Perfect way to start the day with an Ed Ting video. Beginner here, and got great views of Saturn, Jupiter, and the Andromeda Galaxy last night with my Orion XT8 PLUS. Just got a few Televue eyepieces and that really took it to the next level. Thank you Ed for all of the great videos and advice you have given.
@@ronstewtsaw 5 Delites, 3 Delos's, and 1 Nagler, from 7mm to 15mm. I like them all equally. I also use them with my 114mm f/4, 130mm f/5, and my 6SE. I use Plossl's for longer focal lengths, but plan on getting the longer Televues in the near future and save the Plossl's for the Trick or Treaters on Halloween. Then I smile at the parents thinking of how much money I just cost them at Christmas. Lol
@@billducas I'm getting a 10" dob (thanks to Ed) to supplement my astrophotography gear for nights when I don't want all the bother. It has a 1250 mm focal length, and Don at Eyepieces Etc recommended that I get 5, 10, 15, 20 & 25 mm. I have been thinking that 4 Delites and a Panoptic should be decent. Now to explain this to the wife.
Just bought a Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTI 150P Collapsible Tabletop GoTo Dobsonian Telescope. The go to version of this telescope. The bottom of the Dobsonian mount will screw onto a Sky Watch tripod. Works nicely. At 8 pounds this is the first 6" optical tube I have been able to use. Entire scope weighs less than 20 pounds. Very nice.
Ed: I told my wife what you said: "she might not even know you bought it", and we had a chuckle. I tell her about your jokes such as: if you take your telescope to bed with you at night you are obsessed. Keep the jokes coming!
If you go deeper and eventually buy a bigger scope, this would continue as a great grab and go. I am doing the opposite. Been using big scopes for decades, have the 130 version coming for grab and go.
Bought the 130p version about 2 months ago in order to "dip my toe," into this hobby and I'm loving it so far. I figure if I ever grew out of it that this would still have use as a travel scope. Was easy to pack up and bring along on a camping trip I went on a few weeks back so I already can say that it works great for that purpose.
Hey Ed! I love your videos. I had a thought after watching nearly all of your videos. Since you have SO many telescopes at your disposal it would be really cool to see some of the same night sky objects but with different types and sizes of telescopes. I'm just getting into the hobby and it's so hard to find a practical, comprehensive guide to how the aperture and scope type can affect what's being viewed. Anyways, keep up the great work!
I bought one of these after seeing your review. Tonight was first light and I am very pleased with its optics and extremely happy with the size. The dob base got cracked during shipment, but I don't care because I don't plan on using it. I threw the tube onto a Skywatcher Az-Gte go-to mount and it worked well, and the scope was surprisingly still well collimated despite the damage to the dob base. I just wanted something easy and quick to set up for visual after I finish setting up my astrophotography equipment. I think the Heritage 150p and the Az-gte (or gti) makes a great lightweight go-to travel setup for visual use.
Just purchased the 130p, as a beginner your videos really helped me choosing a startup scope. The storage container hack is fantastic as my concern was how to transport a table around for easy 'deployment'. Thanks for the help and advice Ed
I am just getting started in astronomy and your videos are my go to on youtube to learn all about it. I cannot thank you enough for the insight and advice. Just ordered your book! I would love to know the details of that planetary imager you showed.
I really enjoyed your review. This does look like a great starter without breaking the bank. I love that it's so compact! But what really shocked me was when you took it off its base! 😲 I already have an eq mount and planetary camera, sooooo.... that gives me more options with this scope.
I am an experienced observer and purchased the 130mm version. I am impressed overall with the scope. The optics are descent. With an Orion 15mm Flat Field eyepiece I could resolve cloud bands on Jupiter and find the Ring Nebula under suburban skies. Structurally the telescope is sound and folds into a very small size. The helical focuser is ok. It is budget, but works for this scope. I added plumbers tape to the threads for better travel. The red dot finder is fine since you have a wide field. For a beginner, it is a low cost way of getting into the hobby. The 130mm apature is very generous for the price, and you can see the planets and bright deep sky objects. It is also highly portable. The eyepieces are good starters, but you may eventually want to upgrade to at least a Plossl. For an experienced observer this makes a great grab and go scope. The optics are decent. Granted an Apo will be better, but for $220, it is a bargain for a wide field travel scope. A huge selling point is it comes with a built in dovetail. I can easily move it to one of my Alt AZ or GEM mounts. Don't bother with the included eyepieces. Overall it is a great scope for the price. It is not my primary scope (my biggest is a 14in goto Dob) but is it perfect for a weekend trip with the wife to take and not fill up half the car. Also, you can make it fit an airline carryon bag. A bonus is if it gets lost or stolen, you are out only a couple hundred dollars.
I want to point out as another alternative the Zhumell Z130. It's got the same 5" optics as the Heritage 130P, but it isn't collapsible, doesn't have an open tube, and has a regular rack & pinion focuser. They're actually the cheapest, when they are available. (Also, the Z114 is a cheaper but 100% identical version of the Orion StarBlast).
I’m in, Ed! I’m a beginner (who has learned nearly everything I know from your videos), and have yet to receive my first purchased telescope. I ordered said telescope thinking it was a different model, so it may end up getting returned if it’s poor quality. I could make great use of a quality beginner scope, especially one that you would recommend. Thanks so much for investing so much time, energy, and passion into sharing this artistry with us!
Right love Ed's video's and learned all i know mostly from watching him but yeah I went and bought this telescope and it's great really easy to take anywhere great quality and it's pretty stout construction too really great little telescope....
I was very satisfied with the 130p, only reason I didn't get the 150p is because it wouldn't fit through my narrow roof apartment door. Both are just really convenient and compact though.
I've got one. Great little travel scope and does what most 6" dobs do. Eyepieces are good. I put 3 light coats of black spray paint on the focuser threads and it slides tight and smooth. No collimation necessary.
