SW EvoStar 100ED APO Refractor: When You Demand the Best!
Sky-Watcher is a leader in the design and manufacturer of ED-APO
systems. Sky-Watcher offers one of the most extensive lines of
ED-APOCHROMATIC refractors in the world. Using only the finest
fabrication materials available, Sky-Watcher APO refractors are
manufactured to painstakingly rigorous, exacting standards of optical
and mechanical quality to insure the amateur astronomer peak performance
and a great experience each and every time a Sky-Watcher ED-APO is
taken into the field. We know the amateur astronomer has very high
expectations regarding astronomical equipment purchases. Sky-Watcher
has been delivering consistent satisfaction for decades. This telescope
is designed for a lifetime of astronomical enjoyment!
Observing with the Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100ED 100mm Refractor
Turning the telescope to the first quarter Moon, the Apennine
Mountains snap into focus revealing a cornucopia of jagged mountain
ridges, canyons, and numerous small craters in razor-sharp detail. Not
far removed, reaching skyward the crater wall of Archimedes pops into
view in bold relief against the smooth flatlands that transverse the
distance between it and the Apennine Mountains. This is lunar observing
at its best – HD style. The gas giant Jupiter displays its swirling
equatorial bands in high-definition with festoons, and tonality within
the bands. The great spot is clearly visible, discreetly contrasted
from the surrounding Jovian landscape. Saturn’s storied surface
phenomenon is simply stunning. Hunt down double stars like Epsilon
Lyrae, the “double-double” in Lyra. A 100mm refractor will provide a
crisp well defined image superior to even a larger reflector. Always a
star-party favorite, Alberio located in the tail of Cygnus never fails
to please as it is a beautiful double. Alberio appears like a gold
sparkler and its companion looks blue-green. It is a perfect refractor
object. Compact globular star clusters lend themselves well to a
refractor. Located outside our galaxy the globular M2 will probably
resolve more stars in a 4? refractor than a 6? reflector. M4, M10 and
many other globular cluster can be seen well with a 100mm refractor.
M13, the fantastic globular in Hercules is a stunning sight in a 100mm
refractor. The bright central cores of prominent nebulae can be seen
and the brightest stars can be resolved. This is just the beginning of
an incredible journey of exploration possible with a SW ED-APO 100mm
refractor.
As an astrograph, the SW EvoStar 100ED APO performs superbly
delivering crisp, high-fidelity imaging of planetary, lunar and aperture
appropriate deep-space phenomenon.
Refractors—the Ultimate Imaging Instruments
In a given aperture size, refractors will always exhibit sharper
images than other optical designs because the refractor concentrates
more light into the central airy-disk and first diffraction rings.
There is no diffraction pattern interference caused by a diagonal
mirror, or secondary mirror being suspended in the optical path (central
obstruction) as is the case with reflectors.
Sky-Watcher ED-APOs—the Ultimate Refractors
Sky-Watcher ED-APO refractors provide the finest images
obtainable—bar none—in their design class. If you are on a quest for
the ultimate in pristine, near textbook-perfect astronomical imaging,
look no further! Sky-Watcher ED apochromatic refractors deliver
dramatic coal-back skies and faithful, contrast-rich views of planetary
and deep-space phenomenon that are second to none. Sky-Watcher ED-APO
refractors are the logical choice as an investment in advanced
instrumentation for exceptional viewing or photography.
Virtually Eliminates Residual Chromatic Aberration
The Sky-Watcher ED-APO design assures virtual elimination of residual
“false color” (i.e. chromatic aberration) normally present in 2-element
achromatic lens designs which utilize standard crown and flint glasses.
Sky-Watcher APO refractors utilize the finest extra-low dispersion
(ED) glass available, FPL-53. This results in the best color correction
for an ED doublet lens.
Schott Glass Used in Selected Models for Crown Element
Select models of ED-APO refractors will benefit from the inclusion of
Schott glass being used for the positive front Crown element in the
objective. Schott is the recognized world leader in glass utilized for
precision optical lens systems, including medical instrumentation, and
famous-brand camera lenses. While Schott glass is only used in selected
models, all other models utilize top-quality, Grade-A glass from
perhaps less famous but, nonetheless, highly respected, high-quality
glass manufacturers.
