Sky-Watcher Evostar-120 EQ5 Pro - 120mm f/8.3 Refractor

Sky-Watcher Evostar-120 EQ5 Pro: refractor contrast, automatically tracked

The 120/1000 mm achromat (f/8.3) on the computerized EQ5 Pro SynScan: the combination of obstruction-free planetary contrast with automatic GoTo and precise tracking. Includes a 2-inch star diagonal. For those who want the classic refractor image without ever having to search.

What do you see through the Evostar-120?

The 120 mm lens is the popular middle of the apochromat line: Jupiter's Great Red Spot, Mars' polar caps, Saturn's rings, and a Moon full of detail. Bright deep-sky targets like the Orion Nebula and globular clusters also come through well. The obstruction-free refractor image remains steady and high-contrast, even at higher magnifications.

EQ5 Pro SynScan: precision for the long OTA

The EQ5 easily carries the meter-long refractor with plenty of capacity to spare, and the SynScan control system tracks the rotation of the sky precisely. The result is relaxed viewing at any magnification, and a mount that is also capable of handling early Moon and planetary imaging later on.

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.
• Take power with you A power bank or power tank keeps the SynScan mount going all evening.
• Note the tube length: A good meter refractor plus tripod requires a permanent spot or a spacious trunk. The dew shield on the front makes it even longer.
• 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 delivers more aperture per euro. The maximum in this line is the HEQ5 Pro version with even greater load capacity. Deep-sky photography is part of 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 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 for 120/1000 refractors this tube fits; there are also bags for mount and tripod. View the carrier bags.

Technical specifications

Included in the box

• Sky-Watcher Evostar-120 optical tube with EQ5 Pro SynScan GoTo mount and tripod
• Eyepieces: 25 mm, 10 mm (1.25″)
• Searcher: 9x50

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.