Sky-Watcher has a passion to produce some of the finest optics to capture the night sky. In 2010, Sky-Watcher sent ripples through the astronomical community by unleashing a rumor of a 150mm Apochromatic refractor. Fast-forward to the end of 2011, and the rumor is reality.

The Esprit 150mm is the largest Apochromatic refractor made by Sky-Watcher. This formidable instrument produces razor-sharp, false color-free views, highly suitable for astrophotography and visual observing. Our comparison with a high priced competitors scope was a draw.

The objective lens assembly is crafted from two pieces of Schott optical glass, and one piece of Ohara FPL-53 low-dispersion glass. This combination produces high resolution images with no detectable false color.

The rear field flattener yields a sharp 44mm diameter photographic field with minimal impact to focal length and focal ratio.

No fewer than 6 knife-edge baffles have been added to ensure contrast-robbing stray light is eliminated.

Sky-Watcher's new 3.5" dual-speed linear power roller bearing focuser is tough enough to drive heavy accessories with virtually no slippage. Unlike traditional Crayford focusers which surround the drawtube with roller bearings, the linear power focuser places the bearings along a single metal track mounted along the drawtube, so the drawtube is never flexed or placed under compression.

The locking mechanism of the linear power focuser improves on the Crayford design, by retaining the desired focus, with no flexure or bending of the drawtube. An engraved linear scale helps set the focus close to where you need it.

The focus knobs can be rotated to change their orientation to suit the user. A built-in camera angle adjuster means easy and precise rotation of the camera and star diagonal independent of the focus knobs.

Apochromatic refractors have somewhat of a cult following; they are considered the finest instrument to observe and photograph the skies. Once relegated to a price range affordable by those drowning in money, they now swim in the shallow end.

Features

• Ohara FPL-53 ED low-dispersion glass eliminates chromatic abberation by focusing red and blue wavelengths to a common focal point
• Two elements of Schott glass
• Retractable lens shade and metal lens cap
• No-slip 3.5" dual-speed linear power roller-bearing focuser with engraved measuring index and lock thumbscrew
• Includes "The Beginners Guide to Using Telescopes" written by our knowledgeable staff.

Specifications

• Aperture: 150mm (6")
• Focal Length without field flattener: 1050mm (41")
• Focal Length with field flattener: 1070mm (42")
• Focal Ratio: f/7
• Lens Construction: 5 elements
• Front lens group: Apochromatic air-spaced triplet, one element Ohara FPL-53 low dispersion glass, two elements Schott glass
• Rear lens group: two element field flattener, 1x
• 3.5" Linear Power dual-speed focuser with compression ring accepts 2" accessories
• Eyepieces: 28mm 2"
• Star Diagonal: 2" dielectric w/ brass compression rings
• 1.25" reducer adapter w/ brass compression rings and M48 filter threads
• Finderscope: 8x50 right angle correct-image finder
• Finderscope bracket: machined aluminum, double-ring, 6 thumbscrew, compatible with Sky-Watcher/Vixen style dovetail finder mounts
• Camera Capable:
• USB imagers
• All-in-one cameras via universal digital camera adapter
• DSLR/SLR (Requires M48 T2 ring)
• Above cameras and adapters sold separately
• Includes: M48x0.75 (exactly 55mm working distance), Canon EOS M48 adapter ring
• Machined tube rings with 75mm (3") dovetail bar
• Aluminum tube
• Aluminum carry case included
• Length: 1070mm (42") extended, 950mm (37") retracted
• Weight: 14kg (31lbs)
• Color: Glossy white w/ black and silver accents
• One year warranty