6:55 How do you lift it like that? It is kinda heavy... I want to use it on a dark site but I need to take it out from the house, which has a lot of stairs, and I am afraid of dropping it... Also I am afraid that while the car is moving, the mirrors will be messed up. Is that true?
Put your scope in a bag with a round the neck strap (I'm sure you'll make it down the stairs). Sit the bag in the car inside a box with packing foam or that large bubble wrap at the base to reduce vibration while in transit and once you're set up on location a laser collimator will quickly check if your primary or secondary needs adjusting 👍
If these are even halfway decent optically (I assume it's the same optical set as all synta-sourced 6" f/5 newts you see from Orion and Celestron), I might pick one up to use as a grab and go. Considering it has a Vixen rail, I'd just mount it on a decent tripod altaz like an Orion versago. Considering it's a 6" f/5 OTA that only weighs 8 pounds and collapses small enough for airline carry-on, I see a ton of experienced observers picking these up as knockabout travel scopes. More deep sky capability than a small apo refractor, and less of a financial risk to travel with. Also something that can easily live in the car full time to have on hand for impromptu stargazing. This is going to sell like hotcakes. I just wish they sold this OTA in a bundle with a suitable floor-standing manual altaz tripod instead of the mini dob mount, but oh well.
Exactly! I have the 130 version on order for airline and grab and go. Been an astronomer since the late 70s and the big brother 14in Synscan goto Dob is my flagship scope. These scopes look powerful for the cheap price. I plan on setting up a rolling carry-on to have the scope, light tripod, and surplus eyepieces. If lost, damaged, or stolen, my losses are small.
@@ishanr8697 The only difference between the Skywatcher 14" and the Orion 14" Ed reviewed last week is the structure connecting the upper and lower tube assembly. Otherwise they're the same scope. Same optical set, same drive, same controller, same mirror cell, same counterweights, same collapsible base, same focuser. A lot of what Ed said will apply equally to both scopes.
@@tjzambonischwartz Regarding optics and electronics, they are identical. There is one key difference though (other than the truss vs collapseable). I noticed my Sky Watcher has no counterweights, yet the tube does balance with my Nagler in Alt (I thought at first they were missing). I looked at pictures of both and it seems the Orion has a lower alt axis pivot point, moving the axis closer to the mirror and requiring weights. Classic Dob tradeoff and both decided differently. Sky Watcher wanted to place the axis as close to the tube center of gravity as possible. Orion favored a lower pivot to make the mount smaller.
I never miss you videos. I like the chair you used in this video. You should do a review of your favorite chair or stool for astro viewing. What about high-end and budget models? Best chairs for use with small dobsonians and large dobs. Thanks!
8:25 Yes, on a EQ mount you could rotate the tube of the Heritage. I removed the fixed dovetail plate from my Sky-Watcher Heritage 130p and put some Celestron 130p tube rings on it and then a dovetail on the tube rings. I'm guessing then all the 150p Heritage would require is the tube rings from a SW or Celestron, perhaps an Orion 150p and Bob's your Uncle. Only drawback is when you want to collapse the tube back down at the end of an observing session then you have to remove the OTA from the tube rings. A little niggle but a small price to pay to be able to rotate the Heritage tube 😁👍
This one was going to be my first "serious" telescope. Placed an order, waited for 15 days (one month delay) and finally cancelled it. Just to get a Skywatcher 200P classic dobsonian. My wife is still yelling at me... :D :D :D PS: Now i want this one too, damn it!. >_
There's also apparently a go to version of this scope. The neat thing is that it's WIFI based and therefore it doesn't even come with a hand controller. What a time to be alive :-)
You are spot on with your information concerning ease of use and magnification, my favorite eyepiece is a 32 mm Plössl......every now and then I get froggy 2X barlow, seeing is most important with me. Gawdddddd televue the HOLY GRAIL. the 2X barlow changes my weight distribution. GREAT VIDEOS....!!!! Rock ON.......Great Stuff.....absolutely Excellent!
Ed, I would like to know if you have done any reviews on astronomical binoculars, if not, maybe a comparison of the less expensive and the top end models. As always, love your channel. Thanks
First, It's always a good day when there's a new video from Ed. Second, my first telescope was a AWB OneSky which is a 5 inch version of the Heritage 150. It's so easy to grab it and go. Thanks Ed!
@@patrickthibault8119 Hi Patrick It really depends on your expectations. If you're looking for a first telescope or a grab-and-go telescope, it's a great choice. Don't expect Jupiter or Saturn to be the size of beach balls, but even with reasonably dark skies you can see the color bands and moods of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, and the phases of Venus. You should have no problems seeing the Orion Nebula, M42. Hope this helps.
Hi Ed, big fan of your channel! In this video you have a C6 on an AVX. Any chance you're going to review that combination? Any existing videos by you where these two components are discussed? TIA
Brilliant! I wonder how the need for collimation is, given only two directly opposing truss struts. But you didn't complain, so I assume it's OK. Your image of the moon looked good from what I could see. I wish it had been a larger image on screen so I could have examined it further. Your reviews are always great fun, entertaining and informative. Thank you! Keep up the great work!
It can be made rotatable by using a standard 150p Newtonian ring set and remove the installed dovetail. Since I have the Omni XLT150 I can say these little 150 sizes are really pleasant to use for wide-field views. Putting the collapsible on equatorial will give some opportunity to take shots with lighter CMOS cameras. I wouldn't trust a DSLR on that focuser though as the weight will likely cause it to deflect.
Here Italy, i found your long and complete lesson of the telescope heritage 150/750. This telescope low price and mirror parabolic high quality. very well.
I am trying to drag my friends into astronomy and this is going to be the scope I recommend if they ever ask. Skywatcher even makes a Goto version of it, which has the Virtuoso GTi mount (an AZ-GTi with a slightly different form factor and presumably not suitable to be used as an EQ). That helical focuser though. I didn’t know that beforehand, but I suppose it’s still better than those plastic r&p focusers.
