How good is the Skywatcher EvoStar 90 EQ-2 really? - Telescope Review

[@ColdWarWarriors]

As an owner of one of these I can vouch for what the reviewer has to say about these, just incredible on bright objects, moon Jupiter etc. Focuser needs an upgrade but it is an entry level scope after all.

[@evertonporter7887]

I recently bought a used Skywatcher Evostar 90mm refractor on an EQ2 mount and I must say I'm impressed with the views. Stars are pin sharp, the Moon and planets remain clear even at the highest powers with barely any false colour. I'm amazed at just how light this scope is. I mounted it my AZ4 using a dovetail and it's a perfect grab 'n go.

[@reginaldodasilva6666]

Upgrades for telescope would be: a diagonal dielectric, a crayford focuser and a finder of 8 x 50. Also a mount Eq3-2 or Eq5 for make the system more solid. Slowly i did with my Celestron Astromaster 90mm F/11.

[@hondaxl250k0]

how do you like the am90? i just got one

[@Martinko_Pcik]

No real pictures ? That was supposed to be the most interesting part 😢

[@SaneGuyFr]

this telescope will be good enough to observe solar system planets with alot of details.

[@Ajajambo]

Solid comment! I was expecting him to point the scope at the planets and give real views. I guess for illustration purposes, it’s good enough so people don’t anticipate Jupiter to fill their Ep with this scope. You could but the image will be mushy after 180x. I personally this it’s a cracking scope worth having for quick grab and point at the universe

[@AY-qf4pg]

I loved your review and I'm pleased to hear that your experience with this telescope matched mine. I think that this is probably the best beginner refractor for observing. This was my first telescope into the Hobby (AZ3 version). I got hundreds of sessions out of it before upgrading. It ticks all the boxes and hits the sweet spot for price, refractor convenience and performance. It performed incredibly on the moon, planets, stars, clusters and showcase nebula and galaxies. It allowed me to get into the hobby because of how affordable and easy it was to use. My first telescope experience was actually with a friends borrowed 110mm reflector and the complexity for getting it to work as a non engineering minded beginner it was a nightmare and almost a hobby killer. This refractor gave me a second chance! For eyepiece upgrades, the 9mm and 20mm goldlines (orion expanse clones) and 2x FMC barlow with the unscrewable lense (when unscrewed acts as a x1.5) provided all the views that was needed. It always handled X200 magnification on moon and planets comfortably (except when they're low over the horizon), the 9mm (at x100) gave the best bright DSO views contrasted with a dark background, and the 20mm (at x45) gave the best wide star cluster and faint DSO views. The 32mm GSO plossl has the widest tfov for 1.25" focusers for a budget, but the main downside is sky brightness at that focal length.

[@ranjitkoothuparambil9782]

I am planning to buy this telescope , az3 vs eq mount I am confused .i also want to use this telescope on my balcony.

[@BogdanDamian]

@ranjitkoothuparambil9782 It's a great telescope. I recommend getting the eq mount for it. It will make tracking objects in the sky easier.

[@ranjitkoothuparambil9782]

@@BogdanDamian thank you so much , I am going to order this now !

[@MarkMphonoman]

Wow, I must say I was shocked when you explained how great the view was. Didn’t expect that. 👍

[@supermario8416]

Salut Bogdan, imi poti spune te rog focuserul de la acest model Evostar e de calitate mai buna daca cele de plastic folosite la telescoapele ieftine ? Am citit ca focuserul e de metal dar ma intreb daca si tubul pe care se pune diagonala e din metal ?

[@BogdanDamian]

@supermario8416 Focuserul este complet de metal, inclusiv tubul in care se introduce ocularul. Nu am incercat cele de plastic însă cred că acesta de metal este mai bun.

[@supermario8416]

@@BogdanDamian multumesc pentru raspuns. Daca e de metal inseamna ca isi merita toti banii, cred ca e printre cele mai bune telescoape pt incepatori raportat la pret, performanta, calitate.

