55 replies to this topic

[zizzapnia]

Ok I think I’ve narrowed it down between 3 scopes.
1. Sky-Watcher Skymax 127 AZ-GTi
2. Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTI 150 (I’m really interested in this scope and it’s probably the most affordable. I’m just a little unsure if it can handle my heavier eyepieces like the Baader Morpheus 17 and the Zoom Mark iv.)
3. Celestron Nexstar 130 SLT

Out of these 3 which one does everyone suggest especially for just exploring the sky and maybe looking for some galaxies and bright nebula. I understand that with all these, the deep sky objects since will be more like fuzzy patches.

I use the Baader zoom with my SW Virtuoso GTi 150 in the stock helical focuser. No problem with the weight. You will have to use two hands to zoom, but I find that's true with that eyepiece in any scope. I had to add an O-ring around the barrel of the zoom, otherwise it sits too low in the focuser and the overhang on the zoom scrapes it. 

[Jay_Reynolds_Freeman]

Ok I think I’ve narrowed it down between 3 scopes.
1. Sky-Watcher Skymax 127 AZ-GTi
2. Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTI 150 (I’m really interested in this scope and it’s probably the most affordable. I’m just a little unsure if it can handle my heavier eyepieces like the Baader Morpheus 17 and the Zoom Mark iv.)
3. Celestron Nexstar 130 SLT

Out of these 3 which one does everyone suggest especially for just exploring the sky and maybe looking for some galaxies and bright nebula. I understand that with all these, the deep sky objects since will be more like fuzzy patches.

I would say, go for aperture (the GTI 150) and be prepared to balance the tube if necessary: Large fishing weights and bungee cords will do for a start. 

 

Clear sky ...

[Jon Isaacs]

I use the Baader zoom with my SW Virtuoso GTi 150 in the stock helical focuser. No problem with the weight. You will have to use two hands to zoom, but I find that's true with that eyepiece in any scope. I had to add an O-ring around the barrel of the zoom, otherwise it sits too low in the focuser and the overhang on the zoom scrapes it. 

 

The 6.5 mm Baader Morpheus weighs 11.5 ounces.  That's relatively lightweight compared to truly heavy eyepieces.

 

Jon

[izar187]

Out of these 3 which one does everyone suggest especially for just exploring the sky and maybe looking for some galaxies and bright nebula. I understand that with all these, the deep sky objects since will be more like fuzzy patches.

If not 8" of aperture, then go for 6" at the least, as others have suggested.

 

All dso's start as fuzzy patches, visually.

Clusters get sparkle when increasing magnification, and aperture.

Nebula's and galaxies often have shape and orientation, visually.

 

My completely alternate 6" f/5 newt, with it's 1.25" focuser,

will do a  2º low power field in view, up to 200x + for planets.

FWIW, in regard to option # 2.

[Stretch67]

I would say, go for aperture (the GTI 150) and be prepared to balance the tube if necessary: Large fishing weights and bungee cords will do for a start. 

The OTA has a Vixen-type dovetail mount... adjustable fore-and-aft for balance.

 

I have a Celestron 8-24 zoom eyepiece for general exploring, and it is quite a bit heavier than the single focal length eyepieces that came with the 'scope.  It's nice to be able to balance the tube without tools or add-ons.  

Edited by Stretch67, 07 June 2025 - 06:47 PM.

[Pierre C]

Ok I think I’ve narrowed it down between 3 scopes.
1. Sky-Watcher Skymax 127 AZ-GTi
2. Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTI 150 (I’m really interested in this scope and it’s probably the most affordable. I’m just a little unsure if it can handle my heavier eyepieces like the Baader Morpheus 17 and the Zoom Mark iv.)
3. Celestron Nexstar 130 SLT

Out of these 3 which one does everyone suggest especially for just exploring the sky and maybe looking for some galaxies and bright nebula. I understand that with all these, the deep sky objects since will be more like fuzzy patches.

I think the Virtuoso and the Nexstar at f/5 may be more suitable for general exploring and looking at galaxies and nebulae than the Skymax at f/12.

 

I think the Virtuoso may have an advantage over the Nexstar for the times when you just want to skip the batteries/power/cables/alignment, and just use the telescope manually.

[Mike Q]

The focuser in the GTI 150 is not known to be all that great.

[TacoBuddy]

Starsense explorer equiped telescopes are a game changer for those that want a quick no fuss telescope that gets them pointing towards selected objects. The app has a very large database of objects. Sky Safari can also unlock a starsense explorer profile with the starsense registration code. The telescopes come in a wide price point and various styles to suit your needs. It is way easier and less combersome than using a nextstar based goto. Bright skies may affect its performance. I used it the otherday in B7 skies with the moon getting close to full.