Hi Ed thanks for sharing this video I just bought the heritage and that was really helpful. Where can I find and buy that little chair by the way? Thanks
Ordered this exact scope Brand new from a very reputable eBay seller. Got scope to only find out the spotting scope was incorrect. Ended up upgrading to a 8" collapsible skywatcher and I never looked back!
Hi Ed, I've been watching your videos and would like to get a telescope to get my kids into science. we recently rented the starblast 4.5 from the local library and it came in a crate such as the one you demonstrated in this video and we had all types of issues with shaking from the unsteady plastic box. We were able to see the moons of jupiter, rings of saturn and the moon, couldn't quite get the bands of jupiter so we are looking for something a little better than the 4.5, I am not sure I want to eat up space with a 8" dobsonian (nor can you buy one anywhere) so I am interested in this as it is smaller and should get a bit easier to move around yet be a bit better for viewing than the starblast. How close is the Vixen Mount to a standard Photo mount such as Arca-swiss? Reason being, I've got quite a bit of photo gear and some heavy tripods
You're doing really well if you saw all that stuff through the StarBlast. The SkyWatcher 150p is just a bigger version, with all the advantages and disadvantages of the StarBlast, scaled up. If you think you might be serious, go for the standard floorstanding 6" f/8 or 8" f/6 Dobs. I wouldn't trust an Arca Swiss plate to hold a telescope BTW. Photographic tripods tend not to work well with telescopes anyway. Try it and you'll see why...
i like the idea of popping this on my Evolution mount! i do EAA, and wonder with the camera how you kept the focuser from rotating? or would it be easy to replace the focuser?
Hi Ed, thank you for your excellent videos. I noticed you never mentioned any spotting scopes. I wonder how would a spotting scope like the Visionking 30-90x100 compare against the Orion short tube that you recommend. Any thoughts on budget, big aperture scopes are welcomed.
I did an article on Scopereviews on spotting scopes vs telescopes. The disadvantages of the spotting scope for astronomical use are not immediately obvious until you start using one. The 45 degree diagonal winds up being a pain, as does the helical focuser.
I'm thinking of getting either this 6 inch skywatcher heritage tabletop telescope or a "regular" 6 inch dobsonian as my first telescope. The "regular" 6 inch dobsonian costs a bit more but I'm willing to go with that one, if it happens to be the better choice. I'm undecided, is there much of a difference at all between the two in terms of quality and viewing experience? Are deep sky objects visible with either of them?
When given the choice, *always* go for the traditional floorstanding Dob. With the collapsible unit you are constantly searching for something to set it on.
Hi Ed, I just recently moved from Londonderry NH to West Virginia, and am sorry I never got to meet your acquaintance. I wish I had stumbled upon your wonderful podcasts sooner. I'm looking to purchase my first real telescope soon and you have given me much to ponder. Many years ago I had one of the department store travesties that you so aptly state to avoid. Luckily, in spite of that awful experience, I still have an interest in astronomy and find myself outside many a night with my binoculars. What are your thoughts on binocular viewers for eyepieces on telescopes, beyond the fact that you have to have two of every eyepiece? My eyes aren't that great individually, but I think a binocular eyepiece viewer may serve me better overall. Do you know of any two inch binocular viewers for telescopes? I seem to see only the ones for 1.25 eyepieces. Thanks again for your wonderfully informative podcasts. I have a lot of catching up to do.
So i can use this for astrophotography once i get a decent mount? I plan to get an apo eventually but if i could use this scope in the meantime it would be great!
Ed, as always, you bring "the goods". What is the seat that you use, I have searched high and low and have not found one quite like it. Please post a link.
People have been asking about that chair. I can't find it either! It was actually sold as an airport luggage carrier that just happened to fold up into a chair.
Hi, I know I am kind of late to the party. I recently bought the heritage 150p colapsable telescope and I find that the red dot scope isn't enough for faint objects in my light poluted sky so I've been thinking about buying a small finder scope but i do not know where to mount it and how i should aproach mounting it before i buy it.
I got a Heritage 130p from eBay, £30 (with broken mirror). A second eBay purchase was a set of tube rings and primary 130p mirror for £16. Cost in total for a working Heritage 130p, £46. Happy days 😁👍
I've never been a really big fan of truss tube dobsonian telescopes! Primary mirror vulnerability being the primary reason. Dropping stuff on the primary mirror is too much a possibility with this design.
Would u pick the Orion starblast 4.5 or Skywatch 130 . Or bresser messer 150/650 I wanted to go for orion 4.5 starblast but it is ok backorder until Aug. I want it sooner. The other two . Is it good ? Or should I waited ? Thanks a lot
At this point, take whatever you can find in stock. The 4.5" Starblast is also available as a Zhumell Z114 and the Sky-Watcher Heritage 130p is also known as the AWB OneSky. There may be other clone names as well, depending on where in the world you live.
@@edting thank u so much Ed for replying . Would u take a 1) Hertiage 130 ( in stock in store ) brand new 2) heritage 150 (like new ,no box) I travel to get it . (Might even be cheaper than brand new skywatcher #130 3) brand new zhumell (online ) 114 - 4) the seller disappeared after intital conversation that he knows I need to travel far for getting zhumell 130 ( I told him I sincerely would like to purchase .but he just disappear.i am so mad!! ) He did suggested -- bresser messer 130 (he said it is better .but I still would like to get zhumell one ) or he suggested skywatcher .he said will save me some trouble. I really want that zhumell 130. I don't know why people can't just be nice about it . So if u have to line up ... These telescope which one would be ur first choice . Ignore any other factors .price . Time to take . Etc What would be ur order to get them . Would u rather to have a 150? Than a 130? Will u rather to have a 130 than a 114?? Please I would like to know what ur choices are in order and why .thanks a lot
man if I had this scope i'd wax that sexy paint finish! my trusty zhumell z130 served me well, i wonder how much of a difference that 1 inch would make
hey ed, who makes the best 8 inch dobs: orion, sky-watcher, explore scientific, zhumell, apertura? if you had to choose first choice second choice third choice, what would it be? thanks for your help
Oddly enough, this scope isn't even listed on SW's site anymore (Oct '22). Sad...cause it seems like a great size for both portability and light gathering.
