Sky-Watcher Evostar-100ED refractor vs SkyMax-150 Maksutov-Cassegrain

[enigma]

What will be the best choice between the above two telescopes for visual use? Both are demo models in unused condition in the older champagne gold colour. Are there any differences from the newer black diamond models?

[brian.s]

"Hi there from darkest northwales! the skywatcher is a good telescope on double stars, good on the planets very good on the moon i would recomend the 100mm ed apocromatic refractor:icon_salut:

[CGolder]

I have always seen the 150 to be a bit of a no mans land scope, not portable like the 127 mainly due to the mount, i think the 150 needs a eq5? then not the punch of the 180 pro.

I would go for the 150 over the ed... the 150 is gonna be better on planets and moon..

I don't think either is going to be great for DSO's compared to say.. an 8" reflector

[John]

I agree with CGolder - the 150 mak will outperform the 100ED but i) will take a lot longer to cool down and ii) will need some form of dew prevention. The 100ED will show a wider FoV for DSO's but it's aperture will limit what can be seen. Swings and roundabouts I guess

You might find the 100ED get used more often if you have to keep the scope in the house - it can be a "grab and go" instrument.

[nightfisher]

from recent experience i can say that the mak will have a fairly long cool down time but the ED will be more or less grab an go, best advice would be to go to your retail outlet and have a good look at both models, im sure one or other will appeal more than other

[enigma]

Does anyone know if there is a difference in the glass used for the Evostar-100ED champagne gold and black diamond models?

[GazOC]

I the Black Diamond gaurantee Schott glass used in the non-ED element. Prior to that I think Skywatcher may have sourced that part from more than 1 supplier (inc. Schott) but didn't use to name them on the scope.

I think, sample to sample differences aside, the optics in the different coloured models will perform the same.

[enigma]

Would the Sky-Watcher SkyTee Alt-Az mount be a good choice for either of the two optical tubes?