Sky-Watcher Startravel 120 Refractor Telescope - AZ Pronto Mount

The Sky-Watcher Startravel 120 AZ Pronto is a 120mm f/5 achromatic refractor telescope designed fo...

Best current price£397.99from Rackhams

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RackhamsSky Watcher Red Startravel 120 Refractor Astronomy Telescope With Az Pronto Mount
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£397.99
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eBaySky Watcher Startravel 120 Refractor Astroscope with AZ Pronto Mount 10292
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Product Information

Full details

The Sky-Watcher Startravel 120 AZ Pronto is a versatile, 120mm f/5 achromatic refractor designed for both amateur astronomers and nature enthusiasts who need a dual-purpose tool for wide-field celestial viewing and terrestrial observation. Its primary strength lies in its fast optics and portability, making it perfect for scanning star clusters or watching wildlife; however, users should note that the achromatic design may produce some chromatic aberration—a subtle color fringe—around very bright objects at high magnifications.

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BrandSky-Watcher

Extended Product Information

FAQs

Can I use this for astrophotography?

Yes, it is suitable for basic lunar and planetary photography using the included smartphone adaptor, though it is not primarily designed for long-exposure deep-sky imaging.

Is the tripod sturdy enough for wind?

The included stainless steel tripod is stable, but for windy conditions, avoid fully extending the legs to keep the center of gravity low.

What is the difference between the 10mm and 20mm eyepieces?

The 20mm eyepiece provides lower magnification with a wider field of view, while the 10mm provides higher magnification for smaller targets.

Does it need to be collimated?

As a refractor, this telescope is generally maintenance-free regarding alignment and rarely requires collimation by the user.

Can I use 2-inch eyepieces?

Yes, the focuser is a dual-fit model that accepts both 1.25-inch and 2-inch barrel sizes.

Troubleshooting

Image appears blurry or out of focus

Ensure the focus knob is adjusted slowly; if at its limit, adjust the eyepiece distance or ensure the diagonal is fully seated.

Target moves out of view quickly

Use the slow-motion tracking knobs on the AZ Pronto mount to keep the object centered, or ensure the tripod is leveled on stable ground.

Difficulty finding objects in the sky

Ensure the red dot finder is aligned with the main telescope during daylight hours by centering a distant stationary object in both.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Excellent for wide-field deep-sky observation
  • Dual-purpose functionality for astronomy and nature viewing
  • Smooth slow-motion controls for stable tracking
  • Highly portable for quick setup in the field
  • Includes a comprehensive starter kit of accessories

Cons

  • Achromatic design can show color fringing on bright edges
  • Not optimized for high-magnification planetary detail
  • Requires manual tracking rather than computerized GOTO

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Setting up the Startravel 120 is straightforward: extend the stainless steel tripod to your desired height, secure the mount head, and attach the optical tube using the mounting plate.

Compatibility: The 1.25-inch/2-inch focuser allows you to upgrade to higher-end 2-inch wide-field eyepieces as your experience grows. The standard mounting interface is compatible with most Vixen-style dovetail accessories.

Care Tips:

  • Always store the optical tube in a dust-free, dry environment with the lens caps secured.
  • Avoid touching the objective lens; if cleaning is necessary, use a dedicated optical lens pen or a professional-grade microfiber cloth with approved lens cleaning solution.
  • Periodically check that the mounting bolts on the tripod and mount are snug to ensure stability.

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