The mirror is a parabola. I typically don't worry too much about star tests and the like on these inexpensive scopes, unless something is obviously wrong, which isn't the case here.
@@edting I agree. I used to spend hours doing star testing. This gets silly after awhile. I have seen too many good-quality telescopes that don’t do well on the star test. On my high-end refractors, I usually look at fine planetary details. On small, inexpensive telescopes, I typically do a quick one-time Rhonchi test to get the urge to star test out of my system. Some SA is OK, as is CA, but on-axis, astigmatism or pinched optics is a deal-breaker. Star images must be round!
My youngest Son wants to get me a telescope ('cuz I love star gazing with the NE) and I've been checkin' out your video's (which are excellent BTW) and I'm sold on the Orion XT8 but can't seem to find one. Any suggestions?
great video as always! Here's a question for anyone to answer: this scope or one of those 20x80 binos which are half the price of this? (I already have a good tripod) thanks!
7:50 You just know Ed Ting is a real astronomer from the exaggerated swagger and confidence with which he manhandles a $700 C6 like it's a screwdriver. For those that don't know, Celestron makes three 6" SCTs that are all basically the same apart from the paintjob. When you see the orange tube (NexStar 6SE) that's the cheapest one (really meaning it came with the cheapest mount), the grey tube is a slight upgrade (Nexstar Evolution 6), and the black tube is the one that comes with only a tube and no mount (C6). You know somebody is a serious astronomer when they have a C6 because they knew enough to say "I want this tube, I already have a mount for it". And typically that mount is going to be better and more expensive than either of the NexStar ones.
Hi Ed - I have a similar telescope - the 150mm / 650mm focal length - I went outside last night - however I could not split the double double - the seperation on one of them was 2.5 seconds of arc AB (I could obviously see both the doubles) - should I be able to split using this telescope? If not what should I be looking at getting to split down to 2 seconds of arc? Thanks
It's possible on paper with the scope, but it may be tough. You need good optics that are well collimated, 100X+, and a base steady enough to hold things at that power.
I have that telescope the Heritage 150p but the view from the eyepiece is upside down. Is there any way that I can correct the view in the eyepiece without making the view worse?
For an astronomical telescope, we never worry about image orientation. If you must have a correct-image view, you need something called a spotting scope. It's out of my area of expertise.
I easily made a semi-permanent shroud from some sturdy black paper. There's a video here on UA-cam that shows how to make one out of craft foam, I just did the same way.
there is a goto version of this scope available in INTL markets, but sadly not US yet. If anyone has a link to buy the GOTO version in US, please post it!
![[UA] NAVI vs MOUZ | BO5 | IEM Rio 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CMBYk0cbGoA/mqdefault.jpg)
“She might not even know you bought it” 😂
Perfect way to start the day with an Ed Ting video. Beginner here, and got great views of Saturn, Jupiter, and the Andromeda Galaxy last night with my Orion XT8 PLUS. Just got a few Televue eyepieces and that really took it to the next level. Thank you Ed for all of the great videos and advice you have given.
Which Tele Vues?
@@ronstewtsaw 5 Delites, 3 Delos's, and 1 Nagler, from 7mm to 15mm. I like them all equally. I also use them with my 114mm f/4, 130mm f/5, and my 6SE. I use Plossl's for longer focal lengths, but plan on getting the longer Televues in the near future and save the Plossl's for the Trick or Treaters on Halloween. Then I smile at the parents thinking of how much money I just cost them at Christmas. Lol
@@billducas I'm getting a 10" dob (thanks to Ed) to supplement my astrophotography gear for nights when I don't want all the bother. It has a 1250 mm focal length, and Don at Eyepieces Etc recommended that I get 5, 10, 15, 20 & 25 mm. I have been thinking that 4 Delites and a Panoptic should be decent. Now to explain this to the wife.
Seriously I've spent so much money on this hobby on advice from ed ting anything he suggest I know it's official
Just bought a Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTI 150P Collapsible Tabletop GoTo Dobsonian Telescope. The go to version of this telescope. The bottom of the Dobsonian mount will screw onto a Sky Watch tripod. Works nicely. At 8 pounds this is the first 6" optical tube I have been able to use. Entire scope weighs less than 20 pounds. Very nice.
Ed: I told my wife what you said: "she might not even know you bought it", and we had a chuckle. I tell her about your jokes such as: if you take your telescope to bed with you at night you are obsessed. Keep the jokes coming!
Ed would probably say, "snitches get stitches".
Just purchased a 130mm version of this telescope. Absolutely new to this game so your video was just what I needed to see. Outstanding video.
I bought one of these as a starter scope, it made me thoroughly love this hobby
If you go deeper and eventually buy a bigger scope, this would continue as a great grab and go. I am doing the opposite. Been using big scopes for decades, have the 130 version coming for grab and go.
Bought the 130p version about 2 months ago in order to "dip my toe," into this hobby and I'm loving it so far. I figure if I ever grew out of it that this would still have use as a travel scope. Was easy to pack up and bring along on a camping trip I went on a few weeks back so I already can say that it works great for that purpose.
can you split the double-double? The AB pair is 2.5 degrees of arc seperation.
Hey Ed! I love your videos. I had a thought after watching nearly all of your videos. Since you have SO many telescopes at your disposal it would be really cool to see some of the same night sky objects but with different types and sizes of telescopes. I'm just getting into the hobby and it's so hard to find a practical, comprehensive guide to how the aperture and scope type can affect what's being viewed. Anyways, keep up the great work!
My first telescope will be this! I’ve been star gazing and tracking stars using apps and want to get deeper into it. Thank you for your review.
