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Sky-Watcher EvoStar 120 APO Doublet Refractor – Compact and Portable Optical Tube for Affordable Astrophotography and Visual Astronomy
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Celestron |
Optical Tube Length | 120 Millimeters |
Eye Piece Lens Description | Fiber Optic |
Objective Lens Diameter | 120 Millimeters |
Telescope Mount Description | Fiber Optic |
Product Dimensions | 44"D x 15"W x 14"H |
Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Finderscope | Right angle |
Item Weight | 13.9 Pounds |
Lens Coating Description | Ultra-High Transmission Coated |
About this item
- EXPERTLY MATCHED GLASS: The EvoStar series features a matched doublet objective including one synthetic fluorite element, providing excellent color correction for visual and photographic uses
- OUTSTANDING COLOR CORRECTION: Using the finest quality glass and proprietary Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC), EvoStar refractors produce tack sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations
- EVOLVES WITH SKILL: No need to replace this telescope as your skill set evolves. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a budding novice, EvoStar refractors are versatile enough to use as your primary optical tube as your skill-set improves
- 10:1 DUAL-SPEED FOCUSER: No matter the eyepiece or camera, finding focus is a breeze with this 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The EvoStar 120 comes complete with a foam-lined aluminum hard case, 8x50 Right Angle Correct Image (RACI) Finderscope, 2” Dielectric Diagonal, 5mm and 25mm LET Eyepiece, 1.25” Adapter, Mounting Rings and a V-Style Dovetail
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Price | -20% $1,999.00$1,999.00 List: $2,490.00 | -28% $111.58$111.58 List: $155.99 | -7% $449.99$449.99 List: $484.99 | -21% $849.00$849.00 List: $1,080.00 | -20% $999.00$999.00 List: $1,255.00 | -17% $332.00$332.00 List: $400.00 |
Delivery | Get it Apr 5 - 10 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Value for money | — | — | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.2 | — |
Light weight | — | — | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.2 | — |
Sold By | Adorama | Hour Loop | SVBONY Direct | Amazon.com | Celestron Direct | Amazon.com |
focus type | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus |
eye piece lens | Fiber Optic | K9 | ED | GLASS | Barlow | Kellner |
objective lens diameter | 120 millimeters | 60 millimeters | 80 millimeters | 80 millimeters | 100 millimeters | 102 millimeters |
telescope mount | Fiber Optic | Altazimuth Mount | Fixed Mount | — | — | Altazimuth Mount |
lens coating | Ultra-High Transmission Coated | — | Fully Multi-Coated | Ultra-High Transmission Coated | Ultra-High Transmission Coated | Fully Multi-Coated |
weight | 13.9 pounds | 1 pounds | 3.5 kilograms | 7.3 pounds | 8.4 pounds | 15 pounds |
finderscope | Right angle | 5x20 | Reflex | Reflex | Reflex | Reflex |
optical tube length | 120 millimeters | — | 460 millimeters | — | — | 558 millimeters |
What's in the box
From the manufacturer
Sky-Watcher ProED 120mm Doublet APO Refractor Telescope
The additional aperture of this telescope provides a dramatic increase in resolution and a heightened sense of seeing lunar and planetary surface phenomenon in seemingly 3D-like high-definition. Tight globular star clusters like M13 in Constellation Hercules appear like a beehive of crisp stellar pinpoints, star upon thousands of stars deep into the objects core. In Deep-space, rich aggregates of stars within Galaxies, Nebulas, and open clusters appear brilliant contrasted against a very dark velvet black background. The wispy, delicate, featherlike structure of dust lanes and extension of glowing gasses can be seen reaching out far beyond the object’s core.
Light-Baffled Optical Systems
The objective lens cell is light-baffled to reject stray, unfocused light. The draw tube is likewise baffled to ensure optimum contrast. The tube interior is flat blackened to help prevent unfocused internal light reflections from reaching the focal plane.
