SkyWatcher Explorer 130P SynScan AZ GoTo Telescope

The Explorer 130 Synscan AZ Goto arrived quickly. It was well packed and relatively easy to assemble after reading the instructions
I await the darker nights of autumn so I can really use all its functions
First impressions are very good

This 130mm reflector telescope is just about the lowest price telescope that can offer GoTo and motorised tracking. The build quality can't be faulted and is almost all metal in construction. The principle plastic part is the twin wheel focus mount for the 2inch or 1.25inch eyepieces. Plastic maybe but it works perfectly and gives access to a selection of eyepieces from all the major manufacturers.
The only plastic parts that could perhaps let the telescope down are the brackets on the tripod legs. That said they are firm in use, and do seem to do the job well with no sign of wear in the first few weeks. Every tripod for this size of Eq or AltAz telescope regardless of make has a very similar build quality. You have to more than double the cost of the tripod to get away from this type of construction.
The eyepieces provided are an adequate introduction to the night sky, but the addition of a 40mm wide angle will make the search for DSO that much easier.
The coating of the mirror is excellent and capture all the available light and focus it on the eyepiece. The collimation was very nearly perfect when the telescope was taken out of the box, requiring only the smallest adjustment to perfect the alignment.
A very sophisticated beginners telescope, the GoTo function works well provided that you pay close attention to detail and read the instructions for alignment carefully. Great value for money.

As yet the optics of this particular SkyWatcher 130 Synscan AZ GoTo are untested due to cloudy weather.However i have used this telescope before and bought on that advice and experience. Well worth the extra for the GoTo function. Great viewing from the first outing onwards. Dead easy to set up and align, and transports easily in the boot of any car. The only improvement might be heavier build quality in the tripod, but it is certainly strong enough for the telescope but might struggle a bit with the extra weight of a DSLR. At these prices this Best Value for money and PicStop service is fantastic 48 hour FREE Delivery