Sky-Watcher · Apochromat Refractor
Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO Doublet Refractor
Sharp, color-corrected views at a price that makes serious refractor performance genuinely accessible to dedicated amateurs.
Price updated Apr 18, 2026
Performance Scores
Overview
The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 100 APO is a 100mm f/9 apochromatic doublet refractor that brings genuine color correction to observers who have grown frustrated with the chromatic aberration common in achromatic designs. At 4.4 stars across 169 Amazon reviews, it has earned a solid reputation among hobbyists who use it for both visual observing and imaging. The 100mm aperture is large enough to reveal meaningful planetary detail, clean lunar features, and tight double stars, while the APO correction keeps those views free of the purple fringing that plagues cheaper refractors.
The longer focal length of roughly 900mm also makes it a capable instrument for high-magnification planetary sessions. For astrophotography, the clean optics pair well with crop-sensor cameras targeting the moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky targets. Wide-field galaxy clusters and nebulae require a flattener to correct field curvature at the edges, so budget for that accessory if imaging is your primary goal.
At $1,254.99, this is not an entry-level purchase. It rewards observers who already know they want a dedicated refractor and are ready to invest in one that will perform reliably over many years of use.
Specifications
Key Features
- 100mm aperture delivers noticeably more light-gathering than the 80mm refractors common at this price tier
- Apochromatic doublet design controls chromatic aberration well, keeping stars and planetary limbs clean and white
- f/9 focal ratio is forgiving to work with, both visually at higher magnifications and photographically with standard eyepieces
- Solid build quality with a dual-speed focuser that handles both visual and imaging sessions without excessive slop
- Compact enough to travel to dark sites without requiring a heavy-duty mount, though a sturdy mount is still recommended
- Well-regarded by owners for consistent optical quality across units, reducing the risk of sample variation
- Best suited for lunar, planetary, and double star work; deep-sky imaging is possible but benefits from additional accessories
Customer Reviews
169 reviews
Best advice I have ever read regarding astronomy? The best scope you own is the one you use the most. I wanted a good sized APO, but something easy enough to limit grab and go. All my searches kept pointing to the Skywatcher 120ED. Here were the deciding factors: Aperture: 120mm is a really nice spo...
The Sky-Watcher Pro 120ED APO is very simply a first class telescope. I did a lot of research before purchasing and when I saw the amazingly low price on Amazon I jumped on it immediately. It comes in a first class aluminum carrying case that is well padded and includes a 2" diagonal and two eyepiec...
Here are a few photos I have taken with my Skywatcher evo-star 100. I haven't learned all the post processing, calibration frames, stacking methods, etc. but I did what I could at the moment. I wanted a good step-up telescope from my previous Solo mark 130eq. This seems like a good choice for me to ...