[@_-pingas-]

Is the AZ different in quality or something Because im not sure im quite the amateur star gazer so i go for AZ telescopes but is EQ hugher quality?

[@BogdanDamian]

@youraveragedestrunctobot In terms of build quality, both are the same. The biggest difference being that the EQ mount will allow you to easier navigate the night sky. However, it is bulkier and heavier than that AZ version.

[@_-pingas-]

@@BogdanDamian thanks and I had one more question

[@_-pingas-]

Does a Barlow lens increase sight quality

[@BogdanDamian]

@youraveragedestructobot No, a Barlow will not improve the image quality. In most cases it will actually reduce it. That is because every additional lens you add to the optical system will reduce the brightness, contrast and sharpness. If you are considering a Barlow, then it's important to get a high quality one. It will have less negative impact on the views.

[@_-pingas-]

@@BogdanDamian thanks alot

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

Poti sa imi spui te rog daca cu acest telescop apare la Jupiter o aura albastea in jur tipica pt acromate ? Mi-am cumparat de 2 saptamani un Bresser 102/1000 mm cu EQ3 la 300 euro, sunt foarte multumit de el cu exceptia imaginii lui Jupiter. La Jupiter desi planeta se vede ff bine si detaliat cu cele doua benzi si tornado-ul gigantic apare si o aura albastra in jur destul de mare care presupun ca e tipica pt acromate dar s-ar putea cred sa fie si de la ocularele de slaba calitate Plossl de 10 mm si SuperPlossl de 25 mm. Aura albastra e foarte vizibila cu ocularul Plossl de 10 mm si mult mai putin cu cel SuperPlossl de 25. In jurul lui Saturn nu apare nici o aura albastra, e negru tot in jur. Mi-am comandat deja niste oculare SvBony cu camp vizual 66 de grade asemanatore cu cele TS Optics presentate de tine intr-un alt video sau cu cele de la Skywatcher - GoldLine. Ma deranjeaza ca nu stiu daca doar telescopul meu arata aura asta albastra in jurul lui Jupiter sau toate acromatele fac asa.

[@BogdanDamian]

@3dfxvoodoocards6 Salut! Da aura albastra este tipica pentru achromate si se numeste aberatie chromatica. Apare in conditii de contrast ridicate, precum Jupiter, Venus sau Luna plina. De obicei refractoarele "normale" cu doua elemente sufera de aceste aberatii, insa teescopul tau ar trebuii sa corecteze destul bine imaginaea datorita lungimii focale mari. Intradevar si oculare de slabe calitate pot accentua problema. Cred ca ocularele noi v-or elimina din aberatii si imaginea va aparea mult mai curata.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

@@BogdanDamian Multumesc pt raspuns! Canalul tau e foarte reusit, urmaresc video-urile cu mult interes :)

[@AndréJolicoeur-x9w]

Thank you Bogdan! This is a very useful and interesting review.

[@ranjitkoothuparambil9782]

what eyepieces you recommend for this scope ?

[@BogdanDamian]

@ranjitkoothupatambil9782 I just uploaded a video on my favorite eyepieces. There you'll find all my recommendations. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn_ClGWkjMyGfbc

[@ranjitkoothuparambil9782]

@@BogdanDamian Baader Planetarium 8-24 is expensive , how about a svbony 8-24mm zoom for my telescope? You have tested this on this telescope? How was your experience?i am confused should i go for Good 5mm , 10mm or zoom for this Telescope ?

[@BogdanDamian]

@ranjitkoothuparambil9782 Generally speaking fixed focal length eyepieces will almost always offer a better performance than zoom eyepieces. So if the budget allows it, than go for a decent 10 -12mm eyepiece and a good 2x Barlow. For example 11mm Explore Scientific 82° or 10mm Baader Hyperion + 2x Focal Extender from Explore Scientific. But in the beginning a decent zoom eyepiece like the SV171 from Svbony is definitely enough.

