Sky-Watcher Evostar-90 on EQ3-2 - 90mm f/10 Refractor

Sky-Watcher Evostar-90 EQ3-2: the entry-level refractor on a mature mount

This version places the 90/900 mm achromat (f/10) on the EQ3-2, a mount that usually belongs to heavier tubes. The result: a rock-solid image at any magnification and room to grow later. The EQ3-2 is upgradeable with tracking motors and also accepts larger optical tubes.

What do you see through the Evostar-90?

The moon shows sharp craters and mountain ranges with the typical high contrast. Jupiter reveals its cloud bands and four large moons, Saturn its rings. Double stars are a specialty: sharp, steady points of light. Bright star clusters like the Pleiades fit nicely in the field of view; faint nebulae require more aperture.

EQ3-2: overcapacity as an investment

A light optical tube on a sturdy mount is the secret to relaxed viewing: vibrations dampen immediately, and focusing does not disturb the image. Anyone who later wants a 102 mm or 120 mm tube only needs to replace the optics. This way, this set grows along with you for years.

This is how to get the most out of this telescope

• Almost no cool-down time A refractor lens reaches operating temperature within 10 to 15 minutes, much faster than a mirror telescope. Ideal for short sessions.
• Know what an achromat is: around very bright objects like Venus or the moon's edge, you'll see a thin purplish-blue fringe. That's characteristic of this lens design, it's visually quickly noticeable, and it's the reason why these types of apertures are affordable. For photography, it's the reason to consider an ED refractor.
• Roughly align the mount to Polaris: For visual use, north and the correct pole height are roughly sufficient; then you follow objects with one axis.
• Magnification: The 10mm eyepiece gives 90x; 6 mm planetary eyepiece (150x) brings out maximum planetary detail.
• Never look directly at the sun without protection., not even: this is doubly true for a refractor. Only with a certified solar filter on the front.

For whom yes and for whom no

Hello If you want the classic, calm refractor image: sharp stars, high contrast on the moon and planets and zero maintenance (no collimation, closed tube). Our Telescope Buying Guide for Beginners Place the types side by side.

Not For faint deep-sky objects, a reflector telescope delivers more aperture per euro. If growing is not a goal, the EQ2 version offers the same optics cheaper. Deep-sky photography belongs to the smart telescopes or an ED refractor; taking photos of the moon with a smartphone adapter is actually quite rewarding at these long focal lengths.

Featured accessories

These accessories add the most after purchase:

• Moon Filter 25%: The moon is bright in a refractor of this caliber. The Omegon Moon Filter 25% (1.25 inches) dims the light and increases the contrast. More explanation in our Moon filter guide.
• A 6mm planetary eyepiece: the Sky-Watcher 6mm Planetary UWA Eyepiece provides this telescope with 150x magnification for maximum planetary detail. If you want to go one step further, there is also the 5 mm version (180x).
• Smartphone adapter: clip your phone to the eyepiece for surprisingly good moon photos. The Sky-Watcher SmartPhoto+ adapter comes with a special 20 mm photo eyepiece.
• Carrier bag of refractors 100/900 does this tube fit; there is also a bag for the EQ3 mount. Check out the carrier bags.

Technical specifications

Included in the box

• Sky-Watcher Evostar-90 optical tube with EQ3-2 mount and tripod
• Eyepieces: 25 mm, 10 mm (1.25″)
• Search: 6x30

Honest advice from observers

We sell and use the Sky-Watcher line ourselves. In our Sky-Watcher merk Guide We'll explain which series are strong and which you'd rather skip. View the full range on our Sky-Watcher merk Page. Order before 11:59 PM for fast delivery, in the Netherlands and Belgium.