Skywatcher HAC125 DX Cassegrain Astrograph 125 mm F/2

Skywatcher HAC125 DX Cassegrain Astrograph 125 mm F/2

Sky-Watcher Honders Advanced Catadioptric 125 DX Astrograph, the new optical tube dedicated to the world of astrophotographers, which joins the range of optical tubes currently in the catalogue. HAC125 DX is Sky-Watcher's first telescope exclusively dedicated to astrophotography and is positioned as the ideal and definitive instrument for wide-field imaging with astronomical cameras.

The innovative Honders Advanced Catadioptric optical design features a high-reflectivity aspherical primary mirror and a corrector with multi-coated surfaces that can optimally correct the main optical aberrations, thus providing bright, sharp, wide-field images. Radiant Aluminum Quartz (RAQ)™ surface treatments ensure maximum contrast and reflection, resulting in sharp, bright images.

The ultra-fast f/2 focal ratio ensures exceptional light gathering in very short exposure times. With a focal length of 250mm and a diameter of 125mm, it is possible to capture incredible details of galaxies, nebulae, star fields, etc. in just a few seconds of exposure, even without autoguiding. The generous diameter combined with the corrected field of view >16mm allows for detailed, sharp and defined images of large celestial, galactic and nebular fields. The optical design has been specially optimised for cameras with IMX533 and 585 sensors, but still offers a wide range of compatibility with 1.25" or M42x0.75 mounts.

The exposure time required to capture the same amount of light as standard telescopes with focal ratios of f/6.3 is about ten times shorter: with only 60 seconds of exposure using the Sky-Watcher HAC125-DX astrograph, it is possible to capture the same amount of light that an f/6.3 telescope would obtain in 10 minutes of exposure. The result: bright photographs and a high signal-to-noise ratio with a very short exposure time.

Focusing is achieved by moving the primary mirror using the focus knob located at the rear of the optical tube.

The lens hood, although removable to facilitate connection between the optical tube and the astronomical camera, also acts as an anti-condensation band. The Sky-Watcher HAC125-DX optical tube features a Vixen/CG5 dovetail bar with two rings that wrap around the tube and ensure stability and no flexing. A Mini Vixen mount for a finder scope is also available on the optical tube, which is useful for correctly centring the telescope's field of view.