I bought one of these after seeing your review. Tonight was first light and I am very pleased with its optics and extremely happy with the size. The dob base got cracked during shipment, but I don't care because I don't plan on using it. I threw the tube onto a Skywatcher Az-Gte go-to mount and it worked well, and the scope was surprisingly still well collimated despite the damage to the dob base. I just wanted something easy and quick to set up for visual after I finish setting up my astrophotography equipment. I think the Heritage 150p and the Az-gte (or gti) makes a great lightweight go-to travel setup for visual use.
I have the 130 and agree with you 100%
Just purchased the 130p, as a beginner your videos really helped me choosing a startup scope. The storage container hack is fantastic as my concern was how to transport a table around for easy 'deployment'. Thanks for the help and advice Ed
I use a reinforced 20gal galvanized trashcan for my OneSky. Its a perfect fit. Flip it over and it makes a just right size table.
I already have a 6" newtonian and recently got a 12" dob which I absolutely love. So I have no need for one of these scopes, but I still want one.
I am just getting started in astronomy and your videos are my go to on youtube to learn all about it. I cannot thank you enough for the insight and advice. Just ordered your book! I would love to know the details of that planetary imager you showed.
Yes, where is the link for that?
just got the 130 for my son. glad I didn't make a mistake as there are so many out there and this is our first telescope
Great little first scope and a far better avenue to take than the department store trash scopes
I really enjoyed your review. This does look like a great starter without breaking the bank. I love that it's so compact! But what really shocked me was when you took it off its base! 😲 I already have an eq mount and planetary camera, sooooo.... that gives me more options with this scope.
I am an experienced observer and purchased the 130mm version. I am impressed overall with the scope. The optics are descent. With an Orion 15mm Flat Field eyepiece I could resolve cloud bands on Jupiter and find the Ring Nebula under suburban skies. Structurally the telescope is sound and folds into a very small size. The helical focuser is ok. It is budget, but works for this scope. I added plumbers tape to the threads for better travel. The red dot finder is fine since you have a wide field.
For a beginner, it is a low cost way of getting into the hobby. The 130mm apature is very generous for the price, and you can see the planets and bright deep sky objects. It is also highly portable. The eyepieces are good starters, but you may eventually want to upgrade to at least a Plossl.
For an experienced observer this makes a great grab and go scope. The optics are decent. Granted an Apo will be better, but for $220, it is a bargain for a wide field travel scope. A huge selling point is it comes with a built in dovetail. I can easily move it to one of my Alt AZ or GEM mounts. Don't bother with the included eyepieces.
Overall it is a great scope for the price. It is not my primary scope (my biggest is a 14in goto Dob) but is it perfect for a weekend trip with the wife to take and not fill up half the car. Also, you can make it fit an airline carryon bag. A bonus is if it gets lost or stolen, you are out only a couple hundred dollars.
Thank you for this comment I will be buying one!
I want to point out as another alternative the Zhumell Z130. It's got the same 5" optics as the Heritage 130P, but it isn't collapsible, doesn't have an open tube, and has a regular rack & pinion focuser. They're actually the cheapest, when they are available. (Also, the Z114 is a cheaper but 100% identical version of the Orion StarBlast).
Hey nice job with that felt/velcro - looked clean!
I’ve been eye-balling this scope myself, haven’t pulled the trigger yet.
I’m in, Ed! I’m a beginner (who has learned nearly everything I know from your videos), and have yet to receive my first purchased telescope. I ordered said telescope thinking it was a different model, so it may end up getting returned if it’s poor quality. I could make great use of a quality beginner scope, especially one that you would recommend. Thanks so much for investing so much time, energy, and passion into sharing this artistry with us!
Right love Ed's video's and learned all i know mostly from watching him but yeah I went and bought this telescope and it's great really easy to take anywhere great quality and it's pretty stout construction too really great little telescope....
I was very satisfied with the 130p, only reason I didn't get the 150p is because it wouldn't fit through my narrow roof apartment door. Both are just really convenient and compact though.
I've got one. Great little travel scope and does what most 6" dobs do. Eyepieces are good. I put 3 light coats of black spray paint on the focuser threads and it slides tight and smooth. No collimation necessary.
Hey Rod,
I can't locate a 150p but 130s are available. Do you think it would be much of a loss between the 5 compared to the 6-inch?
@@patrickthibault8119 Hardly. I think you'd like the 130 or you could also get a zhumell 130, its just as good and possibly cheaper.
Just got me one last month and LOVE it.
It's October here in Simi Valley and noticed the night sky is brighter. Cant wait to go out again 🙏
6:55 How do you lift it like that? It is kinda heavy... I want to use it on a dark site but I need to take it out from the house, which has a lot of stairs, and I am afraid of dropping it... Also I am afraid that while the car is moving, the mirrors will be messed up. Is that true?
Put your scope in a bag with a round the neck strap (I'm sure you'll make it down the stairs). Sit the bag in the car inside a box with packing foam or that large bubble wrap at the base to reduce vibration while in transit and once you're set up on location a laser collimator will quickly check if your primary or secondary needs adjusting 👍
I use this as a travel scope. I did DIY a built-in light shroud though
If these are even halfway decent optically (I assume it's the same optical set as all synta-sourced 6" f/5 newts you see from Orion and Celestron), I might pick one up to use as a grab and go. Considering it has a Vixen rail, I'd just mount it on a decent tripod altaz like an Orion versago. Considering it's a 6" f/5 OTA that only weighs 8 pounds and collapses small enough for airline carry-on, I see a ton of experienced observers picking these up as knockabout travel scopes. More deep sky capability than a small apo refractor, and less of a financial risk to travel with. Also something that can easily live in the car full time to have on hand for impromptu stargazing. This is going to sell like hotcakes.
I just wish they sold this OTA in a bundle with a suitable floor-standing manual altaz tripod instead of the mini dob mount, but oh well.