[@ranjitkoothuparambil9782]

@@BogdanDamian thank you so much for your suggestions !

[@zgr44]

4020 $ is an evostar 150 with EQ6 R pro, where did you get the prieces ?

[@milo6046]

Great review. What would you recommend between this scope and the Heritage 150P for planet observation?

[@BogdanDamian]

@milo6046 Thanks! If it's only for planetary observations, then I would go with the Evostar 90. But if you want to observe some DSOs as well, then the 150P would make more sense because of the much greater light gathering capacity.

[@milo6046]

Thanks, I'll go for the larger aperture since I have a C90 mak for higher power.@@BogdanDamian

[@fabiancurto6484]

I have a Meade 90 mm x 800 mm refractor apo (Meade DS2090) and I think is similar to yours except for the mount. What do you recommend to upgrade the focuser ? Thanks for your video , really informative and interesting.

[@BogdanDamian]

@Fabian Curto Hi Fabian, thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. As for a replacement focuser for your telescope, its a bit difficult to say because I don't know the way the current focuser attaches to the optical tube. Here are some suggestions though: www.bhphotovideo.com/c /products/Focusers/ci/3424?filters=fct_for -use-with_3977:refractor The focusers from Explore Scientific are usually pretty good. You just have to check how exactly it needs to attach to the optical tube. This one also is pretty decent, but I'm not sure it will fit the 90mm Meade tube: www.apm-telescopes.net/en/dual -speed-2-crayford-focuser-for-sky-watcher -refractors And a third one: www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p3946_TS-Optics-MONORAIL-2--Refractor-Focuser---Dual-Speed---for-86-mm-Flange.html Hope this helps.

[@fabiancurto6484]

@@BogdanDamian , thank you so much . I’m going to check all the options. I think the focuser is the weakest link . I already replace the eyepieces and the diagonal all for Svbony ones , I like those products. Thank you very much I enjoyed your channel a lot ! 😃

[@shuperkewl]

How does this compare vs the Celestron Astromaster 90EQ?

[@BogdanDamian]

@shuperkewl I haven't had the chance to test the Astromaster 90eq yet, but seeing that both telescopes are produced by the same manufacturer (Synta), I believe that both are very similar in terms of optics and quality. The spec sheet seems to support this as well. The only big difference being the focal length 1000mm vs 910mm.

[@shuperkewl]

@@BogdanDamian thanks, I believe i have read that the higher f.lenght/ratio supposedly would be better in terms of chromatic aberration, however i have been told the specific SW actually produces better image quality than the AstroM... Kind of puzzled by this info and would just like to hear if anyone else has experience with these 2

[@markmclaughlin4801]

Great review. Bogdan can I ask...what other focuser would you recommend for this telescope?

[@michaelklemm-abraham7298]

A f/10 achromat usually works well for visual astronomy. I got one on the cheap (Bresser 90/900) used for 100€ but the focuser was worst than the skywatcher made from cheap plastic. I exchanged it for a metal one which cost as much as the telescope. From this point of view the Evostar is a lot better choice alone. Other plastic pieces are usual in this price range but they get the job done. The 30 mm finders on the other hand are never great. A standard 50 mm finder would be a better choice. Big issue for me is the mount itself. I used EQ1 and EQ2 type mounts in the past and they are garbage in my mind. After all this time an EQ-3-2 mount would be the minimum I'd consider for an equatorial mount since the others are simply too wobbly. But then the price would be much higher since the EQ-3-2 alone is around 300€. For this reason I have to urge people to rather take a alt/az mount which usually is cheaper than an usable EQ mount.

[@ranjitkoothuparambil9782]

I am looking to buy my first telescope and I need to see planets sharp.could you recommend any max400 euros !

[@BogdanDamian]

@ranjitkoothuparambil9782 For your budget I would recommend the Evostar 90mm. If you come across a good deal on the Evostar 120mm on the EQ3 than go for that one. Both are great for planetary observations.

