Sky-Watcher Explorer-300PDS – 305/1500 Imaging Newtonian Reflector

Sky-Watcher Explorer-300PDS (OTA): the imaging top model

The Sky-Watcher Explorer-300PDS is the top model of the imaging line: a 305/1500 mm Newtonian (f/4.9) with a massive parabolic mirror. Twelve inches of resolution and light gathering power for those who want to get the absolute most out of astrophotography, and visually an instrument of observatory caliber. The tube weighs 23 kg: this is a project, and that is how it should be.

What can you do with it?

Photographically, this is the class where smaller galaxies, planetary nebulae, and fine structures come within reach: plenty of aperture, plenty of resolution, plenty of signal. Visually, you get a full-fledged deep-sky telescope: globular clusters resolve, nebulae show structure, and planets are razor-sharp. These are tubes that serve two hobbies at once.

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 at f/4.9 is a fixed ritual: 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: EQ6-R is the absolute minimum; an EQ8-class or fixed pier is more comfortable.
• Guiding Loon With this focal length, a small guide scope makes the difference between 60 and 300 second exposures.
• Size and weight: 23 kg tube: a fixed or semi-fixed setup prevents lifting from becoming the hobby.
• 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 yields 250x.

For whom yes and for whom no

Hello the experienced photographer or observer with the mount, the location, and the patience for the maximum mirror size.

Not Without a heavy mount and fixed routine, this potential remains underutilized; 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.
• 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 13%: with this opening, the moon is blindingly bright; the Omegon Moon Filter 13% (1.25 inches) The light fades. More explanation in our Moon filter guide.
• Carrier bag of the 300/1500-cup, this tube fits exactly. Check the carrier bags.

Technical specifications

Included in the box

• Sky-Watcher Explorer-300PDS optical tube
• 28mm LET-ocular (2-inch)
• 9x50 optical finder scope with crosshairs
• 1.25 and 2 inch eyepiece adapters

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.