Telescope Nerd ยป SkyWatcher 130/650

SkyWatcher 130/650

(8 customer reviews)

From: $250.00 (incl. VAT plus shipping costs)

In Stock (1 Available)

The SkyWatcher 130-650 is a Newtonian reflector telescope designed for amateur astronomers and beginners. It features a 130mm (5.1-inch) aperture, 650mm focal length, and f/5 focal ratio, delivering clear views of planets, nebulae, and galaxies. The telescope includes an EQ-1 equatorial mounting system for smooth tracking, weighs 12.5kg, and offers automatic functionality for easier object location.

Compare price among sellers:Astroshop

Worldwide shipping. Delivery within 7 days!

  • Check Mark Satisfaction Guaranteed
  • Check Mark No Hassle Refunds (30 Days)
  • Check Mark Secure Payments
GUARANTEED SAFE CHECKOUT
  • Visa Card
  • MasterCard
  • American Express
  • Discover Card
  • PayPal
  • Apple Pay

Product Description

The SkyWatcher 130-650 telescope is a Newtonian reflector telescope designed for amateur astronomers and beginners. SkyWatcher 130-650 features a 130mm (5.1-inch) aperture and 650mm focal length, resulting in a focal ratio of f/5. SkyWatcher 130-650 delivers stunning views of planets, nebulae, galaxies, and deep-sky objects with excellent clarity. SkyWatcher 130-650 includes a sturdy EQ-1 equatorial mounting system for smooth and stable tracking of celestial objects. SkyWatcher 130-650 combines high-quality optics, durable construction, and an affordable price, making it an ideal instrument for those starting their astronomy journey.

The SkyWatcher 130-650 collects more light than smaller telescopes due to its 130mm aperture. It delivers impressive views of the Moon, planets, and distant galaxies. The telescope’s compact package and light 12.5kg weight make it an ideal grab and go telescope for astronomers on the move.

The SkyWatcher 130-650 uses an alt-azimuth mount for smooth tracking of celestial objects. It includes automatic telescope functionality for easier object location and tracking. Beginners assemble and use the telescope with minimal effort. The SkyWatcher 130-650 offers a combination of good optics, sturdy construction, and affordable price.

Should you buy SkyWatcher 130-650 as your first telescope?

Sky-Watcher P 130/650 Starquest is an ideal first telescope. 130mm aperture provides great balance between cost and performance. Parabolic mirror offers superior image quality and wider field of view. Equatorial mount ensures smooth tracking of celestial objects. Telescope allows observation of Moon’s craters, Jupiter’s cloud bands, and Saturn’s rings with clarity.

Is SkyWatcher 130/650 easy to use?

SkyWatcher 130/650 is relatively easy to use for beginners. Two slow-motion control cables make navigation easier. Smooth tracking is enabled by the sturdy equatorial mount. Less experienced users require a little practice with manual controls. Patience makes telescope operation second nature. The instrument balances image quality and portability well.

Should you buy SkyWatcher 130mm EQ2 Reflector Telescope for kids?

The SkyWatcher 130mm EQ2 Reflector Telescope is an excellent choice for kids aged 10 and above with a genuine interest in astronomy. It offers good views of the night sky and serves as an ideal starter instrument for beginners. The telescope’s 130mm aperture and 650mm focal length provide a balance of light-gathering capacity and portability. The EQ2 equatorial mount introduces astronomy concepts effectively but requires patience to master. Stability is key for telescope performance, and the EQ2 mount provides a solid foundation when properly set up. The telescope’s competitive pricing makes it accessible for families and individuals. It functions as a good step-up option for children outgrowing smaller, basic telescopes. Setting up the telescope demands some adult supervision due to its complexity. The SkyWatcher 130mm EQ2 Reflector Telescope enables exploration of the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects, inspiring a lifelong passion for stargazing in young astronomers.

What can you see with SkyWatcher 130-650 EQ2 Reflector Telescope?

The celestial wonders you can see with the SkyWatcher 130-650 EQ2 Reflector Telescope are detailed below.

