Sky-Watcher Explorer-150PDS (OTA): the most popular photo-Newton
The Sky-Watcher Explorer-150PDS is a fast 150/750mm Newtonian (f/5) designed for prime-focus astrophotography and visual enjoyment. One of the most widely used imaging Newtonians worldwide: the 5kg tube still fits on mid-range mounts and the f/5 optics gather a lot of signal in a short amount of time.
What can you do with it?
Photographic: the great nebulae and galaxies in prime focus, with the fast f/5 optics that gather a lot of signal per minute. Visual: sharp lunar craters, the cloud bands of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, and under a dark sky, the well-known deep-sky highlights. The parabolic mirror keeps stars sharp; the coma at the extreme edge is characteristic of f/5 and can be resolved by a corrector.
Why a PDS?
The PDS versions are the photo versions of the Explorer line: the focal point is further out so that a camera comes into focus in prime focus, the tube is internally blackened to prevent stray light, and the focuser is built for the weight of a camera. Visually, you don't lose anything: with the included.
This is how to get the most out of this telescope
- Collimation is a fixed ritual at f/5: check for each photoshoot. Our guide to collimation It takes two minutes.
- Include the comma corrector: For sharp stars all the way to the corners of the sensor, this fast optic requires a corrector. Ordering it at the same time saves you a second waiting period.
- Mounting choice: An EQ5-class mount (or HEQ5 with room for growth) is the logical partner for this 5kg tube.
- Give the mirror some cooling time (30 to 60 minutes depending on the size) for the sharpest image, visually and in photos.
- Visual planetary work: a 6 mm eyepiece gives 125x.
For whom yes and for whom no
Hello The photographer looking for the best value for money in imaging Newton, and the astronomer who wants one tube for both roles.
Not If you want deep-sky photos without a mount, guiding, and post-processing, then the smart telescopes the shorter route; ours Telescope Buying Guide for Beginners explain the trade-off.
Featured accessories
These accessories add the most after purchase:
- Coma corrector At f/5, stars at the edge of the frame appear comet-shaped on the sensor. The Sky-Watcher 2 inch Coma Corrector 1.0x solves this and is the most important first purchase for serious photography with this tube.
- Cheshire eyepiece An imaging Newton only performs with tight collimation; a Cheshire makes the adjustment accurate and fast.
- Light Pollution Filter (2 inch) Under Dutch or Belgian skies, it brings out significantly more contrast in your images and your eyepiece view.
- Moon Filter 25%: for visual moon phases dims the Omegon Moon Filter 25% (1.25 inches) the bright light. More explanation in our Moon filter guide.
- Carrier bag The 150/750 tube fits this exactly. Look at the carrier bags.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Optical design | Newtonian reflector (parabolic), imaging version |
| Opening | 150 mm |
| Focal length | 750 mm (f/5) |
| Ocular | 28 mm (1 inch) |
| Seeker | 6x30 optical with reticle |
| Tube weight | 5 kg |
| Mount | None (OTA, Vixen-style dovetail) |
Included in the box
- Sky-Watcher Explorer-150PDS Optical Tube with Dovetail
- 28mm LET-ocular (2-inch)
- 6x30 optical viewfinder with crosshairs
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. Uncertain about mounting, guiding, or coma corrector? Call or email us: we're happy to help with photo setups.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.