Pride and Perfection in Optical Manufacturing
Every lens element is individually inspected for purity and absence
of striae and other image-degrading imperfections. Every lens is
pitched polished to exacting standards of optical fabrication and
performance by highly skilled opticians utilizing state-of-the-art
methodology and rigidly controlled optical testing procedures. The
result is high-quality, diffraction-limited optics performing to the
theoretical limits of their respective aperture sizes. All lenses are
uniformly air-spaced in their cell housings.
Metallic High-Transmission Lens Coatings
Each air-to-glass lens surface has exotic anti-reflection metallic
coatings applied to ensure optimum light through-put. The proprietary
Sky-Watcher “Metallic High-Transmission Coatings” (MHC) are the finest
photon anti-rejection coatings in their class.
Light-Baffled Optical Systems
The objective lens cell is light-baffled to reject stray, unfocused
light. The draw tube is likewise baffled to insure optimum contrast.
The tube interior is flat blackened to help prevent unfocused internal
light reflections from reaching the focal plane.
Precision 2? Crayford-style Focuser is Standard
Optical focus is achieved by means of a mechanically ultra-smooth,
backlash-free, precision 2? Crayford-style focuser-assembly with 1.25
adaptor. This focuser operates at 2 speeds for fine and ultra-fine
focusing adjustments.
Tube Materials
The optical tube material is aluminum, powder-coated reflective gloss
black with gold fleck accent. The front and back cells are
cast-aluminum painted white, or black.
Telescope Tube Attachment Hardware
The Sky-Watcher APO optical tubes come with attachment hardware that
allows them to be securely fastened to compatible mounts. The
quick-release tube rings provided with SW ED-APO models 80ED, 100ED and
120ED are cast-aluminum, painted white.
Included Components for Selected Models
All Sky-Watcher USA EvoStars come with 2-speed backlash-free 2”
Crayford-style focusers and quality foam-lined metal carrying cases as
standard equipment. EvoStars are also supplied with right-angle 8x50mm
viewfinder with bracket; 2” dielectric diagonal; two 1.25” LE (Long Eye
relief) eyepieces (LET20mm and LET5mm); 1.25” focuser adaptor; and tube
ring attachment hardware that works with compatible mounts.
Specifications
Refractor Design |
Apochromat
(APO) |
Number of
Refractor Elements
|
2 |
Telescope
Aperture |
3.9" |
Telescope
Focal Ratio |
f/9 |
Telescope
Focal Length (mm)
|
900 |
Optical
Coatings |
Metallic
High-Transmission Coatings
|
Limiting
Stellar Magnitude
|
12.5 |
Lowest
Useful Magnification
|
14x |
Highest
Useful Magnification
|
236x |
Light-Gathering Power Compared to Human Eye
|
204x |
Diagonal
Included? |
Yes - 2"
Star Diagonal |
Telescope
Eyepiece(s) Included?
|
Yes - 2
Eyepieces Included
|
Finder
Included? |
Yes - 8 x 50
Finder Included |
Includes
Telescope Case? |
Yes |
Focuser
Style |
Crayford/Crayford Style
|
Focuser Size |
2" |
Focuser
Speed |
Dual Speed |
Telescope
Mount Type |
No Mount -
OTA Only |
Telescope
OTA Width (in.) |
4.5625 |
Telescope
OTA Length (in.) |
34 |
Telescope
OTA Weight with Accessories (lb.)
|
8.4 |
Telescope
Warranty Period |
1 year |
In the Box
- Sky-Watcher Evostar PRO 100 mm f/9 ED APO OTA
- 2" Dual-Speed Crayford-Type Focuser with 1.25" Adapter
- 8x50 RA Erect Image Finderscope
- 2" Dielectric Diagonal
- 20 mm 1.25" Eyepiece
- 5 mm 1.25" Eyepiece
- Tube Ring Attachment Hardware
- Foam-Lined Metal Carrying Case