an evostar achromat 120 mm wanted the extra aperture, is a lot less expensive. But no CA that I have seen in almost a year.
Related to what you said about the focuser, because my achromat can with difficult to focus R and p focuser. Found focuser upgrade that think is same as what comes with ED models .... smooth focusing :) but after few months did find slippage / drift with Barlow and ep attached. So appears not uncommon but not found much online
Was advised by retailer to adjust same screws but not much deatail of how.
Figured it out more or less but as you said worth noting not to just clamp down tight.
Thanks for great review on what I think are telescopes that don’t get enough recognition.
Keep up good work with these videos
Mr. Ting, thanks for quality information.
ED - always provides better quality than non-ED :)
If your like me Ed you could set your scope up on top of mount Everest with no one there and leave for 5 minutes and it would be gone when you got back. I'm buying an older ED 100 sky watcher gold colored tube with a vixen mount tomorrow for 600 dollars. I have a orion xt10 dobsonian, but I have wanted a more portable scope for planets for a long time now and exactly what I'm looking for finally came up on craigslist. It has a F 9 focal ratio which isn't so good for taking photos but is better than F 6 for planets. I was a little concerned about the tube color but everything looks the same as the black tube models.
Pretty good look at this scope. Been wanting it for a few years now, but I can never justify it despite how much I really want it. Between my 90mm F10 achro and my 5 inch F15 mak, I just don't see a place for it unless I were to essentially replace both those scopes with this one. Problem is, even that is not feasible as I use both of those scopes on a little dinky EQ2 mount, the Evostar 100 is too big and heavy for my EQ2. It would need to live on my Exos 2 mount, and well, sometimes the EQ2 is just nicer and easier to deal with than the bigger and heavier Exos 2.
Hi. Thanks for the video, very informative and well done. I just ordered this scope. Just wondering what you would recommend if I was to add 1 or 2 eyepieces to the ones included in the kit.
Thanks again
Hi, if you're new at this, don't buy anything for now. There's plenty here to keep you busy for a long time. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, replace the stock 25 mm eyepiece with a 24 Panoptic, but you don't have to do this.
Thank you.
Ed, Thank you for a great review. I do own the Evostar 100ED. Would you provide the link to adjust the focuser. Also I am strictly visual, do you recommend replacing the focuser or just working wth it. I am now leery of putting anything heavy on this. the heaviest eyepiece I own is a 7mm .
I bought this scope with the HEQ 5 pro. I bought it before I read your review. You are spot on. Now I am trying to decide to upgrage the 2 inch diagonal to a prism model. Any opinioins?
Does a black optical tube absorb enough extra heat that it would cause optical aberrations during cool down?
In theory, yes. In practice though, it rarely has much of an effect.
I was looking at the StarSence Explorer DX 102AZ, Omi XLT102, Omni XLT120 and the StarSence Explorer 8” DOB. I want something that will give crisp clean planet views, but still want some nice views of DSOs. Budget is a huge factor and I know the faster focal length of the Dobs are not great for planets. Ideally one in each category would be great, but reality is I might only get the wife to allow the SS Explorer DX 102AZ if I am lucky. Lol what would you choose, or suggest.
No debate here - get the 8" Dob. The 120 is far too heavy for the mount (the 102 is a better choice and you'd save money).
@@edting really the StarScence 102 or the XLT102? I was just worried I would get fuzzy planet views being it was a faster Focal length with the 8” dob.
No debate here. Get the 8" Dob.
@@edting what eye pieces, Barlow and filters would you suggest for the 8” DOB?
Just ordered this and the HEQ5 for some outreach to compliment my 10" dob. Can't wait, and superb review...ps how was the SW .85 flattener? I'm thinking of eventually picking it up for when I'm ready to do some DSO imaging . Thanks!
Hi, Mr. Ting, What is the back focus length for this OTA? I have a ZWO 294MC PRO and assembled a 55mm back focus length, but I could not see anything unless I use the diagonal. It appeared that I have three options: (1) keep using the diagonal, (2) buy a 0.85x reducer/flatterer ($275), then the 55mm works, or (3) find out the back focus length (without the reducer), and assemble the necessary extensions, adapters...etc. to come up with the correct back focus length (which is not in the Sky Watcher documents). Any guidance from you? Thanks.
