SkyWatcher Startravel 120 AZ Pronto Refractor Telescope Set

The SkyWatcher Startravel 120 AZ Pronto is a compact 120 mm refractor telescope set for observers who want a wide view of the sky without a long focal length. At 600 mm and f/5, it is especially well suited to expansive star fields, clusters, comets, bright nebulae and galaxies, as well as the Moon and bright planets. It can also be used for daytime nature observation. Its two-element achromatic optics make it a straightforward visual instrument for flexible use at home or on the go.

According to the manufacturer, the 120 mm aperture gathers 38% more light than the 102 mm version. This makes the telescope a strong choice for wide-field viewing, where large objects and their surroundings can fit into the same view. Its short focal length is designed for overview and larger targets; it is not a substitute for a long-focal-length instrument dedicated to high planetary magnifications. Like other short-focus achromatic refractors, it may show some colour fringing on bright, high-contrast objects.

The manual AZ Pronto mount moves in altitude and azimuth. Two flexible slow-motion cables help make finer adjustments as an object drifts across the view; automatic GoTo control and motorised tracking are not included. The stainless-steel tripod extends from 680 to 1160 mm. A 21.5 cm extension column provides extra height when needed. The telescope has a T2 thread for attaching a compatible camera with the appropriate adapter. The smartphone adapter is intended for initial pictures through an eyepiece; a camera and additional adapters are not part of the listed set.

Specifications and features

Included in the set

• Startravel 120 optical tube with red-dot finder
• AZ Pronto mount with two flexible slow-motion cables
• Stainless-steel tripod with accessory tray and 21.5 cm extension column
• 10 mm and 20 mm eyepieces
• 45° 1.25″ Amici prism
• Smartphone camera adapter

For solar observing, use only a purpose-made solar filter securely mounted over the telescope's front aperture. An eyepiece or prism filter is not sufficient.