[Knasal]

FWIW, the 8” Dob scope I mentioned in post #2 has been sold.

 

https://www.cloudyni...umerous-extras/

 

Kevin 

Edited by Knasal, 09 June 2025 - 07:21 AM.

[DOBguyinGA]

Good morning everyone,

 

There is an extensive superthread on the OneSky scope here on the Beginner’s Forum, 287 pages of it! The OneSky is the manual 130 mm version of the Virtuoso 150p, so a great deal of the information applies to the 150p, especially using it.
 

In that thread are posts 7136 and 7109. 7136 addresses the need for a table for this desktop scope. Many other posts do too. 7109 provides info on a drop-in focuser to resolve the issue with the less than stellar stock helical focuser.

 

You do need to assess your personal situation regarding the GoTo. You will need to perform a two or three star alignment to make it work. The alignment stars need to be well apart to gain the accuracy required. In my case trees, my neighbors house, and my house restrict my access to the sky so much these alignments are not possible. So I need to use the scope manually. 
 

BTW, the Heritage manual version of the 150p is $355.

https://www.skywatch...tube-dobsonians

It is easy to install an azimuth setting circle. I use one and a digital inclinometer to find my targets. The OneSky superthread and the setting circle superthread can provide ideas and motivation.

 

This is a great scope if your conditions allow the GoTo to work as designed. It weighs 19.15 pounds out of the box, and I store mine on top of my dorm style refrigerator that I use to keep my beer cold. You cannot do that with most scopes.

 

I highly recommend at least scanning the OneSky superthread to see if this scope will meet your needs.

[Knasal]

I PM’d the OP to act fast - a 150mm Virtuoso just became available on the Classifieds with free shipping, all for $430:

 

https://www.cloudyni...-control-cable/

 

Kevin

Edited by Knasal, 09 June 2025 - 12:31 PM.

[ccate]

https://www.bhphotov...m/c/used/929340

[maniack]

Starsense explorer equiped telescopes are a game changer for those that want a quick no fuss telescope that gets them pointing towards selected objects. The app has a very large database of objects. Sky Safari can also unlock a starsense explorer profile with the starsense registration code. The telescopes come in a wide price point and various styles to suit your needs. It is way easier and less combersome than using a nextstar based goto. Bright skies may affect its performance. I used it the otherday in B7 skies with the moon getting close to full.

I've started playing with a StarSense explorer unit and it's a pretty nice push-to system. But in bright B8 skies with the moon up it has a really hard time plate solving, unlike the StarSense auto-align camera system that works fine under those conditions.

Between the StarSense explorer and the Nexstar (with or without the StarSense auto-align) each have their own merits.

[vtornado]

1. Sky-Watcher Skymax 127 AZ-GTi  -- you may have to insulate the scope, and have dew protection.  limited to about 1.2 degree field of view.   Limited to 2-3mm exit pupil.  I have the mount and the scope it is a good combo.  

2. Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTI 150 (I’m really interested in this scope and it’s probably the most affordable. I’m just a little unsure if it can handle my heavier eyepieces like the Baader Morpheus 17 and the Zoom Mark iv.)  --- Helical focuser makes a zoom eyepiece a two handed affair.   f/5 will need collimation and have some coma.  I have no experience with the virtuoso mount.   Can it be used without the goto?  Sometimes goto is more annoying than useful.  I had the 130 awb telescope very nice optics, I only used paradigm dual EDs in the focuser, they were fine.  I have no experience with your Baaders. 

 

3. Celestron Nexstar 130 SLT  --- Too much scope for the mount.   Operates fine at low power, high power is hard to focus, and wind shimmies.   I have had trouble in my B8 skies with the starsense, Some nights it works, others it is flakey.  This may be due to night time haze, which is difficult to see.  Like any f/5 reflector will need frequent collimation and have some coma.  

 

Any goto-scope woks better if you have open skies.   If you live in a treed area or with a lot of houses occluding your view, it may be difficult to do a proper alignment because of lack of bright target stars.

Edited by vtornado, 09 June 2025 - 12:27 PM.

[maniack]

The Virtuoso GTI should have unlockable clutches for manual use, similar to the AZ-GTi (but possibly smoother as the AZ-GTi is not great manually in the azimuth axis).

[Stretch67]

...

