The Liverpool Astronomical Society

Hi Ian, I have been looking into the differences between the two models. I have noted that they have different focal lengths and one of the models has a RA drive motor (this is a good thing).
Both would give reasonable views of the moon, planets, galaxies and clusters for the price and size of mirror (114mm). Depending on what you would like to concentrate on would be the deciding factor. If you  would like to see the little fuzzies (deep sky) then the 1145 pm would be the choice as it has an F ratio (the focal length divided by  mirror diameter ) of F5. This would give a brighter image but at a lower magnification. This model also has a motor which would allow you to follow the steller objects that you view although I do not believe that it will enable you to photograph galaxies to the standard of the glossy astro images that you see in the magazines. This telescope would still be able to the rings of Saturn, belts on Jupiter and craters on the Moon but at low magnification. The fact that it has a motor drive would allow you to get nice 'snapshots' of the moon using a digital camera.

If you would like to see detail on the moon and planets then the
SKYHAWK-114  would allow more magnification to be used. The best magnification to use would depend on the weather/seeing conditions. But, as far as I am aware, this scope does not have the motor drive to track the object in view!

Are you able to get to our observatory at Pex Hill, Cronton on Wednesday nights (19:00 to 21:00) where you can have a look through various types of telescope. If you become a member then you are entitled to borrow a 200mm (8 inch) reflecting telescope for a reasonable amount of time. Another thought is to hang on to your money for the time being and save up for a better or larger telescope.
Details for the skyhawks are below. Let me know what you decide to do.


SKYHAWK 1145 PM
114mm (4.5") f/500 Motorised Parabolic Newtonian Reflector

    * Magnifications (with optics supplied): x20, x40, x50, x100
    * Highest Practical Power (Potential): x228
    * Diameter of Primary Mirror: 114mm
    * Telescope Focal Length: 500mm (f/5)
    * Eyepieces Supplied (1.25"): 10mm & 25mm
    * x2 Barlow Lens
    * R.A. Motor Drive (D.C.)
    * Parabolic Primary Mirror
    * 0.5mm Ultra-Thin Secondary Mirror Supports
    * Red Dot Finder
    * EQ1 Equatorial Mount
    * Aluminium Tripod with Accessory Tray
    * 125% more Light Gathering than 76mm


Sky-Watcher SKYHAWK-114

Specifications:

Magnifications (with optics supplied): x40, x80, x100, x200
Highest Practical Power (Potential): x228
Diameter of Primary Mirror: 114mm
Telescope Focal Length: 1000mm (f/8.77)
Eyepieces Supplied (1.25"): 10mm & 25mm
x2 Barlow Lens
5x24 Finderscope
EQ1 Equatorial Mount
Aluminium Tripod with Accessory Tray