I didn’t. But I will soon. Make a video about collimation. Interestingly, how popular Newtonian is in Uk and how unpopular in US. People like RASA here.
@@fenice319 Thanks so much for your lovely comments and so glad you enjoyed the video! Best of luck with your imaging session and have a great week! :)
I happen to live on the "other" side of the pond from you, and I *do* use a Newt for astrophotography. I love the fact that you get far more aperture (light gathering power) for your money than with a refractor. So, I can deal with a bit of collimation to make that happen, not a problem. I also happen to believe that a properly figured Newt with good internal baffling or flocking can equal the image quality of a refractor. And I'm not alone in that belief. Many real experts agree. Due to the large tube, they do tend to catch the wind a bit more.
Main issue are the light leakes (especially at the back)and internal reflections. After flocking the tube and doing some other modifications to the telescope - it now works like a charm.
Never used a Newtonian myself (and never eating Haggis for that matter either) but from what I can see, they are, as you said, excellent bang for your pound and I think your images at the end prove that. Clear skies.
Cheers, James! Been really impressed with the Antlia ALP-T and it cut right through the full moon on that Rosette...hope you're having a great week, buddy! :)
I bought a $125 C9-N 150mm Newtonian at a pawn shop and had the primary refigured to 1/12th wave and .98 Strehl. Put a 2" JMI focuser on it and engineered new vanes made of thin titanium to reduce diffraction spikes by curving them. Turned a $125 scope into a $3500 scope for $800. It is a favorite for astrophotography by club members. I love to just stargaze with it.
@@scotiaastro I also wrapped the front with an 1/8" thick by 1.5" wide band to anchor the vanes and stiffen the front to stop any flex. I put a one inch wide band on the rear and tapped six 1/4-20 plastic bolts to hold the primary mirror in place once collimated. It has not needed much in the way of collimation. I did the front because it flexed by simply picking it up and when I decided to re-engineer the vanes I tig welded the band in place so it would simply shrink fit in place. I measured the ID and it shrank by .005, but I was especially careful with the rear band and it moved about .002 which was fine. Welding to shrink can be touchy, but I'd be called when welding and tight tolerances were needed and I was good at it.
I love mine. I live in the US so I had to pay to have it shipped from the UK from FLO, but it came in undamaged and even well collimated from the factory. I have taken some images that I have been very pleased with during my time with it and given the low price would recommend this scope to anybody looking to get into astrophotography or just wanting to try out a Newt for imaging. I do really need to get a coma corrector though since I do have some pretty noticeable coma on my APS-c DSLR.
Hey Jessie! Thanks for tuning in and great to 'meet' another happy PDS owner...yes, I love it and have great fun imaging with it...minimal fuss and nice images! Got mine from FLO too! ;) Have a great weekend and best wishes from Scotland! :)
Thanks for tuning in and glad you found my video helpful! :) As far as I am aware, the Aplanatic Coma Corrector is tailored towards imaging? There's a few to choose from, but I think at F5, they're not really mandatory for purely visual use...hope that helps and have a great week! :)
Good review. I image with a (rebranded) 8" non-PDS on an EQ-5 mount so yeah a bit on the heavy side. For this reason the 130PDS is my next scope of choice.
Thanks mate, yes its a really great value scope and punches way above its weight (literally and figuratively!)...appreciate your comments and hope you have a great day! :)
Nice video (I have a 200PDS that I am slowly getting set up for deep sky imaging). I have previously owned a 130mm f5 and agree that it is a great imaging platform
Well I do like haggis but I have never aquired the taste for Newtonians. Still, the beauty of our hobby these days is there is a wide range of reasonably priced gear out there that can give great results so we do have a choice. Some great images there mate.
Thanks for tuning in mate and nice call on the haggis! Lol! ;) Yes, this Newt isn't too time consuming to maintain, but as you rightly say, its nice to have choice! Have a great day! :)
Live on the other side of the pond, and really wish the PDS was offered over here. We have the Quatrro at F/4, but I think F/5 would be just a bit more forgiving.
Thanks mate, yes we have the Quattros over here too, but as you say the F5 is more forgiving...but the Quattros can be amazing when tuned right! Appreciate you tuning in and have a great day! :)
Looks like a sweet little scope! Would love to pick one up but for some reason Skywatcher won’t offer it in the US 😏. Would be perfect with my 533MC Pro.
