Sky-Watcher S11550 190mm Maksutov-Newtonian Telescope

83%

Optical Quality

Ease of Use

Build Quality

Focusing Precision

Portability

Assembly and Setup

Finder Scope

Value for Money

Stability for Astrophotography

Customer Support

Weight

Durability

Overall Performance

Overview

The Sky-Watcher S11550 190mm Maksutov-Newtonian Telescope is a powerful optical instrument built for astronomy enthusiasts. With its impressive 190mm aperture and 1000mm focal length, this telescope provides exceptional detail for both planetary and deep-sky observation. Designed with astrophotography in mind, this telescope combines precision engineering with a user-friendly setup. While it is on the larger side, making it less portable, the versatility and clarity it offers for stargazers make it a top choice for serious astronomy enthusiasts.

Features & Benefits

This Sky-Watcher telescope is packed with features to enhance your viewing experience. The fully multi-coated Pyrex mirrors ensure excellent light transmission, resulting in sharper and brighter images. It also boasts a 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser, allowing for precise adjustments, which is particularly beneficial for high-magnification viewing and astrophotography. The included 9x50 right-angle correct image finder scope ensures you can easily locate your targets in the night sky. These features combine to offer a clear and stable view, even for more challenging celestial objects.

Best For

The Sky-Watcher S11550 is ideal for amateur astronomers looking for a high-performance, versatile telescope. Its large aperture and long focal length make it an excellent choice for both planetary and deep-sky observations. This telescope is also well-suited for users who are interested in astrophotography, as its stability and precision focusing capabilities make it a reliable tool for capturing celestial images. While it might be overkill for beginners, it's a perfect option for those who are ready to take their astronomy hobby to the next level.

User Feedback

Users appreciate the sharp image quality and easy setup of this Sky-Watcher telescope, especially its performance during detailed planetary observations. The dual-speed focuser receives high marks for providing fine control when focusing on distant objects. However, some users note the large size as a downside, making it less suitable for those seeking a highly portable setup. Despite this, the telescope's impressive optical clarity and versatility for both visual astronomy and astrophotography make it a strong contender for those willing to invest in a high-quality instrument.

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Pros

The 190mm aperture provides excellent light gathering, resulting in sharp and clear images.
Its dual-speed Crayford focuser allows for precise adjustments, especially for astrophotography.
The multi-coated Pyrex mirrors enhance light transmission and improve overall image quality.
The 9x50 right-angle correct image finder scope makes locating objects much easier.
Ideal for users interested in both stargazing and astrophotography, offering versatility in use.
Despite its size, this telescope is stable, providing solid support for long exposure shots.

Cons

The large size and 29-pound weight make it challenging to transport for casual stargazing.
Some users find setup time to be lengthy due to the telescope's size and complexity.
Its bulkiness may be a drawback for those with limited storage space or needing portability.
Beginners might find it intimidating, especially when using it for astrophotography without prior experience.
While durable, the weight can make it cumbersome for quick setup at outdoor events or field trips.
The equatorial mount may be difficult for new users to adjust to and requires more learning.

Ratings

The Sky-Watcher S11550 190mm Maksutov-Newtonian Telescope has been reviewed by users across multiple platforms and languages. After filtering out spam, bot-generated, and incentivized feedback, the results highlight a mix of positive praise and occasional concerns. This analysis reflects the product's strengths in image quality and precision, alongside its challenges with portability and size. The following ratings capture the diverse experiences of real users from various regions.

Optical Quality

94%

Users are impressed by the sharp, clear images this telescope provides. Many praise the high-quality optics and the ability to observe both planetary details and deep-sky objects with exceptional precision, even in lower light conditions.

A few users have mentioned that while the image quality is generally excellent, they experienced some issues with image distortion at very high magnifications. Some feel the telescope requires careful calibration for optimal results.

Ease of Use

86%

Several users note how straightforward the setup is, especially with the intuitive finder scope and the clear instructions provided. The telescope is praised for its user-friendly operation, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned astronomers alike.

Some buyers find the size and weight of the telescope a bit overwhelming, particularly when setting it up alone. The telescope may require extra help when positioning or fine-tuning the focus in some cases.

Build Quality

91%

Users consistently comment on the solid construction of the telescope. The durable materials used ensure it can withstand long-term use, and the design feels robust, giving a sense of reliability even during frequent setups or transport.

