Sky-Watcher EvoStar-120 (OTA) – 4.7" Achromatic Refractor

Sky-Watcher Evostar-120 (OTA): the popular lens as a standalone tube

The Sky-Watcher Evostar-120 OTA is the 120/1000 mm (f/8.3) achromatic refractor as a standalone optical tube for your own mount. The 2-inch rack-and-pinion focuser with T2 thread and 2 to 1.25-inch adapter accepts everything from standard eyepieces to a camera for lunar imaging. Tube weight: 4.7 kg; an EQ3-2 or heavier mount will handle it fine.

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.

Loose tubing: your mounting, your choice

For those who already have a mount, this is the cheapest route to 120 mm unobstructed refractor contrast. The T2 thread on the focuser allows direct camera connection for short-exposure moon and planet imaging.

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.
• 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 reflecting telescope offers more aperture per euro. Complete sets with this same tube: EQ3-2, EQ3 Pro, EQ5, EQ5 Pro, or HEQ5 Pro. Deep-sky photography is among the smart telescopes or an ED refractor; moon photos with a smartphone adapter are actually rewarding work 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 This telescope provides 167x magnification for maximum planetary detail.
• Smartphone adapter: Hold your phone up to the eyepiece for surprisingly good moon photos. The Sky-Watcher SmartPhoto+ adapter comes with a special 20 mm photo eyepiece.
• Carrier bag the refractor 120/1000 this tube fits exactly. Look at the carrier bags.

Technical specifications

Included in the box

• Sky-Watcher Evostar-120 Optical Tube Assembly (OTA, without mount)
• 2-inch rack-and-pinion focuser with T2 thread and 2-to-1.25 inch adapter

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.