Skywatcher Skymax 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain - Large Aperture Compound-Style Reflector Telescope

Wish there is a version with a nice GOTO Mount

Needed a long focal length scope to complement my "short" scope. Short scope is great for nebulas, etc, but too wide for closeup planetary or lunar viewing/photography. This scope at 1300 mm FL, altho not too wide in aperture, is a great scope for planetary viewing and is easy to carry around. Saturn & jupiter pics were shot with it the day (night!) it arrived! Recommended.

Ottimo telescopio perfetto anche per uso in terrestre. Potente, sufficientemente luminoso ed estremamente nitido. Ottimo telescopio, costruito interamente in metallo e con una buona dotazione di base. Compatto e non troppo pesante, è facilmente trasportabile. Gli oculari forniti a corredo sono già validi per iniziare. Il cercatore di tipo red dot funziona bene ma è di scarsa qualità. Buono il prisma raddrizzatore. Mi ha soddisfatto al 100%

Incluye el telescopio con montaobjetivos de 2", un objetivo 28mm de 2", un adaptador de 2" a 1.25" y un buscador normal que es algo dificil de alinear al principio, muy bueno para observar planetas y la luna, aunque los planetas se ven muy claros con el ocular incluido, yo preferi usar el adaptador de 1.25" para poder usar un objetivo 9mm y verlos mas ampliados, aunque con mas movimiento aparente y mas oscuros, una montura ecuatorial bien amortiguada por un peso es necesaria para poder observar sin tanto movimiento. La luna se ve espectacular, aunque muy brillante, debe ser necesario un filtro lunar. Los objetos de espaco profundo aparecen muy tenues al ojo, como es de esperar.

This a great "little" scope. This review is for the 7" (180mm) maksutov cassegrain. Out of the box, the collimation was perfect. Personally, I am a "refractor person", but when those scopes get up there in aperture, the tube length can become cumbersome for transporting. Maksutov scopes can give you the benefits of refactors, in a folded reflector format. Planets look spectacular. With the 7" mirror, you get some good light gathering for deep sky objects. At the same time, it's easier to transport and set up. Match this scope with a celestron AVX mount - or similar. You don't need anything more sturdy - unless you're going to do some very long exposure astrophotography. That said, these kinds of "maks" are best for visual use. At a recent star party with a local astronomy club, many were looking at Saturn rising through the 'scopes. There were big schmidt-cassegrains and newtonians, as well as a couple of small refractors. Everyone thought this 7" mak had the "best" image - at 180x. The rings - while still almost edge on - were crisp. We also saw 4 satellites of Saturn. They were pinpoints sparkling next to the planet. The bigger scopes showed them, but they were more like small "blobs", even in best focus. This mak gave a more "sharp" and detailed view, which everyone enjoyed. As for the focusing, maks (and SCTs) can have a little "wobble" when focusing. This 'scope did have a small shift when focusing, but not horrible. Objects stayed in the eyepiece. Fine focus is possible if you have a steady hand. But there are other focusers you could add, to give even finer focus. But I had no problem with the stock focuser for visual use. As for deep sky objects, again, the views may not have been as bright as in bigger 'scopes, but the views were "beautiful" - the detail and almost 3-d structure of clusters and nebulae was impressive. Double stars are very nice - especially colored ones like Albireo in Cygnus. The colors and sharpness were similar to or better than through a refractor. The Moon is equally stunning. If you're looking for a good, portable 'scope that's primarily for visual use on solar system and brighter deep sky objects , you can't beat these maksutovs. If you're looking to do more astrophotography and deep sky observing, a larger SCT is probably better for you. I would highly recommend also getting an aftermarket fitted carrying case/bag for this scope.

Whilst this would be a massive improvement over the 127 it was too big for my setup. Heavier tripod required and not yet ready to upgrade. My mistake, a pity.