Feel free to browse through listings of my many magazine reviews (1994—) by accessing the Review Archive, or you may take a look at a small sample directly in either PDF format or as pages on this website by clicking on the following links:
Dobsonians:
Orion Optics OD150 De-luxe
Sky-Watcher Skyliner-300P
Sky-Watcher Skyliner-300P FlexTube
Newtonian reflectors:
Sky-Watcher Infinity-76
Sky-Watcher SkyHawk-1145
TAL-1
Sky-Watcher Explorer-130P
Sky-Watcher Explorer 150 (EQ3-2)
Sky-Watcher Explorer-150PL
Catadioptric telescopes:
Celestron SkyProdigy 6 SCT
Celestron NexStar 6 SE
Sky-Watcher SkyMax-90 (EQ1)
Sky-Watcher SkyMax-150/EQ6 Pro mount
Eclipse MAK6 Maksutov-Cassegrain scope
Cape Newise 8-inch Newise
Meade 8-inch LX200R
Refractors:
Sky-Watcher Capricorn-70
Sky-Watcher Evostar-100ED/HEQ5 Pro mount
A large aperture ED refractor, or some form of apochromatic instrument, is at the top of most observers wish lists. The sad fact is that it's a wish that seldom becomes reality owing to the prohibitive cost of these dream 'scopes. Is there a cheaper alternative? Well yes, there is. An optimised, long focus Newtonian reflector with a small central obstruction (so as to minimise performance-robbing diffraction effects) is an option worth exploring. Take a look at my thoughts on an Orion Optics OD150L Deluxe by clicking here.
However, before you consider any unusual telescope design, why not give the humble yet tried and tested Newtonian a second look. You may be surprised what a 6-inch f/8 model is capable of. See what I thought of the Sky-Watcher Explorer-150PL by following this link.
