{"product_id":"ioptron-6101","title":"iOptron MAK 150mm Telescope OTA","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e150mm Rumak-style Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1800mm Focal Length\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ef\/12 Focal Ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e0.77 Arc Second Resolving Power\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e13.4 lbs Tube Weight\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual-Speed Focuser\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDownloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMAK 150mm Telescope OTA\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MAK 150mm optical tube delivers high-contrast, high-magnification views through its 150mm Rumak-style Maksutov-Cassegrain optical system. Its long 1800mm focal length produces an f\/12 focal ratio ideal for planetary and double-star observation, capable of reaching a theoretical resolving power of 0.77 arc seconds. With a dual-speed focuser for critical adjustments and a tube weight of just 13.4 lbs, this OTA provides serious planetary imaging capabilities in a compact package.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRumak-Maksutov Optics: 1800mm Focal Length at f\/12\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis telescope's Rumak-Maksutov design uses a separate secondary mirror, distinct from the central aluminized spot on a standard Maksutov corrector. This provides an additional degree of freedom for optical correction, resulting in a flatter field of view and better-corrected images, especially critical for astrophotography. The native 1800mm focal length and f\/12 ratio are engineered for high power, allowing you to achieve the 300X maximum magnification with common eyepieces to study fine details on Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlanetary Detail at 0.77 Arc Second Resolution\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a diffraction-limited resolving power of 0.77 arc seconds, the MAK 150mm has the optical potential to split tight double stars and reveal intricate planetary features under steady skies. This level of resolution makes it possible to discern the Cassini Division in Saturn's rings, resolve individual craterlets on the Moon, and track storm systems in Jupiter's cloud belts. The optical system can detect stars down to a visual limiting magnitude of 12.8, pulling in faint moons around gas giants and the central stars of planetary nebulae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImaging-Ready with a Dual-Speed Focuser\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAchieving perfect focus at 1800mm is critical, and the included dual-speed focuser provides the fine control necessary for sharp planetary imaging. The coarse focus knob gets you close, while the fine-adjustment knob allows for precise, minute changes without image shift. For convenience and protection, a twist-lock aluminum dew shield is integrated, extending the tube length to 27 1\/8 inches to block stray light and delay the formation of dew on the corrector plate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdapts to 1.25\", 2\", and SCT Standards\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MAK 150mm is equipped to handle a wide array of accessories right out of the box. It includes a 2-inch to 1.25-inch compression ring adapter for using standard eyepieces and an adapter ring that allows you to attach accessories designed for Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes (SCTs). For astrophotography, a T-ring adapter is also included, providing a direct, secure connection for your DSLR or dedicated astronomy camera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMAK 150mm vs. a 6-inch SCT: Focal Ratio and Field Flatness\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen choosing a 150mm-class catadioptric, the main alternative is often a 6-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain. The SCT offers a faster f\/10 focal ratio, better suited for a wider range of deep-sky objects. However, the MAK 150mm's advantages lie in planetary and lunar observing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFocal Ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e The MAK's f\/12 focal ratio provides higher native magnification for any given eyepiece compared to an f\/10 SCT, often yielding sharper, higher-contrast planetary views without needing a Barlow lens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eField Flatness:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Rumak optical design in this MAK provides a flatter, better-corrected field than a standard SCT, which suffers from field curvature. This results in sharper stars toward the edge of the frame, a key benefit for imaging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCentral Obstruction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maksutov-Cassegrains typically have a smaller central obstruction than SCTs, which translates directly to improved image contrast, making subtle planetary details easier to see.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is a Rumak-Maksutov and how does it benefit the MAK 150mm?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003eRumak-Maksutov\u003c\/strong\u003e is a specialized catadioptric design that uses a separate, curved secondary mirror instead of the simple aluminized spot found on the back of the corrector plate in a standard Gregory-Maksutov. This gives optical designers more control over correcting for aberrations, typically resulting in a flatter field of view and sharper stars away from the center of the image compared to other compact designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow does the MAK 150mm perform on Jupiter with its 1800mm focal length?