Hi. I've had a few questions asking how much the Sky-Watcher 200p costs? It's £349 here in the UK, and I've placed links in the description for First Light Optics who ship world wide.
Good size telescope for that price. I'm looking to upgrade my celestron 130, do you happen to know if the tripod from my Celestron can be used with the Skywatcher 200p?
Just come back to this video 3 years later. Thank you Chris so much on making this video. This is the video that convinced me to buy the 200P and set me on an amaaaaaazing (literal life changing) journey capturing space photos. I left a comment further down on my main at the time (bbrophoto) and I did indeed modify it with the Steeltrack focuser and managed to get FLO hooked up with Backyard Universe for the CNC parts 🙏 Once again, thank you.
Fantastic video, Chris! Makes me feel better about purchasing my 200p a few months ago...an astrophotographer on Astrobin named Diego Gravinese has done some wonderful work with the 200p! I reached out to him via email, as I was concerned that the 200PDS would have been better for astrophotography, but having seen his work with the 'standard' 200p and that he reassured me that the 200p would be just fine for imaging, I grabbed one (before the price increases! Lol!)...anyway, loved your upload and looking forward to your subsequent videos on this scope! Well done! :)
Ah very nice move :) wish I'd done that lol The prices did go up quite a bit didn't they! Something like £40 on the 200p. Seriously though I'm just glad I got one with the way stock is currently, and it's still a lot of scope for 349 :) I'll have to check out Diego's work. Thanks for your support! :)
@@frehatipu9187 I'm using an Explore Scientific EXOS2 pmc Eight (similar to Peter's EQ5 in weight class, but with goto via a PC with wifi, and belt driven motors).
Hi Chris nice video. Is good that you can focus without using a barlow on this model, however the small difference in price compared with the pds version would make the pds a more logical choice, having a better focuser and also a shorter tube, that is an important aspect especially for smaller mounts, I have read also that the secondary mirror is also bigger on the pds, so not sure how much the obstruction is increased.
Thanks loan, I think one problem is you just can't get hold of a pds versions at the moment, and even the plain p versions are very thin on the ground. I gave the heads up to a friend that FLO had a few 200p's, he had mentioned getting a Newtonian for DSO imaging, but said nah because you need the pds version for imaging. This got me thinking about how many people might be out there with 150p's 200p's etc not realising you can image with the P version! Yes the 200pds is only £50 more so is the better bet if you purely want to do DSO imaging, it has a slightly shorter tube, dual speed focuser, and a slightly larger secondary for less vignetting with large sensors (I kicked myself for forgetting to mention the secondary lol), but if you have a 200p or can only get hold of a 200p then I think it's worth knowing about it's full potential :) I also think the 200p would be the better bet for those that do both planetary and DSO's because it has a standard secondary which which is smaller than the PDS giving higher contrast. The focuser is the week part but Newt's are highly tinkerable so it can be improved or upgraded in the future :) Anyway, lets see how it goes with this one loan.
@@Astrolavista i thought about the same about the secondary mirror. Would be a nice adition for planetary though with my Skywatcher Eqm35pro. I was thinking to buy also a 200mm newtonian on a dobsonian mount that i could use for observing and to be able to take it out fast from the dobs mount and place it on my eqm35 pro when i want to track. Do you know if with the 200p you can do that?
@@GalaxyArtMedia I can see a couple of potential issues loan, the Dobsonian versions tend to be f/6, so the tube is quite long. You would also need to attach tube rings and a dovetail as the Dob's tend to have the altitude bearings attached directly to the tube instead of rings. It would be a lot of weight for the EQM35 and a fair amount of moment of inertia with such a long tube, so you would probably need an extra counter weight, and to take it very easy when slewing.
@@Astrolavista I thought also about this problem with the rings and dovetail, for the moment i can use my rc 6 inch with the mount it works good , with the short tube it tracks good
Firstly, loved the video. The cramp made me laugh. Anyway, I'm new to astronomy and looking at getting an 8" dobsonian as this seems to be the most recommended. Your videos have been really helpful. Keep up the good work
Glad they helped Andrew :) 8" Dob's are awesome, they have an easy to use stable mount which is cheap to make meaning most of the money goes into the optics. Plus the 8" is a nice compromise between aperture and portability. Good choice!
I also have the 200p and it's awesome, I love it!! I even took it to last year's solar eclipse and could get awesome pics. Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine
The extra aperture will make a big difference, there is a big jump from my 150p to the 200p. It can be hard to reach the eyepiece if you're getting the 200p EQ5 but the EQ5 mount is better for the imaging side of things. If you are just visual though I would go with the StellaLyra 200p Dob, I had the pleasure of playing with one the other day and it's bearings are sooo smooth!
Hey Chris, thanks for all your videos! I’ve been watching all your newtonian related videos and ultimately ended up buying my first telescope - the 200p! I used your affiliate link so hopefully you get a few ££s :) I plan to mod the crap out of it. I waiting on the Steeltrack focuser to get back in stock and then slowly replace everything else haha.
Hey, you're very welcome! I'm glad the vids helped you decide :) The 200p is such a good all round scope, I'm certain you wont regret it! Thanks so much for using the links as well :) I checked and I received 17 quid commission, cheers! Once the commission has build up enough I'll buy something from FLO to test out on the channel. lol I can just imagine an A-team style montage of your 200p being modded :D One of the great things about Newt's is you indeed can mod the crap out of them :D
@@Astrolavista It arrived earlier today! So far it’s a nice unit, just the right size :) I may pick up a 130PDS as a nice little grab a go some day too. I’m really glad I could give back in some way - I know what it takes to be a content creator. It’s a lot more work than people realise, even when it’s doing something you enjoy like unboxing a scope :D I’ll maybe create such a montage.... 🤔 I’m debating whether to fit a top dovetail to mine for a bit of extra rigidity
@@BBROPHOTO That's great to hear! I think a top rail would be good for a number of reasons, others include attaching accessories, and using it as a carry handle. Thank you! You're certainly not wrong! It really does take a lot of work, but we do it because we enjoy the whole creativity of it, as well as the community and sharing knowledge don't we :)
I have used this exact scope for both visual and deep sky for roughly 11 months now, and I have had some amazing dso images through it. Finding focus with a DSLR is a bit tricky, in that you need to fit a DSLR clip filter in the DSLR if you still want to achieve focus for dso imaging, due to not able to use, say, a 1.25" nose piece adaptor on an M42 adaptor with a 1.25" filter, or indeed a 2" filter, you can't achieve focus with this configuration. But if using a dedicated astronomy camera, the aforementioned issues don't apply. Amazing bit of kit, definitely worth the money.
Hey Wesley, I use a 2" filter attached to the front of the coma corrector, followed by a T-ring to the DLSR/Mirrorless camera, (or a 37.5mm extension tube if using an astro cam). No problem with focus. These 200p scopes are fantastic value for how well they perform.
@@Astrolavista Oh right, I never used a Coma Corrector with mine, I just crop the outer areas of image. Now you've told me this though, I will buy a Coma Corrector, to save me cropping images! Thanks!
My first scope was a 200P black diamond & I managed to image some DSO's with no problems although my processing skills were & still are somewhat limited, I were given a 250PX dobsonian tube with rings so I sold the 200P & started to image with that instead. With it being F4.7 its a little bit faster & I did manage to image the Leo triplet with it too using an astro modded Canon 1000D although it was a bit tight.
Hi Raymond, here you go: www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/astro-essentials-2-inch-compression-ring-adapter-for-sky-watcher-newtonians-and-72ed-refractor-m54/ref/astrolavista/
Great unbox Chris. There isn't one thing I don't like about this telescope, from the very reasonable sized finder, spider, focuser, looks, aperture.....OOps!...I've just drooled on the keyboard....I can feel a new telescope coming on this year.. : )
Thanks Luke, I appreciate that! :) I did manage to forget to mention one thing though lol I should have probably mentioned that the PDS range also has a slightly larger secondary mirror for better field illumination at the expense of a touch of contrast. We can't remember everything hey :D
Hi Good evening, I hope you can pass on some information to me please. I'm a complete beginner Green 😢. But I have got a 250pds skywatcher and a NEQ 6 Pro . What lenses would I need to do Astrophotography, I would like to capture Nebulas Galaxy and planets. My NEQ6 has a hand control I can't remember the name you call it sorry. Regards Roy
Hi, the hand controller will be a Synscan hand controller, and you would need a camera and coma corrector for deep sky astrophotography. You attach the coma corrector to the camera and it fits inside the 250pds focuser. I have a video about this on another channel here: ua-cam.com/video/KkkjlYnOFmU/v-deo.html
Nice one, looking forward to the next videos of you using it :). I've just taken delivery of a William Optics Z61 II and like yourself can't wait to have a play.
Great stuff! Those WO 61's look really bling! Especially the mkII with that cool looking cat rail on top. If it's anything like my Megrez you'll love it :) Lets hope we both get ot use our new scopes soon!
