SVBONY MK105 105mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope OTA

Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics: A 1365mm Focal Length for High-Power Views

The MK105's design prioritizes high-magnification clarity and contrast. Its long 1365mm focal length and slow f/13 focal ratio suit pushing magnification on bright targets like Jupiter's cloud bands, Saturn's rings, and lunar craters. The Maksutov corrector lens, multi-coated aluminum primary mirror, and secondary mirror with 99% reflectivity dielectric coatings work together to produce sharp, high-contrast images.

This long focal length makes it easy to achieve high power with common 1.25" eyepieces, eliminating the need for Barlow lenses in many situations. While the resulting narrow field of view is a trade-off for large deep-sky objects, the long focal length suits close double stars and fine detail on solar system targets. Limiting magnitude is 12.1.

105mm Aperture: 1.1 Arc Second Resolution and 210x Light Gathering

The 105mm aperture gathers 210x more light than the naked eye, providing bright, detailed views of the Moon and planets. This aperture is large enough to resolve features down to 1.1 arc seconds under steady skies, allowing you to distinguish fine rilles on the lunar surface and subtle banding on Jupiter's atmosphere. The MK105 needs no periodic collimation.

• High-Contrast Views: The Maksutov-Cassegrain design uses a convex meniscus lens, which helps to reduce the central obstruction and boost image contrast compared to other reflector designs.
• Stable Optics: The metal mirror structure keeps the optical structure stable during transport, with no periodic collimation needed.

Grab-and-Go Portability: Just 4.83 lbs and 377mm Long

At only 4.83 lbs (2193g) and 377mm in length, the MK105 is a true grab-and-go instrument. This compact form factor is a direct benefit of the folded light path of the Maksutov-Cassegrain design, achieving a long focal length in a tube half the size of a refractor. The internal focusing mechanism, which moves the primary mirror, further reduces its footprint by eliminating the need for an external drawtube.

The metal optical tube ensures the internal components remain protected and aligned during transport. It mounts via its 160mm, 75-degree Vixen-style dovetail plate, which suits mainstream equatorial mounts, making it a reliable choice for trips to dark-sky sites or for quick backyard sessions.

Dual Finder Shoes and an M42x0.75 Rear Port for Imaging

A standout feature of the MK105 is its inclusion of two separate finder-style mounting bases. This allows you to mount both a zero-magnification red-dot finder for initial aiming and a magnified optical finderscope or small guidescope simultaneously. This dual-mount capability adds significant flexibility for both visual observers and aspiring imagers without requiring any modification to the optical tube.

For astrophotography, the rear of the telescope features a standard M42x0.75 T-thread. This allows for a direct, secure attachment of a DSLR or dedicated astronomy camera with the appropriate T-ring (sold separately), providing a solid connection for capturing high-resolution images of the Moon and planets.

SVBONY MK105 vs. an 80mm Refractor: Magnification vs. Field of View

When choosing a portable telescope, a common comparison is between a Maksutov like the MK105 and a short-tube 80mm refractor.

• 80mm Refractor Advantage: A typical 80mm f/7 refractor offers a much wider field of view and a faster focal ratio. This makes it better suited for observing large deep-sky objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the Pleiades (M45) that won't fit in the MK105's field.
• SVBONY MK105 Advantage: The MK105's 1365mm focal length is more than double that of a typical 80mm refractor. This provides significantly higher native magnification for any given eyepiece, which suits planetary and lunar detail without a Barlow lens. The MK105's 377mm tube is also compact.