28 replies to this topic

[Jeffmar]

My Esprit 150 is a phenomenal scope. It is definitely the best scope I own as far as sharpness and versatility. I haven't used my other large refractors since I got my Esprit, and I haven't really missed them. I used to think that if I could only have one scope it would be a C14, but because of the how good my Esprit 150 is at so many things I might have to change my mind. It certainly is a lot easier to image with than my C14. I bought my Esprit on sale for 7000 dollars. It is still a chunk of change, but when I compare it to my friend's Stellarvue 180 costing 19000 dollars it seems like a bargain. The only downside is how heavy my Esprit is. My carbon fiber Explore Scientific 127 is so much lighter it's a breeze to handle compared to my Esprit.

Click here to view the article

[lucam]

That's a very well written review, Jeff. Congratulations on what sounds like an excellent scope!

 

--Luca

[RonLevandoski]

Jeff:

 

I concur with your observations and findings. I have a Takahashi TOA 130 and a SW Esprit 150. I use them interchangeably on a Tak 400 mount in my domed observatory here in Ivins, UT. I also have a PlaneWave 14" CDK on a Tak 400 mount in a separate building.

 

I have done side by side comparisons with imaging between the Tak 130 and the SW 150 both fitted with a Tak 67 coma corrector. I have a FeatherTouch focuser on both scopes and ZWO EAFs. The Tak focuser was certainly not up to the quality of the glass and other components.

 

The results are that the images are indistinguishable in multiple side by side comparison using a ZWO 6200 camera with exactly the same settings. I can't really tell the difference other than imaging with the SW images seem a little more contrasty. That extra inch of aperture makes a difference. 

 

The CDK is the best of the best for imaging the smaller fuzzies.

 

I got great deals on both of my Tak 400 mounts second hand here on CN and they are flawless workhorses. They have never required ANY attention or tuning or fussing and handle excessive loads without issues.

 

Congrats on your SW 150, an often ignored scope for impressive imaging. If you are ever visiting Ivins, let me know and we can meet for coffee or pizza or ?

 

Ron84738

[jedashford]

I have a SW Esprit 150 and SW Esprit 100 and love these. I've wanted to buy a tak, but wont after seeing side by side comparisons. Love these scopes, the quality of everything involved, and the company as a whole. Great work SkyWatcher! You should be proud. 

 

My only suggestion if I could make one: make the dew shields slide beautifully like I get with Explore Scientific. 

[tjz]

Great article! I've sort of fallen into the refractor deep end too, and also find myself using my Esprit 150 more than any other telescope for imaging. The focal length (1073mm for mine) is perfect for many targets, and if I need wide field I just swap out the APS-C sensor for full frame. Occasionally I use a William Optic FLT91 (543mm) or Redcat51 (250mm) if it is very wide field. For visual, my EdgeHD 11 gets used much more and I think the added aperture and convenient viewing geometry (shorter) make it a better choice. My favorite kind of night is the Esprit 150 working silently on imaging and my EdgeHD 11 getting worked for visual.

 

I find the quality of the Esprit quite good, except for the annoying dew shield you mention - I usually make it work by tightening the screws more than I'd like and jamming a dew strap up against it. Like others, I have found the 1.0x field flattener very good, but the 0.77x reducer does not have pinpoint stars to the edge despite some experimentation in backfocus. The focuser is solid and I've not had issues driving it with a ZWO EAF. On very cold nights here in Colorado I do get a little pinched optics, but never bad enough for me to do anything about.

 

My only other complaint is the size and weight, but if you want a 6" triplet, that is to be expected! It's a wonderful telescope, glad you are enjoying yours!

[Aloan]

An excellent review Jeff. I have been imaging with an Esprit 120 for the last 3+ years. It's a great scope, agreed the dew shield is a bit of a disappointment, not sure why SW couldn't have added a third screw. I'm impressed that you move this beast to dark locations, I'm fortunate to live in a bortle 3 area.