While the build quality is generally praised, some users point out that the telescope can feel quite bulky and heavy to handle. The weight may make it challenging for some to transport or set up without assistance.

Focusing Precision

90%

The dual-speed focuser is a standout feature, with many users mentioning how easy it is to achieve fine adjustments for clear and precise focusing. This makes the telescope ideal for astrophotography and detailed observations.

A few users report that the focusing mechanism can be a bit stiff when first using the telescope. While not a major issue, it may require some initial break-in time or adjustment to get the smoothness some users expect.

Portability

60%

40%

For those who have a stable place to store it, the telescope offers excellent optical performance without the need to worry about frequent setup and takedown. The large size is less of an issue for users who keep it stationary.

Portability is a common pain point, as the telescope's large size and weight make it difficult to transport or carry for stargazing trips. Some users find it impractical for on-the-go use or traveling, especially without assistance.

Assembly and Setup

83%

The majority of users find the assembly process relatively straightforward, with clear instructions that make initial setup manageable. The included finder scope is easy to align, and the overall design simplifies installation.

Some buyers report that while the setup is manageable, it can take longer than expected due to the telescope's weight and the number of components. It may require more time than other, smaller models in its class.

Finder Scope

88%

The 9x50 right-angle correct image finder scope is a highly praised feature, with many users mentioning its effectiveness in helping them quickly locate and center targets. This feature is particularly useful for beginners.

A few users felt that while the finder scope was useful, it required frequent readjustments, especially when moving the telescope between different observation sites. Some mentioned it could be slightly more stable.

Value for Money

92%

Most users agree that this telescope offers exceptional value, considering its high-quality optics, sturdy build, and overall performance. It provides excellent performance for both amateur astronomy and astrophotography at a reasonable price.

While many feel it's a great deal, some buyers consider the initial cost to be high for beginners, especially when factoring in the weight and size. For those new to astronomy, the investment might feel daunting at first.

Stability for Astrophotography

89%

Users involved in astrophotography appreciate the stability this telescope provides, especially when paired with the equatorial mount. The precise focusing and solid design make it a reliable tool for long exposure shots.

A few reviewers mention that while the telescope works well for astrophotography, the heavy weight can sometimes introduce slight vibrations during setup, especially in windier conditions. Extra care is needed to achieve optimal results.

Customer Support

75%

25%

Some users were pleased with the customer service they received, highlighting that support representatives were friendly and responsive when dealing with minor issues like missing parts or assembly guidance.

Several buyers have reported slower-than-expected response times when reaching out to customer support for help. Some also noted that they didn't receive sufficient follow-up on certain technical issues, leading to frustration.

Weight

58%

42%

A few users don't mind the weight, especially when they have a fixed setup spot. For those who prefer a stationary telescope, the heft contributes to a more stable platform during observations.

The telescope's weight is often cited as a significant drawback, with many finding it difficult to transport or move. Its heavy construction makes it less ideal for stargazing trips or frequent setup and teardown.

Durability

85%

Users report that the telescope holds up well over time, even with regular use. The robust construction ensures it can withstand long-term wear, making it a good investment for those who stargaze frequently.

Although the telescope is generally durable, some users mention minor wear on certain parts, such as the focuser knob or finder scope, after extended use. A few buyers would have preferred higher quality components for the price.

Overall Performance

91%

Users are consistently impressed by the telescope's overall performance. The combination of excellent optical quality, ease of use, and stable design make it a versatile tool for both beginners and advanced astronomers.

The overall performance is highly rated, but the size and weight of the telescope do hinder its usability for some. These factors make it less appealing for casual users who prefer a more portable option.

Suitable for:

The Sky-Watcher S11550 190mm Maksutov-Newtonian Telescope is well-suited for amateur astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts who seek a versatile and high-performance telescope for both visual observation and astrophotography. Its sharp optics, dual-speed focuser, and stable design make it ideal for those interested in detailed planetary and deep-sky observations. This telescope is also a great choice for users who value precision, such as astrophotographers looking for a stable platform for long exposure shots. Its robust build and multi-coated mirrors provide excellent light transmission, which is especially beneficial for users focused on clear, crisp imagery.

