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I have nothing negative to say about this scope except that the focuser is subpar for an instrument of this quality. I purchased my scope in 2012, so I don't know if this issue has been addressed by the manufacturer since then, but the focuser began to self-destruct almost immediately under the simple weight of my 35mm DSLR on the end of it. I replaced it with a Moonlite focuser, and the result is a first-rate instrument for visual and photographic applications. The optics produce a velvety-black background across which stars of myriad colors are cast. Chromatic aberration is non-existent, even on "bright" blue stars in long-exposure images. Star color is true and contrast is high. It's relatively lightweight and any decent entry-level EQ mount should be able to handle it with ease. The length is not prohibitive and the included carry case makes it easy to transport. The finish is also very fine; sometimes I can't resist shining my red light flashlight on it and admiring it during imaging runs. It sparkles in any light. I would suggest to any serious amateur astronomer that appreciates a quality refractor and who doesn't have a ton of money to spend to seriously consider investing in this scope - I'm glad I did. I have already gotten years of fine use out of it, and I hope that whoever else acquires it upon my passing will appreciate its craftsmanship (but fix the bloody focuser!) and performance.
Recently at the Golden State Star Party I got to use a Ronchi eyepiece with this scope. The 120ED. I am not an expert, but I was under the wing of someone who is. And has done this test and DPAC tests on all scopes he owns. Taks, APs, TECs, SVs, you get my drift. He also designs his own eyepieces. Maybe no an expert but close enough for me. Bottom line he was VERY impressed. Very straight and sharp lines with only a *hint* of curvature. A *HINT*. When I told him what I paid, he was impressed. A true bargain. He would not specifically pronounce exactly how good without using a DPAC. But he said it would not surprise him to find it was at LEAST 1/6th wave and maybe 1/8th or more. For a 4.7" ED at this price? Thats cranking right along. The reason it gets a four is the focuser does not rotate, the dew shield does not retract, and the case is flimsy. Tho it IS a case it almost falls apart (at least mine did). The finder is 'serviceable'. The diagonal I can not speak to as I sold it right away. I have a StellarVue in there. Surprisingly both eyepieces (20 and 5mm) are darn fine for included eyepieces. The 5mm in particular is a decent planetary eyepiece. The rings are okay. The dovetail is green. No doubt someone's brother-in-law bought a warehouse full of green anodized dovetails and convinced their relative to ship them and now come with SW APOs. Yes I am gonna call this an APO. The only false color I see is atmospheric or eyepiece caused. Get high enough in altitude, and use a well corrected EP and I just don't see it. I like the way it looks. The black speckle tube is IMO classy. Guess I like shiny things. Bottom line? The 120ED is a wonderful scope for the money. Optically, AFAICT it is wonderful period! No excuses. BTW: I did not buy this from OPT so I have so reason to post a positive review here because of where I bought it.
Couldn't decide between Evostar 120 vs 150 and just didn't know how the quality compares to other brands, but I found this scope is completely awesome (and i've owned dozens of scopes) and no need to spend money on others costing way more I use mine for visual only. Most of the time no CA, I did see a little on Jupiter last night on the horizon but once it rose a little I did not see any. 4 moons and could see bands too (at 24--8 mm). I'm glad I got this one vs 150 size because its already say 15 lbs with accessories and 3 feet long, 150mm one is 4 feet long and 25 lbs with accessories. This one is plenty big enough for a refractors. Included dialectric 2" diagonal -- wow, usually have to pay more for that. Included tube rings, two-speed focuser, ***** rail, case, dust cover.. awesome. Clarity is great -- crisp stars in color (white yellow red blue etc.). Globs looks good, galaxies in Leo, Jupiter, bodes galaxy, even the Ring Nebula in Lira, M13. Haven't looked at moon, too bright for me. Again really glad i did not pay way more for an overpriced APO... this one does all you need to do, and nearly no CA. C80/ NGC5139 wonderful. Also saw M80/ M104, M68, M10, M49,... saw all the objects listed in this review here in this scope last night. I used it on a William Optics EZtouch mount (similar to aokswiss).
Despite having the specs this is bigger than I imagined. It is very well built and solid. Views are crisp and sharp with the supplied eyepieces. You will not be disappointed with this scope. I did add weight to the back end to move the balance point forward so that the eyepiece is higher at zenith.
Great telescope! No false color seen on full moon. Great price too! Only one complaint, Since I bought it, the curse of the bad skies has followed me here in California, only about 10 decent nights of viewing from December 15th until April 17th. You will love this scope. Bob in Oakland, Calif.
Purchased the Sky-Watcher ED about 5 months ago with some hesitation.I had 8 Celestron Nexstar Cas. as a primary scope, and was very happy with it...I began with Jupiter, as I was doing much research, including sketches and drawings...The contrast, sharpness, and detail of equitorial belts,festoons, swirls etc. etc. incredible...Transists of moons, eclipses, were spectacular...My 8 couldn't even come close as per detail or contrast and sharpness. Weather permitting, I was out almost every night using my Sky-Watcher 120mm APO with the same above results. The lunar views just took my breath away. No off color destortion even with using 300X ++. I now own a Sky-Watcher 80MM ED 3.1 APO for grab and go....And the the Celestron Nexstar.....Well.. I sold it.... If the scope cost $1000.00 more than I paid, it would be still worth every cent............