 

Clear skys, 

[Oddyse]

  Thanks for great review. You can't go wrong with a Skywatcher Esprit, quality build, pricing and excel in photography and visual use. If the dew shield is a little loose just set your mounting rings and balance where the cap snugs up against them for the night. Esprits rock!

[Kevin_A]

Nice review. I too wish they would fix the dew shield design. I ended up wrapping my objective with thin foam that made the fit tighter and it is now less floppy. They are heavy and built like a tank but the images are rich with lots of contrast! 

[Pasko]

breathtaking photos 

[Jeffmar]

breathtaking photos 

Thanks!

[Teufelhund1969]

Think I will have to take out a loan of around $12k for this and a good mount and tripod.  Then I would have to keep it somewhere else or my lady will have me sleeping with it for a long time.  Great review.

[Jeffmar]

An image from 8/7 using my Esprit 150

 

 

With the .77 reducer I am imaging at about f/5.4 which is about where I like it.

[Stellar1]

Nice review, there’s no question the Esprit’s are top notch refractors. Regarding the dew shield, every scope has it’s quirks but in the end the only thing that matters is how it performs and that you enjoy using it, it seems it delivers on both those fronts.

[StuartT]

Great review! I bought the Esprit 150 a couple of years ago and it's my main AP scope. I have it on an EQ8 and it produces wonderful results. I toyed with getting a TOA 150, but I couldn't really justify the cost. I love my Esprit!

[Jeffmar]

Great review! I bought the Esprit 150 a couple of years ago and it's my main AP scope. I have it on an EQ8 and it produces wonderful results. I toyed with getting a TOA 150, but I couldn't really justify the cost. I love my Esprit.

The TOA150 may or may not be noticeably better than the Esprit150 especially since the TOA is double the price. I really appreciate companies that can offer really good performance with their products and still be somewhat affordable. I have looked through some pretty amazing Taks, but I don’t think I would trade what I have for one especially for imaging.

[suschoi]

Great review and fantastic photos. I completely agree with your mention of the focus system. The precise movements and repeat performance of the focus system are as important as the optical performance in OTA.

[Oddyse]

  Re-reading your fine article and think it's quite amazing that you could find the Esprit 150 about a good visually as a C-14 reflector. Though praised for photography every chance I get I try and tell people what wonderful visual scopes they are. Paired my. Esprit 120 with Denkmeier Binotron binoviewers and been grinning ear to ear since. The photos you posted speak for themselves as far as imaging goes. Beat your 150 for the price? Twice the price? I haven't been to that star party yet! Tennessee

[Jeffmar]

  Re-reading your fine article and think it's quite amazing that you could find the Esprit 150 about a good visually as a C-14 reflector. Though praised for photography every chance I get I try and tell people what wonderful visual scopes they are. Paired my. Esprit 120 with Denkmeier Binotron binoviewers and been grinning ear to ear since. The photos you posted speak for themselves as far as imaging goes. Beat your 150 for the price? Twice the price? I haven't been to that star party yet! Tennessee

All things being equal, my C14 will do better on most objects, especially the dim ones. The Esprit can split double stars better in marginal seeing and do a fantastic job on gas giants and the moon. I probably wouldn’t be disappointed if I only had my Esprit 150 for visual.

[Jeffmar]

 

This is from data taken from two Esprit 150 scopes. My imaging buddy, Lester, Shared his data with me. He has the same scope and the same camera as I do.

[Refractor6]

 Nice review and yes a great scope. I have one of the early ones and for this strictly visual observer it doesn't get any better optically speaking.

[Jack Brown]

Wow. Image 5, the galaxy, is simply mesmerizing. Must. Not. Get. APO. Fever.

[SArthurN]

How heavy is it? Their website does not say.

[John Turley]

Around 14 kg (31 lb) without the tube rings, 16 kg (35 lb) with.

[SeaLint]

Great review! I have an SVX152T and have been looking at the Losmandy G11T. How do you like the G11T? Would you recommend it for a home mount/observatory? Thank you in advance!

[cmstabile74]

That is a beautiful telescope and an extraordinary review. Great job, very well done!