Hi Chris, I'm enjoying going through your videos - enlightening with a smattering of humor thrown in... I have a 200p and found I didn't like the finderscope much so I swapped it for a right angled erector , That was a great improvement .. my question is- I'm about to purchase a duel speed focuser to replace the standard one that came with the scope, would you know if this would change the camera focus point significantly with the tube being a different length to the PDS version? My Nikon D5200 is ok on the scope as is.
Hi, glad you're enjoying the videos! The replacement focusers tend to be lower profile giving you even more in-focus travel. I can't foresee a problem with this, you should still be able to reach focus ok.
@@Astrolavista Many thanks Chris, can't wait to change it... Have you noticed the colimation change on your scope when attaching a DSLR to the focuser? mine appears to if it's parallel to the ground. The weight of the camera distorts the tube enough to change it.
I have a rebranded version of the 200P. It's called an Atlas Explorer (barely anything on Google), but it's definitely a Synta scope made up of all the same parts as this. I assumed as it came from circa 2006 that it was a copy of the old blue Skywatcher. It has rubber ring collimation instead of springs and a metal covering plate at the back. However, mine reaches focus no problem with 6-7mm to spare. I was surprised to hear that about the old blue one not reaaching focus. Can you tell me Chris does it sound like the same? The collimation end?
Hey Nugsy, congrats on your pier video by the way, I really enjoyed it! I've honestly never heard of the Atlas Explorer before, and the rubber ring collimation isn't anything I've come across before either. I remember the blue tube 200p I had well. I bought it second hand packaged with the old black HEQ5 mount (I should have kept that mount really in hindsight, it tracked really well!). Anyway, I remember my heart sank a bit when I got it back and tried to reach focus with my Canon 350D; had to add a Barlow to reach focus. I considered installing longer springs and bolts to move the primary further up the tube to reach focus so I'm fairly sure it had the bog standard Synta primary mirror cell with springs.
@@Astrolavista Thanks for the reply. The Atlas Explorer scopes were sold out of Lidl in Ireland, circa 2006-2008. That's about all I found out on them. I saw the same o-ring collimation, covered rear on a pale blue scope. Maybe they changed it after their first run? Ah well again thanks for answering. Clear skies.
Used to own the blue 250p on an EQ6 in 2008. Now thinking of getting back into astronomy again. But with a smaller setup. Looking at smallish ED refractors at the moment for ease of use. I also had a Skywatcher ED80 that got much more use then the 250p so think thats a logical rout.
Hi Kevin, you can check the mirror alignment to make sure it gives the sharpest views. This is called collimation and I have a video about this here: ua-cam.com/video/mc7SalQlzt0/v-deo.html If you get a cheap laser collimator, you need to make sure the laser collimator is collimated (ironically), I have that video here: ua-cam.com/video/mc7SalQlzt0/v-deo.html Hope that helps :)
@@mrtambourineman6107 You ideally need to be guiding even 1m focal length if you are looking to get longer exposures for fainter objects, unless your mount is top tier. If wind may be an issue you should look to over-mount as they become sails. Because they are a lens element, Barlows can detract from optical quality compared with native focal length Newts and with bad ones CA may be noticable.
I have the same scope and read about the same issues with astrophotography and definitely don’t have any issues with a DSLR or a dedicated Astro camera.
The PDS has F5, which you can get a flattener/reducer for, much better collimation screws AND the much better 1/10 focuser. You can't really hang a camera off of that and expect it to hold focus when you screw it locked and its got a lot of wiggle.
Trust me I've hung plenty of cameras off 150p's and 200p's as well as 130pds's and also a 150pds. I've used loads of Sky-Watcher Newts over the years and haven't had a problem using any of them for imaging except the very old light blue tube Sky-Watchers which wont reach focus without adding a Barlow lens. Coma correctors work with any 2" focuser, I use the Baader MPCC, both the 200p and 200pds are f/5 but I also use the Baader MPCC with my StellaLyra 150p f/4 and it does a decent job with smaller sensors.
If it is a genuine Sky-watcher telescope then there shouldn't be. Although like any mass produced item there will always be a percentage that will need to be returned. As long as you buy it under warranty you'll be fine :)
@@Astrolavista Thank you very much for your reply. Actually after quite a research, I'm going for Sky-watcher Heritage 150P Virtuoso GTI, purchasing from Japan, from a verified store. Thanks for your all the worthy advices and your youtube reviews. Helped me a lot...
I have an very old and bad sw200p, i recently ordered the sw200pds bd. Other than beeing old and bad the focus point is the biggest reason i want to get a new one. I bought that old scope for like 50$ and i have enjoyed it a whole lot! Had to shorten my focuser to be able to use my coma corrector with the dslr, now ive upgraded to a aps-c mono camera and plan to get some filters and filterwheel, didnt feel like taking my chanses hehe. Hope it scope turnes out decent enough for my setup. Starts to get expensive at this point :D (probably a bit over 7000$ and i need about 1000$ more to be at my first complete stage). After this i'm looking into maybe get a wide field and a narrower scope. Have you enjoyed your 200p this far?
Hey, yeah for sure I've enjoyed 200p no end, it's fantastic value for money and a definite keeper. I'm testing another scope at the moment but once done the 200p will be back on the mount ready to smash some galaxies. Hopefully you'll enjoy your new 200pds as much or even more. I enjoyed the 130pds and 150pds when I tried those :)
I have been giving a lot of thought to this scope as an alterative to my 81 mm APO refractor. How do you feel about it now 3 years after making this video?
Hi, I think the fact that I still have the 200p after 3 years is telling because historically I've done through more telescopes than hot dinners. The 200p is such a good all rounder for both planetary/Lunar and deep sky imaging and observing. It holds collimation very well also. The only down side is that it's a bit bulky to set up and use on an Equatorial mount, but the views and images are rewarding.
I recently bought the 200 PDS - because a local retailer did a great package deal for a 200 PDS and an EQ5 mount. (It's not goto, but I don't need that. And it's not motorised, but I am not doing deep space photography.) I teamed it with Skywatcher Panorama eyepieces, which cost about half the price of the OTA/mount assembly. But were well worth it. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that putting cheap eyepieces on a good scope is like putting second hand tyres on a Rolls-Royce.
Totally agree, like when fast f/4 mini Dobsonians include Huygens eyepieces designed in the 17th century for f/15 scopes! I would rather them include one Plossl eyepiece and charge an extra fiver. The stock thrown in eyepieces never really do the telescope optics justice, but some are definitely better than others. The Huygens make Sky-Watcher bundles modified achromat super 10 and 25 eyepieces look good, but a nice 82 degree eyepiece is certainly much better :) I've owned the Celestron equivalent called the Luminos in the past and really liked them
@@Astrolavista, the set of three of the Panorama eyepieces cost me NZ$765, whereby the OTA and mount package cost me NZ$1869, so they were expensive. But I was blown away by seeing orange bands on Jupiter like I had never seen before.
I use a basic EQ5 with motor drives with the 200p and can recommend this setup for the planetary/Lunar imaging I do. For observing it can be hard to reach the eyepiece, and for long exposure deep sky imaging I would go with the more stable and better stepper motors of the HEQ5 Pro unless you are completely sheltered from the wind. The 200p really does catch the wind!
@AstroLaVista thanks for the info. Just looked at the 200p in real life this afternoon. That thing is massive ! . So I ordered the 150pds just to be sure . Don't have a nice shed like you have . BTW love your videos man. Really inspiring.
I recon you could just about fit M31 in the frame if you use a full frame camera at prime focus with some minimal vignetting with that reflector? And thanks for the detailed video.
Best done during the daytime. Point the main telescope at a TV aerial in the distance but away from the Sun, then make adjustments to the finder scope until the view matches.
Hello, I'm thinking of buying this telescope, but I want to know if the purchase includes a mounting base or if a mounting base is not necessary.. I don't have much knowledge of telescopes
Hi Grine, the 200p optical tube comes with tube rings and a rail for attaching to a mount but the mount is not included unless you buy the 200p EQ5 or the 200p Classic Dobsonian: www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/skywatcher-explorer-200p-eq5/ref/astrolavista/ www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-200p-dobsonian/ref/astrolavista/
I have my eye on this one and the 150/750. I´m a beginner and later I want to try out some astrofotography. Should I buy the 200 or a the 150. A lot say that the 200 is to large for astrophotography and you need to collimate it everytime you use it. Others say different things, so it becomes hard to make a choise. What do you recommend?
For long exposure deep sky imaging the 150p f/5 will be easier to work with. It's shorter focal length will show less tracking errors, and it will be less effected by gusts of wind plus have a wider field of view. For planetary and Lunar imaging you take a video and stack the good frames so it doesn't matter about tracking accuracy so much (each video frame is a very short exposure, so no time for tracking errors to appear) In that case the 200p would show more planetary detail and image scale. Observing with a Newtonian on an equatorial mount is a mixed bag - With the 150p you can point the focuser away from the counterweight bar so its pointing in the opposite direction and you can then reach the focuser no matter what where the mount pointing. This isn't the case with the 200p because you would need a small step ladder to reach the focuser so you end up constantly moving the tube in the rings instead, just so you can reach the focuser. The up side is that the 200p does show you more. There is no difference in terms of collimation between the 200p f/5 and the 150p f/5. I think the people saying you need to collimate the 200 every time you use it are thinking of the faster f/4 model such as the Sky-Watcher Quattro. I hope that helps, pros and cons to both.
