saxon 1309-EQ2 Velocity Reflector Telescope

The Saxon 1309-EQ2 gives you enough aperture to explore a genuinely varied night sky, while keeping the telescope completely manual and straightforward to use.

Its 130mm aperture gathers plenty of light for impressive views of the brighter objects that make visual astronomy so rewarding. Saturn's rings are clearly recognisable, Jupiter shows its four major moons and main cloud belts under good conditions, while star clusters and bright nebulae open up a much broader range of targets throughout the year.

From New Zealand, Omega Centauri and 47 Tucanae are particularly rewarding clusters, while the Carina Nebula provides one of the southern sky's great deep-sky targets. Under darker skies, brighter galaxies and other fainter objects also come within reach.

The EQ2 mount provides slow-motion control on both axes for accurate positioning and following objects across the sky. Although an equatorial mount may initially look more technical, you do not need to understand celestial coordinates or setting circles before you can start observing. Simply move the telescope towards your target, lock it in position and use the slow-motion controls for fine adjustment.

As you become more familiar with the mount, a basic polar alignment makes following objects even easier because their movement can largely be tracked using one control.

The Saxon also comes as a particularly complete package, with three eyepieces covering a useful range of magnifications, a 5x24 finderscope and a 1.5x erecting prism for correctly oriented terrestrial viewing.

For someone wanting a well-equipped 130mm astronomy telescope with strong visual capability and precise manual control, the Saxon 1309-EQ2 offers a lot of telescope to explore.

Why Choose the Saxon 1309-EQ2?

• 130mm aperture — enough light-gathering ability for rewarding views of planets, star clusters, bright nebulae and other brighter deep-sky objects.
• Excellent planetary viewing — observe Saturn's rings, Jupiter and its moons, and detailed views of the Moon.
• EQ2 mount with slow-motion controls — allows accurate positioning and makes following objects easier.
• No need to master the EQ mount first — simply point the telescope manually and begin observing; polar alignment can be learnt when you are ready.
• Three eyepieces included — gives you a useful range from wider views through to higher magnification.
• 5x24 finderscope — helps locate and centre targets before moving to the main eyepiece.
• 1.5x erecting prism included — provides a correctly oriented view for occasional land and sea observing.
• 5-year Saxon warranty.

What Can You See?

The 1309-EQ2 gives you a broad range of worthwhile targets.

Saturn's rings are clearly visible, while Jupiter's four Galilean moons and main atmospheric belts are rewarding sights when conditions are favourable. Mars becomes a distinct reddish disc when well positioned, and the Moon reveals an enormous amount of detail across craters, mountains, ridges and changing shadows.

Star clusters are particularly enjoyable through 130mm aperture. Omega Centauri and 47 Tucanae appear as dense concentrations of starlight, while open clusters break into attractive fields of individual stars.

Bright nebulae add another dimension. The Carina Nebula is an outstanding southern target, while the Orion Nebula provides another excellent view when it is well placed in the sky.

Under darker skies, brighter galaxies and fainter deep-sky objects can also be detected. These are generally subtler through an eyepiece than in long-exposure photographs, but 130mm aperture gives you a genuinely varied night sky to work through.

Using the EQ2 Mount

You do not need to understand celestial coordinates to use the Saxon 1309-EQ2.

For your first observing sessions, simply loosen the axis locks, move the telescope towards your target, lock it in place and use the slow-motion controls to centre the object.

Once you are comfortable with the telescope, learning a basic polar alignment lets the mount follow the natural movement of the night sky more efficiently. Most tracking can then be done using the Right Ascension slow-motion control.

The equatorial mount therefore gives you more precise control without needing to make getting started complicated.

FAQ's

Is the EQ2 mount difficult to use?

No. You can begin by simply moving the telescope manually towards your target and using the slow-motion controls for fine adjustment. You do not need to use coordinates or setting circles. Polar alignment becomes useful later when you want easier tracking.

What can I realistically see with 130mm aperture?

Planets, the Moon, double stars, rich star clusters and bright nebulae are all rewarding targets. Under darker skies, brighter galaxies and fainter deep-sky objects also become accessible.

Can the Saxon 1309-EQ2 be used during the day?

Yes. The supplied 1.5x erecting prism provides an upright, correctly oriented terrestrial view. Astronomy remains the telescope's main strength, but the prism gives you the option of land and sea viewing as well.

Features 

• 130mm aperture
• 900mm focal length (F/6.9)
• 5.2" aluminised & overcoated mirror
• Smooth rack and pinion 1.25" focuser
• 5x24 finderscope
• Super eyepieces
• 1.5x erecting prism for terrestrial use
• German Equatorial EQ2 mount
• Aluminium tripod with accessory tray.

Warranty - 5-Years Limited Warranty

Product Manual