Sky-Watcher Explorer-150PDS EQ3 Pro: the lightest GoTo astrophotography setup
The 150/750 mm imaging Newtonian (f/5) on the EQ3 Pro SynScan GoTo mount: automatic searching and tracking from a database of over 42,900 objects. The 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser (10:1, with M54 thread) focuses with micrometric precision: exactly what a camera needs in prime focus.
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.
Dual-speed focuser: the photo detail that matters
The 10:1 fine focus makes the difference between almost sharp and pixel-level sharp, and the M54 thread connects a camera without play. Together with the precise tracking of the EQ3 Pro, this is the lightest setup that truly achieves successful long exposures.
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: The EQ3 Pro carries this 5 kg tube with camera just right; if you want to expand to a heavier setup, choose the EQ5 Pro version.
- Guiding Loon With this focal length, a small guide scope makes the difference between 60 and 300 second exposures.
- 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 beginner astrophotographer who wants a matching GoTo photo system in one purchase without excess weight.
Not If you want deep-sky photos without a mount, guiding, and post-processing, 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.
- 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 bag and the EQ3 mount bag keep the setup portable. Check out the carrier bags.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Optical design | Newtonian reflector (parabolic), imaging version |
| Opening | 150 mm |
| Focal length | 750 mm (f/5) |
| Mount | EQ3 Pro SynScan GoTo (42,900+ objects, autotracking) |
| Focuser | 2-inch dual-speed Crayford (10:1) with M54 thread |
| Ocular | 28 mm (1 inch) |
| Seeker | 6x30 optical with reticle |
| Tube weight | 5 kg |
Included in the box
- Sky-Watcher Explorer-150PDS optical tube
- EQ3 Pro SynScan GoTo Mount with Hand Controller and Tripod
- 28mm LET-ocular (2-inch)
- 6×30 optical viewfinder
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.
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