Skywatcher 200 PDS



The Skywatcher 200 PDS is a 200mm (8”) f/5 Parabolic Dual-Speed Newtonian Reflector that incorporates the same superb mirror-set as the Explorer-200P Black Diamond Series, but with two significant advantages.

A Dual-Speed 10:1 ratio focuser is now included for excellent focusing precision.

Also the tube length has been slightly shortened to optimise performance for prime-focus photography.

The telescope eyepiece supplied is 28mm LET (2”/50.8mm)with 36x magnification.

This model has 77% more Light-Gathering than 150mm version, and it's highest practical power is 400x.

Telescope Assembly

The telescope assembly is straightforward. Find the center of balance of the scope and place this between the two tube rings. Close the hinges around the telescope and fasten with the thumb nuts. Attach the tube rings to the mount with the bolts supplied, a 10mm wrench is provided for this purpose.

The 9x50 Finderscope makes finding objects an easy task.

The Telescope Mount

The EQ5 Equatorial Mount with 1.75” Stainless Steel Tripod has controls for both up-down and left-right directions of motion.

Two azimuth adjustment knobs allow for fine adjustment for polar alignment.

Adjustments Bolts For Altitude and Azimuth
The altitude and Azimuth adjustment bolts that are supplied with this scope are well known for bending as the metal is simply too soft. This is liable to cause a real problem with the mount over time.

It's worth considering upgrading the bolts to superior stainless steel ones to prevent problems at a later date. There are a number of companies that offer replacement bolts, which are far easier to adjust than the Skywatcher bolts.

Right ascension and declination direction controls for polar aligned astronomical observing.

An additional scale is included for the altitude axis. This allows for polar alignment for local latitude.

Balancing the Scope

Your telescope should be balanced before each observing session as it reduces stress on the telescope mount and allows precise control for micro-adjustment. This is particularly important when using the optional clock drive for astrophotography.

The telescope should be balanced after all accessories have been attached. Just make sure that your tripod is balanced and on a stable surface, this is made easier with the addition of the small levelling bubble.

Skywatcher 200 PDS

Skywatcher 200 PDS - Summary Of Features

  • Magnification (with eyepiece supplied) x36
  • Highest Practical Power (Potential) x400
  • Diameter of Primary Mirror 200mm
  • Telescope Focal Length 1000mm (f/5)
  • Eyepiece Supplied 28mm LET (2”/50.8mm)
  • 9x50 Finderscope
  • Parabolic Primary Mirror
  • 2” (50.8mm) Dual-Speed 10:1 Crayford Focuser
  • 0.5mm Ultra-Thin Secondary Mirror Supports
  • EQ5 Equatorial Mount with 1.75” Stainless Steel Tripod
  • 77% more Light-Gathering than 150mm



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