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.
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