Exactly! I have the 130 version on order for airline and grab and go. Been an astronomer since the late 70s and the big brother 14in Synscan goto Dob is my flagship scope.
These scopes look powerful for the cheap price. I plan on setting up a rolling carry-on to have the scope, light tripod, and surplus eyepieces. If lost, damaged, or stolen, my losses are small.
How is the 14 inch? I have a 12 inch on order and I can't wait!
@@ishanr8697 it is great. Ergonomic design and great optics. I managed to setup and breakdown the scope at a remote location myself.
@@ishanr8697 The only difference between the Skywatcher 14" and the Orion 14" Ed reviewed last week is the structure connecting the upper and lower tube assembly. Otherwise they're the same scope. Same optical set, same drive, same controller, same mirror cell, same counterweights, same collapsible base, same focuser. A lot of what Ed said will apply equally to both scopes.
@@tjzambonischwartz Regarding optics and electronics, they are identical. There is one key difference though (other than the truss vs collapseable). I noticed my Sky Watcher has no counterweights, yet the tube does balance with my Nagler in Alt (I thought at first they were missing). I looked at pictures of both and it seems the Orion has a lower alt axis pivot point, moving the axis closer to the mirror and requiring weights.
Classic Dob tradeoff and both decided differently. Sky Watcher wanted to place the axis as close to the tube center of gravity as possible. Orion favored a lower pivot to make the mount smaller.
I never miss you videos. I like the chair you used in this video. You should do a review of your favorite chair or stool for astro viewing. What about high-end and budget models? Best chairs for use with small dobsonians and large dobs. Thanks!
and binocular chairs (denver, etc).
Wow, I liked that little scope! Thanks for the review Mr. Ting.
Pretty good entry level budget Newt, smart move by S.W. throwing a vixen plate on this to facilitate an EQ mount.
I have been looking for a small, cheap grab and go. The vixen plate sold me on the 130 version.
Just got my first one on sale for $260. Let the adventure begin
Got my Heritage 130p from eBay £46.
I'm watching, right now, the same Skywatcher but the Heritage FlexTube GTi version ( GoTo )for 475 euros! Another great review mister Ting!
8:25 Yes, on a EQ mount you could rotate the tube of the Heritage. I removed the fixed dovetail plate from my Sky-Watcher Heritage 130p and put some Celestron 130p tube rings on it and then a dovetail on the tube rings. I'm guessing then all the 150p Heritage would require is the tube rings from a SW or Celestron, perhaps an Orion 150p and Bob's your Uncle. Only drawback is when you want to collapse the tube back down at the end of an observing session then you have to remove the OTA from the tube rings. A little niggle but a small price to pay to be able to rotate the Heritage tube 😁👍
This one was going to be my first "serious" telescope.
Placed an order, waited for 15 days (one month delay) and finally cancelled it. Just to get a Skywatcher 200P classic dobsonian.
My wife is still yelling at me... :D :D :D
PS: Now i want this one too, damn it!. >_
Sold me! Thanks for making this video!
There's also apparently a go to version of this scope. The neat thing is that it's WIFI based and therefore it doesn't even come with a hand controller. What a time to be alive :-)
Thank you for the great review ! I had a good laugh at the end too! 😂
This vs AstroMaster 102AZ which one would you prefer Ed?
Avoid AstroMasters and PowerSeekers.
my wife has an interest in the hobby, right now she has a pair of zhummel astro binoculars, been looking at this scope for her.
You are spot on with your information concerning ease of use and magnification, my favorite eyepiece is a 32 mm Plössl......every now and then I get froggy 2X barlow, seeing is most important with me. Gawdddddd televue the HOLY GRAIL. the 2X barlow changes my weight distribution. GREAT VIDEOS....!!!!
Rock ON.......Great Stuff.....absolutely Excellent!
Ed, I would like to know if you have done any reviews on astronomical binoculars, if not, maybe a comparison of the less expensive and the top end models. As always, love your channel. Thanks
First, It's always a good day when there's a new video from Ed. Second, my first telescope was a AWB OneSky which is a 5 inch version of the Heritage 150. It's so easy to grab it and go. Thanks Ed!
Hey Kevin,
I am considering the 130p. Do you find the 5-inch a good choice?
@@patrickthibault8119 Hi Patrick
It really depends on your expectations. If you're looking for a first telescope or a grab-and-go telescope, it's a great choice. Don't expect Jupiter or Saturn to be the size of beach balls, but even with reasonably dark skies you can see the color bands and moods of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, and the phases of Venus. You should have no problems seeing the Orion Nebula, M42. Hope this helps.
Great video with lots of good advice. Thanks!
Thanks Ed. For a beginner scope for kids 10 and 12 yrs,150p or 130p ,if budget not a problem?
Hi Ed, big fan of your channel! In this video you have a C6 on an AVX. Any chance you're going to review that combination? Any existing videos by you where these two components are discussed? TIA
Brilliant! I wonder how the need for collimation is, given only two directly opposing truss struts. But you didn't complain, so I assume it's OK. Your image of the moon looked good from what I could see. I wish it had been a larger image on screen so I could have examined it further.
Your reviews are always great fun, entertaining and informative. Thank you! Keep up the great work!
It holds very well :)
It can be made rotatable by using a standard 150p Newtonian ring set and remove the installed dovetail. Since I have the Omni XLT150 I can say these little 150 sizes are really pleasant to use for wide-field views.
Putting the collapsible on equatorial will give some opportunity to take shots with lighter CMOS cameras. I wouldn't trust a DSLR on that focuser though as the weight will likely cause it to deflect.
I love mine - I'd recommend it to any beginner.
Great review, much appreciated. 👍🏽😘
Here Italy, i found your long and complete lesson of the telescope heritage 150/750. This telescope low price and mirror parabolic high quality. very well.
I am trying to drag my friends into astronomy and this is going to be the scope I recommend if they ever ask. Skywatcher even makes a Goto version of it, which has the Virtuoso GTi mount (an AZ-GTi with a slightly different form factor and presumably not suitable to be used as an EQ).