Not suitable for:

However, this telescope may not be the best fit for users who prioritize portability. With a weight of 29 pounds and a large size, the Sky-Watcher S11550 can be cumbersome to transport, making it less ideal for stargazing on the go or for users with limited storage space. Additionally, while setup is straightforward for some, its size and components might require extra effort and time, which could deter casual users or beginners who are looking for a simpler, more compact telescope. Those seeking an easily portable or lightweight option for occasional use may find this model impractical for their needs.

Specifications

Aperture: The telescope has a 190mm aperture, which allows it to gather more light and provide brighter, clearer views of celestial objects.
Focal Length: It features a 1000mm focal length, ideal for both planetary and deep-sky observations.
F/Ratio: With an f/5.3 focal ratio, this telescope offers a balance between wide-field views and magnification for detailed planetary observations.
Optical Design: The telescope uses a Maksutov-Newtonian optical design, combining the benefits of a Maksutov corrector with a Newtonian reflector.
Mirror Type: The primary mirror is made of Pyrex, which enhances light transmission and reduces thermal expansion for more stable viewing.
Focuser: A 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser is included, allowing for fine adjustments when focusing on distant objects.
Finderscope: The telescope comes with a 9x50 right-angle correct image finder scope, which makes it easier to locate objects in the night sky.
Mount Type: It features an equatorial mount, which is designed for precise tracking of celestial objects as they move across the sky.
Eyepiece: A Plossl eyepiece is included, providing sharp views for both high and low magnification.
Dimensions: The telescope measures 50″D x 16″W x 19″H, making it a relatively large instrument for stationary use.
Weight: Weighing 29 pounds, this telescope is sturdy but not ideal for frequent transport or mobile setups.
Optical Coatings: The telescope features fully multi-coated optics, improving light transmission and reducing glare for clearer images.
Usage: The telescope is well-suited for both stargazing and astrophotography, offering stability and precise focus adjustments.
Portability: Due to its size and weight, this telescope is more suitable for permanent installations rather than portable use.
Assembly: The telescope requires assembly, with the optical tube attaching to the equatorial mount and counterweights for balance.
Compatibility: The telescope is compatible with standard astrophotography equipment, such as cameras and imaging devices, for high-quality astrophotography.
Material: The telescope’s optical components are housed in a robust metal tube, ensuring durability and long-term performance.

FAQ

This telescope features a 190mm aperture and multi-coated Pyrex mirrors, offering excellent light transmission for clear, detailed images. The 2-inch dual-speed Crayford focuser provides precise focusing, essential for capturing sharp photos of distant celestial objects.

To set up this telescope, start by attaching the optical tube to the equatorial mount, ensuring it's securely fastened. Next, balance the telescope by adjusting the counterweights on the mount. Use the included finder scope to align and locate objects, then adjust the dual-speed focuser for the clearest view.

Yes, the Sky-Watcher S11550 is versatile, offering sharp views of both planetary features and deep-sky objects. Its f/5.3 aperture and 1000mm focal length strike a balance between wide-field views and magnification for detailed planetary observation.

While it offers excellent performance, the Sky-Watcher S11550 weighs about 29 pounds and has a large optical tube. This makes it less portable than smaller telescopes, so it's best for stationary use, such as in a backyard or observatory setting.

The 9x50 finder scope helps you easily locate distant objects in the night sky by offering a wide field of view and a correct image. Its right-angle design makes it more comfortable to use during extended viewing sessions compared to straight-through finders.

Yes, the Sky-Watcher S11550 is compatible with cameras designed for astrophotography. The dual-speed focuser allows you to achieve precise focus when attaching a DSLR or dedicated astronomy camera for high-quality images of the moon, planets, and deep-sky objects.

The Sky-Watcher S11550 offers high-quality optics, but its equatorial mount and size may pose a challenge for beginners. New users will need to learn how to set up the mount, align the finder scope, and operate the focuser. However, with some practice, it becomes easier to use.

This telescope is designed for outdoor use and is quite durable. However, due to its size and weight, it is better suited for more stationary setups rather than frequent transport. For optimal durability, always store it in a protective case when not in use.

Due to its large size and weight (29 pounds), the Sky-Watcher S11550 may not be the best choice for users with limited storage space or those looking for a portable, compact telescope. It's better suited for users who have the space for a more permanent setup.

Many users praise the sharpness and clarity of images produced by the Sky-Watcher S11550. The multi-coated Pyrex mirrors ensure excellent light transmission, allowing for detailed views of both planets and deep-sky objects. The high-quality optics make it a favorite among astrophotographers.