@@Astrolavista thx for the advise, after some thinking, I come to the conclusion to first buy myself a good telescope for observation and learn to use it, learn about the night sky, learn to find objects, ect... Later I can always buy a 2nd telescope specialy for astrophotography. I need to walk before I can run lol. And take it step by step, cause I think I will have my hands full with learning how to use the telescope and reading the night sky anyway.
I bought the SW 200p Quattro and omg the star comas are HORRIBLE! Luckily SW sells a very good coma corrector ( but is also very expensive ) literally exclusive for the Quattro scopes and it works SUPERBLY! The Quattros are expensive but very well worth it as long as you buy in the extra $400 for the coma corrector.
Hi, when mine arrived it only needed minor adjustments and that is the last time I collimated it. It's held very well. F/5 is a lot more stable than f/4 I can tell you that from experience lol
congrats on your new telescope. If I had it the first modification would be to add a Losmandy plate and swap out the focuser for a Moonlite Newtonian focuser. Just me.
Hello, I checked Hight Point Scientific and OPT and the closest I could find was the Meade 8" f/5 Newtonian: optcorp.com/collections/newtonian-telescopes/products/meade-lx85-8-f-5-newtonian-reflecting-ota-telescope
Hi Chris. Nice scope you've got and I hope you get great use from it. It looks a bit too big to be portable plus finderscopes looks nice. What will you photograph? Orion is in west now and soon well lose it till end of September. I had the covid-19 vaccine and I felt nothing and told nurse about how I fell ill before Christmas and how I felt and she said you likely had covid-19. It looks like I did have covid-19. I spoke to woman who had severe case of it plus she told me to stay on high dose of Vitamin C said she had a metallic taste and smell then she fell ill with covid-19. I had metallic taste and smell before I fell ill and I'm so grateful to her now for that one advice she gave me STAY ON HIGH DOSE OF VITAMIN C! Scary to think it's likely I had it. I had 3 of the symptoms and not the cough as I was breathing like normal but 3 symptoms I had. I'm planning my camping trips to the highlands with my astrophotography setup because I'm almost ready. Did you get scope in first light optics? It's a budget telescope but you can make it even better! I hope you get covid-19 vaccine very soon because it's the only way to get rid of this horrible virus that swept the whole world. Stay safe buddy!
Hi John, cool about the jab and that you didn't get really bad symptoms earlier on! Although I'm sure it wasn't nice still. It really is a lottery from what I can tell. I had my first jab as a front line worker January and I'm booked to have the second on the 28th of March. I did get the scope from FLO. Everywhere is pretty much out of stock of SW scopes but I noticed FLO had 4 x 200p's so grabbed one : ) I will make some upgrades of course you know me lol Good luck with the planning, wont be too long until we can move about now : )
Hi Graham, I absolutely love it in the observatory for DSO imaging. I'm yet to try this 200p for planetary, Lunar imaging and visual, but I've owned one or two of these before many years ago and it's hard to think of a better bang for your buck 8" scope which is also a good all rounder. It's a largish scope so it can be a bit of a 'wind sail' so probably not the best scope to image DSO's with out in the open on a windy night. Also it can be awkward getting to the eyepiece for visual astronomy, but I do think the 200p is very much worth having in scope collection. A very useful scope for relatively little money :)
Very nice unboxing! Is there a compression-ring adapter for 1.25” SW focusers as well? I really dislike those original nosepiece screws as well. Especially if it’s cold outside, which it is far too often here in Sweden. ;)
The only thing I can think to do there is use a short extension tube with a compression ring. Only if you have enough in focus of course? Have you tried this?
@@Astrolavista First of all. Thanks for your answer/suggestion! :) No, but I've seen those. Hm... I will admit I'm kind of a newbie in this field. How would I know if I do? I don't usually have to "extend" the focuser too much to get to focus most of the time. So maybe that's a probelm then. My telecope is a SW Evostar-90, so F10. If that is useful? :D
Hi Rob, here are a couple to choose from :) I like this one because it's got the brass compression ring which isn't going to scratch your eyepieces and accessories: www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/moonlite-2-to-125-low-profile-eyepiece-adapter/ref/diyastro/ The only down side is they are on back order at the moment so it depends on how quick you need one? This one is the ultimate! Baader click lock products are wonderful but it's a bit more money I'm afraid. Although it is in stock (tempted by one myself! ) : www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/baader-clicklock-2-125-adapter-2956214/ref/diyastro/ I can't see any basic adaptors, just the upgraded options, although it might be worth trying a site called Astroboot. They quite often have components from stock telescope packages. hope that helps :)
@@Astrolavista yeah, thats not im after m8, just the stock adapter from 2" to 1.25" i think F.L.O. have sorted me one out, the guy said he found one for me by chance..hope its the right one 🙏
@@Astrolavista thanks,funny enough i sent a screenshot from your 200p video of you holding the 2" to 1,25" adapter to demonstrate what i needed :O), BTW i asked in another video if yours, did you get prime focus easily with your DSLR on the 200p ? ( i didnt answer), cheers
Field of view is dependant on the focal length and sensor size. The 200p has a 1000mm focal length which 'zooms' you in quite far so it's not the right tool for framing very large objects such as Andromeda, not even a full frame camera would do it. You would need a shorter focal of around 300mm, such as a camera lens or very short imaging refractor, then you can frame Andromeda with a crop sensor camera.
Hey Garnett, I've been systematically checking the stock levels at FLO just in case something I wanted cam up, and one day last week I noticed they had 4x 200p in stock! They still have 3 left! I feel very lucky! Prices have gone up quite a bit but it's still a lot of scope for £349. Hope you're well mate?
Hi Babu, the power/magnification depends on what focal length eyepiece you use, but the telescope comes with eyepieces which will give you a range from 40x to 200x. The Sky-Watcher 200p optical tube is currently £349 which works out to 35314.79 Rupee's.
Hi why are you talking about the diameter of the tube itself at 235mm (9.25")?? most people say its a 8" mirror etc it makes it very confusing. Isn't it a 8" reflector?
I guess because I often get asked for this information. People like to know the size and weight for storage and transportation. All I can do is clearly state that it's the tube diameter as well as discuss the mirror diameter which I do. However if enough people find this very confusing I'll rethink it. Anyone else confused by this?
I'm looking at changing from a C8 to a 200PDS for a longer focal length but faster than than the C8 for galaxies. Would you reckon this is a good idea?
Hey Matt, well having owned both C8's and 200p's myself, I would say DSO imaging is easier with a 200p/pds. I found the longer focal length of C8's a bit too challenging for the mounts I've owned, even reduced down to f6.3 at 1280mm. The faster native f/5 focal ratio really makes a difference. Newtonians are also fantastic value for money as you probably know. You're limited to one arcsecond per pixel with seeing conditions anyway, so even with the 200p's 1000mm focal length this can be achieved with a camera with the right pixel pitch. What camera do you use and I'll work out what arcseconds per pixel you'll be running at with a 200p :)
@@matthilton8959 Ok, I'm glad you said, you would be slightly over sampling with the 200p @ 1000mm which gives 0.68 "/pixel with a 269c. From what I understand the seeing conditions close to sea level allow you to resolve between 1 to 2 "/pixel. A C8, (even with the 0.63 reducer) is definitely oversampling at 0.53 "/pixel, so there is absolutely no benefit being at that long focal length unless you bin 2x2, and even then your at the top limit. All you're doing by oversampling is losing sensitivity trying to resolve fine detail which you can't see because the seeing conditions wont allow it. I think binning 2x2 with a 200pds would give the best results. This will give 1.36 "/pixel. nice and sensitive and around the resolution you can often resolve. Then on very still nights with excellent seeing you can bin 1x1 for the really fine detail.
@@Astrolavista I've never binned anything so I'm not to sure what that even entails or does. Lots to learn. Considering purchasing a ZWO 533 what would that work out like with your workings out. Sorry to be a pest.
@@matthilton8959 No worries, usually in the capture software it gives you the option to bin pixels i.e. a 2x2 is where 2x2 pixels are clumped together to form a nice big super pixel made from 4 pixels combined. The 533 is a great camera, I would love one myself. It does have slightly chunkier pixels at 3.76 um so that would be better for longer focal lengths. That would work out to 0.77 "/pixel unbinned with the 200pds, so a little better than the 269c, but not a drastic difference from a sampling point of view. The 533 is supposed to have zero amp glow which might make imaging a little easier. Interesting square format sensor too, but I quite like that :)
Hi Nick, I'm hoping to get some time this week to tear down my obsy setup and install the 200p, so with a bit of luck I might have the definitive answer soon. I am however 99% sure it will do because if memory serves my last one did. Also there are one or two comments below agreeing it should do :)
I sold one of these as it was too heavy for me (disabled) and yes I could reach focus with a Nikon D7200 without a barlow. I replaced it with a much lighter 130PDS which is an amazing scope but mainly because it's within what I can handle physically
Hey Dave, I've been in the 130pds club myself and it's definitely a scope I regret selling! Glad you found a scope you get on with, the 200p is a real beast to move around.