Hey Danny, I have many ZWO cameras and I need extension tubes to get them to focus. Since you need a diagonal to come to focus, I am guessing you have the same issues. If you don't have extension tubes, use a barlow lens, unscrew the lens itself, and just use the empty tube. You may have to use more than one. Hope this helps!
Hi, Mr. Ting, Much appreciated! Happy holidays!
Great video as always....love the comedic female "scolding" at the end, every married guy knows that response. Was that your spouse or just a friend's voice for affect?
Why there are no factories producing modular refractors excepet Borg?
Is their an aftermarket focuser that will work on this.
Scopestuff used to sell them. You may be able to find a Feathertouch to fit as well.
You said this Evostar line of ED refractors come in three sizes. 80mm, 100mm, 120mm. Does this also include Evorstar 150mm ED? or that size is a different line?
Hey thanks for pointing that out. Yes, the 150 exists. That thing is so big I forget about it!
Thanks for the video. I actually have one being delivered next week. I noticed you are using a different rail. Which is that? Thanks you.
You can pick up Vixen-compatible rails from a number of sources. I forget where I got that one. Among retail suppliers, check Orion and Scopestuff. Happy hunting.
@@edting Thank you.
@@edting I am new to this hobby. I would like to use my mirrorless camera on this scope. Is there a better focuser you could recommend for this scope or would this be sufficient? Thank you for you time..
Excellent review! New subscriber.
I wonder about Sky Watcher. I had a 120mm ED from them and it wasn't fantastic, a TV 102 was superior, but I've seen examples test very well on interferometers so I wonder, even in this day and age of computerized lens fabrication if there isn't some variation at its price-point?
Yes, there is some variation in QC on this Chinese-sourced stuff. One advantage of buying a TeleVue is the quality control is excellent, plus you have someone to talk to in case there is an issue.
Please review the Evostar 150ED! Many of us are interested in it!!
Thanks, William - I would love to get my hands on a sample of the new crop of "budget" 6"-class apos! We'll see if one finds its way here...
@@edting I forgot to mention: I love the surprise ending of this video! So funny!
Talk about ambition...wow
Can you mount it on an AZ mount? (Like a really good photo tripod)
You can try it, but I usually advise against this. Most photo tripods are not as sturdy as they look for astronomical use, and they are usually not equipped for the continuous dual-axis panning you'll be doing. It's best to get an astronomy-specific mount.
@@edting I did not spected you would answer my question, thank you Ed, I learn a lot from your videos.
great channel. :)
Hi Ed love this review. ^Thanks. I was very pleased with the planetary images that you showed here. I have a question, since you have that AT115EDT and considering maybe a SW ED120, what would you recommend for a avid planetary visual observer get for a nice grab and go budgetary refractor option considering I have a great XT6 and a Celestron C9.25 SCT? I find the color in say a moderate f/7 FPL-51 doublet refractor telescope a bit too much chromatic aberration for me, I also like pushing the power for larger image scale = larger aperture; is the AT115EDT as color free as say the SW 100ED for example? I live in a area with moderately bad seeing and hense the refractor only opition for me. I don't get to use my other scopes too much, sadly. Thanks once again!
First time seeing one of your videos. Nice job. Question. I assume the lines in a few of the images you have shown were either from your camera or from post? This was not something caused by the OTA?
Lines like that can't come from the telescope, it's banding from his camera, surely. Also I noticed some Astigmatism in the photo of M45 on the right hand bright stars (they looked oval) and a lot of blue bloat, the latter can't be avoided since it's a doublet which has a certain level of color correction which cannot be made any better for the design and glass types, and they have tuned it so that blue bloat is the best compromise that they could find for that design. If you want no bands, get a better camera, and if you want much less blue bloat when taking images, get a triplet or Quadruplet with FPL53, and if you want no Astigmatism, buy a Takahashi.
Beautiful scope I just got the 120ed. Is there a video anywhere on how to adjust the focuser issue?
Ed,
Because the focal ratio is so high (f/9), what is the advantage of this scope over a cassegrain? A 5" sct would be cheaper and is f/10.