That helical focuser though. I didn’t know that beforehand, but I suppose it’s still better than those plastic r&p focusers.
Hi Ed thanks for sharing this video I just bought the heritage and that was really helpful. Where can I find and buy that little chair by the way? Thanks
When i used a tabletop scope, i just put it on a solid stool with a flat wood top, then sat on another with adjustable height.
Love your videos, thank you.
Ordered this exact scope Brand new from a very reputable eBay seller. Got scope to only find out the spotting scope was incorrect.
Ended up upgrading to a 8" collapsible skywatcher and I never looked back!
11:05 ❤ I feel you
Hi Ed,
I've been watching your videos and would like to get a telescope to get my kids into science. we recently rented the starblast 4.5 from the local library and it came in a crate such as the one you demonstrated in this video and we had all types of issues with shaking from the unsteady plastic box. We were able to see the moons of jupiter, rings of saturn and the moon, couldn't quite get the bands of jupiter so we are looking for something a little better than the 4.5, I am not sure I want to eat up space with a 8" dobsonian (nor can you buy one anywhere) so I am interested in this as it is smaller and should get a bit easier to move around yet be a bit better for viewing than the starblast.
How close is the Vixen Mount to a standard Photo mount such as Arca-swiss? Reason being, I've got quite a bit of photo gear and some heavy tripods
You're doing really well if you saw all that stuff through the StarBlast. The SkyWatcher 150p is just a bigger version, with all the advantages and disadvantages of the StarBlast, scaled up. If you think you might be serious, go for the standard floorstanding 6" f/8 or 8" f/6 Dobs. I wouldn't trust an Arca Swiss plate to hold a telescope BTW. Photographic tripods tend not to work well with telescopes anyway. Try it and you'll see why...
i like the idea of popping this on my Evolution mount! i do EAA, and wonder with the camera how you kept the focuser from rotating? or would it be easy to replace the focuser?
Dang that has a lot going for it. How did the view compare to your C6?
The C6 is much better. But it costs more...
Hi Ed, thank you for your excellent videos. I noticed you never mentioned any spotting scopes. I wonder how would a spotting scope like the Visionking 30-90x100 compare against the Orion short tube that you recommend. Any thoughts on budget, big aperture scopes are welcomed.
I did an article on Scopereviews on spotting scopes vs telescopes. The disadvantages of the spotting scope for astronomical use are not immediately obvious until you start using one. The 45 degree diagonal winds up being a pain, as does the helical focuser.
She might not even know you bought it hahahahaha
Thank you Ed for your reviews.
Do you think is better than the Orion StarBlast 6 ?
Nice scope I need one !
I'm thinking of getting either this 6 inch skywatcher heritage tabletop telescope or a "regular" 6 inch dobsonian as my first telescope. The "regular" 6 inch dobsonian costs a bit more but I'm willing to go with that one, if it happens to be the better choice. I'm undecided, is there much of a difference at all between the two in terms of quality and viewing experience? Are deep sky objects visible with either of them?
When given the choice, *always* go for the traditional floorstanding Dob. With the collapsible unit you are constantly searching for something to set it on.
Hi Ed, I just recently moved from Londonderry NH to West Virginia, and am sorry I never got to meet your acquaintance. I wish I had stumbled upon your wonderful podcasts sooner. I'm looking to purchase my first real telescope soon and you have given me much to ponder. Many years ago I had one of the department store travesties that you so aptly state to avoid. Luckily, in spite of that awful experience, I still have an interest in astronomy and find myself outside many a night with my binoculars. What are your thoughts on binocular viewers for eyepieces on telescopes, beyond the fact that you have to have two of every eyepiece? My eyes aren't that great individually, but I think a binocular eyepiece viewer may serve me better overall. Do you know of any two inch binocular viewers for telescopes? I seem to see only the ones for 1.25 eyepieces. Thanks again for your wonderfully informative podcasts. I have a lot of catching up to do.
So i can use this for astrophotography once i get a decent mount? I plan to get an apo eventually but if i could use this scope in the meantime it would be great!
I could not find the 6" f/5 Sky-Watcher Heritage 150p Tabletop Telescope. for $280. Where did you buy it from?
Ed, as always, you bring "the goods". What is the seat that you use, I have searched high and low and have not found one quite like it. Please post a link.
People have been asking about that chair. I can't find it either! It was actually sold as an airport luggage carrier that just happened to fold up into a chair.
Hi, I know I am kind of late to the party. I recently bought the heritage 150p colapsable telescope and I find that the red dot scope isn't enough for faint objects in my light poluted sky so I've been thinking about buying a small finder scope but i do not know where to mount it and how i should aproach mounting it before i buy it.
Given the demand for this gem and supply chain issues, this scope is backordered by most outlets. The 130p is available in limited supplies.
I'm in! We Enjoy the videos
Just got one on sale for 360. Dang inflation
I got a Heritage 130p from eBay, £30 (with broken mirror). A second eBay purchase was a set of tube rings and primary 130p mirror for £16. Cost in total for a working Heritage 130p, £46. Happy days 😁👍
How do you collimate this? Is there a risk of the secondary falling out and breaking if you do?
I've never been a really big fan of truss tube dobsonian telescopes! Primary mirror vulnerability being the primary reason. Dropping stuff on the primary mirror is too much a possibility with this design.
Would u pick the Orion starblast 4.5 or Skywatch 130 . Or bresser messer 150/650 I wanted to go for orion 4.5 starblast but it is ok backorder until Aug. I want it sooner. The other two . Is it good ? Or should I waited ? Thanks a lot
At this point, take whatever you can find in stock. The 4.5" Starblast is also available as a Zhumell Z114 and the Sky-Watcher Heritage 130p is also known as the AWB OneSky. There may be other clone names as well, depending on where in the world you live.
@@edting thank u so much Ed for replying .