Precision 2” Dual Speed Crayford Focuser as Standard
Optical focus is achieved by means of a mechanically ultra-smooth, backlash-free, precision 2” Dual Speed Crayford Focuser-assembly. This focuser offers fine and ultra-fine focusing adjustments.
Tube Materials
The optical tube material is rolled steel, powder-coated reflective gloss black with gold fleck accent. The front and back cells are cast-aluminum painted white, or black.
- Positioning Accuracy up to 1 arc minute. Accuracy enhanced by software collimation
- Auto Guider Interface for astrophotography.
- Minimal vibration for steady long-exposure photography.
- Periodic Error Correction
Product Description
For astronomers looking to elevate their viewing experience with superior extra-low dispersion glass, look no further than Sky-Watcher’s EvoStar series of apochromatic doublets. Whether you’re viewing the Moon for the first time or a seasoned astronomer, savor one of the finest viewing experiences Sky-Watcher has to offer.The EvoStar ED refractor lens assembly utilizes a proprietary combination of matched lenses, designed to deliver optimum visual and photographic performance. Even when observing bright planetary objects, the EvoStar ED refractor minimizes color fringing to deliver an image with tack-sharp stars. Central to Sky-Watcher’s color correction is their Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC ), which eliminates virtually all false color. All EvoStar ED refractor optical tubes have been light-baffled to minimize stray light, and the tube interior features a matte black finish to prevent light reflections from reaching the focal plane.For the visual astronomer looking to try their hand at astrophotography, the Sky-Watcher EvoStar ED refractor series provides the perfect pathway to professional-level imaging without the need for braking the bank. Doublets cost less to produce, making them considerably less expensive than triplets. Additionally, fewer lens elements means less glass, which means less weight. Less weight means you can handle your equipment with a less beefy – thus less expensive – mount. With these savings you can invest in a new camera or laptop to enhance your astrophotography.Like the optics, the tube is beautifully crafted featuring rolled steel with our Sky-Watcher signature Black Diamond metal-flake finish. To contrast, the front and rear cells are constructed with a textured off-white aluminum casting. Whether you’re viewing from a home observatory or at an outreach event, the EvoStar ED refractor stands out amongst a crowded field of telescopes.Sky-Watcher EvoStar includes rings and a dovetail, giving you the perfect setup that’s ready to go at a moment’s notice. The 2” dual-speed Crayford-style focuser provides precise focusing using roller bearings that provide minimal image shift. This 120mm EvoStar also includes a right-angle 8x50mm viewfinder with bracket; 2” dielectric diagonal; two 1.25” LE (Long Eye relief) eyepieces (LET 25mm and LET5mm); 1.25” focuser adaptor; and tube ring attachment hardware that works with compatible mounts. Our optical tubes are shipped with a foam-lined aluminum case to help transport your investment to and from star parties or any other field-based observation.
Product guides and documents
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Product Dimensions | 44 x 15 x 14 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 13.9 pounds |
ASIN | B004Q76Z5M |
Item model number | S11130 |
Customer Reviews |
4.2 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #3,798 in Camera & Photo Products (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products) #301 in Telescope Refractors |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | July 15, 2010 |
Manufacturer | Sky-Watcher |
Warranty & Support
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, weight and color of the telescope. They mention that it's a first class telescope, with great optics and sharp views. They appreciate the value for money, saying that it has incredible optics for that price. They also appreciate the dual speed focuser.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the telescope. They mention that it is a first-class telescope, well-made, and solidly built. The carrying case is also a great feature, and the eyepieces are surprisingly good. Overall, this is regarded as an excellent APO refractor.
"...The pair of dwarf galaxies were easy finds and served to add contrast to our closest neighboring galaxy...." Read more
"...It comes in a first class aluminum carrying case that is well padded and includes a 2" diagonal and two eyepieces as well as the finder scope...." Read more
"...It comes with a serviceable case and two eyepieces that are surprisingly good...." Read more
"...The telescope and accessories seem of good quality although the included eyepieces are near duplicates of ones already in my stargazer's collection...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the optics of the telescope. They mention that it has great contrast, razor sharp views, and stunning overall contrast. The view in the 31mm is perfect to show the brightest stars and the whole cluster. The telescope is also praised for its lunar views and double star splitting.
