Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi
- 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube
- 11-pound Payload Capacity
- 8.6-pound Total Mount Weight
- Integrated WiFi GoTo Control via SynScan Pro App
- Complete package with tripod, extension, eyepieces, and finder
The Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi system combines a 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube with a highly portable GoTo mount that weighs just 8.6 pounds. This complete grab-and-go package supports an 11-pound payload capacity, offers full wireless control via WiFi, and includes two 1.25-inch eyepieces (a 25mm and 10mm) to get you observing immediately.
Designed for portability without sacrificing function, the AZ-GTi mount head and tripod weigh a combined 8.6 pounds, making the entire system easy to fit in carry-on luggage. Despite its light weight, the mount provides a stable tracking platform for its 11-pound payload capacity, ideal for the included 102mm Maksutov OTA or a DSLR camera for wide-field imaging and timelapse.
The AZ-GTi eliminates the need for a traditional hand controller by creating its own WiFi network. Simply connect your smartphone or tablet running Sky-Watcher’s SynScan Pro app (available for iOS and Android) to gain full computerized GoTo and precision tracking control. Aligning the telescope and navigating to thousands of celestial objects is handled entirely through the app's intuitive interface.
The Skymax 102mm optical tube is a compact powerhouse, delivering sharp, high-contrast views characteristic of the Maksutov-Cassegrain design. Its long focal length is ideal for detailed observations of the Moon, planets, and double stars, providing high-magnification views that are free from the chromatic aberration seen in similarly priced refractors. The included 10mm and 25mm eyepieces provide a useful range of magnifications right out of the box.
The Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi and the Celestron NexStar 4SE are both 102mm (4-inch) Maksutov-Cassegrain GoTo telescopes aimed at portable observing. The primary differences lie in their control systems and mounting flexibility.
The 102mm aperture and long focal length of the Skymax are excellent for high-magnification targets. You can expect to clearly resolve the rings of Saturn, Jupiter's main cloud bands and its four Galilean moons, the phases of Venus, and countless craters on the Moon. Brighter deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula (M42) and the Hercules Cluster (M13) are also well within its grasp from a dark site.
The AZ-GTi mount is powered by 8 AA batteries (not included) installed in the internal battery compartment for maximum portability. It can also be powered by an external 12V DC power supply or a portable power tank with a 2.1mm center-positive plug.
This system is ideal for lunar and planetary imaging, where you capture short videos and stack the best frames. Its alt-azimuth mount is not designed for long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography, which requires an equatorial mount to prevent field rotation. However, you can mount a separate DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens on the AZ-GTi for tracked nightscapes and timelapse sequences.
The alignment process is straightforward using the SynScan Pro app. You connect your phone to the mount's WiFi network, open the app, and follow the on-screen instructions for a simple "Brightest Star" or "2-Star" alignment. The app guides you to center the alignment stars in the eyepiece, and once complete, the GoTo system is ready to use.
Yes. The AZ-GTi mount features a standard V-style dovetail saddle. You can mount any telescope that uses a V-style dovetail bar and weighs under the 11-pound payload capacity, including small refractors or other lightweight optical tubes.
Absolutely. Its small footprint, light weight, and quick setup make it one of the best choices for observing from confined spaces like a balcony. The GoTo system is especially helpful when your view of the sky is partially obstructed, as it can find objects you may not be able to locate manually.
| Optical Design | Maksutov-Cassegrain |
| Aperture | 102mm (4 inches) |
| Mount Type | Motorized Alt-Azimuth GoTo |
| Control System | Integrated WiFi via SynScan Pro App (iOS/Android) |
| Payload Capacity | 11 lbs (5 kg) |
| Total Weight | 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) |
| Dovetail Saddle | V-Style |
| Tripod Connection | 3/8"-16 (with 1/4"-20 adapter) |
| Power | 8x AA Batteries or 12V DC |
| DSLR Integration | Automatic Shutter Release Port |
Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA
× 1
AZ-GTi WiFi GoTo Mount Head
× 1
Adjustable Aluminum Tripod
× 1
Pier Extension
× 1
Red Dot Finder
× 1
1.25" Star Diagonal
× 1
Super 25mm Eyepiece (1.25")
× 1
Super 10mm Eyepiece (1.25")
× 1