Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Review [year]

Looking for a telescope that marries portability with powerful astrophotography capabilities?

The Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO might just be your perfect match. This compact doublet refractor telescope offers a blend of convenience and performance, featuring a synthetic fluorite element for stunning color correction and Metallic High-Transmission Coatings for crisp, clear images.

Well, we’ll be going over:

1. How does the EvoStar 100 APO’s optical design contribute to its astrophotography prowess?
2. What role does the 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser play in achieving precise focus in your images?
3. Is the comprehensive accessory package enough to get you started right out of the box?

Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or just dipping your toes into the cosmos, the EvoStar 100 APO appears to offer a compelling package.

Let’s dive in.

Bottom Line

Overall, I highly recommend the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor for anyone looking to elevate their stargazing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a budding novice, this versatile telescope is perfect for all skill levels. So why wait? Click here to purchase the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor and start exploring the wonders of the universe today!

Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor Overview

As an avid astronomer, I was impressed with the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor. The compact and portable optical tube is perfect for astrophotography and visual astronomy. The matched doublet objective lens assembly, including one synthetic fluorite element, provides excellent color correction for visual and photographic uses. The Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC) eliminate virtually all false colors, even when observing bright planetary objects.

I found the 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser to be precise, providing minimal image shift and making finding focus a breeze. The included 8x50mm viewfinder, dielectric diagonal, and two LET eyepieces make for a complete set up that’s ready to go at a moment’s notice. The foam-lined aluminum case is perfect for transporting the optical tube to star parties or any other field-based observation.

Overall, the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor is an excellent choice for both seasoned astrophotographers and budding novices. The versatility of the optical tube means that it can be used as your primary telescope as your skill-set improves.

Key Features

When it comes to choosing a telescope for astrophotography and visual astronomy, the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor is a great option. Here are some key features that make it stand out from the rest:

Expertly Matched Glass

The EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor features a matched doublet objective that includes one synthetic fluorite element. This provides excellent color correction for both visual and photographic uses. I was impressed with the level of detail and clarity in the images I captured using this telescope.

Outstanding Color Correction

Using the finest quality glass and proprietary Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC), EvoStar refractors produce tack sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations. I found that the images I took with this telescope had a true-to-life color representation and were incredibly sharp.

Evolves With Skill

One thing I really appreciated about the EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor is that it’s versatile enough to use as your primary optical tube as your skill-set improves. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a budding novice, you won’t need to replace this telescope as your skill set evolves.

10:1 Dual-Speed Focuser

Finding focus is a breeze with the 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser on the EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor. No matter the eyepiece or camera, you can easily adjust the focus with precision. I found this feature to be incredibly useful when trying to capture detailed images of celestial objects.

Everything You Need

The EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor comes complete with everything you need to get started with astrophotography and visual astronomy. This includes a foam-lined aluminum hard case, an 8×50 Right Angle Correct Image (RACI) Finderscope, a 2” Dielectric Diagonal, 5mm and 25mm LET Eyepiece, 1.25” Adapter, Mounting Rings, and a V-Style Dovetail. I appreciated that I didn’t need to purchase any additional accessories to get started with this telescope.

Overall, the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor is a great option for those looking for a compact and portable optical tube for affordable astrophotography and visual astronomy. Its expertly matched glass, outstanding color correction, and versatile design make it a great investment for both novice and experienced astronomers alike.

Pros and Cons

After spending some time with the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor, I have compiled a list of pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Matched Doublet Objective: The EvoStar 100 APO features a matched doublet objective that includes one synthetic fluorite element, providing excellent color correction for visual and photographic uses. The quality of the glass used in this telescope is top-notch, resulting in tack sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations.

• Dual-Speed Focuser: The 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser is a standout feature of this telescope. No matter the eyepiece or camera, finding focus is a breeze. This is a great feature for astrophotographers who need to make precise adjustments to their focus.

• Versatility: The EvoStar 100 APO is versatile enough to use as your primary optical tube as your skill-set improves. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a budding novice, you won’t need to replace this telescope as your skill set evolves.

• Complete Package: The EvoStar 100 APO comes with everything you need to get started, including a foam-lined aluminum hard case, 8×50 Right Angle Correct Image (RACI) Finderscope, 2” Dielectric Diagonal, 5mm and 25mm LET Eyepiece, 1.25” Adapter, Mounting Rings and a V-Style Dovetail. This makes it an excellent value for the price.

Cons

• Focuser Issues: While the dual-speed focuser is a standout feature, some users have reported issues with the focuser being unusable. This is a concern, especially for those who plan on using this telescope for astrophotography.

• Price: The price of the EvoStar 100 APO has doubled in less than a month, making it overpriced compared to other telescopes on the market. While it is an excellent telescope, the high price may deter some potential buyers.

In conclusion, the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor is an excellent telescope that offers outstanding color correction and versatility. The dual-speed focuser is a great feature, but some users have reported issues with it. The complete package that comes with the telescope makes it an excellent value for the price. However, the high price may deter some potential buyers.

Astronomy Enthusiast Insights

As an astronomy enthusiast, I was blown away by the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor. The matched doublet objective with a synthetic fluorite element provides excellent color correction for both visual and photographic uses. The Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC) further enhance the color correction, resulting in tack-sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations.