@@Astrolavista tad heavy, i googled :) newtonians seem to have biggest apertures for the money but they're heavy. So i need the lightest, cheapest, biggest aperture refractor there is.
@@jesuschrist2284 Yeah the 200p Newtonian in this video weighs about 9kg and the AZ GTI mount is rated up to 5kg. (better with a bit less) What you choose really depends on what you want to achieve. E.g. observing, imaging, deep sky or planetary/Lunar
Would this be for the optical tube only or for a telescope plus a mount? If it's for the optical tube only what mount do you intend to use? Also what would you like to do with the telescope? E.g. observing and or image, and would you want it primarily for planetary/Lunar, DSO's or even Solar?
I bet! I've just manged to get the 200p setup on the pier, and even that was a little bit of a handful. Have you placed a rail or handle on the top to help with setup?
Hi Beverly, links to the telescope are in the description. Here in the UK it's currently £349. The closest I could find in the US was a Meade 200p f/5 and that was $500. optcorp.com/collections/newtonian-telescopes/products/meade-lx85-8-f-5-newtonian-reflecting-ota-telescope
@@Astrolavista no problems, I'm a bit like ooohh what you getting next especially on what the postman brought in sgl, I'm waiting on a star adventurer 2i wifi pro from FLO and my forever scope and life partner to my already owned skymax 127.....an evostar 72ed ds pro from RVO 🤞
@@astronebulee578 haha yeah I also do a bit of lurking on that thread. Both very good choices! A very sensible DSO imaging setup for the fickle weather we have. FLO have the Skyguider Pro's in stock now. They're a little bit more money, but the build is better having tested both. I'm tempted to further empty the bank account on one so I can use it for a series of lens a DLSR reviews I have planned :)
Awesome Chris !! Im Thinking to l Buy This Telescope On My Upgrade of 76mm Mini Dob..Would Be usefull for Both Imaging And Visual, Which is What im Primarily Into..Any Suggestions on The Mount ? Im Considered The EQ6r Or Maybe The NEQ6 Which I Think Would Ben Good for Price. Any More Cheap Options On The Mount Would Be Well Appreciated !! Good Review !!🌠🔭👍
That would be such a good upgrade :) I've been impressed with what you've achieved with the 76mm so I can't imagine what you'll do with a 200p! :D I would definitely go for the EQ6R if you can because it addresses many of the issues that the NEQ6 had such as the bendy alt bolts and the loud gearing with sometimes a bit too much backlash. This is what people say anyway. A cheaper option might be the mount I have, the Explore Scientific EXOS2 pmc8, but I'll let you know how it handles the 200p, cheers :)
If you want to image DSO's and you can find the 200pds is in stock I would go for that. I mainly went for the 200p over the 200pds because it was in stock. However, the important thing is you can do astrophotography with both so you can't really go wrong with either. The main differences are the pds has a dual speed focuser, a slightly larger secondary mirror for better field illumination (although I haven't noticed a problem with the 200p) and the tube is slightly shorter so you get a bit more focus travel for reaching focus with DLSR's (again I haven't noticed a problem with the 200p for this either) Having used both the only thing you would actually notice between the two is the dual speed focuser :) it's probably worth the 20 more for that.
I have the money for a new one but I looked at buying it used and then it comes with the eq5 for 190£ But it was brown so is that any different from the black diamond version?
@@r.g.129 £190 is a good second hand price for the EQ5 mount alone. The optical tube was brown? I've never seen a Brown version unless it's sun faded? Sky-Watcher do the black diamond version (sparkly black) and prior to that they had a light blue livery, many years ago now. I owned the light blue version way back and the only difference I could see was that it didn't reach focus with my DLSR, so the primary mirror must have been set back a bit further down the tube, or the focuser sat a bit higher? Maybe Sky-watcher tweaked this when people started attaching DLSR's to their telescopes. p.s. the only other livery for Sky-watcher was the old gold tube versions of their pro series. Are you sure it's Sky-Watcher?
Yes it definitely was the explorer 200p but like brown/black when I search it on google some seem to have a brown tint to but I was wondering if it was an older version.
DSO wise, the 200p is more for smaller galaxies and nebula. At 1000mm focal length you can only fit the core of M31 into the frame of a typical APS-C size sensor. To capture the full extent of M31 you would need something with a focal length of around 400mm such as an ED70 Refractor.
lol we do have a small table, however the kids have it totally covered with their stuff and it's too noisy in the living/dining room to record, so I often get relegated to the kitchen floor. As you can see it's not big enough for a table but being on the floor allows for a much better camera angle which is a bonus.
Because my channel name has DIY in it? I take it your channel isn't just about bowrudder's right ? ;) Whilst on the subject of channel names, I've been trying to think of a better one for quite a while now. Maybe one day I'll think of one :)
Hi. I've had a few questions asking how much the Sky-Watcher 200p costs? It's £349 here in the UK, and I've placed links in the description for First Light Optics who ship world wide.
Good size telescope for that price. I'm looking to upgrade my celestron 130, do you happen to know if the tripod from my Celestron can be used with the Skywatcher 200p?
@@Thurgosh_OG im guessing you have an EQ2 mount.. i wouldn't advise it. not sturdy enough for this beast
@@Thurgosh_OG Hi, you would need at least an EQ5 mount to handle the 200p, sorry.
Chris where did you get that body "headtorch." My head gets sore wearing one.
Just come back to this video 3 years later. Thank you Chris so much on making this video. This is the video that convinced me to buy the 200P and set me on an amaaaaaazing (literal life changing) journey capturing space photos. I left a comment further down on my main at the time (bbrophoto) and I did indeed modify it with the Steeltrack focuser and managed to get FLO hooked up with Backyard Universe for the CNC parts 🙏 Once again, thank you.
How amazing and heart warming! Thanks so much for dropping back by with your story; really great to hear this! Clear skies :)
Fantastic video, Chris! Makes me feel better about purchasing my 200p a few months ago...an astrophotographer on Astrobin named Diego Gravinese has done some wonderful work with the 200p! I reached out to him via email, as I was concerned that the 200PDS would have been better for astrophotography, but having seen his work with the 'standard' 200p and that he reassured me that the 200p would be just fine for imaging, I grabbed one (before the price increases! Lol!)...anyway, loved your upload and looking forward to your subsequent videos on this scope! Well done! :)
Ah very nice move :) wish I'd done that lol The prices did go up quite a bit didn't they! Something like £40 on the 200p. Seriously though I'm just glad I got one with the way stock is currently, and it's still a lot of scope for 349 :) I'll have to check out Diego's work. Thanks for your support! :)
I’ve got a 200p and absolutely love it. I’ve even managed a few nice pics of Orion Nebula and m13 with a 600d and t adaptor.
Great to hear Peter, that's a nice camera too. First xxxD with the flippy screen :)
Hi, what mount have you used?
@@frehatipu9187 I have an eq5 with basic motors.
Thank you. I am new to visual astro and have a basic 102az. Good to know about other products/set ups.
@@frehatipu9187 I'm using an Explore Scientific EXOS2 pmc Eight (similar to Peter's EQ5 in weight class, but with goto via a PC with wifi, and belt driven motors).
Looks awesome Chris! Look forward to seeing this one in use!!
Me too Vineeth :D
Hi Chris nice video. Is good that you can focus without using a barlow on this model, however the small difference in price compared with the pds version would make the pds a more logical choice, having a better focuser and also a shorter tube, that is an important aspect especially for smaller mounts, I have read also that the secondary mirror is also bigger on the pds, so not sure how much the obstruction is increased.
Thanks loan, I think one problem is you just can't get hold of a pds versions at the moment, and even the plain p versions are very thin on the ground. I gave the heads up to a friend that FLO had a few 200p's, he had mentioned getting a Newtonian for DSO imaging, but said nah because you need the pds version for imaging. This got me thinking about how many people might be out there with 150p's 200p's etc not realising you can image with the P version! Yes the 200pds is only £50 more so is the better bet if you purely want to do DSO imaging, it has a slightly shorter tube, dual speed focuser, and a slightly larger secondary for less vignetting with large sensors (I kicked myself for forgetting to mention the secondary lol), but if you have a 200p or can only get hold of a 200p then I think it's worth knowing about it's full potential :) I also think the 200p would be the better bet for those that do both planetary and DSO's because it has a standard secondary which which is smaller than the PDS giving higher contrast. The focuser is the week part but Newt's are highly tinkerable so it can be improved or upgraded in the future :) Anyway, lets see how it goes with this one loan.