"...The overall contrast was stunning. The brighter stars were crisp, but easily seen were also the fainter stars, and while I don’t think they are any..." Read more
"...Accessories okay though I have better. Focuser okay too for visual though many replace it with a Moonlite or even a Starlight Instruments..." Read more
"...The views are sharp, contrasty and free of CA. You can push magnification 50-60% higher than the stated limits and still maintain a sharp view...." Read more
"...Excellent lunar views and double star splitting await you. Can't wait to try it on Jupiter and Saturn this summer...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the telescope. They say it's a great product at a reasonable cost, with incredible optics for that price level. Customers also say the optics are sharp, contrasty, and free of CA.
"...and while some had complaints the consistent theme was incredible optics for that price level.Trigger pulled.***..." Read more
"...This scope excels and is a great deal for its optics...." Read more
"...The views are sharp, contrasty and free of CA. You can push magnification 50-60% higher than the stated limits and still maintain a sharp view...." Read more
"Really good telescope at very reasonable cost for an apo-type...." Read more
Customers find the weight of the telescope to be light in weight, easily managed by most people, and a nice mix of portability, aperture, and great optics. They also mention that it's a fairly portable refractor that doesn't require a behemoth of a mount.
"...Size: The SW is a doublet making it much lighter than 120mm triplets. In my research we are talking 11lbs vs. 20(ish) for 120mm triplets...." Read more
"...If one is serious about observational astronomy with still fairly portable refractor which doesn’t require a behemoth of a mount - go for it and you..." Read more
"Superb optics, fast cool down and light in weight. This telescope puts up views that rival refractors costing five times as much...." Read more
"...Scope size and weight easily managed by most people and a CG4 or better mount for visual use...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the color of the telescope. They mention that it's bright and pretty, with no color fringing. They also appreciate the alien and exotic glow of the core, and the bright stars.
"...Everything about it. I love the bright stars. Betelgeuse is one of my favorite stars to look at. It just so bright and pretty and I love the color...." Read more
"No color fringing. Sharp optics. Very good Amazon delivery. Accessories okay though I have better...." Read more
"...to seeing on most stars in my same diameter achromat is gone and stars appear white except those obviously of other color...." Read more
Customers like the dual speed focuser on the telescope. They mention that it works well for a visual observer and is highly recommended. It also works well on brighter deep space objects such as M41, M42/43, and M81/82. The EP plays wonderfully with the ED80 and is bright and pretty.
"...This EP does plays wonderfully with the ED80. A dark site joy. After those EPs the others are when I want more detail and I feel like studying...." Read more
"...The dual speed focuser works well for me as a primarily visual observer who is finicky about correct focus...." Read more
"...Highly recommended! Even works OK on brighter deep space objects such as M41, M42/43, and M81/82." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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I wanted a good sized APO, but something easy enough to limit grab and go. All my searches kept pointing to the Skywatcher 120ED. Here were the deciding factors:
Aperture: 120mm is a really nice spot. I have noticed a considerable jump in what you can see between 100mm vs. 120mm and having a good number of hours with 80mm, 100mm and 120mm refractors I really wanted the extra lightgrab
Price: I did not have a budget. My first choice was an NP-101. However the $1550 price tag for the SW was simply too enticing to pass up
Size: The SW is a doublet making it much lighter than 120mm triplets. In my research we are talking 11lbs vs. 20(ish) for 120mm triplets. That was a big factor. Also the 900mm focal length was still short enough to do some wide viewing (2.7degree true field with my 31mmT5)
Reviews: Many satisfied users and while some had complaints the consistent theme was incredible optics for that price level.
Trigger pulled.
