The SkyWatcher Explorer 250/1200 PDS Newtonian telescope is sure to satisfy anyone looking for a larger Newtonian telescope on an equatorial mount.
Designed primarily for deep-sky observation
In our experience, under dark skies, the spiral structure of certain galaxies can be recognised with ease, many globular clusters can be resolved into countless individual stars, and details within interstellar nebulae also become visible. In steady seeing conditions, its precisely crafted, diffraction-limited parabolic mirror reveals a wealth of detail on the planets and the Moon: Jupiter's Great Red Spot and numerous atmospheric swirls are easily visible, as are many rilles on the surface of our celestial companion.
Extensive accessories
The standard package includes a 9x50 finder scope, making it easier to locate fainter objects. A 28 mm 2" eyepiece provides a wide field of view and delivers 43x magnification. The exceptionally precise 2" Crayford focuser allows smooth focusing and features a dual-speed design. The focuser includes a 2"/T2 adapter.
An excellent instrument for astrophotography
This telescope is a highly capable instrument for astrophotography: its large aperture and fast focal ratio make it possible to capture the wonders of the night sky quickly, as a glance at the Gallery will readily demonstrate. The 2" focuser accepts accessories required for imaging, such as a coma corrector. For users with more ambitious astrophotography goals, we recommend replacing the dovetail bar with a solid version for more vibration-free operation.
A stable mount is the foundation of comfortable use
The SkyWatcher Explorer 250/1200 PDS telescope is available with an NEQ-5 mount, which represents the minimum suitable solution for this telescope. It features slow-motion controls, allowing celestial objects to be tracked manually, and can also be fitted with motorised tracking. The GoTo version of the mount locates objects almost automatically, allowing you to spend more time observing rather than searching for celestial objects. The EQR-6 GoTo mount also meets more demanding astrophotography requirements while providing sufficiently stable support.