@@Astrolavista i thought about the same about the secondary mirror. Would be a nice adition for planetary though with my Skywatcher Eqm35pro. I was thinking to buy also a 200mm newtonian on a dobsonian mount that i could use for observing and to be able to take it out fast from the dobs mount and place it on my eqm35 pro when i want to track. Do you know if with the 200p you can do that?
@@GalaxyArtMedia I can see a couple of potential issues loan, the Dobsonian versions tend to be f/6, so the tube is quite long. You would also need to attach tube rings and a dovetail as the Dob's tend to have the altitude bearings attached directly to the tube instead of rings. It would be a lot of weight for the EQM35 and a fair amount of moment of inertia with such a long tube, so you would probably need an extra counter weight, and to take it very easy when slewing.
@@Astrolavista I thought also about this problem with the rings and dovetail, for the moment i can use my rc 6 inch with the mount it works good , with the short tube it tracks good
Firstly, loved the video. The cramp made me laugh. Anyway, I'm new to astronomy and looking at getting an 8" dobsonian as this seems to be the most recommended. Your videos have been really helpful. Keep up the good work
Glad they helped Andrew :) 8" Dob's are awesome, they have an easy to use stable mount which is cheap to make meaning most of the money goes into the optics. Plus the 8" is a nice compromise between aperture and portability. Good choice!
its a great scope, you will enjoy this one very much 🌟🔭👍 clear skies
Thanks mate, I think you're right :)
I also have the 200p and it's awesome, I love it!! I even took it to last year's solar eclipse and could get awesome pics. Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine
Thanks Fran :)
I have the explorer 130m and am thinking of upgrading to the 200p.it’s 400 quid more than the 130m is the price justified in your opinion?
The extra aperture will make a big difference, there is a big jump from my 150p to the 200p. It can be hard to reach the eyepiece if you're getting the 200p EQ5 but the EQ5 mount is better for the imaging side of things. If you are just visual though I would go with the StellaLyra 200p Dob, I had the pleasure of playing with one the other day and it's bearings are sooo smooth!
Hey Chris, thanks for all your videos! I’ve been watching all your newtonian related videos and ultimately ended up buying my first telescope - the 200p! I used your affiliate link so hopefully you get a few ££s :)
I plan to mod the crap out of it. I waiting on the Steeltrack focuser to get back in stock and then slowly replace everything else haha.
Hey, you're very welcome! I'm glad the vids helped you decide :) The 200p is such a good all round scope, I'm certain you wont regret it!
Thanks so much for using the links as well :) I checked and I received 17 quid commission, cheers! Once the commission has build up enough I'll buy something from FLO to test out on the channel.
lol I can just imagine an A-team style montage of your 200p being modded :D One of the great things about Newt's is you indeed can mod the crap out of them :D
@@Astrolavista It arrived earlier today! So far it’s a nice unit, just the right size :) I may pick up a 130PDS as a nice little grab a go some day too.
I’m really glad I could give back in some way - I know what it takes to be a content creator. It’s a lot more work than people realise, even when it’s doing something you enjoy like unboxing a scope :D
I’ll maybe create such a montage.... 🤔 I’m debating whether to fit a top dovetail to mine for a bit of extra rigidity
@@BBROPHOTO That's great to hear! I think a top rail would be good for a number of reasons, others include attaching accessories, and using it as a carry handle.
Thank you! You're certainly not wrong! It really does take a lot of work, but we do it because we enjoy the whole creativity of it, as well as the community and sharing knowledge don't we :)
I have used this exact scope for both visual and deep sky for roughly 11 months now, and I have had some amazing dso images through it. Finding focus with a DSLR is a bit tricky, in that you need to fit a DSLR clip filter in the DSLR if you still want to achieve focus for dso imaging, due to not able to use, say, a 1.25" nose piece adaptor on an M42 adaptor with a 1.25" filter, or indeed a 2" filter, you can't achieve focus with this configuration. But if using a dedicated astronomy camera, the aforementioned issues don't apply. Amazing bit of kit, definitely worth the money.
Hey Wesley, I use a 2" filter attached to the front of the coma corrector, followed by a T-ring to the DLSR/Mirrorless camera, (or a 37.5mm extension tube if using an astro cam). No problem with focus. These 200p scopes are fantastic value for how well they perform.
@@Astrolavista Oh right, I never used a Coma Corrector with mine, I just crop the outer areas of image. Now you've told me this though, I will buy a Coma Corrector, to save me cropping images! Thanks!
My first scope was a 200P black diamond & I managed to image some DSO's with no problems although my processing skills were & still are somewhat limited, I were given a 250PX dobsonian tube with rings so I sold the 200P & started to image with that instead. With it being F4.7 its a little bit faster & I did manage to image the Leo triplet with it too using an astro modded Canon 1000D although it was a bit tight.
Could you share where you got the 2” compression ring adapter? Thanks
Hi Raymond, here you go: www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/astro-essentials-2-inch-compression-ring-adapter-for-sky-watcher-newtonians-and-72ed-refractor-m54/ref/astrolavista/
Great unbox Chris. There isn't one thing I don't like about this telescope, from the very reasonable sized finder, spider, focuser, looks, aperture.....OOps!...I've just drooled on the keyboard....I can feel a new telescope coming on this year.. : )
Go on Jason, you certainly deserve a treat :) That's if you don't need to buy a new keyboard first? :D Cheers mate : )
Can't wait to get my hands on mine! I've ordered the scope with a HEQ5 mount - my dream setup ❤
Great unboxing! Really in depth and left nothing out :)
Top stuff mate
Thanks Luke, I appreciate that! :) I did manage to forget to mention one thing though lol I should have probably mentioned that the PDS range also has a slightly larger secondary mirror for better field illumination at the expense of a touch of contrast. We can't remember everything hey :D
Hi Good evening, I hope you can pass on some information to me please. I'm a complete beginner Green 😢. But I have got a 250pds skywatcher and a NEQ 6 Pro . What lenses would I need to do Astrophotography, I would like to capture Nebulas Galaxy and planets.
My NEQ6 has a hand control I can't remember the name you call it sorry.
Regards Roy
Hi, the hand controller will be a Synscan hand controller, and you would need a camera and coma corrector for deep sky astrophotography. You attach the coma corrector to the camera and it fits inside the 250pds focuser. I have a video about this on another channel here: ua-cam.com/video/KkkjlYnOFmU/v-deo.html
Well done for giving the scope's dimensions! Nobody does that, it's always limited to FL and aperture.
Nice one, looking forward to the next videos of you using it :).
I've just taken delivery of a William Optics Z61 II and like yourself can't wait to have a play.
Great stuff! Those WO 61's look really bling! Especially the mkII with that cool looking cat rail on top. If it's anything like my Megrez you'll love it :) Lets hope we both get ot use our new scopes soon!
the z61 is an awsome 61mm telescope that gives very wide field views and sharp images with the proper eyepiece.
Hi Chris, I'm enjoying going through your videos - enlightening with a smattering of humor thrown in... I have a 200p and found I didn't like the finderscope much so I swapped it for a right angled erector , That was a great improvement .. my question is- I'm about to purchase a duel speed focuser to replace the standard one that came with the scope, would you know if this would change the camera focus point significantly with the tube being a different length to the PDS version? My Nikon D5200 is ok on the scope as is.
Hi, glad you're enjoying the videos! The replacement focusers tend to be lower profile giving you even more in-focus travel. I can't foresee a problem with this, you should still be able to reach focus ok.
@@Astrolavista Many thanks Chris, can't wait to change it... Have you noticed the colimation change on your scope when attaching a DSLR to the focuser? mine appears to if it's parallel to the ground. The weight of the camera distorts the tube enough to change it.
Great video. Watching this was nearly as fun as buying one myself.
I have a rebranded version of the 200P. It's called an Atlas Explorer (barely anything on Google), but it's definitely a Synta scope made up of all the same parts as this.
I assumed as it came from circa 2006 that it was a copy of the old blue Skywatcher. It has rubber ring collimation instead of springs and a metal covering plate at the back.
However, mine reaches focus no problem with 6-7mm to spare. I was surprised to hear that about the old blue one not reaaching focus.
Can you tell me Chris does it sound like the same? The collimation end?
Hey Nugsy, congrats on your pier video by the way, I really enjoyed it! I've honestly never heard of the Atlas Explorer before, and the rubber ring collimation isn't anything I've come across before either. I remember the blue tube 200p I had well. I bought it second hand packaged with the old black HEQ5 mount (I should have kept that mount really in hindsight, it tracked really well!). Anyway, I remember my heart sank a bit when I got it back and tried to reach focus with my Canon 350D; had to add a Barlow to reach focus. I considered installing longer springs and bolts to move the primary further up the tube to reach focus so I'm fairly sure it had the bog standard Synta primary mirror cell with springs.
@@Astrolavista Thanks for the reply. The Atlas Explorer scopes were sold out of Lidl in Ireland, circa 2006-2008. That's about all I found out on them.