*** a note on the type of observing I do:
I am a nature lover first, scientist second. I love scanning the skies for stuff, and enjoying the pretty views along the way. Living in a light polluted area I love the open clusters and planets the best, but when at dark sites those still tend to be my favorite targets. I do most of my observing at the lowest magnifications the scope allows. My 24mm Pan is the work horse EP in my rotation. I will have hour long sessions and that EP doesn’t leave the scope. Next would be the 31mm Nagler. The big fella gets tons of love, but does push the optics of the ST120 and 9.25inch Evo OTA so the immersive feel is nice but it’s a bit soft around the edges. This EP does plays wonderfully with the ED80. A dark site joy. After those EPs the others are when I want more detail and I feel like studying. My patio (aka observing site) has tons of obstruction, so I observe first with what sky is available, and focus on targets after.
First light:
How often in life are things great right away? No adjustments, no telling yourself you will learn to love this or work around that… bam, just awesomeness right out of the gate? Rare in life but the Skywatcher did it. My first “peek” was at the moon for about 10 minutes and it wasn’t this night. It was while I was building the mount and it was pretty cloudy, but I caught some light through the clouds and wow. So I will include that in the list…
Moon – Well, the APO is supposed to be a clear, clean and crisp and the SW did not disappoint. No CA at all and razor tight outlines on craters and edges. My first thought was wow, my 2nd thought was at some point I should get a bino-viewer. I am really looking forward to more time on Luna
M36 (Pinwheel), M38(Starfish) and M37 – My eastern sky points to NYC and light pollution. My western sky is over rural NJ so it’s much darker. Starting there and scanning Auriga I found the brightest 3 open clusters easily. M37 is like someone dumped a chest of tiny sparking jewels into the sky. In the 2350mm Evolution these targets fill the EP. In the SW they are obviously not nearly as bright, but lovely to view. The surrounding sky also frames them. “Cluster” is the perfect name.
Rosette Nebula – Whiff on nebulosity. *Maybe* I caught a little but I would not swear on it. However the handful of NGC open clusters were great to pick out so this was still a rewarding view.
M45 Pleiades – Stunning. The view in the 31mm was perfect to show the brightest stars, the whole cluster and enough of the surrounding space to frame it. If you didn’t know there was nebula you might have thought there was some haze around the brightest stars… I didn’t get any contrast but the nebulosity added to this lovely site. The overall contrast was stunning. The brighter stars were crisp, but easily seen were also the fainter stars, and while I don’t think they are any carbon stars there are a couple with a nice deep orange in the 5-6 mag range that showed nicely. This is what I mean by “nature lover.” Like looking out at the Grand Canyon… this is simply a lovely view with great optics.
Double Cluster, Owl Cluster, Caroline’s Rose, M52 – Poking around Cassiopeia is another great area to simply get lost and find stuff. The Double Cluster is a great test for optics and EPs. These clusters have tons of stars with contrasting colors and luminosity. The SW and Nagler did not disappoint. The scope really shows off great contrast. Caroline’s Rose was perfect. Its large and lacks the bright stars like the Owl Cluster, but it was lovely none the less. Pinpoint delicate stars everywhere. Really rewarding views.
M31 (Andromeda) – One of the best views I have had of this from my patio. It was cold and crisp which really helps with the light pollution and it showed this night. The core was an alien and exotic glow with the extended dust lanes showing plenty of luminosity as well. The pair of dwarf galaxies were easy finds and served to add contrast to our closest neighboring galaxy.
Orion (the whole thing) – Like most I love this constellation. Everything about it. I love the bright stars. Betelgeuse is one of my favorite stars to look at. It just so bright and pretty and I love the color. Alnitak’s companions were easy to pick out and there was plenty of nebulosity in that area with some good contrast. M42, the great Nebula (see pic) was amazing. The milky bright layers of the nebula showed lovely contrast, and the stars in the trapezium were pristine pinpricks working hard to light the whole thing up.
Sirius- Finally the dog.. I tried to split it and see if I could make out the little pup. The 7mm Delite showed the best contrast, but I didn’t get separation. It looked like a blazing star with a little pimple popping out, so it was there, but not what double star fanatics (Im not one) would call a clean split.
