Sky-Watcher BK 1201 EQ5 120/1000 Telescope (SW-2209)

Sky-Watcher BK 1201 EQ5 120/1000 Achromatic Refractor Telescope (SW-2209)

The Sky-Watcher BK 1201 EQ5 is a high-quality achromatic refractor designed for astronomy enthusiasts seeking excellent performance in both planetary and deep-sky observation. Featuring a 120 mm objective lens and a 1000 mm focal length, this telescope offers a balanced combination of sharp, high-contrast images and substantial light-gathering capability.

Its optical characteristics make it particularly well suited for observing the Moon and planets while also providing impressive views of star clusters, nebulae, and brighter galaxies. For wide-field deep-sky observing, a 35–40 mm eyepiece is recommended.

Mounted on the robust EQ5 German equatorial mount, the telescope delivers excellent stability and precise manual tracking, making it suitable for visual astronomy and future upgrades.

Key features

• 120 mm achromatic refractor.

• 1000 mm focal length.

• f/8.3 focal ratio.

• Classic achromatic doublet objective.

• Fully anti-reflection coated optics.

• Stable EQ5 German equatorial mount.

• Heavy-duty stainless steel tripod.

• 2-inch rack-and-pinion focuser.

• Compatible with Sky-Watcher electronic focus motors.

• Expandable with EQ5 motor drives and SynScan Go-To upgrades.

• Vixen-style dovetail mounting system.

Achromatic optical system

The telescope employs a classic two-element achromatic objective designed to provide bright, high-contrast images with excellent optical performance.

Its moderate f/8.3 focal ratio offers an excellent balance between planetary contrast and deep-sky capability while helping to reduce chromatic aberration compared to faster achromatic refractors.

The objective lenses are fully coated with anti-reflection coatings to maximize light transmission and improve image contrast.

The telescope gathers approximately 294 times more light than the unaided human eye, allowing observation of celestial objects down to approximately magnitude 13.0 under dark skies.

Its optical resolution enables separation of double stars with angular distances greater than approximately 0.97 arcseconds (Dawes criterion).

EQ5 German equatorial mount

The telescope is supplied with the robust Sky-Watcher EQ5 equatorial mount, designed to provide excellent stability and smooth tracking.

The mount features:

• Heavy-duty cast construction.

• High load capacity.

• Stainless steel tripod with 1.75-inch legs.

• Manual slow-motion controls.

• Vixen-style dovetail saddle.

The EQ5 can support optical tubes weighing up to approximately 15 kg.

The mount is also upgradeable with optional tracking motors, including:

• Single-axis motor drives.

• Dual-axis motor drives.

• SynScan Go-To Upgrade Kit.

These upgrades allow automatic tracking and computerized object location.

Focusing system

The BK 1201 is equipped with a 2-inch rack-and-pinion focuser suitable for both 2-inch and 1.25-inch accessories.

Features include:

• Precision rack-and-pinion focusing mechanism.

• Compression ring with locking screws for 2-inch accessories.

• Standard Sky-Watcher finder bracket mounting.

• Compatibility with Sky-Watcher electronic focus motors.

A 90° 2-inch star diagonal with a 1.25-inch adapter is included for comfortable visual observation.

Astronomical observing capabilities

Solar System

The telescope provides excellent views of:

• Lunar surface features approximately 1.5 km across.

• Polar caps and surface details on Mars.

• Fine cloud structures within Jupiter's atmospheric bands.

• Saturn's rings.

• Bright comets.

• Brighter asteroids.

Stars

The telescope allows observation of:

• Approximately 1.85 million stars down to magnitude 12–12.5.

• Double and multiple stars separated by more than approximately 1 arcsecond.

• The colors of bright stars.

Deep-sky objects

The BK 1201 is capable of observing:

• Hundreds of star clusters.

• Bright nebulae.

• Numerous galaxies.

• Many objects from the NGC and IC catalogs.

• Fine structural detail in bright nebulae and star clusters.

• Spiral arms in the brightest galaxies under favorable observing conditions.

Included accessories

• 90° 2-inch star diagonal with 1.25-inch adapter.

• 9×50 finder scope.

• Super Plössl 25 mm eyepiece.

• Super Plössl 10 mm eyepiece.

• 5 kg counterweight.

Technical specifications

General

• Catalog number:

  • SW-2209.

• Product series:

  • Sky-Watcher EQ5.

• Optical design:

  • Achromatic refractor.

• Mount type:

  • German equatorial.

Optical specifications

• Aperture:

  • 120 mm.

• Focal length:

  • 1000 mm.

• Focal ratio:

  • f/8.3.

• Limiting stellar magnitude:

  • 13.0.

• Maximum useful magnification:

  • 240×.

• Rayleigh resolution:

  • 1.19 arcseconds.

• Dawes resolution:

  • 0.97 arcseconds.

• Light-gathering power:

  • 294×.

Optical tube

• Tube weight:

  • 5.7 kg.

• Tube length:

  • 1040 mm.

• Tube diameter:

  • 110 mm.

Mount

• Mount weight:

  • 12.3 kg.

• Counterweight:

  • 5.1 kg.

• Total system weight:

  • 18 kg.

• Tripod:

  • 1.75-inch stainless steel.

• Tripod height:

  • 710–1230 mm.

• Mount control:

  • Manual slow-motion controls.

Focuser

• Type:

  • Rack-and-pinion.

• Diameter:

  • 2 inches.

• Fine-focus reduction:

  • No.

Mounting

• Dovetail standard:

  • Vixen.

Warranty

• Manufacturer's warranty:

  • 60 months.