 

2. Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTI 150 (I’m really interested in this scope and it’s probably the most affordable. I’m just a little unsure if it can handle my heavier eyepieces like the Baader Morpheus 17 and the Zoom Mark iv.)  --- Helical focuser makes a zoom eyepiece a two handed affair.   f/5 will need collimation and have some coma.  I have no experience with the virtuoso mount.   Can it be used without the goto?  Sometimes goto is more annoying than useful.  

 

...

The tube has a long Vixen-type dovetail mount, allowing the OTA to be moved fore-and-aft to adjust its balance for heavier eyepieces, etc.  For general exploring, I use a Celestron 8-24 zoom eyepiece (yes, two-handed focusing), which is considerably heavier than standard eyepieces.  The scope and mount can be quickly adjusted for balance, no tools required.  Loosen knob, adjust tube position, tighten knob.  Done.

 

The Virtuoso mount can indeed be used as a Push-To... simply unlock the Alt and Az knobs on the mount, and the unit will swing freely like a standard Dob.

[Knasal]

Still available:

 

150mm Virtuoso on the Classifieds with free shipping for $430:

https://www.cloudyni...-control-cable/

Kevin

[SeattleScott]

I've started playing with a StarSense explorer unit and it's a pretty nice push-to system. But in bright B8 skies with the moon up it has a really hard time plate solving, unlike the StarSense auto-align camera system that works fine under those conditions.

Between the StarSense explorer and the Nexstar (with or without the StarSense auto-align) each have their own merits.

The Starsense auto align camera has a built in camera, no doubt optimized for nighttime use. The Starsense Explorer requires you to use your phone, so it uses your phone camera. Not all phone cameras are equal for nighttime viewing.

[maniack]

The Starsense auto align camera has a built in camera, no doubt optimized for nighttime use. The Starsense Explorer requires you to use your phone, so it uses your phone camera. Not all phone cameras are equal for nighttime viewing.

Exactly, but the Nexstar without StarSense can easily be aligned with 2 bright stars and then quite accurately slews to targets. Light pollution and moonlight aren't a problem as your eyes are used not the camera's.

[Uhhjoe82]

Well I ended up pulling the trigger and going with the majority suggestions. I ordered the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso 150p. I ordered it on amazon before I saw the used one posted on Cloudy Nights. The one thing I will do when I get it is modify the focuser and eyepiece holder. I’ve seen lots of complaints on the quality of the focuser. This seems to be the only downside of the virtuoso.

[Knasal]

Good luck!

[batmanbeginz]

This is really nice scope certainly. I have messaged you if you are still interested on the original classified Knasal has mentioned, posted by myself.

Amazon orders can be returned within 30 days if unopened. Thanks!

 

Well I ended up pulling the trigger and going with the majority suggestions. I ordered the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso 150p. I ordered it on amazon before I saw the used one posted on Cloudy Nights. The one thing I will do when I get it is modify the focuser and eyepiece holder. I’ve seen lots of complaints on the quality of the focuser. This seems to be the only downside of the virtuoso.

[Stretch67]

Well I ended up pulling the trigger and going with the majority suggestions. I ordered the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso 150p. I ordered it on amazon before I saw the used one posted on Cloudy Nights. The one thing I will do when I get it is modify the focuser and eyepiece holder. I’ve seen lots of complaints on the quality of the focuser. This seems to be the only downside of the virtuoso.

In case you haven't seen this yet... a How-To for a focuser fix and a shroud.

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=8VMASGCLvp0

[zizzapnia]

A couple things from my own experience with my Sky-Watcher Virtuoso 150p:

1. I think the hate on the helical focuser is blown out of proportion. Yes, you will probably want to tweak it (I added a hose clamp around the housing and lip balm to the threads), but then it works great. I have no problem using a lighter zoom eyepiece like the Svbony SV135 7-21mm one handed.

2. My particular mount has something wrong in the goto electronics. It will randomly slew on its own every so often and the accuracy after 2-star north level alignment is often abysmal. So I built an alt-az mount using the Svbony SV-225 and only use the goto mount when I want tracking, which was my main reason for getting the scope with this mount. I use a cheap game controller to replace the slewing buttons on the phone app.

3. Using the goto mount manually is a bit problematic. The azimuth locking knob is directly under the tube, so when pointing at a high altitude it's difficult and awkward to get your hand under there to be able to tighten or loosen it.

 

I've posted some tweaks and mods I've done to it here: https://astronomeric...arch?q=virtuoso. Overall, I think it's a good inexpensive and versatile scope.

[Uhhjoe82]

Zizzapnia I will definitely check out the mods. I’m hoping to figure out a way to add a small 30mm guide scope on the OTA. I’m mostly going to use this for visual, but I’m curious to try this on my AM5 mount and try some deep sky imaging.