Sky-Watcher Skymax 200DX Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope

200mm f/10 Maksutov Optics

It has a 200mm aperture, a 2000mm focal length (f/10), a 70mm secondary mirror and a fully multi-coated (MHTC) corrector. The 665mm tube is 235mm in diameter.

Magnification

Magnification is the telescope's focal length divided by the eyepiece's: a 20mm eyepiece gives 100x at 2000mm.

Sky-Watcher's rule of thumb is about 2x per mm of aperture under good conditions, because higher power also magnifies the air turbulence between the telescope and the subject.

Focuser and Visual Back

It has a Zero Shift belt-drive focuser with a focus distance indicator reading from 38m to infinity.

A 2" visual back and a camera extender adapter come with the tube.

Mounting

The tube weighs 12 kg (26.46 lb) and is 665mm long. It attaches with a 75mm D-style dovetail plate, so use a mount with a D-style (Losmandy-type) saddle and a payload rating that covers the tube and accessories.

Two finder shoes are fitted for a finder and other accessories.

Image Height and Optional Reducer

The image height is 44mm at f/10.

The optional Skymax 200DX 0.7x Reducer (S20224) gives a 1400mm focal length at f/7, with a 43mm image circle and 55mm back focus.

Cooling Fan

A built-in 12V fan with cooling vents is fitted, and a cooling fan battery pack is included. Sky-Watcher's general Maksutov manual notes the image usually needs fine refocusing over time as the telescope adjusts to temperature changes.

Solar Safety

Never look directly at the Sun through the telescope: permanent eye damage will result. Use a proper solar filter firmly mounted on the front of the telescope, and cap or remove the finder when observing the Sun.

Never use an eyepiece-type solar filter, and never use the telescope to project sunlight onto another surface: the internal heat build-up will damage the optical elements.