SKY WATCHER SKYLINER 200P 203MM (8") F/1200 PARABOLIC DOBSONIAN TELESCOPE

This is a great telescope for the money. Of course I would love to have the money to also buy a large computerised goto scope but this was a decent price for such a great light bucket. I live in a very light polluted city and haven't yet had the chance to take it to a dark sky location but am already having great fun. The feeling of achievement of using an astronomy app, learning the winter stars and then eventually building up enough competence to find targets is great. Despite being a very faint, fuzzy blob I was blown away at being able to see the Andromeda galaxy for myself. The moon looks incredible and even seeing the small white disc that is Venus was great. I expect to be impressed by the other planets etc as and when I get the chance to view them. The telescope's dobsonian mount is very easy to assemble and collimation was no problem at all with a cheap laser collimator, a little reading and some youtube watching. I am a total novice but had done enough research to realise that I should not expect Hubble quality images. I had never used a telescope before and am unable to compare my skywatcher 200 with another scope but I read online reviews and watched enough video reviews to know that I was getting a quality product for a very reasonable price (in astronomical terms).If, like me, you prefer standing outside in the cold, suitably wrapped in many layers of clothing and are happy to gaze at the night sky rather than watch reality tv, you will not be disappointed. Be aware that you are likely to succumb to the "just five more minutes" addiction and discover that another hour has passed. This is quite a heavy telescope and was at the upper level of what I could manage to lug in and out of the house without disassembly. I am really glad that I prompted my wife to buy this for my Christmas present and just wish that the skys were less cloudy.I also purchased a green laser to aid my poor initial efforts at using the finderscope. I make sure there are no aircraft in the vicinity and quickly shine it through the finderscope to check if I am close to my desired target thus making any necessary adjustments. I also quickly discovered that if you can see your desired star then looking through the finderscope and moving the scope with your other eye open makes finding things a lot easier. Obviously this will be much more difficult for DSO'S but star hopping and regular checks of an astronomy app will hopefully get me there.Final thought would be to get a chair or stool so that, once found, you can look at your objects for extended periods in comfort.A great product and a very happy, new amateur!

Superb telescope, it's very big and a little tricky to assemble but worth the effort

I ordered the telescope about a year ago and have been using it frequently and had no problems at all. The only con I've faced is that its too big and bulky, cant take it to places and have trouble while moving. I would suggest you buy this only if you have an easy way of traveling with heavy things or have a backyard/balcony with a clear view of the sky, if you dont please dont buy it out of excitment and regret it later

This is a great telescope for beginners and experienced stargazers alike.. It's easy to set up, easy to use, and powerful enough to inspire awe in anyone that looks through it. I recently caught Jupiter and 4 of its moons through it—there's something profoundly magical about seeing another planet in real life.For anyone considering a telescope, this is a great value. You'll have many late nights and early mornings with it.

Really pleased with this scope. It is a doddle to set up and operate. Optics are excellent, and the mounting is very sturdy and smooth. On my second night observing with this scope I turned it towards the Andromeda Galaxy, and got the best view of it I have ever seen, with dust lanes clearly visible. I have limited outdoor space, so the absence of a tripod is a big plus. The scope is perfect for use while sitting down... I tend to place mine on a low garden table, which brings the eyepiece up perfectly for my height (I'm about 6 feet tall). One thing I will say, is that it is rather large and heavy... Just something to bear in mind when considering storage and portability.A small word of warning though... The thumb screw holding the finderscope in place is not very strong, and when pushed, the finder can suddenly slide off it's bracket and hit the ground. I discovered this when trying to replace the finder's lens cap. Just applying a little bit of pressure was enough for it to come loose. Fortunately nothing was damaged.