Sky-Watcher Explorer-130PS AZ-5 - 5.1″ Newton Reflector

The Sky-Watcher Telescope N 130/650 Explorer-130PS AZ-5 is an excellent choice for those who want to quickly become familiar with hobby astronomy. With its 130 mm parabolic main mirror and 650 mm focal length, it offers an impressive combination of brightness, sharpness and ease of use. Compared to a 114 mm telescope, it collects some 30% more light, allowing you to observe more nebulae, star clusters and bright galaxies.

Thanks to its f/5 aperture ratio, this Newton reflector is ideal for wide-field observations. Open clusters such as the Pleiades or the Double Cluster in Perseus come into view beautifully, with much contrast and detail. Even the Moon and the largest planets already show beautiful structures: the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter and the shadows of craters on the Moon are clearly visible.

The compact tube is not only light (2.7 kg) but also extremely stable. Even on the aluminum tripod with the AZ-5 mount the telescope remains low-vibration, allowing you to focus comfortably without image jitter. The slip clutches ensure smooth movements without clamping, while the flexible slow-motion buttons allow you to track accurately - even at high magnifications.

This telescope is also versatile. Although designed for sky observations, the AZ-5 mount also allows horizontal adjustments, making it useful for landscape viewers or those who want to view birds or distant objects during the day (with an upright prism, optionally available).

Observation goals
The Sky-Watcher 130/650 AZ-5 is perfect for beginners who want bright results right away without complex mounting or electronics. With this telescope you can under good conditions:

• Exploring the Moon in detail, including craters, valleys and shadows
• Viewing the moons and cloud bands of Jupiter
• clearly distinguish the rings of Saturn
• observing bright nebulae and star clusters such as the Orion Nebula (M42) and the Pleiades (M45)

For astrophotography, this model is less suitable due to its azimuthal mount, but visually it offers excellent value for money and stability in this class.

Specifications
Optics:
Type: Reflector (Newton)
Opening: 130 mm
Focal length: 650 mm
Aperture ratio: f/5
Resolution: 0.88”
Boundary magnitude: 12.4
Light output: 340×
Max. useful magnification: 260×
Tube weight: 2.7 kg
Tube construction: closed tube
Main mirror: parabolic
Focuser: rack-type, 1.25″ connection

Mounting:
Type: azimuthal
Model:AZ-5
GoTo control: no
Motors: no
Saddle: Vixen-Style
Carrying capacity: 5 kg

Tripod:
Material: aluminum
Min/max height: 87-159 cm
Accessory holder: yes

Accessories:

• Eyepieces 25 mm and 10 mm (1.25″)
• Red dot finder
• Slow-motion cables

General:
Series: AZ-5
Total weight: 7.65 kg

Free Stargazers' Handbook

Every Sky-Watcher telescope from Telescoop.nl comes with our own Stargazer’s Handbook in the box. It’s a 16-page booklet that helps you get started on your first few nights: how to align the finder scope, what magnification to start with, why the image sometimes wobbles, and when a telescope does or doesn’t need to be collimated. It’s not a thick book—just the essentials you really need when you’re starting out.