I saw the same o-ring collimation, covered rear on a pale blue scope. Maybe they changed it after their first run? Ah well again thanks for answering. Clear skies.
Used to own the blue 250p on an EQ6 in 2008. Now thinking of getting back into astronomy again. But with a smaller setup. Looking at smallish ED refractors at the moment for ease of use. I also had a Skywatcher ED80 that got much more use then the 250p so think thats a logical rout.
I've just bought the 200pds on eBay. I'm not a pro by any means. Is there anything I need to check on it? Cool video mate.
Hi Kevin, you can check the mirror alignment to make sure it gives the sharpest views. This is called collimation and I have a video about this here: ua-cam.com/video/mc7SalQlzt0/v-deo.html
If you get a cheap laser collimator, you need to make sure the laser collimator is collimated (ironically), I have that video here: ua-cam.com/video/mc7SalQlzt0/v-deo.html
Hope that helps :)
This may be a silly question, but if I use a 2x barlow lens with this, will it be a 2000mm focal length?
Yes, a 2x Barlow lens effectively doubles the telescopes focal length.
@Astro La Vista oh wow 👌 thanks! Really put the mount to the test then I bet !
@Astro La Vista may I ask what resolution/stability you manage with your mount and the 200mm ?
@@mrtambourineman6107 You ideally need to be guiding even 1m focal length if you are looking to get longer exposures for fainter objects, unless your mount is top tier. If wind may be an issue you should look to over-mount as they become sails. Because they are a lens element, Barlows can detract from optical quality compared with native focal length Newts and with bad ones CA may be noticable.
@@tyrantworm7392 sorry, what does 'over-mount' mean ?
I have the same scope and read about the same issues with astrophotography and definitely don’t have any issues with a DSLR or a dedicated Astro camera.
The PDS has F5, which you can get a flattener/reducer for, much better collimation screws AND the much better 1/10 focuser.
You can't really hang a camera off of that and expect it to hold focus when you screw it locked and its got a lot of wiggle.
Trust me I've hung plenty of cameras off 150p's and 200p's as well as 130pds's and also a 150pds. I've used loads of Sky-Watcher Newts over the years and haven't had a problem using any of them for imaging except the very old light blue tube Sky-Watchers which wont reach focus without adding a Barlow lens. Coma correctors work with any 2" focuser, I use the Baader MPCC, both the 200p and 200pds are f/5 but I also use the Baader MPCC with my StellaLyra 150p f/4 and it does a decent job with smaller sensors.
Hi. I'm planning to buy Skywatcher telescope from China, official store of Skywatcher. Do you think there might be a quality issue? Please advice.
If it is a genuine Sky-watcher telescope then there shouldn't be. Although like any mass produced item there will always be a percentage that will need to be returned. As long as you buy it under warranty you'll be fine :)
@@Astrolavista Thank you very much for your reply. Actually after quite a research, I'm going for Sky-watcher Heritage 150P Virtuoso GTI, purchasing from Japan, from a verified store. Thanks for your all the worthy advices and your youtube reviews. Helped me a lot...
I have an very old and bad sw200p, i recently ordered the sw200pds bd. Other than beeing old and bad the focus point is the biggest reason i want to get a new one. I bought that old scope for like 50$ and i have enjoyed it a whole lot!
Had to shorten my focuser to be able to use my coma corrector with the dslr, now ive upgraded to a aps-c mono camera and plan to get some filters and filterwheel, didnt feel like taking my chanses hehe.
Hope it scope turnes out decent enough for my setup. Starts to get expensive at this point :D (probably a bit over 7000$ and i need about 1000$ more to be at my first complete stage). After this i'm looking into maybe get a wide field and a narrower scope.
Have you enjoyed your 200p this far?
Hey, yeah for sure I've enjoyed 200p no end, it's fantastic value for money and a definite keeper. I'm testing another scope at the moment but once done the 200p will be back on the mount ready to smash some galaxies. Hopefully you'll enjoy your new 200pds as much or even more. I enjoyed the 130pds and 150pds when I tried those :)
I have been giving a lot of thought to this scope as an alterative to my 81 mm APO refractor. How do you feel about it now 3 years after making this video?
Hi, I think the fact that I still have the 200p after 3 years is telling because historically I've done through more telescopes than hot dinners. The 200p is such a good all rounder for both planetary/Lunar and deep sky imaging and observing. It holds collimation very well also. The only down side is that it's a bit bulky to set up and use on an Equatorial mount, but the views and images are rewarding.
I recently bought the 200 PDS - because a local retailer did a great package deal for a 200 PDS and an EQ5 mount. (It's not goto, but I don't need that. And it's not motorised, but I am not doing deep space photography.)
I teamed it with Skywatcher Panorama eyepieces, which cost about half the price of the OTA/mount assembly. But were well worth it. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that putting cheap eyepieces on a good scope is like putting second hand tyres on a Rolls-Royce.
Totally agree, like when fast f/4 mini Dobsonians include Huygens eyepieces designed in the 17th century for f/15 scopes! I would rather them include one Plossl eyepiece and charge an extra fiver. The stock thrown in eyepieces never really do the telescope optics justice, but some are definitely better than others. The Huygens make Sky-Watcher bundles modified achromat super 10 and 25 eyepieces look good, but a nice 82 degree eyepiece is certainly much better :) I've owned the Celestron equivalent called the Luminos in the past and really liked them
@@Astrolavista, the set of three of the Panorama eyepieces cost me NZ$765, whereby the OTA and mount package cost me NZ$1869, so they were expensive. But I was blown away by seeing orange bands on Jupiter like I had never seen before.
For an eq5 pro mount . Do you recommend this scope ?
I use a basic EQ5 with motor drives with the 200p and can recommend this setup for the planetary/Lunar imaging I do. For observing it can be hard to reach the eyepiece, and for long exposure deep sky imaging I would go with the more stable and better stepper motors of the HEQ5 Pro unless you are completely sheltered from the wind. The 200p really does catch the wind!
@AstroLaVista thanks for the info. Just looked at the 200p in real life this afternoon. That thing is massive ! . So I ordered the 150pds just to be sure . Don't have a nice shed like you have . BTW love your videos man. Really inspiring.
I recon you could just about fit M31 in the frame if you use a full frame camera at prime focus with some minimal vignetting with that reflector? And thanks for the detailed video.
Hey! I had a question, how do I align the finder scope?
Best done during the daytime. Point the main telescope at a TV aerial in the distance but away from the Sun, then make adjustments to the finder scope until the view matches.
@@Astrolavista but the finder scope is so small and has no crosshairs or anything, I cant really look into it
Hello, I'm thinking of buying this telescope, but I want to know if the purchase includes a mounting base or if a mounting base is not necessary.. I don't have much knowledge of telescopes
Hi Grine, the 200p optical tube comes with tube rings and a rail for attaching to a mount but the mount is not included unless you buy the 200p EQ5 or the 200p Classic Dobsonian:
www.firstlightoptics.com/reflectors/skywatcher-explorer-200p-eq5/ref/astrolavista/
www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-200p-dobsonian/ref/astrolavista/
@@Astrolavista ❤❤❤Thanks
Nice video and video description is very informative. Keep up the good work.
Cheers Rick!
I have my eye on this one and the 150/750. I´m a beginner and later I want to try out some astrofotography. Should I buy the 200 or a the 150. A lot say that the 200 is to large for astrophotography and you need to collimate it everytime you use it. Others say different things, so it becomes hard to make a choise. What do you recommend?
For long exposure deep sky imaging the 150p f/5 will be easier to work with. It's shorter focal length will show less tracking errors, and it will be less effected by gusts of wind plus have a wider field of view.
For planetary and Lunar imaging you take a video and stack the good frames so it doesn't matter about tracking accuracy so much (each video frame is a very short exposure, so no time for tracking errors to appear) In that case the 200p would show more planetary detail and image scale.
Observing with a Newtonian on an equatorial mount is a mixed bag - With the 150p you can point the focuser away from the counterweight bar so its pointing in the opposite direction and you can then reach the focuser no matter what where the mount pointing. This isn't the case with the 200p because you would need a small step ladder to reach the focuser so you end up constantly moving the tube in the rings instead, just so you can reach the focuser.
The up side is that the 200p does show you more. There is no difference in terms of collimation between the 200p f/5 and the 150p f/5. I think the people saying you need to collimate the 200 every time you use it are thinking of the faster f/4 model such as the Sky-Watcher Quattro.
I hope that helps, pros and cons to both.
@@Astrolavista thx for the advise, after some thinking, I come to the conclusion to first buy myself a good telescope for observation and learn to use it, learn about the night sky, learn to find objects, ect... Later I can always buy a 2nd telescope specialy for astrophotography.
I need to walk before I can run lol. And take it step by step, cause I think I will have my hands full with learning how to use the telescope and reading the night sky anyway.
2:26 what is the difference between the new and old i want to buy it used but on the pictures it was brown or is there no difference?