[@k.h.1587]

​@@BogdanDamianthe 120mm achromats have considerably more chromatic abberation, and are best suited for deep sky

[@nefelovamon]

Great video, thanks! I would rather see actual images. I don't know what simulated views means 🤔 I'm trying to choose between SkyWatcher Evo 90/900 AZ3 and SkyWatcher Startravel 102/500 AZ3. I asked 2 different sellers. The one told me that the 90mm is better, while the other told me that the 102mm is better (for sky observation). What is your opinion?

[@BogdanDamian]

@nefelovamon Hi, glad you enjoyed it! Simulated views are just images out of the program stellarium and are only meant to convey a sense of how large the FOV at certain focal lengths is. It is difficult to obtain the same image with a camera as with the own eyes since the camera is much more sensitive to light and can lead to a false optical quality impression. I want to avoid this in my videos. Between the two telescopes you mentioned I would definitely go for the Evostar 90/900. Because of the longer focal length, the images will be much less prone to chromatic aberrations or false coloring and will allow you to obtain higher magnifications much easier without the need of extra short focal length eyepieces. The FOV will also be flatter with the 90/900. The 12mm difference in aperture size between the two is negligible. Hope this helps. Clear skies!

[@nefelovamon]

@@BogdanDamian It helps, thank you so much! My first telescope will be the evo 90/900. Clear skies!

[@lornaz1975]

I have the Orion version of this scope. I have wondered with such a long back focus does the scope vignettes under normal focus. Also, the Evostar 100ED is EXCELLENT!

[@BogdanDamian]

@Iornaz1975 I was wondering the same thing before I took it outside, but during my tests I haven't seen any signs of vignetting. So all is well.

[@lornaz1975]

@@BogdanDamian I guess it's so long that the light is skinny enough to fit in the tube.

[@_-pingas-]

What's the Orion version name

[@lornaz1975]

@@_-pingas- It is the 90 mm Astroview which is no longer available. It was replaced by the Orion Observer which is an inferior scope.

[@_-pingas-]

Inferior means irrelevant

[@k.h.1587]

It really needs a bigger mount, like an eq3/cg4/astroview

[@warren7565]

I am looking for a 1st Telescope for my parents. They have just purchased a new how where the coast line and dock is 6kms away. Could this telescope also be used for watching the boast etc through the day? PS I really enjoyed your video it was very informative and it normal easy to understand for beginners english.

[@BogdanDamian]

@warren7565 I'm glad you enjoyed my video. This telescope can be used for land based observations as well, but I recommend getting a 45° amici prism diagonal that will present the image with a correct orientation. You could go for the version of this telescope on the AZ mount: amzn.to/3Kfd9Tr If the telescope will only be used for land based observations, then I recommend a smaller and more portable refractor that comes with the correct diagonal out of the box. Here are some examples: amzn.to/42H39cv amzn.to/3nnHOVe Hope this helps. Clear skies!

[@adrianapostol8360]

Please put the focal length in the title. Could be useful.

[@davidlytle3974]

Well done sir. Thoughtful, practical and helpful.

[@emyg]

de ce nu si in romaneste bos ?

[@BogdanDamian]

@Emy G Lipsa de timp, din păcate. Poate pe viitor.

[@carlosnascimento8976]

o meu primeiro telescopio mas com montagem azimutal

[@BogdanDamian]

@Carlos Nascimento Nice! And how do you like it so far?

[@DjDoGGoD]

Hi, I've been following your videos since a while and I've been apreciating them a lot! I decided to write since I have a similar telescope (Skywatcher 70/900) and I completely agree with your review, even if I'm a beginner in the field. I never had any other telescope so I don't have other comparisons with the focuser, hence had no idea it was "bad". I am looking now for upgrades, mainly i was thinking about the eyepieces and eventually the barlow, do you have any suggestions without breaking the wallet? I've been thinking about the Svbony zoom eyepieces, do you think it would be a good purchase to replace those 10 and 25mm? And for the barlow lense instead? I'd love also some suggestions if you have about the focuser, that could be another descent down a new rabbit hole! :D Waiting very much the comparison of the telescopes! Thanks a lot!