Cheers, Bobby! Yes, it's a peach of a scope and I love mine...does pair very well with the 533 too! Yes, seems that the PDS range isn't common at all across the Pond, with focus on the F4 Quattros for you guys (which we also have over here)...if you get the chance to grab a PDS though, I'd highly recommend it, especially due to its price/performance ratio, which is exceptional, IMHO...have a great week and thanks for tuning in! :)
@@scotiaastro Steve one of the biggest reasons is I currently run a Star Adventurer GTI and think I could get away with this setup. I got lucky and was sent a really nice copy with amazing tracking for its price. Current am saving for a ZWO AM5. Thinking I may hold off till that arrives and then look for something in the 200mm range. Wish I could find a used Vixen RS200. I owned one years ago and kick myself for selling it. Love the channel! Keep the vids coming.
What a great review, thank you (yes, pressed subscribe). You sold this telescope to me 👌 but I am hesitant about the mount. I want to get the ZWO mini and 120 mm guiding scope, so to avoid setting my wallet on fire, I am contemplating getting the EQM-35 Pro. I have however been offered a brand new NEQ6 Pro for around GBP 1250 and it has made it impossible for me to decide which is better... Portability or stability, I would appreciate your thoughts. Ps. I ate haggis on a road trip a few years ago, ordered it as a main course and it was ok. My cousin felt hesitant and decided to only order the starter. We ended up getting the same amount of haggis on identical plates... 😄
Thanks for tuning in mate and glad it was helpful...would certainly recommend the NEQ6 Pro if you're planning to image, it's much more stable than the EQM-35 plus it gives you room to expand at a later date...I have an NEQ6 and it's performed flawlessly for me, so I highly recommend it! Hope that helps and happy to hear that you're a member of the Haggis Clan! Lol! :)
@@scotiaastro I hope you are ok with a follow up question... I have seen in many astrophotography films that experts generally recommend APO ED 3-glass apochromatic refractors. The problem is of course the expense required for a good diameter opening. I found your review above and when you recommended the quattro coma crrector for the 150PDS = felt very solid. When searching for the Quattro I noticed Sky-Watchers have a 150/600 quattro scope (in which the coma corrector is included). My questions are if you would consider that a "better" scope AND if a 6" reflector like the 150P Quattro is "not as good" as an 80 mm APO ED apochromatic refractor? I do not mind the collimation and other maintenance like cleaning. Thanks in advance!
Hey mate, thanks so much and glad you enjoyed the video! Sorry, not sure about the exact specs in imaging circle for the PDS? I've not tried full frame on it, but I've had no issues with APS-C sensors, so it does me fine...I think the newer (and most comparable) Quattro (the 150) has an imaging circle of around 22mm with the coma corrector?
Do you think the £2500 mount helps in those images. All very well saying a £200 scope is fine but your bolting it in to that thing. Maybe some example images with a stock eq mount to balance things out.
Hello Steve. I too have this scope and I love it. I would like to mod it a bit. Do you know which screws are needed to attach another dovetail like the one you have?
Hi mate, thanks so much for tuning in! :) Of course, no worries...I'm using the 355mm Skywatcher Losmandy plate on this scope...rock solid and highly recommended! Hope that helps and have a great day! :)
Hi there, Would you recommend this telescope on a EQM-35 mount with a payload of 22lbs? Im seeing the 130pds to be 4kg/8.5lbs. Leaves me with 13.5lbs for accessories. I was originally looking at the 150p which is 12lbs and was told that its not recommended with my mount 🤷♂️ Im not seeing any of these 130pds in Canada. Im on the search for my first telescope. Thanks for sharing your video and gorgeous pictures!
