Skywatcher 220p or 150PL

[void]

I have come across two similar telescopes I like the look of, first being Skywatcher 200P the second being skywatcher 150PL:

Now my question is, is there going to be a noticeable difference in DSO between these two scopes. Is the extra cost of the Skywatcher 200P justified in your own opinion?

[redneon]

For DSOs the 200p will definitely be better as it's a faster scope AND has a larger aperture.

[redneon]

Incidentally, you could go for the 150P if cost is an issue. It's f/5, the same as the 200p, but has a smaller aperture.

[void]

Cost is not an issue, I just want something thats good for DSO, but I dont think I want a dobsonian as its quite bulky

[barkis]

Here is a review of the 150PL OTA. It may help you decide.

OTA is Optical Tube Assembly only, although you probably know that.

It is f8, so probably at it's best on lunar and planetary targets.

The 200P is an f5, so arguably more suitable for DSO's

Ron .

http://www.opticalvi...ocuments/78.pdf

[Aronnax]

And here's a review of the 200p on an EQ5 mount: http://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/review/telescopes/sky-watcher-explorer-200p-eq5 for completeness

I'm a little puzzled by your 'dobsonian is quite bulky' comment though, as they are probably the neater mount over an EQ mount all in all...

200p has larger aperature, which is all the better for DSO's, so I think you're not going to get many responses for the 150 if cost is not an option for you.

[redneon]

Well, I have the 150PL and I love it but I chose it as I wanted good views of Jupiter and Saturn. Funnily enough, I now use it more for DSOs but the 200P will still be much better for this task than the 150PL.

[void]

I am heading to my local shop this weekend so I will re-think the dobsonian when I get there. Else it looks like the 200P.

[nightfisher]

The 200 dob takes up very little room and is a lovely scope to use, the 150Pl is more planetary

[Aronnax]

I am heading to my local shop this weekend so I will re-think the dobsonian when I get there. Else it looks like the 200P.

Just for clarity, the '200p' comes as the Skyliner 200p, and the Explorer 200p. These are virtually identical, except the Skyliner is 1200mm focal length, and the Explorer is 1000mm focal length (making the Explorer slightly 'faster').

The Skyliner is usually matched with a Dobsonian mount, and the Explorer with an Equatorial mount.

Above all, enjoy your shopping

[saturn4me]

No surprises i voted for the 200p!

[cotterless45]

There will be a significant difference viewing deep sky , the larger aperture will show more. The Dob is easy to use, just grab and go. Should you wish to track/ photo , it can be mounted on an Equatorial mount using tube rings.

Nick.

[Rich MedRev]

For DSO's this question is indeed a no-brainer, the 200 is the way to go and another vote for the Dob, neat and simple and plenty of change for decent EP's which you will need with an F5 scope.

[moogoomonkey]

I was confused when I saw 220P... But yeah 200P for me

[Lordanum]

I have the 200P on an EQ5 mount and its surpassed my expectations