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1800mm focal length is ideal for observing Jupiter. With a moderate eyepiece (e.g., 9-12mm), you can easily reach magnifications of 150-200x, which is perfect for resolving Jupiter's main cloud belts, the Great Red Spot, and the Galilean moons. On a night of good seeing, the 0.77 arc second resolving power allows you to push magnification toward 300x to see finer details like smaller ovals and festoons within the cloud bands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the MAK 150mm a good telescope for deep-sky objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the MAK 150mm excels at high-magnification targets, its long f\/12 focal ratio results in a narrow field of view, making it less ideal for very large deep-sky objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the North American Nebula (NGC 7000). It is, however, excellent for smaller, brighter deep-sky targets such as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGlobular Clusters:\u003c\/strong\u003e Resolving individual stars in the cores of clusters like the Hercules Cluster (M13).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanetary Nebulae:\u003c\/strong\u003e Observing details in objects like the Ring Nebula (M57) and the Dumbbell Nebula (M27).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBright Galaxies:\u003c\/strong\u003e Viewing the core regions of galaxies like Bode's Galaxy (M81).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat kind of mount do I need for the 13.4 lb MAK 150mm OTA?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a tube weight of \u003cstrong\u003e13.4 lbs\u003c\/strong\u003e, the MAK 150mm requires a sturdy equatorial or alt-azimuth mount. For visual use, a mount with a payload capacity of at least 20-25 lbs is recommended to ensure stability. For long-exposure astrophotography, a robust German Equatorial Mount in the 30-40 lb payload class (like an iOptron GEM28 or CEM26) would be a more appropriate choice to handle the telescope and additional imaging gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use my existing 2-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain accessories with the MAK 150mm?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The MAK 150mm includes an \u003cstrong\u003eAdapter Ring for Schmidt-Cassegrain Accessories\u003c\/strong\u003e. This allows you to attach devices that use the standard SCT thread, such as focal reducers, off-axis guiders, and specific visual backs, making it highly compatible with the most popular accessory ecosystem on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhy is a dual-speed focuser important on an f\/12 telescope like the MAK 150mm?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTelescopes with long focal ratios like f\/12 have a very narrow \"critical focus zone,\" meaning even a tiny error in focusing can soften the image. A \u003cstrong\u003edual-speed focuser\u003c\/strong\u003e provides a fine-adjustment knob (typically 10:1 ratio) that moves the focuser much more slowly than the coarse knob. This precision is essential for achieving the sharpest possible focus when doing high-magnification visual observation or planetary imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptical Design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCatadioptric Rumak style Maksutov-Cassegrain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClear Aperture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1800mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocal Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ef\/12\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eResolving Power\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.77 arc seconds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVisual Limiting Magnitude\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHighest Magnification\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e300X\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocuser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDual speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinder Scope\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8x50 with finder ring\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDew Shield\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTwist-lock aluminum shield\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdapters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2” to 1.25” compression ring adapter, T-ring adapter, Adapter Ring for Schmidt-Cass Accessories\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e21.75” (Without dew shield) | 27.125” (With dew shield)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13.4 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShipping Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22 lbs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShipping Dimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e32 x 14 x 12 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eMAK 150mm Optical Tube Assembly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e8x50 Finder Scope with Mounting Rings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eTwist-Lock Aluminum Dew Shield\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e2\" to 1.25\" Compression Ring Adapter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eAdapter Ring for Schmidt-Cassegrain Accessories\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eT-Ring Adapter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDust Cover\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron_MAK150_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/ioptron-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eiOptron 2-Year Telescope Warranty and 1-Year Accessory Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"iOptron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52917293220125,"sku":"IOP-6101","price":749.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron-MAK-150mm-1_8947f705-e7a8-46f4-9e3f-3b65b6fe39b6.jpg?v=1789142076","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/ioptron-6101","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}