REVIEW
SKY-WATCHER EXPLORER 130
A Newtonian reflector that’s versatile, affordable and optically impressive with an equatorial mount to view Solar System objects, double stars and deep-sky targets
Reviewed by Jamie Carter
The Sky-Watcher Explorer 130 has something most affordable telescopes lack. It ships with an equatorial mount, which when aligned with Earth’s axis allows it to more easily track objects as they appear to move across the night sky. Since most affordable telescopes can be tricky to precisely position, this gives it an immediate advantage over the competition. This Newtonian reflector also has plenty of aperture and good-quality optics that make it a good beginner’s telescope for exploring brighter deep-sky objects as well as the Moon and planets. However, the Explorer 130 does have a learning curve that’s steeper than its simpler rivals.
TELESCOPE ADVICE
Cost:
£189 / $250 From: Sky-Watcher
Type:
Newtonian reflector
Aperture:
5.12” Focal length: 25.59” Focal ratio: f/6.9
Total kit weight:
12.6 kilograms
Mount type:
German equatorial (EQ2)