12 replies to this topic

[Chayko]

Sky-watcher 100ED Pro - gold colour - is it special?

I have had this scope for years and it has served me very well, but I am wondering if it is any different from the Black(with silver) model. 
 

 

thanks

Bob

 

[therealdmt]

Looks cooler. I’d call that special.

 

The 100EDs and their stablemates (the 80mm and 120mm at least) have also come in a lightish metallic blue and in white (not to mention there are a number of non-SkyWatcher-branded versions in further colors). These SkyWatchers were all largely the same aside from the color scheme and potentially confusing variations over time in the branding like the use of terms such as "Pro" and "Black Diamond", etc. in the product name.

 

Regarding any special versions, I have in my notes that a small number of early blue-tubed ones were actually f/10.

 

The main special version of the SkyWatcher 100ED though was the Equinox, which came in a glossy black (no sparkle) finish with silver trim. The special features were a sliding dewshield, rotatable dual speed Crayford focuser (the standard version was single speed back in the day I believe, but anyway, non-rotatable), CNCed tube rings, and compression rings in the eyepiece holder, all in a slightly heavier (+ 1 kg) assemblage.

 

Congrats on your gold sparkle scope!

[gstrumol]

It appears to be just an older model, if this is what you have:

 

https://www.reddit.c...ther/?rdt=42212

 

but as far as the optics go I'd guess nothing special or different from today's equivalent model.

[Jon Isaacs]

Looks cooler. I’d call that special.

 

The 100EDs and their stablemates (the 80mm and 120mm at least) have also come in a lightish metallic blue and in white (not to mention there are a number of non-SkyWatcher-branded versions in further colors). These SkyWatchers were all largely the same aside from the color scheme and potentially confusing variations over time in the branding like the use of terms such as "Pro" and "Black Diamond", etc. in the product name.

 

Regarding any special versions, I have in my notes that a small number of early blue-tubed ones were actually f/10.

 

The main special version of the SkyWatcher 100ED though was the Equinox, which came in a glossy black (no sparkle) finish with silver trim. The special features were a sliding dewshield, rotatable dual speed Crayford focuser (the standard version was single speed back in the day I believe, but anyway, non-rotatable), CNCed tube rings, and compression rings in the eyepiece holder, all in a slightly heavier (+ 1 kg) assemblage.

 

Congrats on your gold sparkle scope!

 

The Equinox and identical Orion Eon Series used SkyWatcher optics in an OTA manufactured by Long Perng. 

 

Bob:  Does your gold ED-100 have a two speed focuser?  Single speed or two speed, that was about the only difference I know of with the various ED-100s.  At F/9, a two speed is more or less optional.  

 

Jon 

[Tapio]

If memory serves the gold model was the first version, and with only single speed focuser.

[gstrumol]

If memory serves the gold model was the first version, and with only single speed focuser.

Your memory is correct - see my post and link above.

[saemark30]

It matches the HEQ5 Pro mount but I don't think the Pro moniker adds anything extra nor is it of higher quality.

[ris242]

living in the land that time forgot............you can still find gold and equinox scopes as shop demos and what not

 

 

 

https://www.trademe....45?bof=eHHxZK9B

 

https://www.trademe....48?bof=eHHxZK9B

 

https://www.trademe....62?bof=eHHxZK9B

[Refractor6]

   Yes as covered.. a early one. Same combo with the gold and white first issue 120 F/7.5 in 2006

[saemark30]

What can you see with it the 100ED?

How much Jupiter and Mars detail can you see with it?

[ChristianG]

What can you see with it the 100ED?

How much Jupiter and Mars detail can you see with it?

Hello.

 

You will see the same amount of details any good 100 mm telescope can show since seeing is usually the limiting factor. This means 2-4 cloud bands on Jupiter, the Red Spot... For Mars, don't let your expectations go too high.

 

However the 100ED has excellent color correction and optical quality. So when the seeing allows it, you can easily crank the magnification up to 200X, depending on your eyes (darn floaters...).

 

We have one that is used occasionally. Recently as a white light solar telescope. It is a gray tube version. Optics are excellent. Focuser ok... I keep putting those blue rubber bands (the ones holding broccoli branches together) onto the focuser wheels, but they eventually dry off.

 

--Christian

 

[John Huntley]

The very earliest version of the Skywatcher ED100 actually had a blue tube with black trim. I used to have one many years back 

 

So I guess that makes the OP's ED100 a 2nd generation one.

 

The are ED80's with that blue / black colour scheme as well but the earliest ED120's were in the gold and cream colour scheme.

 

Here is my ED100:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Refractor6]

  Quite correct...I had a ED 80 and ED100 in that scheme John. I guess is was when the 120 F/7.5 came out in the gold and white in 2006 {mine] that they had a go with the ED100 with the same paint scheme.

 

 Nice combo of scope mount and tripod by the way in the photo....