The two-element, air-spaced achromatic refractors in the Sky Watcher Startravel 102 Refractor Astronomy Telescope with AZ3 Mount 10732 are well-proven performers for 'Rich-Field' views of comets, star fields, star clusters, nebulae, bright galaxies & planets, the Moon and the Sun (with proper safety filtering! ), as well as giving superb daytime terrestrial views.
These short-tube, wide-field telescopes work well as fixed aperture lenses for both planetary and astronomical photography. They are useful for taking pictures of nature and lunar and solar eclipses due to their "fast" focal ratios. Ideal for deep-sky astronomical use as well as daylight terrestrial observations.
The AZ3 Alt-Azimuth mount's slow motion cables, which are simple to use and intuitive, offer great stability and accurate control on both the horizontal (azimuth) and vertical (altitude) axes.
Features
102mm achromatic refractor
500mm (f/4.9)
Manual alt-azimuth mount (AZ3)
Air-Spaced Two-Element Achromatic Refractors
A standard single lens directs light of various wavelengths to various focal points.
Air-spaced two-element lenses, which minimise chromatic aberration more than conventional doublet lenses, are used in the construction of all Sky-Watcher Refractors.
This Sky-Watcher 102mm (4") f/5 telescope has two air-spaced, completely multi-coated, achromatic elements and may produce fascinating 'rich field' astronomical views. Excellent views of star fields, clusters, nebulae, galaxies, planets, the Moon, and (with the right filtering or through projection) the Sun can be obtained. When set up on a camera tripod or an alt-azimuth mount, it also makes a great terrestrial telescope.
It makes a superb "first telescope" for beginners and a fantastic travel telescope for seasoned observers because of its clear images and affordable pricing. Similar to the well-known 80mm f/5 refractor, this bigger aperture type accepts 2" diagonals for amazing wide field views and has more light gathering power at the same focal ratio with less weight and chromatic aberration.
With a compressed length of about 50 cm (21.7") and a weight of around 3 kg (6.5 lbs), the optical tube assembly is easily carried. Being a refractor, it is quick and simple to set up, and the enclosed optics, which require no maintenance, are fully collimated when they leave the manufacturer.
"Tube mounting rings" are included with the optical tube assembly. These may be opened on a hinge to make installing the optical tube simple, and the locks can be released while in use to allow rotation and balance of the optical tube. With the proper mounting plate, it is quick and easy to mount the telescope on an equatorial or alt-azimuth mount. Additionally, this telescope functions well as a 510mm fixed aperture lens for both terrestrial and astronomical photography.
With today's high-speed films and the "fast" f/5 focal ratio, you may take stunning photos of nature and lunar and solar eclipses. Longer exposure astrophotography requires a stable equatorial platform and a guiding system. A suitable T-adapter may be directly attached to the eyepiece holder's T-mount thread, and an optional extension tube provides closer focussing for taking pictures of the ground.
Technical Specifications
Optical Design Achromatic Refractor
Magnifications (with eyepieces supplied): x20 & x50
Highest Practical Power (Potential): x204
Objective Lens Diameter: 102mm
Telescope Focal Length: 500mm (f/4.9)
Eyepieces Supplied (1.25"): 10mm & 25mm
Direct SLR Camera Connection
Red Dot Finder
Dual-Fit 1.25"/2" Focuser
45 degree Erect Image Diagonal 1.25"
Multi-Coated Objective Lens
AZ3 Deluxe Alt-Azimuth Mount
Aluminium Tripod with Accessory Tray
62.5% more Light Gathering than 80mm
Net Weight 7.3kg
Box Weight 10.10kg
Box Dimensions (LxWxH in mm) 950x440x250
Barcode 6970456092260
Warranty 1 year