Refractor telescope Skywatcher BK 1145 EQ1 114mm aperture 500mm focal length

Skywatcher BK 1145 EQ1 is a refractor telescope with a 114 mm objective aperture and a 500 mm focal length, mounted on an EQ1 equatorial mount. The optical tube and mount are included in a compact setup designed for beginner astronomers and portable use. This instrument is intended for visual observation of the Moon, planets and bright deep-sky objects and balances light-gathering power with ease of setup for backyard or travel observing.

Advantages

The 114 mm aperture provides noticeably better light-gathering ability compared with small beginner refractors, improving views of lunar detail, planetary features and brighter nebulae. The relatively short 500 mm focal length delivers a wider field of view, making locating objects and framing extended targets easier. The EQ1 equatorial mount allows basic sidereal tracking and easier manual follow-up of objects once polar alignment is approximated. The compact optical tube and included mount make the whole setup portable and straightforward to transport.

Suitable for

• Visual lunar observation and study of lunar surface features
• Planetary viewing of Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and their major moons
• Observation of brighter deep-sky objects such as star clusters and emission nebulae
• Beginner astronomy and learning equatorial mount operation
• Portable backyard sessions and short travel observing trips

Key specifications

• Optical design: refractor
• Objective aperture: 114 mm
• Focal length: 500 mm
• Mount type: equatorial (EQ1)
• Suitable for visual observation
• Compact, transportable tube length and footprint

How to use

Set the telescope on a stable surface and assemble the optical tube on the EQ1 mount according to the supplied mounting points. Roughly align the mount’s polar axis toward the north celestial pole to simplify tracking. Start with a low-power eyepiece to locate targets and center them in the field of view, then switch to higher magnification if seeing conditions and target brightness allow. Use slow, controlled manual adjustments on the equatorial axes to follow objects as the Earth rotates.

Usage recommendations

For best results, perform a basic polar alignment outdoors with a clear view to the northern horizon and use low-power eyepieces for initial locating. Avoid using very high magnifications in poor seeing or light-polluted locations; instead, focus on lunar and planetary detail and bright deep-sky objects. Carry a small padded case for the optical tube and protect the objective from dew with a lens cap when not in use.