Skywatcher Explorer-150PDS EQ3 GoTo - 150 mm f/5 Newtonian with Dual-Speed Focuser on EQ3 Pro SynScan

Skywatcher Explorer 150PDS EQ3 GoTo - 150 mm f/5 Newtonian Telescope with Dual-Speed Focuser on Equatorial GoTo Mount EQ3 Pro SynScan

The Skywatcher Explorer 150PDS offers two special advantages for astrophotography. It features a 2" Crayford focuser with 1:10 dual speed for high-precision focusing and offers sufficient space for easy adaptation of all common cameras on the market. Of course, this Newtonian also convinces with the proven, diffraction-limited Skywatcher parabolic optics.

The not too fast reflecting telescope is suitable for observation and photography of many astronomical objects, from the extended gas nebula with little surface brightness over planets and the moon up to the sun (front filter!) - an all-rounder.

Astrophotographic results obtained with this telescope on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this telescope model: Link to Astrobin

The 2" Crayford focuser with gear reduction

The focuser is suitable for professional 2" and 1.25" eyepieces as well as for astro cameras and SLR cameras. 1.25" and 2" adapter are included. You can connect common Newtonian coma correctors and can also get into focus without any problems.

The upscale features and advantages of the BKP1507PDS:

Powerful diffraction limited parabolic mirror

Stable adjustment due to robust metal cells of the main and secondary mirror

2" metal focuser with 10:1 dual speed - with adapter to 1.25"

High-contrast image due to thin secondary spider vanes

Helpful 6x30 finder scope for easy finding of objects

Direct camera connection for parallel photography to the telescope (star field photography)

High speed (f/5) - very practical for astrophotography

A pronounced all-rounder that allows both wide-field observations and observations at high magnification and is even suitable for astrophotography.

The equatorial GoTo mount EQ3-2 Pro SynScan

With the EQ3 SynScan Pro, Skywatcher offers a completely equipped mount for compact telescopes. Especially when it comes to easy transport, this precise GoTo mount is a true alternative. At the same time this mount offers all amenities of a completely equipped GoTo mount.

Astrophotography with the EQ3-2 Pro SynScan:

The EQ3 PRO is an interesting alternative to the relatively expensive tracking systems also for astrophotographers. Besides the autoguiding interface, the EQ3 SynScan also offers automatic positioning and correction in both axes, that allows longer exposure times than with any Skytracker.

The advantages and features of the EQ3 Pro SynScan:

complete motorisation with control in both axes through high-quality and quiet stepper motors

automatic accurate tracking of the celestial objects

automatic locating of more than 42.900 objects

autoguider interface for astrophotography

positioning precision of about one arc minute

maximum positioning speed of 3.4° per second

Elektronic reduction of the periodic error - P.E.C.

RS-232 connection

Firmware update via internet

modern quick release system - like with the EQ5 or bigger mounts

Comments from Teleskop-Service on the mount EQ3-2

In our opinion the mount is somewhat undersized for photographic use. Therefore we recommend the mount EQ5 (see recommended accessories) as a more stable base. This mount holds the telescope with much better stiffness and allows more fun and pleasure when observing. Gladly we make you an offer with the EQ5.

Important note about power supply:

To avoid loss of warranty, please use only the power supplies and mobile supplies recommended by us. Especially simple car batteries or sealed lead-acid batteries can lead to an under-supply, which can then damage the sensitive electronics of the mount. Operating a Skywatcher GoTo mount with a non-proprietary power supply not recommended by us is at your own risk. Thank you for your understanding. Here is the link to more information: Notes_power_supply_SK_GoTo_en.pdf

Astrophotographic results obtained with this telescope on Astrobin

Here you can find some astrophotographs made with this telescope model: Link to Astrobin

Safety informations: PDF Download