It's a refractor! Once you look through a good one, it can be hard to go back...
Do you think this scope produced ~10-12 years ago would be the same specifications as the ones produced today in terms of lens quality etc? I found a second-hand one listed for a good price I'm just curious if scopes typically stay the same over the years in a line where the name stays the same
As long as the scope hasn't been abused, dropped, etc. it should be fine. Telescopes are robust. They tend to outlast our desires to own them.
Can a telescope with only one lens low dispersion glass be a true APO ? Or is it a semi APO ?
Good point. Manufacturers have been loose with the word "apo" for a long time, as have writers like me. Keep in mind the word "achromat" also means "without color".
They do have two lens but one is low dispersion glass so not really a true APO that would focus red, blue, and green colors. Pretty sure a 2 lens telescope can not do that.
oooohhh a wireless mic. Things are looking up on Mr Ting's channel.
Very interesting. I just jumped head first as a beginner and I received my first scope yesterday. I went with a Celestron XLT 120mm Refractor with CG-4 Equitorial mount $626 shipped. Went with a $119 Apertura 2" Diaelectric diagnol, $150 10x50 Apertura finder. Ordered 2" Celestron Luminos Barlow and 15mm 1.25 Celestron Luminos @ total $240. Well I'm close to what the skywatcher is at price wise. I'm curious how much better would that set up be vs what I've chosen as my first set up? Thanks for opinions.
Joaquin, your XLT120 is an achromat.
@@edting My apologies I understood it was an achromatic as well. I guess that pretty much summed it up. Thank you for the clarification. As I get deeper into the love of the stars I'm sure I'll be stepping up to a better scope.
Hi Ed, for visual use (most on planets), would you choose 100ED or 115 Astrotech ? (longer focal vs bigger aperture).Thanks
Boy that's a tough call! In short, you get what you pay for. The AT is better built, the Skywatcher is a better bargain. I don't think you'd go wrong with either.
@@edting Thanks Ed and grats for your channel and your humour. Cheers from France.
Larger aperture always gives more resolution if optical quality is the same. I have the 100ed and it is an excellent scope ,but won't touch my 8 in reflector as far as detail on planets and deep sky.
Have you had a chance to look through a bigger 120/900 ED? Would you recommend that?
The fact of life is weather you call it "bargain" or not depends exactly on where you live. There are countries where for the majority of population a SW 80/400 Achro would be a serious investment and SW 100ED is an unreal dream.
I'm not allowed any more telecopes either. Not unless I get rid of two for one new one.
Hi Ed. Any updates with the skywatcher flattener?
Oops found it haha
Doublet vs triplet? Doublet apo vs triplet achro? Is the cheaper reflector with a larger objective lens still better than either for deep sky observing using the human eye? (Nvm.. You basically answered that right at the end.)
Thanks for the review Ed. Btw. Do you really own all those scopes & mounts!🤔
Hi! What do you think about a Skywatcher Explorer 130p EQ2? I'm a beginner and I'm thinking on buying one of these, it's a 130 mm f/5 parabolic reflector. If anyone has one of these please tell me
Our local Astro Club (a good way of trying before you buy) has a SW 130mm Newtonian on the same / very similar mount and optically it's very good, sharp views of planets
@@LiveSteamMad Thank you, I want to go to my local Astronomy Club, but here in Argentina we got the longest quarantine in the world, and the Club it's still closed
@@andrespeccia8881 Yep I hear you on that one, I'm still waiting to get back to my own club in Liverpool, England, it's the oldest and biggest club in England, first meeting in year 1881. We have not had a physical meeting now since March and we still don't know when we'll be allowed to meet up next.
Ed did you just call my Skywatcher..
...blue collar?!
Did he just say...?
Niggles.. about my Skywatcher?!?!
Well.. shoot, i have to agree with those sentiments. They aren't perfect but they sure dont hurt my wallet as badly! As do some other scopes. Lol good video as always.
Por favor,qual o site confiável para compra do telescopio?
One problem, telescopes are on short supply this December.
Yeah, we are in the middle of "peak telescope" right now. Was over at Woodland Hills Camera and Telescope this afternoon and it was just bonkers how many calls and people were trying to get a scope right now.