Let’s Dive into Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420
The Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 isn’t just another telescope; it’s a precision instrument designed for serious amateur astronomers and astrophotographers. Sky Watcher has built a reputation for quality optics at reasonable prices, and the Esprit 120 aims to deliver a premium viewing experience without breaking the bank. Its apochromatic triplet lens design promises exceptional color correction and sharpness, making it an appealing option for those seeking to push their observing and imaging capabilities.
My journey to the Esprit 120 began with a growing frustration with chromatic aberration in my older doublet refractor. I wanted to capture detailed images of nebulae and galaxies, but the color fringing around bright stars was a persistent issue. The Esprit 120’s ED triplet design seemed like the perfect solution to achieve the color correction and image clarity I craved.
Unboxing the telescope revealed a robustly built optical tube assembly. The weight felt substantial, inspiring confidence in the quality of materials and construction. The included accessories, such as the thread-on field flattener and 2″ diagonal, were a welcome bonus indicating this was a complete system ready for advanced use.
Compared to my previous 80mm apochromatic refractor and a friend’s 102mm doublet, the Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 stood out due to its larger aperture and triplet design. I chose it over similar models because of the Sky Watcher brand reputation, the included field flattener, and the promise of superior color correction which is essential for astrophotography. My initial impression was excitement mixed with a bit of intimidation; this was a serious piece of equipment, and I was eager to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first night out with the Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 was at a dark sky site about an hour outside the city. I primarily targeted the Orion Nebula and the Pleiades star cluster. The seeing conditions were good, but there was a slight breeze and the temperature hovered around 40°F.
The views through the Esprit 120 were immediately impressive. The Orion Nebula displayed incredible detail and contrast, and the stars in the Pleiades appeared as pinpoint, brilliant gems against a dark background. The focuser operated smoothly and precisely, allowing for fine adjustments even with gloved hands.
I didn’t encounter any major issues during the initial setup and observation. However, I did notice that the dew shield could be more effective at preventing dew formation on the objective lens, requiring me to use a dew heater strip later in the evening.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 has proven to be a reliable and high-performing instrument. I’ve used it extensively for both visual observing and astrophotography, capturing stunning images of galaxies, nebulae, and planetary details.
The telescope has held up well to regular use and transportation. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, and the optical coatings remain in excellent condition. Cleaning the optics is straightforward, requiring only occasional use of a lens cleaning solution and microfiber cloth.
Compared to my previous refractors, the Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 delivers noticeably sharper and more contrasty images. The improved color correction is immediately apparent, especially when observing bright stars and planets. It easily outperforms my older equipment and meets all my expectations for a premium apochromatic refractor.
Breaking Down the Features of Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420
Specifications
The Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 boasts a 120mm aperture, providing substantial light-gathering capability for detailed observations. Its 840mm focal length yields a focal ratio of f/7, offering a versatile combination of magnification and field of view. The triplet lens design, incorporating extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, is crucial for minimizing chromatic aberration and delivering sharp, high-contrast images.
- Objective Aperture: 120 mm
- Focal Length: 840 mm
- Focal Ratio: f/7
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
- Finderscope: 9×50, erect-image, right-angle
- Field Flattener: Included, thread-on
- Focuser: 3.0″ focuser w/micro focus
- Image Circle: 43mm
- OTA Weight: 22lb
- OTA Length: 31.5″ Extended and 27.375″ Retracted
These specifications are vital for the telescope’s performance. The 120mm aperture determines how much light the telescope can gather, impacting the visibility of faint objects. The f/7 focal ratio strikes a good balance, making it suitable for both wide-field and high-magnification viewing and imaging. The ED triplet design ensures minimal color fringing, which results in sharper and more accurate images.
Performance & Functionality
The Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 excels in its primary function: delivering high-quality astronomical images. Its sharp optics and excellent color correction make it ideal for observing planets, nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. It offers exceptional clarity and contrast, allowing for detailed observations of faint and subtle features.
One of its greatest strengths is its ability to produce images free from distracting color artifacts. However, its relatively long focal length (840mm) and resulting smaller field of view might not be optimal for some wide-field astrophotography applications. Overall, the Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 exceeds expectations, delivering a superior viewing and imaging experience compared to many other telescopes in its class.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 is impressive. It is constructed with high-quality materials and features a robust mechanical design. The OTA is surprisingly lightweight for its size (22lbs), making it relatively easy to transport and mount.
The telescope is user-friendly and easy to set up. The focuser operates smoothly and precisely, and the included accessories, such as the thread-on field flattener, enhance its versatility. There’s no significant learning curve, making it accessible to both experienced and relatively new amateur astronomers.
Durability & Maintenance
The Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 appears to be built to last. The OTA is made from durable materials, and the mechanical components are well-engineered. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward and requires only occasional cleaning of the optics. The fully multi-coated lenses are resistant to dust and smudges, making them easy to keep clean. Regular visual inspections of the mechanical components and careful storage will ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 comes with a range of useful accessories. These include a thread-on field flattener, a 2″ diagonal with dielectric coatings, a 9×50 RA erect-image finderscope, a Canon camera adapter, and tube rings with a CGE style dovetail bar. The thread-on field flattener is particularly valuable for astrophotography, ensuring sharp images across the entire field of view.
The telescope is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories. You can use various eyepieces, filters, and camera adapters to customize its performance for specific observing and imaging applications. The CGE style dovetail bar allows for easy attachment to most equatorial mounts.
Pros and Cons of Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420
Pros
- Exceptional color correction thanks to its ED triplet lens design.
- Sharp, high-contrast images for detailed observations.
- Robust build quality and reliable performance.
- Includes a thread-on field flattener for astrophotography.
- Smooth and precise 3″ focuser with micro focus adjustment.
Cons
- Dew shield could be more effective at preventing dew formation.
- Relatively long focal length might not be ideal for all wide-field applications.
Who Should Buy Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420?
The Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 is perfect for experienced amateur astronomers and astrophotographers who demand high-quality optics and excellent color correction. It’s also suitable for serious beginners who are willing to invest in a premium instrument. Visual observers who appreciate sharp, detailed views of planets, nebulae, and galaxies will also benefit greatly.
Beginners looking for a simple, point-and-shoot telescope should probably skip this product. Individuals primarily interested in terrestrial viewing might also find other options more suitable. A must-have accessory is a high-quality equatorial mount to fully utilize the telescope’s capabilities for astrophotography.
Conclusion on Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420
The Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 is an outstanding telescope that delivers exceptional optical performance. It’s a well-built, reliable instrument that’s capable of producing stunning images of the night sky. The included accessories, such as the thread-on field flattener, further enhance its value and versatility.
At $2279.00, the price is justified given its superior optics and overall quality. The Sky Watcher Esprit 120mm ED Triplet APO Refractor Telescope S11420 is a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about astronomy and astrophotography, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. If you’re ready to elevate your observing and imaging experience, this telescope is an excellent choice!