[@sejuanisupportonly7385]

I have this exact telescope that is being reviewed and I cannot recommend enough the *Explore Scientific Eyepiece 52° series* ... they cost around 75-80 euros and I own the 25mm. Even with this scope and the 36 magnification that this eyepiece gives I could see the craters within the craters on the moon. Just fantastic! If you like observing the moon, a great upgrade is getting a variable filter so that you can set it to your preference and not get dizzy by the brightness of the moon. I have the "Omegon Variable grey filter 1.25" which was 50 euros, but I am very happy with it ("pro tip" which I saw at the "small optics" channel - you can put the one side of the filter on the diagonal and the other on the eyepiece. This way by just rotating the eyepiece, you can adjust the brightness. Awesome trick :D )

[@BogdanDamian]

@Fabrizio Corvace Hi! I'm glad my videos are helpful to you. If you are on a budget, then a zoom eyepiece like the 8-24mm from Svbony should be a good choice. The image quality will improve compared to the standard eyepieces your telescope came with and that zoom model is actually pretty decent for planetary observations. At longer focal length settings (above 16mm) the field of view gets pretty narrow though. A step up would be the Hyperion Zoom MK 4 from Baader, which is good at longer focal length settings as well. It also costs much more. My personal choice would be a good mid-range eyepiece like the 8mm Hyperion from Baader. It's good for planetary observations and it will serve you well for years, even if you decide to change telescopes. The 52° series from Explore Scientific si another good choice for short focal length eyepieces. Regarding the focuser, I wouldn't upgrade yours. The smaller diameter of the optical tube won't allow any 2" focuser and I believe the existing alternative are either very specialized and expensive or so cheap that it's simply not worth upgrading. I think you are better off with getting one or two decent eyepieces instead. The improvements will be way more visible. Hope this helps.

[@ridleyroid9060]

This is the same scope I have except mine is the az3 mount revision, this is awesome!

[@ranjitkoothuparambil9782]

how is az3 mount ? Any issues while seeing planets ?

[@ColdWarWarriors]

@@ranjitkoothuparambil9782 i found the AZ3 mount to be garbage, lacked stability which affected the view, shaking. I upgraded to a Skywatcher AZ5 mount and haven't looked back.

[@tech_man_1016]

great video, great telescope

[@sunngifuwetzel1197]

Not really

[@seanflewin9803]

Realy helpfull thanks

[@mikegordonbrasov161]

thanks

[@kennethmidwinter982]

I am so sorry but you have given the assumption that the telescope comes with EQ, well I have diverted back to basics, AZ with that telescope,Why, because the EQ is too heavy to lift around, you didn’t cover that. I liked your video a great deal however you must understand that some of us are on a limited budget and to “upgrade” lenses just can’t happen. Yes good video. Kind regards as always.

[@k.h.1587]

That eq mount isn't heavy at all. In fact it is actually too small of a mount for this scope

[@evertonporter7887]

I bought a used Evostar 90 EQ2 combo last week. I took the OTA, mounted the rings on a dovetail and put it on my AZ4, and it's perfect.

[@Z990zz]

thank you helped alot

[@k.h.1587]

Synta is in no way the parent company of orion. They are just one of several suppliers to orion over the years. Even when orion was selling mostly synta, they were never owned by them, and also sold scopes and accessories by other manufacturers. Prior to the early-mid 2000s, orion sold mostly GSO, in the 90s they were mostly Vixen, and they also sold intes russian scopes at certain periods. Nobody has ever owned orion other than orion. And orion has never "made" a telescope. They started out making drive correctors for celstron and meade scopes.