Sky-Watcher 200mm f/5 Dual-Speed Telescope with AZEQ6 Pro Go-To Mount BD

With its 200 mm primary mirror, the Sky-Watcher Newton 200 is one of the amateur instruments capable of revealing numerous deep sky objects and details of the planets and the Moon. In fact, it gathers 78% more light than a 150 mm telescope and promises years of rich and rewarding observations for both beginners and experienced amateur astronomers. Its Newtonian design offers several advantages over other types of instruments (refractors and Cassegrain telescopes). Mirror fabrication is more economical for the same diameter, and its focal ratio is often very low. For an attractive price, you get a bright telescope that provides a wide field of view (in this case, f/5). The central obstruction is also smaller than that of Cassegrain-type telescopes.

Unlike very inexpensive models or small-diameter Newtonian telescopes, Sky-Watcher 150, 200, 254, and 300 mm Newtonian telescopes feature a parabolic primary mirror. The mirrors are spherically polished and then shaped to achieve a paraboloid form (a more expensive and complex process). This is an essential selection criterion for instruments over 130 mm with a short focal ratio (f/D).

Focusing is achieved via a dual-speed Crayford focuser. This allows for precise focusing thanks to the 1:10 reduction ratio, a significant advantage for high-magnification observations and imaging. It can support heavy loads (e.g., a DSLR camera). A 31.75 mm adapter for using eyepieces of the same format with the 50.8 mm output is included as standard. A locking screw on the bottom of the focuser allows the focus to be maintained regardless of the orientation of the optical tube.

Everything you need to know about the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 mount

An evolution of the renowned EQ6, this mount is available in two modes: equatorial for astrophotography and altazimuth for visual observation. The AZ-EQ6 can support very heavy loads, such as Schmidt-Cassegrain or Newtonian telescopes up to 280 mm. This offers greater versatility and ease of use. Indeed, nothing replaces the equatorial mode for astrophotography (tracking on a single axis to compensate for the Earth's rotation). Converting Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes with fork mounts to equatorial mode with a wedge is neither an efficient nor a precise solution. At the same time, the altazimuth mode (simple motion: up, down, left, right) is the easiest to set up for an enjoyable visual observation session.

Thanks to its new design, the AZ-EQ6 offers the advantages of both visual observation and astrophotography, without their drawbacks. This is a significant advantage for amateur astronomers interested in both visual observation and photography. There is no need for polar alignment (adjusting the mount with the polar scope for a few minutes) when observing the sky through the eyepiece. The three-star alignment procedure in altazimuth mode is quick and efficient enough to center the object in the field of view with each movement.

The massive AZ-EQ6 mount head weighs 15.4 kg, ensuring excellent stability even at high magnifications. Tracking quality is improved compared to the EQ6/NEQ6 versions thanks to several innovations. The EQ6-R allows for long-exposure astrophotography sessions even for the faintest objects. An autoguiding port is included as standard to significantly reduce periodic error in right ascension (RA).

A framework for images and visuals

For those on a budget, the AZ-EQ6 is a very attractive solution, capable of supporting telescopes previously compatible with much more expensive mounts. It allows beginners to get started in astrophotography, using a PC and a second instrument in parallel when autoguiding is activated. Visual observers will appreciate the SynScan GOTO automatic pointing system, controlled via an easy-to-use hand controller. Indeed, there's no need to know the position of stars or distant deep-sky objects; the EQ6-R will automatically move the instrument to the desired target. After polar alignment with the polar scope on Polaris, select the mount alignment to one, two, or three stars. The database contains over 42,000 objects, including the major catalogs (Messier, NGC, IC, as well as the planets, Moon, and Sun).

The dual operating mode of the AZ-EQ6 introduces several novelties. Firstly, switching between modes is simple thanks to the 90° rotation of the right ascension/declination block using the latitude adjustment screw. Secondly, an additional dovetail bar can be placed on the opposite side of the counterweight bar to attach a second instrument. This instrument acts as a counterweight, allowing you to point at the same object while observing through two instruments.