  • Moon’s craters and mountains
  • Jupiter
  • Jupiter’s Great Red Spot
  • Saturn
  • Saturn’s rings
  • Saturn’s Cassini Division
  • M27 (Dumbbell Nebula)
  • M57 (Ring Nebula)
  • M31 (Andromeda Galaxy)
  • Pleiades (M45)
  • Double Cluster
  • M13 in Hercules
  • Albireo in Cygnus
  • Orion Nebula (M42)
  • Lagoon Nebula (M8)
  • M81 in Ursa Major
  • M82 in Ursa Major

Should you buy SkyWatcher 130-650 Telescope to observe planets?

SkyWatcher 130-650 Telescope offers reasonable quality views of planets for beginners. Telescope provides good light gathering with its 130mm aperture and 650mm focal length. Telescope excels at observing brighter planets like Jupiter and Saturn. Telescope struggles with fainter planets like Neptune or Uranus. Telescope serves as a solid starting point for planetary observation.

Should you buy SkyWatcher 130/650 to observe galaxies?

The SkyWatcher 130/650 telescope offers a good balance for amateur astronomers to observe galaxies. Its 130mm aperture provides sufficient light gathering capacity to view many celestial objects beyond our solar system. The telescope allows observation of brighter galaxies like Andromeda (M31) and Whirlpool (M51). The Newtonian reflector design enhances light-grasp for deep sky objects. The equatorial mount facilitates smooth tracking for extended viewing sessions. The compact size and 12.5kg weight make it portable for outdoor observing. Aperture limits restrict detailed views of distant galaxies. The SkyWatcher 130/650 serves as an excellent beginner telescope for universe exploration, balancing performance and price.

Should you buy SkyWatcher 130/650 EQ Reflector Telescope for astrophotography?

The SkyWatcher 130/650 EQ Reflector Telescope is an excellent choice for astrophotography beginners and amateur astronomers. Its shorter focal ratio of f/5 provides an edge for astrophotography, allowing shorter exposures and a wider field of view. The telescope’s 5.1-inch (130mm) aperture balances portability and light-gathering capacity. The equatorial mount enables smooth tracking of celestial objects. Users can capture high-quality images of solar system objects, double stars, and deep sky objects. The folded light path design reduces overall size, increasing portability. The well-made construction and easy-to-use design benefit both novice and experienced astronomers.

Is SkyWatcher 130/650 EQ Reflector Telescope portable?

The SkyWatcher 130/650 EQ Reflector Telescope is moderately portable. Its dimensions of 154cm x 25cm x 25cm and weight of 12.5kg make it manageable for transportation while still offering high-quality optics. The telescope is more portable than larger Newtonian reflectors but less compact than the Heritage 130P Dobsonian, which is referred to as a “neat little bucket.” SkyWatcher 130/650 strikes a balance between size and portability, allowing astronomers to easily take it on the go. The telescope’s short focal length of 650mm contributes to its compact design. SkyWatcher 130/650 is not a fully automatic telescope, requiring manual setup and adjustment. The equatorial mount and manual controls make it easy to set up and use for various astronomical applications.

Specifications

Telescope type

Newtonian

Optics structure

Newtonian

Optical design

Parabolic

Optics material

Glass

Aperture size

130mm

Focal length

650mm

Limiting stellar magnitude

12.5

Focal ratio

f/5

Aperture ratio

1:5

Resolution limit

0.89 arcseconds

Resolving capacity

114x

Light gathering capacity

345x

Lowest useful magnification

26x

Maximum useful magnification

260x

Tube material

Steel

Tube diameter

154mm

Type of focuser

Rack-and-pinion focuser

Eyepiece size

1.25"

