Used Sky-Watcher Sky-Watcher EQ5P 8" SCT Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope Mount

The Sky-Watcher reflector design reins supreme as the king of large aperture. The most popular reflector design configurations are the classic Newtonian and the SCT. The SCT is an exotic form of reflector using mirrors and a lens, sometimes called a mirror-lens, or catadioptric. If you can imagine for a moment the classical Newtonian reflector as the full-size SUV of astronomical optical systems, then the SCT would be its more petite, luxury SUV cousin.

The SCT is more challenging to fabricate, thus more expensive, but it has several advantages that off set the extra cost in the minds of a significant number of amateur astronomers. The primary advantage is compact size compared to Newtonian reflectors and refractors. It takes up less space and is easier to handle and transport. It is also known for excellent optical quality. The SW 8" SCT will provide razor sharp, high resolution images suitable for passionate lifelong engagement in sky exploration.

The amateur astronomer also benefits from computerized object location and tracking of over 30,000 astronomical objects. All things considered, the SW 8" SCT EQ5 PRO will strike the perfect balance for many amateur astronomers between cost, aperture and ease of use. An 8" (203mm) instrument is generally regarded as the entry point for serious astronomical observation of deep-space phenomenon.

Even within the solar system, the SW 8" SCT optics will reveal fine detail all but impossible to discern with smaller aperture telescopes. The SW 8" SCT database includes over 30,000 fascinating objects that are ready to be explored with a few touches of the SynScan's computer keypad.