Hi mate, yes, think you could scrape the 130 on an EQM-35, but as you'll know (for imaging anyway) the more mount you have the better...the PDS range isn't really available in North America directly, which is a shame, but you can get it shipped? Would recommend First Light Optics here in the UK...hope that helps? PS: Whereabouts in Canada are you, I spent my junior years in southern Ontario! :)
@@scotiaastro Thank you kindly for the reply! I did get in touch with first light optics and they said the EQM-35i is rated at 15lbs for imaging, which would leave me with 6.58lbs for accessories. Im seeing all you have on yours is an ZWO EAF, is that all? Im hoping to possibly add a ZWO EAF, ZWO ASI533MC Camera amd ASI AIR, hoping thays under 6.58lbs haha! That should set me up completely. You dont use filter wheel, just screw filters in the coma corrector? I like that 👌I lived in Southern Ontario for a long time. Windsor, Ontario. Then moved to Northern Ontario in Elliot Lake. Bortle 2 there. Was fantastic for stars, but I didnt have a rig yet lol We just recently moved across country closer to the Canadian Rockies in Southern Alberta. Where about did you live in Southern Canada? Your rig as is looks to be under 15lbs, exactly how Id like mine to look haha! The 130pds and coma corrector from first light in UK shipped to my house in Canada will cost me $714. What do you think?
I just pulled the trigger on the 130pds Steve haha! FLO had 2 the other day. I looked earlier to find out they only had 1 left. I had to act quick as I wasnt sure they'd get anymore. Im stoke mate! So far I have the mount and scope. Im getting somewhere 🤣
i intend to use this telescope for visual use. i don't want to spend spend £100 + on a coma corrector. is it necessary to have a coma corrector with this telescope for visual use, or is it good to go.?
I have seen people make a mask for primary mirror, paint black inside, paint black around secondary mirror, change spiders for secondary, and change focuser if camera with filter wheal are >3Lb. Did you do these adjustments?
Hey mate, thanks for tuning in and I'm using the Sky-Watcher Quattro Coma Corrector, which works great too for the PDS Newtonians! There's a link to it in the description below the video! Have a great day! :)
Glade you like it. On the North American side of the pond this thing is considered junk. Lots of light leaks around the bottom ($200 mask needed) questionable focuser that needs replacing ($300) every time you set it up you spend an hour getting those pesky mirrors aligned. The struts on the secondary mirror are weak and need to be replaced ($200) don’t forget you need a collator $300, maybe consider buying something better.
I have the 200 quattro and the light leaks around the bottom were fixed with a $10 piece of felt. The focusser is OK and collimation the mirrors for session takes me 10 minutes. Secondary mirror struts are fine. They don't need to be machined unobtainium. In my market an alternative is way more expensive and whatever you buy people will say it needs this or that doing to it. For the price they are fine but yes you need to do some tweaking to get the best out of it. Plus haggis is yummy. Can't wait to get back to Scotland to get some more of the genuine article.
![แข่งเพิ่มน้ำหนักใน 24 ชั่วโมง!! [Ver 2025]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/20xn0g6k-ec/mqdefault.jpg)
❓QUESTION OF THE DAY: Have you ever imaged with a Newtonian Telescope? Share your experiences in the comments below! :)
I didn’t. But I will soon. Make a video about collimation.
Interestingly, how popular Newtonian is in Uk and how unpopular in US. People like RASA here.
can't help but compliment the quality of the video, pleasing to watch and informative. Imaging right now with an older than me 8" f/5 newt
@@fenice319 Thanks so much for your lovely comments and so glad you enjoyed the video! Best of luck with your imaging session and have a great week! :)
I happen to live on the "other" side of the pond from you, and I *do* use a Newt for astrophotography. I love the fact that you get far more aperture (light gathering power) for your money than with a refractor. So, I can deal with a bit of collimation to make that happen, not a problem. I also happen to believe that a properly figured Newt with good internal baffling or flocking can equal the image quality of a refractor. And I'm not alone in that belief. Many real experts agree. Due to the large tube, they do tend to catch the wind a bit more.
Spot on, mate! :) Yes indeed...a nicely collimated Newt is a real force to be reckoned with! Thanks for tuning in and have a great day!
Main issue are the light leakes (especially at the back)and internal reflections.
After flocking the tube and doing some other modifications to the telescope - it now works like a charm.
Yes, light leaks are certainly a pain at times, but as you say, with some mods, this scope is a peach! :)
Clear skies to anyone reading this comment ❤
Thx
Like! Would be nice to see a comparison video with this Skywatcher 130 mm reflector versus the Bresser 127/1200 mm achromat :)
Great suggestion!
Totally different scopes and for different targets.
