Sky-Watcher Evostar-102 EQ3-2 - 102mm f/9.8 Refractor

Sky-Watcher Evostar-102 EQ3-2: The classic among planet refractors

The Sky-Watcher Evostar-102 EQ3-2 combines a 102/1000 mm achromat (f/9.8) with the stable EQ3-2 mount. The obstruction-free 102 mm lens delivers the high contrast refractors are loved for, and the included 2-inch star diagonal with adapter also makes the set ready for wide-view eyepieces.

What do you see through the Evostar-102?

With a 102 mm unobstructed aperture, you can see craters and mountains on the moon with razor-sharp clarity, cloud bands on Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, and, under good conditions, the polar caps of Mars. The contrast.

Fully equipped, including 2-inch diagonal.

Where many sets stop at 1.25 inches, this Evostar includes a 2-inch star diagonal: comfortable viewing and the ability to use wider 2-inch eyepieces later. The EQ3-2 tracks with fine adjustment and can be expanded with tracking motors or a GoTo upgrade.

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 10 mm eyepiece gives 100x; a 6 mm planetary eyepiece (167x) brings out the maximum planet 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 offers more aperture per euro. The next step up in aperture within the same line is the Evostar-120 EQ3-2. Deep-sky photography is suited for 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 does this telescope provide 167x magnification for maximum planetary detail. If you want to go one step higher, there is also the 5 mm version (200x).
• 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 The 102/1000 refractor fits this tube exactly; there is also a bag for the EQ3 mount. Look at the carrier bags.

Technical specifications

Included in the box

• Sky-Watcher Evostar-102 Optical Tube with EQ3-2 Mount and Tripod
• Eyepieces: 26 mm, 10 mm
• 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.