I bought the SW 200p Quattro and omg the star comas are HORRIBLE! Luckily SW sells a very good coma corrector ( but is also very expensive ) literally exclusive for the Quattro scopes and it works SUPERBLY! The Quattros are expensive but very well worth it as long as you buy in the extra $400 for the coma corrector.
Pretty nice looking scope. Good luck with it!
I'm after a similar one myself. Might not be the Skywatcher, but definitely an 8" newt.
Thanks 👍 My father in law has owned his 8" Newt for 30+ years, and it's all he's ever needed : )
@@Astrolavista an 8" seems like the best all rounder. Price, usability, etc.
Thanks for the detailed review :) Is this steel OTA stable enough, does it holds collimation well?
Hi, when mine arrived it only needed minor adjustments and that is the last time I collimated it. It's held very well. F/5 is a lot more stable than f/4 I can tell you that from experience lol
@@Astrolavista Very good to hear that since I may invest too in an 8'' f/5 Skywatcher pretty soon. Many thanks :)
congrats on your new telescope. If I had it the first modification would be to add a Losmandy plate and swap out the focuser for a Moonlite Newtonian focuser. Just me.
That would be cool!
can you find this in the US
Hello, I checked Hight Point Scientific and OPT and the closest I could find was the Meade 8" f/5 Newtonian: optcorp.com/collections/newtonian-telescopes/products/meade-lx85-8-f-5-newtonian-reflecting-ota-telescope
Does the DS in P-DS stand for "Dual Speed", referring to the focuser?
Yes it stands for dual speed.
@@Astrolavista Thanks! Do you happen to know what the P stands for? I thought it's parabolic, but apparently not all P models are.
Hi Chris. Nice scope you've got and I hope you get great use from it. It looks a bit too big to be portable plus finderscopes looks nice. What will you photograph? Orion is in west now and soon well lose it till end of September.
I had the covid-19 vaccine and I felt nothing and told nurse about how I fell ill before Christmas and how I felt and she said you likely had covid-19. It looks like I did have covid-19. I spoke to woman who had severe case of it plus she told me to stay on high dose of Vitamin C said she had a metallic taste and smell then she fell ill with covid-19. I had metallic taste and smell before I fell ill and I'm so grateful to her now for that one advice she gave me STAY ON HIGH DOSE OF VITAMIN C! Scary to think it's likely I had it. I had 3 of the symptoms and not the cough as I was breathing like normal but 3 symptoms I had. I'm planning my camping trips to the highlands with my astrophotography setup because I'm almost ready. Did you get scope in first light optics? It's a budget telescope but you can make it even better!
I hope you get covid-19 vaccine very soon because it's the only way to get rid of this horrible virus that swept the whole world. Stay safe buddy!
Hi John, cool about the jab and that you didn't get really bad symptoms earlier on! Although I'm sure it wasn't nice still. It really is a lottery from what I can tell. I had my first jab as a front line worker January and I'm booked to have the second on the 28th of March. I did get the scope from FLO. Everywhere is pretty much out of stock of SW scopes but I noticed FLO had 4 x 200p's so grabbed one : ) I will make some upgrades of course you know me lol Good luck with the planning, wont be too long until we can move about now : )
Hi Chris, having had the scope for a while how do you rate it in use?
Hi Graham, I absolutely love it in the observatory for DSO imaging. I'm yet to try this 200p for planetary, Lunar imaging and visual, but I've owned one or two of these before many years ago and it's hard to think of a better bang for your buck 8" scope which is also a good all rounder. It's a largish scope so it can be a bit of a 'wind sail' so probably not the best scope to image DSO's with out in the open on a windy night. Also it can be awkward getting to the eyepiece for visual astronomy, but I do think the 200p is very much worth having in scope collection. A very useful scope for relatively little money :)
DIY Astro Thanks Chris, maybe not one for my HEQ5 out in the open!
@@JenhamsAstro Maybe not in that case, Graham. If you're looking at a 200p for DSO imaging I'm fairly sure you would lose subs due to wind!
Great unboxing video. Greetings from over the pond (USA). Subscribed!
Hello Martyn :) Cheers! I appreciate you following along!
Very nice unboxing!
Is there a compression-ring adapter for 1.25” SW focusers as well? I really dislike those original nosepiece screws as well. Especially if it’s cold outside, which it is far too often here in Sweden. ;)
The only thing I can think to do there is use a short extension tube with a compression ring. Only if you have enough in focus of course? Have you tried this?
@@Astrolavista First of all. Thanks for your answer/suggestion! :) No, but I've seen those. Hm... I will admit I'm kind of a newbie in this field. How would I know if I do? I don't usually have to "extend" the focuser too much to get to focus most of the time. So maybe that's a probelm then. My telecope is a SW Evostar-90, so F10. If that is useful? :D
Hi, i am missing the 2 " to 1.25" adapter @ 3:47 does anyone know where i can get one ? im in the UK cheers
Hi Rob, here are a couple to choose from :) I like this one because it's got the brass compression ring which isn't going to scratch your eyepieces and accessories: www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/moonlite-2-to-125-low-profile-eyepiece-adapter/ref/diyastro/ The only down side is they are on back order at the moment so it depends on how quick you need one?
This one is the ultimate! Baader click lock products are wonderful but it's a bit more money I'm afraid. Although it is in stock (tempted by one myself! ) : www.firstlightoptics.com/adapters/baader-clicklock-2-125-adapter-2956214/ref/diyastro/
I can't see any basic adaptors, just the upgraded options, although it might be worth trying a site called Astroboot. They quite often have components from stock telescope packages. hope that helps :)
Here is a link to Astroboot: www.astroboot.co.uk/AstroBoot#
@@Astrolavista yeah, thats not im after m8, just the stock adapter from 2" to 1.25" i think F.L.O. have sorted me one out, the guy said he found one for me by chance..hope its the right one 🙏
@@RobBob555 Fingers crossed, they're very helpful at FLO so hopefully they can sort you out. If not check the Astroboot link a gave you :)
@@Astrolavista thanks,funny enough i sent a screenshot from your 200p video of you holding the 2" to 1,25" adapter to demonstrate what i needed :O),
BTW i asked in another video if yours, did you get prime focus easily with your DSLR on the 200p ? ( i didnt answer), cheers
why cant you with a crop sensor, view andromeda?
Field of view is dependant on the focal length and sensor size. The 200p has a 1000mm focal length which 'zooms' you in quite far so it's not the right tool for framing very large objects such as Andromeda, not even a full frame camera would do it. You would need a shorter focal of around 300mm, such as a camera lens or very short imaging refractor, then you can frame Andromeda with a crop sensor camera.
How long did you have to wait for it?
Hey Garnett, I've been systematically checking the stock levels at FLO just in case something I wanted cam up, and one day last week I noticed they had 4x 200p in stock! They still have 3 left! I feel very lucky! Prices have gone up quite a bit but it's still a lot of scope for £349. Hope you're well mate?
**I have a video showing how to align the mirrors for the 200p here: **ua-cam.com/video/mc7SalQlzt0/v-deo.html**
The pds version is the normal version. The quattro is the expensive one :O
What is the power of this scope?
How much indian money for this scope?
Hi Babu, the power/magnification depends on what focal length eyepiece you use, but the telescope comes with eyepieces which will give you a range from 40x to 200x. The Sky-Watcher 200p optical tube is currently £349 which works out to 35314.79 Rupee's.
@@Astrolavista tank you
Hi why are you talking about the diameter of the tube itself at 235mm (9.25")?? most people say its a 8" mirror etc it makes it very confusing. Isn't it a 8" reflector?
I guess because I often get asked for this information. People like to know the size and weight for storage and transportation. All I can do is clearly state that it's the tube diameter as well as discuss the mirror diameter which I do. However if enough people find this very confusing I'll rethink it. Anyone else confused by this?
I'm looking at changing from a C8 to a 200PDS for a longer focal length but faster than than the C8 for galaxies. Would you reckon this is a good idea?
Hey Matt, well having owned both C8's and 200p's myself, I would say DSO imaging is easier with a 200p/pds. I found the longer focal length of C8's a bit too challenging for the mounts I've owned, even reduced down to f6.3 at 1280mm. The faster native f/5 focal ratio really makes a difference. Newtonians are also fantastic value for money as you probably know. You're limited to one arcsecond per pixel with seeing conditions anyway, so even with the 200p's 1000mm focal length this can be achieved with a camera with the right pixel pitch. What camera do you use and I'll work out what arcseconds per pixel you'll be running at with a 200p :)
@@Astrolavista I use an Altair 269c
@@matthilton8959 Ok, I'm glad you said, you would be slightly over sampling with the 200p @ 1000mm which gives 0.68 "/pixel with a 269c. From what I understand the seeing conditions close to sea level allow you to resolve between 1 to 2 "/pixel. A C8, (even with the 0.63 reducer) is definitely oversampling at 0.53 "/pixel, so there is absolutely no benefit being at that long focal length unless you bin 2x2, and even then your at the top limit. All you're doing by oversampling is losing sensitivity trying to resolve fine detail which you can't see because the seeing conditions wont allow it. I think binning 2x2 with a 200pds would give the best results. This will give 1.36 "/pixel. nice and sensitive and around the resolution you can often resolve. Then on very still nights with excellent seeing you can bin 1x1 for the really fine detail.
