Skywatcher Telescope

What size in inches is a 200mm telescope? i`m pretty new on the scene!!! I just saw a skywatcher telescope for £169 sterling. i saw the exact same telescope with 200 euro off it but it was still 545 euro!!! what are parabolic mirrors?
Matthew C

Hi Matthew welcome to the board.

The 200mm part of the description refers to the size of the main mirror which this telescope uses to collect the light from distant objects. In this case it is 8 inches which is a great size for a telescope. The parabolic bit refers to the shape on the surface of the mirror. In order to give good views telescope optics need to be made very very accurately. The only shape which gives good images in a telescope of this type is a parabola (a mathematical curve). I can tell you that skywatcher make really great telescopes, I have one myself. In fact the company which make skywatcher telescopes just bought out a company called celestron which is famous for making really good telescopes.

You can be sure that the skywatcher 200mm (8inch) is a really great scope and you will have many years of enjoyment with something like that. Just dont underestimate its size it is a pretty big scope.

I suggest you read a bit more about how different designs of telescope work and decide which is best for you before you part with your hard earned cash.

If you have any questions or anything you are not sure of, ask here and you will get lots of helpful advice also remember that the only stupid question is the one you dont ask!!

Hi Matthew,

I bought a 200mm Skywatcher myself two weeks ago from North Down Telescopes. I made my decision on that one after a lot of good advice on this forum - I'm a complete newbie to this. Mine cost £424 inc. shipping which worked out to about €630. It was the best price I found - if you can find better then go for it.

BTW, for converting mm's to inches and so forth, there's a handy units conversion utility available here .

Interestingly, Google also does conversions automatically.

Go to google and type "24 miles in inches", or "1 light year in miles", or "1984 in roman numerals" .....

Interestingly, Google also does conversions automatically.

Go to google and type "24 miles in inches", or "1 light year in miles", or "1984 in roman numerals" .....

Brilliant! Never realised they did that!