Skywatcher EVOSTAR 72ED

that_guy (Tony) · #1 05-02-2018, 11:55 AM

Checking the 2018 catalogue theres a new widefield ed scope available this year. Advertised as a premium guidescope but im thinking itd be a great lens to have on a star adventurer as it weighs just shy of 2kg. No flattener/reducer but they have it in tye works accordibg to the rep.

Link to the specs here: https://skywatcheraustralia.com.au/p.../evostar-72ed/

AG Hybrid (Adrian) · #2 05-02-2018, 04:49 PM

f5.8!!

Be a nice video astronomy scope. Drop a 0.5x reducer for some sub F/3 imaging. Nice.

My next scope was going to be a ed80. I shall be looking forward to the Evostar.

Camelopardalis (Dunk) · #3 05-02-2018, 05:52 PM

Should make for an interesting guide scope

I usually use my WO Zenithstar 71 and it works really well but it’s almost 1kg heavier, before adding a diagonal...

bigjoe (JOSEPH) · #4 05-02-2018, 05:57 PM

Looking for a good grab and go/ finder etc for some doubles..could be the ticket.

This one looks similar optics wise.

https://www.altairastro.com/lightwav...-alu-case.html ... is it..got a good review...170x is nothing to be sneezed at
New version coming out it seems....this looks good at 70mm ed ..but more bickies.
https://www.altairastro.com/Starwave...Refractor.html
prefer white myself.

And this bargain cutie....
https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop...P-focuser.html
bigjoe

that_guy (Tony) · #5 09-02-2018, 08:14 PM

UPDATE: Skywatcher Aus now has them in stock set at $499 RRP with aluminium case. Definitely worth considering at this price.

Wavytone · #6 09-02-2018, 09:40 PM

While 170X is possible it’s rather more than 2x per mm which is really the practical upper limit for refractors and TBH 170x is hype.

I could push my 70mm to 300X with a 1.6mm eyepiece, but there’s no point.

Can’t beat the physics of diffraction.

FWIW APM have a large selection of small APOs available from 50mm up, and assorted focal ratios, some clearly aimed at imaging while others are dual visual/imaging, the difference being the backfocus and focusser travel. Another aspect for imagers concerns all-screwed adapter rings to connect a camera - far more precise and secure than a cheap slip-fit 2” adapter. Add to that availability of 2.5” or 3” focussers including tack & pinion types able to lift heavy loads securely.

bigjoe (JOSEPH) · #7 09-02-2018, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wavytone

While 170X is possible it’s rather more than 2x per mm which is really the practical upper limit for refractors and TBH 170x is hype.

I could push my 70mm to 300X with a 1.6mm eyepiece, but there’s no point.

Can’t beat the physics of diffraction.

FWIW APM have a large selection of small APOs available from 50mm up, and assorted focal ratios, some clearly aimed at imaging while others are dual visual/imaging, the difference being the backfocus and focusser travel. Another aspect for imagers concerns all-screwed adapter rings to connect a camera - far more precise and secure than a cheap slip-fit 2” adapter. Add to that availability of 2.5” or 3” focussers including tack & pinion types able to lift heavy loads securely.

Really high mags like that Wavy , truly are only useable when splitting bright and mostly equal Double Stars ; and rarely even on the Moon in excellent seeing... so much of it is hype indeed, and useable on only a handfull of nights per year for most of us.

Still it will be a handy little scope for many, many uses.

bigjoe

Icearcher (Chris) · #8 13-02-2018, 10:36 AM

At that price this might be my first imaging scope (well first scope really).

Can anyone see any reason you wouldn't use this for imaging with say a canon 600d?

Camelopardalis (Dunk) · #9 13-02-2018, 01:47 PM

It'll depend on how well corrected it is, you may see some CA, but I suspect Skywatcher have been choosy with their glass types. This is not the first ~70mm doublet on the market, so I'd be surprised if they haven't nailed it.

You will need at least a field flattener to accomodate an APS-C sized chip like in the 600d, though. The same is true for most small refractors, besides the ones that have it built-in, at significantly higher cost.

ChrisV (Chris) · #10 13-02-2018, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by that_guy

UPDATE: Skywatcher Aus now has them in stock set at $499 RRP with aluminium case. Definitely worth considering at this price.

Definitely. As Adrian says below - would make for a great portable light weight live imaging setup.

that_guy (Tony) · #11 19-02-2018, 05:06 PM

Astroanarchy (astropetes) confirmed that they are selling them (in backorder now) for $425. Much cheaper than the RRP. Much more tempting at this price point.

Camelopardalis (Dunk) · #12 19-02-2018, 06:34 PM

Attractive pricing

But what’s with the back order situation

I’m over getting excited about a new product with it becoming nail clippings from a unicorn with a 6-9 month wait. I appreciate it’s a risk bringing any quantity of niche gear into Australia, but unobtanium is a great cure for impulse buying.

that_guy (Tony) · #13 19-02-2018, 06:50 PM

they said they sold out and waiting to restock. It usually doesn't take too long for them to restock items. I'd ask astroanarchy to see the eta.

Striker (Tony) · #14 20-02-2018, 02:53 PM

I got the first of Pete using it as a guide scope, couldn't go past it for $425

The case it comes in is worth half that price.

It doesn't come with any accessories and has very little back focus.

I already had 80mm 2" extention so used that and got focus easily on my asi120mm guide camera.

LewisM · #15 20-02-2018, 04:15 PM

Gawd, who wrote the descriptions on that webpage? All over the place like a drunk camel. Not doing any favours writing descriptions that poor!

I might grab one for a guidescope on the FSQ. A little slow, but might be OK.

LewisM · #16 20-02-2018, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Striker

I got the first of Pete using it as a guide scope, couldn't go past it for $425

The case it comes in is worth half that price.

It doesn't come with any accessories and has very little back focus.

I already had 80mm 2" extention so used that and got focus easily on my asi120mm guide camera.

Pictures or it didn't happen

LewisM · #17 20-02-2018, 06:38 PM

Found one, same price as GastroPete's. I think I'll grab it.

04Stefan07 (Stefan) · #18 19-04-2018, 07:14 AM

How does this new Skywatcher stack up in doing some widefield Astro? Looking for a portable option to take with me as well and this seems like a great size.

There may be a weight/balance issue using with a DSLR it looks like.

ChrisV (Chris) · #19 29-05-2018, 12:53 PM

So who's bought it - and what do you think of it?

Icearcher (Chris) · #20 30-05-2018, 06:09 PM

I just got mine mid may and so far I haven't used it much due to the weather.

I have found that it doesn't have enough back focus for my canon 550d, its about 10mm short by my reckoning so i have ordered an extension that should solve the issue.

I have had a little play with it visually and im stunned, views of the moon with a 6.4mm plossl are fantastic, super sharp with great contrast all the way to the edge. I didn't notice any field curvature even though im sure its there.

Last night, I also checked out Jupiter and while it was still very small, I could easily make out cloud bands and the moons were pin point sharp with no visible CA, and I think the seeing last night would have been average at best as I was viewing thru breaks in the cloud.

There are a few little modifications that Iv made to the dovetail to get it to works on my SW star adventure that can dig deeper into if needed.

All up, Im super happy with it so far, Im sure ill be even happier when i can actually image thru it.