Would u take a
1) Hertiage 130 ( in stock in store ) brand new
2) heritage 150 (like new ,no box) I travel to get it .
(Might even be cheaper than brand new skywatcher #130
3) brand new zhumell (online ) 114 -
4) the seller disappeared after intital conversation that he knows I need to travel far for getting zhumell 130 ( I told him I sincerely would like to purchase .but he just disappear.i am so mad!! ) He did suggested -- bresser messer 130 (he said it is better .but I still would like to get zhumell one ) or he suggested skywatcher .he said will save me some trouble. I really want that zhumell 130. I don't know why people can't just be nice about it .
So if u have to line up ... These telescope which one would be ur first choice . Ignore any other factors .price . Time to take . Etc
What would be ur order to get them . Would u rather to have a 150? Than a 130? Will u rather to have a 130 than a 114?? Please I would like to know what ur choices are in order and why .thanks a lot
man if I had this scope i'd wax that sexy paint finish! my trusty zhumell z130 served me well, i wonder how much of a difference that 1 inch would make
hey ed, who makes the best 8 inch dobs: orion, sky-watcher, explore scientific, zhumell, apertura? if you had to choose first choice second choice third choice, what would it be? thanks for your help
They are all based on the same platforms. Buy the one that gives you the best deal at the time of ordering, or the one(s) you can find in stock.
Oddly enough, this scope isn't even listed on SW's site anymore (Oct '22). Sad...cause it seems like a great size for both portability and light gathering.
Always enjoy your video...thanks...not sure I would buy this product...think the Skywatcher 8 inch Dobsonian is better bang for the buck
Yes but it's also $200 more
ED, Nicely done. Is the mirror a paraboloid? Rhonchi test?
The mirror is a parabola. I typically don't worry too much about star tests and the like on these inexpensive scopes, unless something is obviously wrong, which isn't the case here.
@@edting I agree. I used to spend hours doing star testing. This gets silly after awhile. I have seen too many good-quality telescopes that don’t do well on the star test. On my high-end refractors, I usually look at fine planetary details. On small, inexpensive telescopes, I typically do a quick one-time Rhonchi test to get the urge to star test out of my system. Some SA is OK, as is CA, but on-axis, astigmatism or pinched optics is a deal-breaker. Star images must be round!
Is the 130p worse by a lot? I ordered 130p and I didn't know 150p existed I am screwed
My youngest Son wants to get me a telescope ('cuz I love star gazing with the NE) and I've been checkin' out your video's (which are excellent BTW) and I'm sold on the Orion XT8 but can't seem to find one. Any suggestions?
There's a global shortage of telescopes right now. We're all in the same boat, waiting for our scopes. Hopefully the pipeline will clear up soon!
great video as always!
Here's a question for anyone to answer: this scope or one of those 20x80 binos which are half the price of this? (I already have a good tripod)
thanks!
7:50 You just know Ed Ting is a real astronomer from the exaggerated swagger and confidence with which he manhandles a $700 C6 like it's a screwdriver.
For those that don't know, Celestron makes three 6" SCTs that are all basically the same apart from the paintjob. When you see the orange tube (NexStar 6SE) that's the cheapest one (really meaning it came with the cheapest mount), the grey tube is a slight upgrade (Nexstar Evolution 6), and the black tube is the one that comes with only a tube and no mount (C6). You know somebody is a serious astronomer when they have a C6 because they knew enough to say "I want this tube, I already have a mount for it". And typically that mount is going to be better and more expensive than either of the NexStar ones.
Hi Ed - I have a similar telescope - the 150mm / 650mm focal length - I went outside last night - however I could not split the double double - the seperation on one of them was 2.5 seconds of arc AB (I could obviously see both the doubles) - should I be able to split using this telescope? If not what should I be looking at getting to split down to 2 seconds of arc? Thanks
It's possible on paper with the scope, but it may be tough. You need good optics that are well collimated, 100X+, and a base steady enough to hold things at that power.
@@edting Ok thanks Ed. I can split down to about 10secs - I am a beginner with a few months experience.
Is there a shop link to buy that dobsonian model ? Didn't find it in the video description
You can try some of our usual sellers, which include Astronomics, Woodland Hills, Anacortes, High Point Scientific, OPT, and others.
@@edting ok, any recommendation for Europe ? It seems quite new 🙃
I have that telescope the Heritage 150p but the view from the eyepiece is upside down. Is there any way that I can correct the view in the eyepiece without making the view worse?
For an astronomical telescope, we never worry about image orientation. If you must have a correct-image view, you need something called a spotting scope. It's out of my area of expertise.
a strip of plumber's pipe tape (from any hardware store) is a cheap way to take the slop out of the focuser.
Which eyepiece would I buy for maximum magnification on this?
I spent most of the video wondering what this would look like on an EQ mount. Beware, Ed is reading minds around the 8:00 mark.
Perfect for schools.
A light shroud available?
Small enough to make with a yard of black polyester cloth from Jo Ann's and a few velcro stickers.
I easily made a semi-permanent shroud from some sturdy black paper. There's a video here on UA-cam that shows how to make one out of craft foam, I just did the same way.
They have to hire Ed at my favorite Science Channel show.....How the Universe Works.
there is a goto version of this scope available in INTL markets, but sadly not US yet. If anyone has a link to buy the GOTO version in US, please post it!
Now my paralysis-by-analysis telescope short-list grows longer.
FYI, those "Super" eyepieces are Kellners. If they don't say Plossl, they ain't Plossls.
I'd love to know where he gets these at the price he claims, they are always waaaaay more than he claims.
Prices have gone way up since these videos first premiered. We're all dealing with the same situation...
"She might not even know you bought it..." Lol! Trying to figure out how to smuggle in a 13.1 Coulter...
Try that with a 25" f5 Obsession.
@Brian Coley and I thought I was the master.... Lol! 🤣
I'm in
I'm a official fan girl of urs now
👍🏽
11:03 haha clever