102mm (4″) f/1000 REFRACTOR TELESCOPE 
 Skywatcher supplied product information –

Our view

The achromatic 4″ refractor on a small German equatorial. Back through the decades this is one of the defining telescopes of amateur astronomy. In the past, the various brands that have offered this combination include Unitron, Vixen, Celestron and Meade. Compared to its forebears, the modern Skywatcher version is the most economic due to the cost of manufacturing in China. The EQ3-2 can be upgraded to RA tracking or even full GOTO. An ideal white light solar refractor by adding some Baader Astrosolar over the front aperture. A low cost instrument for schools to purchase for science project astronomical observing. Four inches is enough for visibility of all Messier objects as well as good lunar and planetary detail.

Tips

Budget for an A4 sheet of Baader Astrosolar and a weak sky pollution filter such as the Baader Neodymium 1.25 filter. Budget also for a 1.25″ Baader polarizing set or a 1.25″ Neutral density filter for the moon. It is also worth considering a 6mm eyepiece for the moon and planets.