The Virtuoso 150mm GTi thus combines 2 important elements:
Great observing comfort (the instrument finds objects in the sky for you to observe AND compensates for the apparent motion of the stars due to the Earth's rotation).
Like the other Heritage models, it is extremely compact, folding in on itself. It is perfect for traveling.
This patented innovation (FlexTube) saves space, ease of use and time. There is no need to disassemble and reassemble the instrument each time it is used, as is the case with conventional Dobson scopes. The same is true for collimation: once set up for the first use, there is no need to do it again for each observation. In fact, the structure supporting the secondary mirror slides into the primary mirror cage by means of two rigid rods, without the need to adjust the secondary mirror with respect to the primary mirror.
With a 150mm primary mirror, the Sky-Watcher Dobson 150mm Virtuoso GTi is a great way to get started, thanks to its ability to collect 73% more light than a 114mm telescope. Under dark skies, you can discover your first nebulae or globular clusters (the brightest objects in the famous Messier catalog). You will be able to locate them and, in the case of the Orion nebula, for example, see many details. In summer, with the majestic Milky Way (our galaxy), you will be able to see as many objects as possible.
For beginners who wish to invest in a telescope that is both bright and inexpensive, it promises many afternoons of very rewarding observations. In planetary observing, after collimation, it will reveal many details of Jupiter, Saturn and the Moon, using a Barlow or short focal eyepiece.
Design
Its Newton-type design offers several advantages over other families of instruments (Cassegrain telescopes and spotting scopes). First, the mirrors are cheaper to manufacture for the same diameter, and the focal ratio is generally lower (hence shorter focal length and larger field with the same eyepiece). This results in a bright telescope for an attractive budget. The central obscuration is also lower than in Cassegrain type telescopes, and if the collimation (mirror adjustment) is done correctly, the image quality is good for planets.
Unlike the very inexpensive models, the Newton (Dobson) SkyWatcher telescopes have a parabolic primary mirror. Initially, the mirrors are spherically polished and then reshaped to achieve a paraboloidal shape (more expensive and difficult to obtain). This is an essential selection criterion for instruments larger than 114 mm and with a short f/D. Beautiful, efficient and practical, the Sky-Watcher 150mm Virtuoso GTi will please you and make you appreciate astronomy.
Sky-Watcher GTi Mount
To expand its range of mounts, Sky-Watcher has been inspired by the AZ-GTi mount for the Mak127 by adapting it to a rocker (the structure used on the Dobson). This GOTO (automatic pointing) mount is therefore an altazimuth mount (the simplest, most convenient and versatile system to use), with 2-axis motorization and its own WiFi network. Use your smartphone (with Google Android or Apple iOS) and the free SynScan app to control your mount wirelessly.
After entering the coordinates into the app and following the simple alignment procedure, you can explore the Universe with your smartphone or tablet. No need to know the sky, thanks to the database of more than 10,000 objects... and the dual-axis motorization means you won't have to manually compensate for the Earth's rotation. Virtuoso GTi even lets you, with the help of SkyWatcher Freedom-Find™ technology, move the instrument manually without losing positioning. This gives you maximum freedom, choice and flexibility during your observations.
- Instrument for getting started in deep sky observing
- Compact, foldable, attractive, and easy to transport
- Motorized version (+ automatic pointing) of the Dobson 150mm Heritage
- Wifi control from your smartphone or tablet
Specifications
Optics:
Optical formula: Newton
Effective diameter: 150 mm
Focal length: 750 mm
F/D ratio: 5
Primary mirror: Parabolic
Secondary mirror: Secondary plane (48mm diameter) - Obstruction 32% (10.2% surface)
Glass: BK7
Aluminized Quartz Optical Coating (94% reflectivity)
Separating power:0.77 arcseconds
Magnitude limit: 13.3
Mechanics:
Optical tube Metal + integrated dovetail
Cabestan eyepiece holder: 31.75mm
Optical tube dimensions: 406 mm to 686 mm (unfolded)
Optical tube weight: 3,7 kg
Total weight: 8.7 kg
Dimensions/carrying case weight: 645x425x425mm - 11.5kg
Mount:
Azimuth type (wooden fork mount) and motorized (GoTo)
Load capacity: 5kg
Azimuth motorization - Dual axis
Controller Via free SynScan App (iOS or Android phone or optional SynScan control panel)
SynScan App database Total: +10,000 objects including Messier, NGC, IC, Caldwell catalogs. 305 named stars, 55 double stars, Planet, Moon, Sun
Tracking type Speed (0.5x to 800x) - Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
Connectivity Port for optional SynScan control paddle - Built-in Wifi module - 12 V power supply socket
12 V power supply (5.5/2.1 mm socket) or optional 8 AA batteries (LR6) - 12 V power supply (5.5/2.1 mm socket) or optional 8 AA batteries (LR6)
Frame weight: 5 kg
Delivered items:
1x Sky-Watcher Newton 150 f/5 Sky-Watcher optical tube with integrated dovetail
1x motorized Dobson GTi mount
1x dovetail type Vixen
1x 31.75mm eyepiece holder
1x Super 25mm eyepiece (30x magnification), sliding 31.75mm
1x Super 10mm eyepiece (75x magnification), threaded 31,75mm
1x red dot eyepiece
1x collimating eyepiece
1x Integrated spirit level
Instruction manual in French