Magnification of eyepiece

10mm, 20mm

Mount type

Equatorial

Mount structure

Steel tripod

GoTo controls

No

Motors

No

Type of electronics

None

Batteries

None

Power supply

None

WiFi

No

GPS

No

Includes hand controller

No

Tripod height

120cm

Tripod leg diameter

50mm

Tripod material

Steel

Finderscope

6×30

Barlow lens

No

Size dimensions

154cm x 25cm x 25cm

Weight

12.5kg

Portability

Moderate

Ease of use

Easy

Assembly

Required

Release date

2015

Brand

SkyWatcher

Telescope series

EvoStar

Manufacturer

SkyWatcher

Country made in

China

8 reviews for SkyWatcher 130/650

  1. Harini (verified owner)

    The SkyWatcher 130mm reflector telescope provides magnificently clear views with crisp details. SkyWatcher 130-650 EQ2 reflector telescope is the most capable telescope I’ve owned. Parabolic mirror is incredibly accurate, offering a comprehensive view of the night sky. Deep space objects like nebulae and galaxies, previously invisible to me, are now easy to observe. Equatorial mount is handy for tracking celestial bodies as they move across the sky. Ability to handle high magnification impressed me the most. Pushed magnification to almost 200x without significant loss of image quality.

  2. Jeffrey Hartman (verified owner)

    The SkyWatcher 130mm reflector telescope exceeded my expectations in several ways. SkyWatcher 130/650 EQ2 reflector telescope’s sturdy build and smooth mount movement caught my attention immediately. The equatorial mount is handy for tracking celestial objects. Clear, high-contrast images are a focal point of this telescope. The solar filter is a great feature, allowing safe sun observation. I’ve used it to observe sunspots and solar flares – a real treat. Some reviewers mentioned skid issues, but I haven’t experienced that personally.

  3. jason32 (verified owner)

    The SkyWatcher 130/650 has proven to be a great entry-level telescope. Image quality on the SkyWatcher 130mm f/5 reflector telescope isn’t perfect, but perfectly fine for my needs. Moon craters and Saturn’s rings are easily visible. Surprisingly compact and portable design allows for easy transport on camping trips. Barlow lens inclusion is a nice touch, bringing out finer details in observed objects. Amazing nebulae views are possible, including a stunning Orion Nebula. Standard tripod is a bit flimsy and needed replacement with a sturdier one for best results.

  4. lambertthomas (verified owner)

    SkyWatcher 130/650 comes with impressive standard accessories right out of the box, including 10mm and 25mm eyepieces. SkyWatcher 130-650 EQ2 reflector telescope provides magnificently crisp images of the night sky. I saw the moon’s craters in stunning detail. Stars shone brightly like diamonds. Collimation can be finicky, taking a few minutes to align everything right. Results are worth the effort.

  5. gutierrezcandice (verified owner)

    It’s a powerful instrument that’s transformed my stargazing. The clarity is impressive – I’ve seen moon craters, Jupiter’s moons, and even the Orion Nebula. The manual altazimuth mount is smooth and easy to use for tracking objects. Portability is a major plus. It’s lightweight and compact, perfect for camping trips to dark sky locations.

  6. Matthew Garrett (verified owner)

    SkyWatcher 130/650 EQ reflector telescope has been a nice surprise size-wise. The 130mm aperture of the SkyWatcher 130mm f/5 reflector telescope is perfect for a beginner like me. 650mm focal length balances magnification and portability well. Included eyepiece is only average quality. Added a better eyepiece to my collection.

  7. Katherine (verified owner)

    The SkyWatcher 130mm reflector telescope has superb build quality and thoughtful design. SkyWatcher 130/650 EQ2 reflector telescope’s equatorial mount provides excellent tracking of celestial objects. Sharp images pleasantly surprised me on clear nights. 130mm aperture is ideal for observing various sky objects.

  8. Kristen Hudson (verified owner)

    SkyWatcher 130/650 EQ2 reflector telescope’s main selling point was its aperture. 130mm aperture is identical to pricier models, perfect for outdoor stargazing. Vernier scale on the focuser impressed me with its simple but effective design. Getting sharp focus is easy thanks to the vernier scale. Straight-through finder scope is a nice touch. Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects always appear crisp and clear.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.