First Impression Skywatcher Evolux ED82

ELEGANT DESIGN. NEXT-GENERATION PERFORMANCE

Building on the foundation of the popular Evostar line of doublet ED refractors, Sky-Watcher has developed the all-new Evolux ED series. Designed for the discerning astrophotographer looking for a lightweight scope that still packs a punch. Naturally, Evolux ED models offer excellent performance for visual use too.

Evolux ED models have key upgrades in the optics and the mechanics, making them the perfect fit for a widefield grab-and-go setup. Evolux ED apochromatic doublet refractors are the perfect blend of superior extra-low dispersion glass and affordability. The doublet lens assembly utilises a proprietary combination of optically matched lenses, including one ED lens element, that delivers sharp stars with charcoal-black, contrast-rich skies, whilst virtually eliminating false colour.

All lens elements feature Sky-Watcher's proprietary Metallic High-Transmission Coatings™ (MHTC™) which are the finest photon anti-rejection coatings in their class, optimising light throughput to up to 99.5%!

The Evolux-82ED comes in a foam-lined aluminum case with a 2.4-inch 11:1 dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser, 45mm dovetail bar, clamshell ring, and adjustable dew shield. An optional 0.9x two-element focal reducer/field flattener, which includes one ED lens element and adaptor/field rotator, is available separately, which when combined makes the Evolux-82ED into a four-lens optical system comprising two ED elements!

Specifications

Unpacking

The scope is delivered in a stable carton, protected by styrofoam and a aluminum suitcase.

First impression

A very compact telescope, equipped with a high quality 2.5“ focuser. The focuser has as slight lateral translation in movement (seen at high magnifications), but is very stable at its desired position.

Tests with an artificial star at 160 magnification show a high quality. The first diffraction ring is very thin with a high contrast.  Chormal aberration is not visible, a pure white image.

The focuser is equipped with three guide rails to allow an optimal alignment. The screws are sealed with some kind of Loctite. Please do not adjust these screws, a tilt easily is induced.

The dew cap slides very easily, maybe even a bit wobbly, but in end position with fixation screws stable.

Tubus screws are blackened to avoid any reflections.

Two finder mounts are attached.

 

Result

We really like this new telescope series. Compact, light telescope with high contrast and chrome aberration free images. The price is very reasonable.

We expect this Scope to be a show runner.