Finally when I had my fill I popped off the diag and put on the wife’s DSLR. I am not an AP guy, but I do like to get some basic photos of bright things. Getting the data is fun, but I have no stomach for the post processing or setting up auto guiding. At least not yet anyway.
In any case thanks for reading. I really look forward to many years under the sky with this scope. I was shooting for a nice mix of portability, aperture and great optics and I feel like I really made a great choice. Optically this scope far exceeds anything else I have. This is everything I could have expected. Great APO optics. Pin point stars across the entire FOV. Even the 31mmT5 showed perfect stars in 95% of the view… only at the very edges was there any softening and nothing distracting. With the rings, dovetail and diag its about 15lbs.
Attached photo is Orion Nebula M42, 30 second exposure
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2016
I wanted a good sized APO, but something easy enough to limit grab and go. All my searches kept pointing to the Skywatcher 120ED. Here were the deciding factors:
Aperture: 120mm is a really nice spot. I have noticed a considerable jump in what you can see between 100mm vs. 120mm and having a good number of hours with 80mm, 100mm and 120mm refractors I really wanted the extra lightgrab
Price: I did not have a budget. My first choice was an NP-101. However the $1550 price tag for the SW was simply too enticing to pass up
Size: The SW is a doublet making it much lighter than 120mm triplets. In my research we are talking 11lbs vs. 20(ish) for 120mm triplets. That was a big factor. Also the 900mm focal length was still short enough to do some wide viewing (2.7degree true field with my 31mmT5)
Reviews: Many satisfied users and while some had complaints the consistent theme was incredible optics for that price level.
Trigger pulled.
*** a note on the type of observing I do:
I am a nature lover first, scientist second. I love scanning the skies for stuff, and enjoying the pretty views along the way. Living in a light polluted area I love the open clusters and planets the best, but when at dark sites those still tend to be my favorite targets. I do most of my observing at the lowest magnifications the scope allows. My 24mm Pan is the work horse EP in my rotation. I will have hour long sessions and that EP doesn’t leave the scope. Next would be the 31mm Nagler. The big fella gets tons of love, but does push the optics of the ST120 and 9.25inch Evo OTA so the immersive feel is nice but it’s a bit soft around the edges. This EP does plays wonderfully with the ED80. A dark site joy. After those EPs the others are when I want more detail and I feel like studying. My patio (aka observing site) has tons of obstruction, so I observe first with what sky is available, and focus on targets after.
First light:
How often in life are things great right away? No adjustments, no telling yourself you will learn to love this or work around that… bam, just awesomeness right out of the gate? Rare in life but the Skywatcher did it. My first “peek” was at the moon for about 10 minutes and it wasn’t this night. It was while I was building the mount and it was pretty cloudy, but I caught some light through the clouds and wow. So I will include that in the list…
Moon – Well, the APO is supposed to be a clear, clean and crisp and the SW did not disappoint. No CA at all and razor tight outlines on craters and edges. My first thought was wow, my 2nd thought was at some point I should get a bino-viewer. I am really looking forward to more time on Luna
M36 (Pinwheel), M38(Starfish) and M37 – My eastern sky points to NYC and light pollution. My western sky is over rural NJ so it’s much darker. Starting there and scanning Auriga I found the brightest 3 open clusters easily. M37 is like someone dumped a chest of tiny sparking jewels into the sky. In the 2350mm Evolution these targets fill the EP. In the SW they are obviously not nearly as bright, but lovely to view. The surrounding sky also frames them. “Cluster” is the perfect name.
Rosette Nebula – Whiff on nebulosity. *Maybe* I caught a little but I would not swear on it. However the handful of NGC open clusters were great to pick out so this was still a rewarding view.
M45 Pleiades – Stunning. The view in the 31mm was perfect to show the brightest stars, the whole cluster and enough of the surrounding space to frame it. If you didn’t know there was nebula you might have thought there was some haze around the brightest stars… I didn’t get any contrast but the nebulosity added to this lovely site. The overall contrast was stunning. The brighter stars were crisp, but easily seen were also the fainter stars, and while I don’t think they are any carbon stars there are a couple with a nice deep orange in the 5-6 mag range that showed nicely. This is what I mean by “nature lover.” Like looking out at the Grand Canyon… this is simply a lovely view with great optics.