@@scotiaastroI would like to see that too, 127 mm achromat vs 130 mm newtonian.
Never used a Newtonian myself (and never eating Haggis for that matter either) but from what I can see, they are, as you said, excellent bang for your pound and I think your images at the end prove that. Clear skies.
Cheers Logan! If you're ever on our shores, I'll make sure you get some premier Haggis, mate! Lol! ;) Have a great week and thanks for tuning in!
Nice shots at the end. The rosette in particular was very nice. CS!
Cheers, James! Been really impressed with the Antlia ALP-T and it cut right through the full moon on that Rosette...hope you're having a great week, buddy! :)
I bought a $125 C9-N 150mm Newtonian at a pawn shop and had the primary refigured to 1/12th wave and .98 Strehl. Put a 2" JMI focuser on it and engineered new vanes made of thin titanium to reduce diffraction spikes by curving them. Turned a $125 scope into a $3500 scope for $800. It is a favorite for astrophotography by club members. I love to just stargaze with it.
Awesome mods!!
@@scotiaastro I also wrapped the front with an 1/8" thick by 1.5" wide band to anchor the vanes and stiffen the front to stop any flex. I put a one inch wide band on the rear and tapped six 1/4-20 plastic bolts to hold the primary mirror in place once collimated. It has not needed much in the way of collimation. I did the front because it flexed by simply picking it up and when I decided to re-engineer the vanes I tig welded the band in place so it would simply shrink fit in place.
I measured the ID and it shrank by .005, but I was especially careful with the rear band and it moved about .002 which was fine. Welding to shrink can be touchy, but I'd be called when welding and tight tolerances were needed and I was good at it.
That’s insanely cool!
@@MountainFishernice!
I love mine. I live in the US so I had to pay to have it shipped from the UK from FLO, but it came in undamaged and even well collimated from the factory. I have taken some images that I have been very pleased with during my time with it and given the low price would recommend this scope to anybody looking to get into astrophotography or just wanting to try out a Newt for imaging. I do really need to get a coma corrector though since I do have some pretty noticeable coma on my APS-c DSLR.
Hey Jessie! Thanks for tuning in and great to 'meet' another happy PDS owner...yes, I love it and have great fun imaging with it...minimal fuss and nice images! Got mine from FLO too! ;) Have a great weekend and best wishes from Scotland! :)
I have had mine for a long time, luckily I got a parabolic mirror and it gives a great image
Yes, the PDS range of Newts are great fun to image with! Glad you're getting on well with yours! :)
This is informative and well explained.! thx. Question, can you use this coma corrector for visual as well?
Thanks for tuning in and glad you found my video helpful! :) As far as I am aware, the Aplanatic Coma Corrector is tailored towards imaging? There's a few to choose from, but I think at F5, they're not really mandatory for purely visual use...hope that helps and have a great week! :)
thx for the reply, I will definitely get one for imaging.@@scotiaastro
Good review. I image with a (rebranded) 8" non-PDS on an EQ-5 mount so yeah a bit on the heavy side. For this reason the 130PDS is my next scope of choice.
Thanks mate, yes its a really great value scope and punches way above its weight (literally and figuratively!)...appreciate your comments and hope you have a great day! :)
Nice video (I have a 200PDS that I am slowly getting set up for deep sky imaging). I have previously owned a 130mm f5 and agree that it is a great imaging platform
Thanks so much for tuning in, Richard! Appreciate your comments mate and hope you're having a great week! :)
Well I do like haggis but I have never aquired the taste for Newtonians. Still, the beauty of our hobby these days is there is a wide range of reasonably priced gear out there that can give great results so we do have a choice. Some great images there mate.
Thanks for tuning in mate and nice call on the haggis! Lol! ;) Yes, this Newt isn't too time consuming to maintain, but as you rightly say, its nice to have choice! Have a great day! :)
Newtons are more demanding, have more advanced mechanics and really good ones are as expensive as refractors.
Would very much like to see the promised video on the 250mm version!
Thanks mate! It's coming soon and have done some EAA with it too, so have a few 250PDS vids in the pipeline! Thanks for tuning in! :)
Live on the other side of the pond, and really wish the PDS was offered over here. We have the Quatrro at F/4, but I think F/5 would be just a bit more forgiving.