The drive system has been modified with the addition of a belt drive. The result is significant: a smoother periodic error curve, reduced backlash, and reduced noise during GoTo tracking. It now includes proprietary optical encoders to prevent any loss of positioning during manual movement. This provides the user with great freedom, eliminating the need to repeat the initialization procedure from scratch. Finally, the weight of the mount has been reduced (compared to the NEQ6) from 20 kg to 15.4 kg, making the AZ-EQ6 more portable.

Reference automated time control system

After polar alignment with the polar scope on Polaris, select the mount alignment to one, two, or three stars. The database stores over 49,200 objects, including those from the major catalogs (Messier, NGC, IC, as well as the planets, Moon, and Sun). For maximum convenience, the mount moves quickly, up to 3.4°/sec, via the hand controller. Easy to use, it allows you to quickly point the instrument at any galaxy, nebula, cluster, or solar system object. Discover in detail the famous Andromeda Galaxy, the fabulous envelopes surrounding the heart of Orion, the Hercules Cluster M13 and its core teeming with thousands of stars. Saturn, Jupiter, and the Moon are also wonders to explore without limits.

The hand controller's display, showing the date, time, and observation location, along with the "Tour" function, allows the AZ-EQ6 mount to be pointed at the most interesting objects throughout the night. Enjoy a guided tour of the sky from your observation location by pressing the "Enter" button and selecting an object from the drop-down list. Pointing accuracy can reach up to 1 arc minute by compensating for the mount's mechanical errors. This procedure, called "PEC," requires measuring the time between two opposite movements of the mount. The operation is simple and, especially in astrophotography, saves valuable time. The object you want to photograph is usually centered on the sensor... a real pleasure!

Specifications

• Newtonian parabolic primary mirror
• Flat secondary mirror
• Focal length 1000 mm
• Focal ratio f/5
• Pyrex mirror
• Eyepiece holder Sky-Watcher Crayford Telescope 50.8/31.75mm with micro-focuser (dual speed 1:10)
• Dimensions (Diameter x Length) 24 cm x 92 cm
• Weight 8.75 kg
• Mount Dual-axis motorization with Go-To auto-tracking
• Stepper motor resolution: 0.144 arc/sec.
• Slewing speed up to 3.4°/sec - 2x to 800x correction.
• Equatorial and Azimuth functions
• Construction Brass gear (right ascension/declination) 92.5 mm diameter and 180 teeth
• Optimal load capacity for astrophotography: 17 kg
• Latitude adjustment 10° to 70° (EQ) - 90° (AZ)
• Azimuth adjustment +/- 9°
• Reference system SynScan hand controller with 42,900 objects from common celestial catalogs.
• Tracking mode: sidereal, lunar, or solar.
• Functions: parking, synchronization, error correction, identification, tour, PEC...
• Tripod Steel tubular tripod with adjustable height (from 85 cm to 147 cm)
• Weight Mount: 15.4 kg
• Tripod: 7.5 kg
• Power Cable for cigarette lighter included.
• 12 V DC mains power or optional battery.
• Ports ST-4 autoguiding system included.
• SNAP port for camera control.

Items delivered:

Sky-Watcher 200 mm f/5 optical tube

1 Sky-Watcher 50.8 mm Crayford focuser with micro-focuser (dual speed 1:10) and 31.75 mm adapter

1 reinforced Vixen-type dovetail bar

2 mounting rings

1 male Vixen-type dovetail bar

1 Piggyback camera holder with Kodak screw thread on top of one of the mounting rings.

1 50.8 mm eyepiece: LET 28 mm

1 9x50 optical finder scope

Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 Pro-GoTo mount

1 AZ-EQ6 Pro Go-To German equatorial mount

1 SynScan Go-To hand controller

2 5 kg counterweights

1 integrated polar scope

1 steel tubular tripod with adjustable height (from 85 cm to 147 cm)

1 accessory tray

1 female dovetail bar, Vixen and Losmandy type

1 cigarette lighter power cable