Double Cluster, Owl Cluster, Caroline’s Rose, M52 – Poking around Cassiopeia is another great area to simply get lost and find stuff. The Double Cluster is a great test for optics and EPs. These clusters have tons of stars with contrasting colors and luminosity. The SW and Nagler did not disappoint. The scope really shows off great contrast. Caroline’s Rose was perfect. Its large and lacks the bright stars like the Owl Cluster, but it was lovely none the less. Pinpoint delicate stars everywhere. Really rewarding views.
M31 (Andromeda) – One of the best views I have had of this from my patio. It was cold and crisp which really helps with the light pollution and it showed this night. The core was an alien and exotic glow with the extended dust lanes showing plenty of luminosity as well. The pair of dwarf galaxies were easy finds and served to add contrast to our closest neighboring galaxy.
Orion (the whole thing) – Like most I love this constellation. Everything about it. I love the bright stars. Betelgeuse is one of my favorite stars to look at. It just so bright and pretty and I love the color. Alnitak’s companions were easy to pick out and there was plenty of nebulosity in that area with some good contrast. M42, the great Nebula (see pic) was amazing. The milky bright layers of the nebula showed lovely contrast, and the stars in the trapezium were pristine pinpricks working hard to light the whole thing up.
Sirius- Finally the dog.. I tried to split it and see if I could make out the little pup. The 7mm Delite showed the best contrast, but I didn’t get separation. It looked like a blazing star with a little pimple popping out, so it was there, but not what double star fanatics (Im not one) would call a clean split.
Finally when I had my fill I popped off the diag and put on the wife’s DSLR. I am not an AP guy, but I do like to get some basic photos of bright things. Getting the data is fun, but I have no stomach for the post processing or setting up auto guiding. At least not yet anyway.
In any case thanks for reading. I really look forward to many years under the sky with this scope. I was shooting for a nice mix of portability, aperture and great optics and I feel like I really made a great choice. Optically this scope far exceeds anything else I have. This is everything I could have expected. Great APO optics. Pin point stars across the entire FOV. Even the 31mmT5 showed perfect stars in 95% of the view… only at the very edges was there any softening and nothing distracting. With the rings, dovetail and diag its about 15lbs.
Attached photo is Orion Nebula M42, 30 second exposure
My final decision was made after reading a review on an astronomy website in which the reviewer had been using an 8" Cassegrain for years and at a star party got some time on the 120ED. He realized that he was seeing both moon images and deep space images better and easier on the 120 despite the smaller aperture. He reported doing some research and concluded that between the blockage that the front mirror causes in a short tube reflector and the light loss from the extra trips though glass at each reflection, the 120ED was actually transmitting more light to his eye than was the 8" Cassegrain!
If there is a drawback it is that this scope is long. That means that in an overhead shot it is possible to have a camera or diagonal hit a tripod leg. That, of course, throws off the alignment and requires a complete new set of alignment shots. The problem is generated by a combination of the overall length and the need to extend the Crawford focusing tube, particularly when doing astrophotography. The solution is to balance the scope with the camera or diagonal mounted and the tube extended. That will move the scope forward in the mount and avoid the problem. If a person has been using a short reflecting tube the issue of scope balance is a whole new problem. The way the mounting rings are set up on this scope makes it a piece of cake. Just loosen the thumb screws a little and the scope slides smoothly up and down in the padded ring mounts. The perfectly machined and polished tube surface aids this process immensely.
Overall the scope is very solidly built from the heavy metal dew shield to the Crawford mount and tube. This is a piece of craftsmanship on sale for about half what I would have expected to pay.
Top reviews from other countries
The only criticism I have of the kit is the case is a wee bit flimsy, but it is functional. 2nd would be the finder scope prism has a lot of plastic and might not hold up over time. I think it used to ship with a field flattener too, now available separately. Small things and in no way take away from the overall rating.