Thanks mate, yes we have the Quattros over here too, but as you say the F5 is more forgiving...but the Quattros can be amazing when tuned right! Appreciate you tuning in and have a great day! :)
First Light Optics, in UK deliver world wide
FLO are wonderful! :)
Looks like a nice scope, especially for the price. I'm normally a widefield refractor guy but sometimes crave a bit more reach on galaxies.
Well worth the money, Pete! :)
You need two scopes for these targets. As far as this scope concerns, I will not buy it. Esprit 100ED will be much better. Well, and more expensive.
Looks like a sweet little scope! Would love to pick one up but for some reason Skywatcher won’t offer it in the US 😏. Would be perfect with my 533MC Pro.
Cheers, Bobby! Yes, it's a peach of a scope and I love mine...does pair very well with the 533 too! Yes, seems that the PDS range isn't common at all across the Pond, with focus on the F4 Quattros for you guys (which we also have over here)...if you get the chance to grab a PDS though, I'd highly recommend it, especially due to its price/performance ratio, which is exceptional, IMHO...have a great week and thanks for tuning in! :)
@@scotiaastro Steve one of the biggest reasons is I currently run a Star Adventurer GTI and think I could get away with this setup. I got lucky and was sent a really nice copy with amazing tracking for its price. Current am saving for a ZWO AM5. Thinking I may hold off till that arrives and then look for something in the 200mm range. Wish I could find a used Vixen RS200. I owned one years ago and kick myself for selling it. Love the channel! Keep the vids coming.
What a great review, thank you (yes, pressed subscribe).
You sold this telescope to me 👌 but I am hesitant about the mount. I want to get the ZWO mini and 120 mm guiding scope, so to avoid setting my wallet on fire, I am contemplating getting the EQM-35 Pro. I have however been offered a brand new NEQ6 Pro for around GBP 1250 and it has made it impossible for me to decide which is better...
Portability or stability, I would appreciate your thoughts.
Ps. I ate haggis on a road trip a few years ago, ordered it as a main course and it was ok. My cousin felt hesitant and decided to only order the starter. We ended up getting the same amount of haggis on identical plates... 😄
Thanks for tuning in mate and glad it was helpful...would certainly recommend the NEQ6 Pro if you're planning to image, it's much more stable than the EQM-35 plus it gives you room to expand at a later date...I have an NEQ6 and it's performed flawlessly for me, so I highly recommend it! Hope that helps and happy to hear that you're a member of the Haggis Clan! Lol! :)
@@scotiaastro I hope you are ok with a follow up question... I have seen in many astrophotography films that experts generally recommend APO ED 3-glass apochromatic refractors. The problem is of course the expense required for a good diameter opening. I found your review above and when you recommended the quattro coma crrector for the 150PDS = felt very solid. When searching for the Quattro I noticed Sky-Watchers have a 150/600 quattro scope (in which the coma corrector is included). My questions are if you would consider that a "better" scope AND if a 6" reflector like the 150P Quattro is "not as good" as an 80 mm APO ED apochromatic refractor? I do not mind the collimation and other maintenance like cleaning.
Thanks in advance!
Another informative video! Would you happen to know the size of the imaging circle on the PDS compared to the F4 Quattro?
Hey mate, thanks so much and glad you enjoyed the video! Sorry, not sure about the exact specs in imaging circle for the PDS? I've not tried full frame on it, but I've had no issues with APS-C sensors, so it does me fine...I think the newer (and most comparable) Quattro (the 150) has an imaging circle of around 22mm with the coma corrector?
@@scotiaastro Thanks for the response and keep up the good work. Clear skies Mark
For you saying "wee scope" alone I gave you a like.
Lol! A BIG thanks then for your lovely wee comment! Have a great day and thanks for tuning in! :)
Do you think the £2500 mount helps in those images. All very well saying a £200 scope is fine but your bolting it in to that thing. Maybe some example images with a stock eq mount to balance things out.
Hello Steve. I too have this scope and I love it. I would like to mod it a bit. Do you know which screws are needed to attach another dovetail like the one you have?
Thanks for tuning in mate! I'll have a look when I get back home and let you know about the screws, cheers! :)
Have you used a guide scope and camera for this? Is it needed? Thank Steve!
