Sky-Watcher Skymax 180

Signature Series Maksutov

The Signature Series is the new generation of Maksutovs, manufactured to high levels of optical and mechanical precision, and in many applications their sharpness and image quality match and exceed those of the classic Schmidt-Cassegrain design.

Optics

A 199mm primary mirror serves the 180mm aperture, with a 41mm secondary, fully multi-coated lenses and Sky-Watcher's Radiant Aluminum Quartz (RAQ) mirror coatings with 94% reflectivity. The 2700mm focal length fits in a tube 22" long with the diagonal.

Magnification

Divide the telescope's focal length by the eyepiece's: 2700mm with the included 28mm eyepiece gives 96.4x.

The highest practical power for the 180mm Maksutov is 360x. As a rule of thumb, use about 2x per mm of aperture under good conditions, because higher power also magnifies the air turbulence between the telescope and the subject.

Focusing and Included Accessories

Focus is by moving the primary mirror. Turn the focus knob slowly one way or the other until the image is sharp. The image usually needs fine refocusing over time because of temperature changes and flexures, and almost always after changing an eyepiece or adding or removing a Barlow lens. The package includes the following:

• 2" star diagonal: 90 degree, with a 1.25" adapter. The focuser is a 1.25" opening with a 2" adapter.
• 28mm LET eyepiece: 2", giving 96.4x.
• 9x50 finderscope: skywatcher.com lists an 8x50 finder.

Mounting

It weighs 19 lb with accessories (Sky-Watcher USA) and has a V-style dovetail bar, so use a mount with a Vixen-style saddle and a payload rating that covers it.

skywatcher.com lists its AZ-EQ6 Pro, EQ6 Pro and HEQ5 Pro mounts as related products.

Temperature and Solar Safety

The image usually needs fine refocusing over time as the telescope adjusts to temperature changes, particularly before it has reached outside temperature. No specific cool-down time is given.

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 finderscope 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.

Size and Weight

Sky-Watcher USA lists 22" long with the diagonal, 8.625" in outer diameter and 19 lb with accessories; skywatcher.com lists a 7.8 kg tube and 21.6 cm x 50 cm tube dimensions.

Setting Up

Follow these steps:

1. Attach the tube to the mount of your choice.
2. Slide the finder bracket into its slot and tighten the screw. Like all finderscopes, the finder must be aligned with the main telescope before use.
3. Loosen the three thumbscrews at the end of the tube.
4. Insert the diagonal and retighten the thumbscrews.
5. Insert an eyepiece into the diagonal and secure it.
6. Remove the dust cap before viewing.