Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian Review

First Impressions of Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian

The Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian telescope immediately grabs your attention with its promise of fast, wide-field astrophotography. Sky Watcher advertises it as an affordable astrograph that doesn’t compromise on performance for both imaging and visual astronomy. The speedy f/4 focal ratio is a standout feature, hinting at shorter exposure times and brighter images. Included with the OTA is a coma corrector/reducer, a dual-speed focuser, and even an eyepiece. This package seems designed to entice both seasoned astrophotographers and ambitious beginners alike.

My journey to the Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian started with a yearning to capture deep-sky objects. I was growing weary of stacking endless long exposures with my existing, slower telescope. I wanted something that could gather more light in less time, allowing me to spend less time on individual frames and more time processing breathtaking images.

The unboxing experience was largely positive. The telescope arrived well-packaged and protected. The Black Diamond finish on the optical tube assembly (OTA) is striking. It immediately gives a premium feel, although the steel tube itself is relatively lightweight. The included accessories, especially the dual-speed focuser and coma corrector, added to the sense of value.

When deciding on a telescope, I was also looking at the Explore Scientific ED127 and the Celestron EdgeHD 800. The Explore Scientific refractor offered appealing image quality but was significantly more expensive and had a narrower field of view. The Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain was more versatile but much slower at f/10. I chose the Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian for its fast f/4 aperture, affordability, and imaging-centric design.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The telescope looked and felt well-built, and the included accessories were a pleasant surprise. I was excited to put it through its paces and see if it could deliver on its promise of fast, wide-field astrophotography, while slightly concerned if I would be able to get good collimation.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian to the Test

First Use Experience

My first night out with the Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian was at a dark sky site about an hour outside of town. The site offers Bortle 4 skies. I mounted the OTA on my trusty EQ6-R Pro mount, which handled the weight with ease. I spent a significant amount of time carefully collimating the telescope using a Cheshire collimator and a laser collimator, which proved to be essential for achieving sharp images.

The conditions were cool and dry, with minimal wind. Initially, getting the collimation perfect was tricky, but once dialed in, the telescope performed admirably. The dual-speed focuser made achieving precise focus a breeze, especially when using a Bahtinov mask. The coma corrector visibly improved the sharpness of stars across the field of view.

The first images I captured were of the Orion Nebula (M42). Even with relatively short exposures of 30 seconds, the nebula’s intricate details started to emerge. I was impressed by the amount of light the telescope gathered in such a short amount of time. The main issue that night was some slight flexure when the scope was pointed in certain directions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of using the Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian, I’ve become quite familiar with its quirks and strengths. It has held up well. The Black Diamond finish still looks pristine, and the focuser remains smooth and precise. I store the OTA in a padded case when not in use to protect it from dust and scratches.

I have found the collimation to be fairly stable, but it does require occasional fine-tuning, especially after transporting the telescope. The borosilicate mirrors, coated with Sky-Watcher’s proprietary Radiant Aluminum Quartz (RAQ) coatings, designed for imaging with 94% reflectivity, have maintained their reflectivity despite numerous observing sessions.

Compared to my previous 80mm refractor, the Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian is a game-changer. It gathers significantly more light, allowing me to capture fainter objects with shorter exposure times. However, it is also more demanding in terms of collimation and requires a sturdier mount.

Breaking Down the Features of Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Sky Watcher
• Aperture: 150mm (6 inches). This determines the light-gathering ability of the telescope, crucial for observing faint deep-sky objects.
• Focal Length: 600mm. This dictates the image scale and field of view; shorter focal lengths provide wider fields.
• Focal Ratio: f/4. This is a key specification for astrophotography, as it determines the speed of the telescope.
• Mirror Coating: Radiant Aluminum Quartz (RAQ) coatings, designed for imaging with 94% reflectivity. This enhances the telescope’s light-gathering efficiency, resulting in brighter images.
• Focuser: 11:1, dual-speed, 2-inch Crayford-style. A precise focuser is essential for achieving sharp focus, especially at high magnifications.
• Included Coma Corrector/Reducer: Reduces coma and lowers the focal ratio to f/3.45. This enhances image sharpness across the field of view and further reduces exposure times.
• Eyepiece: 70 Ultra Wide 22mm. Provides a wide field of view for visual observing.
• Finderscope: 6×30. Helps to locate objects in the night sky.
• Tube Rings & Dovetail Plate: Allows for secure mounting on a telescope mount.

Performance & Functionality

The Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian excels at capturing wide-field images of deep-sky objects. Its fast f/4 focal ratio allows for relatively short exposure times, making it ideal for those with limited imaging time or light-polluted skies. The included coma corrector is a must-use and significantly improves image quality.

The telescope’s strengths lie in its light-gathering ability and speed. It gathers fainter objects with ease compared to smaller telescopes. Its main weakness is the need for precise collimation. Imperfect collimation can lead to distorted images.

The Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian meets and exceeds my expectations as an astrophotography telescope. It delivers stunning wide-field images with relatively short exposure times.

Design & Ergonomics

The Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian features a classic Newtonian reflector design with a modern touch. The Black Diamond finish gives it a sleek and professional look. The steel tube is sturdy yet relatively lightweight, making it manageable to mount and transport.

The dual-speed Crayford focuser is a joy to use. It allows for smooth and precise focusing, which is essential for astrophotography. The telescope has a relatively short learning curve for those familiar with Newtonian reflectors. Collimation is the most challenging aspect.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian should last for many years. The steel tube and robust focuser are built to withstand regular use. The borosilicate mirrors are durable but require careful handling and cleaning to avoid scratches.

Maintaining the telescope involves keeping the mirrors clean and periodically collimating the optics. Cleaning the mirrors should only be done when absolutely necessary and with specialized cleaning solutions and techniques.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian comes with a 70 Ultra Wide 22mm eyepiece for visual observing, a 6×30 finderscope for locating objects, tube rings and a V-style dovetail plate for mounting. It also includes the all-important coma corrector/reducer.

The telescope is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories. These include coma correctors, focusers, and camera adapters. Upgrading the focuser to a more robust model or adding a motorized focuser can further enhance the imaging experience.

Pros and Cons of Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian

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Who Should Buy Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian?

The Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian is perfect for:

• Astrophotographers looking for a fast, wide-field imaging telescope.
• Intermediate astronomers who want to upgrade from smaller telescopes.
• Visual observers who appreciate bright, detailed views of deep-sky objects.

Who should skip this product?

• Beginners who are not prepared to learn the intricacies of collimation.
• Those who prioritize portability over light-gathering ability.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A high-quality collimation tool (Cheshire or laser collimator).
• A coma corrector (if not included) is essential for optimal image quality.
• A dedicated astrophotography camera is a worthwhile investment.

Conclusion on Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian

The Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian is an excellent telescope for astrophotography. It offers a winning combination of speed, light-gathering ability, and affordability. Its fast f/4 focal ratio and included coma corrector make it a powerful tool for capturing stunning images of deep-sky objects.

The price is justified. It delivers exceptional performance for its cost.

I would personally recommend the Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian to anyone looking to delve into the world of astrophotography. This is especially if you are aiming to capture wide-field images of galaxies and nebulae.

If you’re ready to take your astrophotography to the next level, the Sky Watcher Quattro 150P Imaging Newtonian is a fantastic choice. You will need to be prepared to put in the time and effort to learn how to collimate it properly. However, the rewards are well worth the effort.