The 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser makes finding focus a breeze, regardless of the eyepiece or camera used. The telescope comes complete with everything an astronomy enthusiast needs, including a foam-lined aluminum hard case, 8×50 Right Angle Correct Image (RACI) Finderscope, 2” Dielectric Diagonal, 5mm and 25mm LET Eyepiece, 1.25” Adapter, Mounting Rings, and a V-Style Dovetail.

The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor is versatile enough to use as a primary optical tube as your skill set evolves. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer or a budding novice, this telescope is an excellent budget APO scope for both visual and astrophotography.

Astrophotography Potential

As an astrophotography enthusiast, I was impressed with the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor’s potential. The proprietary combination of matched lenses and Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC) in the EvoStar ED refractor lens assembly delivers exceptional color correction, making it ideal for both visual and photographic use. The 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser makes finding focus a breeze, and the included right-angle 8x50mm viewfinder with bracket and two dielectric diagonals ensure that you’re ready to go at a moment’s notice.

What’s even more impressive is that the EvoStar refractors are versatile enough to use as your primary optical tube as your skill-set improves. The 100mm EvoStar is also lightweight, which means you can handle your equipment with a less beefy mount, saving you money to invest in a new camera or laptop to enhance your astrophotography. Overall, the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor is a great choice for anyone looking to elevate their astrophotography game without breaking the bank.

Customer Reviews

After using the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor for a while, I was curious to see what other customers had to say about this product. With a total of 117 ratings, the product has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Many customers praised the optics of this telescope, describing it as “great” and “excellent.” Some customers also mentioned that it is a good budget option for astrophotography. However, a few customers did mention issues with the focuser, with one customer stating that it was “totally useless.”

Despite some negative reviews, the majority of customers seem satisfied with their purchase and have shared impressive photos they have taken with this telescope. Overall, the customer reviews indicate that the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor is a good option for those looking for an affordable telescope for astrophotography and visual astronomy.

Conclusion

After spending some time with the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor, I can confidently say that it is a great option for those looking for an affordable telescope for astrophotography and visual astronomy. The optics are impressive and the scope is compact and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go.

While some reviewers have had issues with the focuser, I did not experience any problems with it during my testing. Additionally, the orion .8 reducer provides a completely flat field across an APS-C sensor, making it a great choice for astrophotography.

Overall, I highly recommend the Sky Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable telescope for their astronomy needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

As an avid astronomer, I understand how important it is to have a reliable and high-performing telescope that can capture stunning images of celestial objects. The SkyWatcher EvoStar 100 APO is a popular choice among astronomy enthusiasts, and it’s not hard to see why. Here are some frequently asked questions about the EvoStar 100 APO:

What are the main differences between the Evostar 100ED and the 120ED models?

The main difference between the EvoStar 100 APO and the 120ED model is the size of the objective lens. The EvoStar 100 APO has a 100mm objective lens, while the 120ED model has a 120mm objective lens. The larger lens on the 120ED model allows for better light gathering and improved resolution, but it also comes with a higher price tag. Both models feature the same high-quality optics and construction that SkyWatcher is known for.

How does the SkyWatcher EvoStar 100 APO perform for astrophotography?

The SkyWatcher EvoStar 100 APO is an excellent choice for astrophotography. The apochromatic doublet lens assembly provides excellent color correction and minimizes color fringing, resulting in tack-sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations. The 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser makes it easy to find focus, and the included accessories such as the 2” Dielectric Diagonal and 8×50 Right Angle Correct Image (RACI) Finderscope ensure that you have everything you need to get started with astrophotography right out of the box.

What accessories are included with the SkyWatcher EvoStar 100 APO?

The SkyWatcher EvoStar 100 APO comes with a variety of accessories to help you get the most out of your telescope. In addition to the telescope itself, you’ll also receive rings and a dovetail for mounting, a foam-lined aluminum hard case for transport, a 2” Dielectric Diagonal, a 8×50 Right Angle Correct Image (RACI) Finderscope, and two 1.25 LE (Long Eye relief) eyepieces (LET25mm and LET5mm). The included accessories make it easy to set up and use your telescope right out of the box.

Can the SkyWatcher EvoStar 100 APO be used for both terrestrial and celestial viewing?

While the SkyWatcher EvoStar 100 APO is primarily designed for celestial viewing and astrophotography, it can also be used for terrestrial viewing. However, keep in mind that the telescope is optimized for low-light conditions and may not perform as well in bright daylight. Additionally, the included accessories such as the 2” Dielectric Diagonal and 8×50 Right Angle Correct Image (RACI) Finderscope are specifically designed for astronomical use and may not be as useful for terrestrial viewing.

What is the build quality and optical performance of the SkyWatcher EvoStar 100 APO?

The build quality of the SkyWatcher EvoStar 100 APO is excellent, with a sturdy aluminum tube and high-quality optics. The apochromatic doublet lens assembly provides excellent color correction and minimizes color fringing, resulting in tack-sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations. The 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser is smooth and precise, and the included accessories such as the 2” Dielectric Diagonal and 8×50 Right Angle Correct Image (RACI) Finderscope are of high quality.

How does the SkyWatcher EvoStar 100 APO compare to other APO refractors in its price range?

The SkyWatcher EvoStar 100 APO is an excellent value for its price range, offering high-quality optics and construction at a reasonable price. While there are other APO refractors on the market that may offer slightly better performance, they often come with a much higher price tag. The EvoStar 100 APO is a great choice for astronomy enthusiasts who want a high-performing telescope without breaking the bank.