@@Astrolavista I've never binned anything so I'm not to sure what that even entails or does. Lots to learn. Considering purchasing a ZWO 533 what would that work out like with your workings out. Sorry to be a pest.
@@matthilton8959 No worries, usually in the capture software it gives you the option to bin pixels i.e. a 2x2 is where 2x2 pixels are clumped together to form a nice big super pixel made from 4 pixels combined. The 533 is a great camera, I would love one myself. It does have slightly chunkier pixels at 3.76 um so that would be better for longer focal lengths. That would work out to 0.77 "/pixel unbinned with the 200pds, so a little better than the 269c, but not a drastic difference from a sampling point of view. The 533 is supposed to have zero amp glow which might make imaging a little easier. Interesting square format sensor too, but I quite like that :)
How much price sir?
Hi, here in the UK it costs £349.
I left mine I the kitchen like that, and the wife and kids started using it is a rubbish bin it's so big! Ha 👍
So does it reach focus with a camera?
Hi Nick, I'm hoping to get some time this week to tear down my obsy setup and install the 200p, so with a bit of luck I might have the definitive answer soon. I am however 99% sure it will do because if memory serves my last one did. Also there are one or two comments below agreeing it should do :)
@@Astrolavista Thanks mate keep us posted
I sold one of these as it was too heavy for me (disabled) and yes I could reach focus with a Nikon D7200 without a barlow. I replaced it with a much lighter 130PDS which is an amazing scope but mainly because it's within what I can handle physically
Hey Dave, I've been in the 130pds club myself and it's definitely a scope I regret selling! Glad you found a scope you get on with, the 200p is a real beast to move around.
This would be fine on my sw gti, right?
Ah no
@@Astrolavista tad heavy, i googled :) newtonians seem to have biggest apertures for the money but they're heavy. So i need the lightest, cheapest, biggest aperture refractor there is.
@@jesuschrist2284 Yeah the 200p Newtonian in this video weighs about 9kg and the AZ GTI mount is rated up to 5kg. (better with a bit less) What you choose really depends on what you want to achieve. E.g. observing, imaging, deep sky or planetary/Lunar
@@Astrolavista imaging nebula and bigger spiral galaxies
What telescope would you recommend for under £700
Would this be for the optical tube only or for a telescope plus a mount? If it's for the optical tube only what mount do you intend to use? Also what would you like to do with the telescope? E.g. observing and or image, and would you want it primarily for planetary/Lunar, DSO's or even Solar?
@@Astrolavista I'd go for the optical tube and for astrophotography
looks good,
no tripod ?
I use an EQ5 mount :) www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/skywatcher-eq5-deluxe/ref/astrolavista/
I've been asking myself the same question...
Very nice scope!
Cheers dude :)
I have the 250 P and its quite a lump to lug around
I bet! I've just manged to get the 200p setup on the pier, and even that was a little bit of a handful. Have you placed a rail or handle on the top to help with setup?
@@Astrolavista I intend to have it permanently set up on my new garage roof
I have a skywatcher 120 ed apo thats a lot lighter
@@gowdsake7103 That's pretty cool, must be a really solid roof.
@belly tripper Nice play on words, well done.
I'm Antonio from Italy : Great nice telescope one "Submarine"............
Great Video! 👍👍👍
Glad you liked it!
How much did you pay for that telescope?
Hi Beverly, links to the telescope are in the description. Here in the UK it's currently £349. The closest I could find in the US was a Meade 200p f/5 and that was $500. optcorp.com/collections/newtonian-telescopes/products/meade-lx85-8-f-5-newtonian-reflecting-ota-telescope
Nice video, great you could get a scope in this shipping climate, was it from FLO, clear skies lockie
Hey Lee :) FLO have 3 more left in stock! I was systematically checking their stock and a small batch of 200p's came in! :)
@@Astrolavista nice, I'm hoping the shipment from China has come in early for my orders 🤞
@@astronebulee578 Fingers crossed! May I ask what you're getting? I'm nosey ;)
@@Astrolavista no problems, I'm a bit like ooohh what you getting next especially on what the postman brought in sgl, I'm waiting on a star adventurer 2i wifi pro from FLO and my forever scope and life partner to my already owned skymax 127.....an evostar 72ed ds pro from RVO 🤞
@@astronebulee578 haha yeah I also do a bit of lurking on that thread. Both very good choices! A very sensible DSO imaging setup for the fickle weather we have. FLO have the Skyguider Pro's in stock now. They're a little bit more money, but the build is better having tested both. I'm tempted to further empty the bank account on one so I can use it for a series of lens a DLSR reviews I have planned :)
Awesome Chris !! Im Thinking to l Buy This Telescope On My Upgrade of 76mm Mini Dob..Would Be usefull for Both Imaging And Visual, Which is What im Primarily Into..Any Suggestions on The Mount ? Im Considered The EQ6r Or Maybe The NEQ6 Which I Think Would Ben Good for Price. Any More Cheap Options On The Mount Would Be Well Appreciated !! Good Review !!🌠🔭👍
That would be such a good upgrade :) I've been impressed with what you've achieved with the 76mm so I can't imagine what you'll do with a 200p! :D I would definitely go for the EQ6R if you can because it addresses many of the issues that the NEQ6 had such as the bendy alt bolts and the loud gearing with sometimes a bit too much backlash. This is what people say anyway. A cheaper option might be the mount I have, the Explore Scientific EXOS2 pmc8, but I'll let you know how it handles the 200p, cheers :)
Nice, damned shame they've jacked the prices way up on everything
I know right!
Yes, I've heard traders blame Brexit, what rubbish, the Pound has gained against the Dollar and all this stuff is bought in US Dollars,
@@terrybrooks395 I think it's because of a surge in people buying scopes during lockdown. May be a nice second hand market when things get normal
Nice kitchen ... 😁😁😁
Kitchen / Studio / junk room :D
nice tube, subbed.. can’t wait to see follow ups and views...
Welcome aboard! There will be lots of tinkering with the 200p, looking forward to it, cheers!
The pds is 20€ more is it worth it?
If you want to image DSO's and you can find the 200pds is in stock I would go for that. I mainly went for the 200p over the 200pds because it was in stock. However, the important thing is you can do astrophotography with both so you can't really go wrong with either.
The main differences are the pds has a dual speed focuser, a slightly larger secondary mirror for better field illumination (although I haven't noticed a problem with the 200p) and the tube is slightly shorter so you get a bit more focus travel for reaching focus with DLSR's (again I haven't noticed a problem with the 200p for this either)
Having used both the only thing you would actually notice between the two is the dual speed focuser :) it's probably worth the 20 more for that.
I have the money for a new one but I looked at buying it used and then it comes with the eq5 for 190£ But it was brown so is that any different from the black diamond version?
Thanks for the response btw
@@r.g.129 £190 is a good second hand price for the EQ5 mount alone. The optical tube was brown? I've never seen a Brown version unless it's sun faded? Sky-Watcher do the black diamond version (sparkly black) and prior to that they had a light blue livery, many years ago now. I owned the light blue version way back and the only difference I could see was that it didn't reach focus with my DLSR, so the primary mirror must have been set back a bit further down the tube, or the focuser sat a bit higher? Maybe Sky-watcher tweaked this when people started attaching DLSR's to their telescopes. p.s. the only other livery for Sky-watcher was the old gold tube versions of their pro series. Are you sure it's Sky-Watcher?
Yes it definitely was the explorer 200p but like brown/black when I search it on google some seem to have a brown tint to but I was wondering if it was an older version.
Tube length is not 62.2in but 36.2in
Well spotted Karan, must have got muddled. The 200p definitely isn't over 5" long ! 😅
@@Astrolavista yeah! I’m about to buy this one , thought I should double check it’s specs bcz extra 5” won’t do any good:D
Oh no you cant get andromeda with this
DSO wise, the 200p is more for smaller galaxies and nebula. At 1000mm focal length you can only fit the core of M31 into the frame of a typical APS-C size sensor. To capture the full extent of M31 you would need something with a focal length of around 400mm such as an ED70 Refractor.
why are nerds always playing on the floor? Dont you own a table??
lol we do have a small table, however the kids have it totally covered with their stuff and it's too noisy in the living/dining room to record, so I often get relegated to the kitchen floor. As you can see it's not big enough for a table but being on the floor allows for a much better camera angle which is a bonus.
If you do astral phography you need PDS it's designed for photography
О повезло повезло я хотел найти видео про этот телескоп и я нашол
Рад, что это было полезно
@@Astrolavista :)
I don't associate "DIY" with unboxings.
Because my channel name has DIY in it? I take it your channel isn't just about bowrudder's right ? ;) Whilst on the subject of channel names, I've been trying to think of a better one for quite a while now. Maybe one day I'll think of one :)