Hey mate, yes, I usually use a 30mm F4 guide-scope and a 290MM Camera... :)
Hello, can you share please the details of the losmandy ?
Hi mate, thanks so much for tuning in! :) Of course, no worries...I'm using the 355mm Skywatcher Losmandy plate on this scope...rock solid and highly recommended! Hope that helps and have a great day! :)
@@scotiaastro Thank you!!
Hi there,
Would you recommend this telescope on a EQM-35 mount with a payload of 22lbs? Im seeing the 130pds to be 4kg/8.5lbs. Leaves me with 13.5lbs for accessories. I was originally looking at the 150p which is 12lbs and was told that its not recommended with my mount 🤷♂️ Im not seeing any of these 130pds in Canada. Im on the search for my first telescope. Thanks for sharing your video and gorgeous pictures!
Hi mate, yes, think you could scrape the 130 on an EQM-35, but as you'll know (for imaging anyway) the more mount you have the better...the PDS range isn't really available in North America directly, which is a shame, but you can get it shipped? Would recommend First Light Optics here in the UK...hope that helps? PS: Whereabouts in Canada are you, I spent my junior years in southern Ontario! :)
@@scotiaastro Thank you kindly for the reply! I did get in touch with first light optics and they said the EQM-35i is rated at 15lbs for imaging, which would leave me with 6.58lbs for accessories. Im seeing all you have on yours is an ZWO EAF, is that all? Im hoping to possibly add a ZWO EAF, ZWO ASI533MC Camera amd ASI AIR, hoping thays under 6.58lbs haha! That should set me up completely. You dont use filter wheel, just screw filters in the coma corrector? I like that 👌I lived in Southern Ontario for a long time. Windsor, Ontario. Then moved to Northern Ontario in Elliot Lake. Bortle 2 there. Was fantastic for stars, but I didnt have a rig yet lol We just recently moved across country closer to the Canadian Rockies in Southern Alberta. Where about did you live in Southern Canada? Your rig as is looks to be under 15lbs, exactly how Id like mine to look haha! The 130pds and coma corrector from first light in UK shipped to my house in Canada will cost me $714. What do you think?
I just pulled the trigger on the 130pds Steve haha! FLO had 2 the other day. I looked earlier to find out they only had 1 left. I had to act quick as I wasnt sure they'd get anymore. Im stoke mate! So far I have the mount and scope. Im getting somewhere 🤣
i intend to use this telescope for visual use.
i don't want to spend spend £100 + on a coma corrector. is it necessary to have a coma corrector with this telescope for visual use,
or is it good to go.?
Hi mate and thanks for tuning in...no, at f5 you should be good without a coma corrector, so that will save you some cash! ;)
I have seen people make a mask for primary mirror, paint black inside, paint black around secondary mirror, change spiders for secondary, and change focuser if camera with filter wheal are >3Lb. Did you do these adjustments?
No, I haven't modified the scope in any way, but yes have seen many carry out the mods that you mentioned... :)
Could you tell me please if ZWO 2600 DUO camera work well with Newtonian 6"
Is there any scope to lighten it a bit for a sw gti maybe?
Which coma corrector did you use - or recommend?
Hey mate, thanks for tuning in and I'm using the Sky-Watcher Quattro Coma Corrector, which works great too for the PDS Newtonians! There's a link to it in the description below the video! Have a great day! :)
👌
Thanks for tuning in! :)
Slow down man 😂
Glade you like it. On the North American side of the pond this thing is considered junk. Lots of light leaks around the bottom ($200 mask needed) questionable focuser that needs replacing ($300) every time you set it up you spend an hour getting those pesky mirrors aligned. The struts on the secondary mirror are weak and need to be replaced ($200) don’t forget you need a collator $300, maybe consider buying something better.
I have the 200 quattro and the light leaks around the bottom were fixed with a $10 piece of felt. The focusser is OK and collimation the mirrors for session takes me 10 minutes. Secondary mirror struts are fine. They don't need to be machined unobtainium. In my market an alternative is way more expensive and whatever you buy people will say it needs this or that doing to it. For the price they are fine but yes you need to do some tweaking to get the best out of it. Plus haggis is yummy. Can't wait to get back to Scotland to get some more of the genuine article.