Sky-Watcher N 114/500 SkyHawk EQ-1 telescope
Looking for a reliable telescope that handles your first steps under the night sky as well as trips far from city light pollution? The Sky-Watcher N 114/500 SkyHawk EQ-1 is exactly the right choice. This Newtonian reflector with a 114 mm mirror diameter and 500 mm focal length offers a solid f/4.4 focal ratio, making it an excellent instrument for observing nebulae, star clusters and planets alike. The short-tube design makes the telescope exceptionally compact and easy to transport - simply pack it up and head out to observe.
Optics and performance
At the heart of the telescope is a Newtonian optical system with a parabolic primary mirror 114 mm in diameter. The f/4.4 focal ratio delivers bright, high-contrast images of extended deep-sky objects. With the right eyepieces, the telescope also reveals fine detail on the Moon and planets without difficulty. The short tube is not only practical for transport - it also lowers the centre of gravity of the assembly and improves overall stability during observation.
The maximum theoretical magnification is around 270x; in practice, however, values of up to 150-200x work best for sharp images, depending on atmospheric conditions.
EQ-1 equatorial mount
The EQ-1 equatorial mount is the foundation of a comfortable observing experience. Unlike an alt-azimuth mount, it allows you to track the motion of celestial objects with a single movement around the polar axis, which greatly simplifies work at higher magnifications. A key advantage is the option to add a motor drive in right ascension - a clockwork mechanism that automatically compensates for Earth's rotation and keeps the observed object in the field of view without constant manual corrections. This is especially appreciated by those who wish to use the telescope for basic astrophotography or extended visual observing sessions. The mount is equipped with slow-motion controls on both axes and graduated scales for rough orientation.
Who is this telescope for?
The Sky-Watcher SkyHawk 114/500 EQ-1 is designed as a versatile, wide-ranging instrument.
- Beginners will appreciate the straightforward controls, affordable price and enough performance to keep observing genuinely exciting - detailed views of the Moon, Saturn's rings, the Orion Nebula and globular star clusters are all within reach.
- Experienced astronomers will welcome it as a lightweight travel alternative to their primary telescope. Its compact dimensions and low weight mean it can easily be taken to a dark observing site where a larger instrument simply stays at home.
About Sky-Watcher
Sky-Watcher is one of the world's leading manufacturers of astronomical optics, with a long tradition and extensive service support. Their instruments have been tested by thousands of astronomers around the globe and are known for an excellent price-to-performance ratio. The Sky-Watcher SkyHawk 114/500 EQ-1 is no exception - it offers solid optics, an expandable mount and the backing of a global manufacturer that stands behind its products. Whether you are just starting out on your astronomical journey or looking for a practical travel companion for night-time observing, this telescope will meet your expectations - and most likely exceed them.
Key specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Optical design |
Newtonian reflector |
| Primary mirror diameter |
114 mm |
| Focal length |
500 mm |
| Focal ratio |
f/4.4 |
| Maximum theoretical magnification |
270x |
| Recommended practical magnification |
up to 150-200x |
| Mount type |
EQ-1 equatorial mount |
| Motor drive |
optional (right ascension) |
| Tube design |
short tube (compact) |
Specifications
Type of telescope:
Newton reflectors
Optical scheme:
Newton
Focal length:
500 mm
Aperture:
114 mm (4.5″)
Aperture ratio:
4.4
Resolving capacity:
1"
Limit value:
12.9 magnitude
Light gathering capacity:
265x
Max. useful magnification:
228x
Connection type:
1.25″
Mounting:
Equatorial
Recommended for:
Beginner
Application area:
Deep Sky observation, Planets observation
Package contents of "Telescope Sky-Watcher N 114/500 SkyHawk EQ-1":
✅ 1.25″ Eyepiece 20mm
✅ 1.25″ Eyepiece 12.5mm
✅ 1.25″ Eyepiece 4mm
✅ Finder scope 6x24
✅ Tripod
Typical magnifications
The recommended magnification is highlighted in yellow.
D = telescope aperture in millimeters
