Sky-Watcher Skymax 127

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.

Focal Length and Dimensions

The focal length is 1540mm (f/12.1), with a 39mm secondary and a 15" tube length with the diagonal, fully multi-coated lenses, BK7 glass and Radiant Aluminum Quartz (RAQ) mirror coatings.

skywatcher.com lists the 127mm Maksutov at 1500mm (f/12), a 5 kg tube weight and 14 cm x 33 cm tube dimensions. The figures on this page follow Sky-Watcher USA.

Magnification

Magnification is the telescope's focal length divided by the eyepiece's: 1540mm with the included 28mm eyepiece gives 55x.

Sky-Watcher's rule of thumb is about 2x per mm of aperture under good conditions, which for 127mm is about 254x, because higher power also magnifies the air turbulence between the telescope and the subject.

Included Diagonal, Eyepiece and Finder

Sky-Watcher USA includes a 2" star diagonal, a 28mm LET 2" eyepiece (55x), a 6x30 finderscope, a V-style dovetail rail and a dust cap.

The focuser is a 1.25" opening with a 2" adapter, and the diagonal a 2" 90 degree star diagonal with a 1.25" adapter, so both 2" and 1.25" eyepieces can be used.

Focusing

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 small variations caused by temperature changes and flexures, and almost always after changing an eyepiece or adding or removing a Barlow lens.

Mounting

The tube weighs 9.7 lb with accessories (Sky-Watcher USA) and has a V-style dovetail rail, so use a mount with a Vixen-style saddle and a payload rating that covers it.

skywatcher.com lists its EQ3 Pro and EQ3 mounts (with aluminum or steel tripod) as related products.

Temperature and Care

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.

Replace the dust cap when the telescope is not in use.

Solar Safety Warning: 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.

Setting Up

Follow these steps:

• Mount the telescope: attach the tube to the mount of your choice.
• Install the finder: slide the finder bracket into its slot on the tube and tighten the screw. Like all finderscopes, it must be aligned with the main telescope before use.
• Insert the diagonal: loosen the three thumbscrews at the end of the tube, insert the diagonal and retighten them.
• Insert an eyepiece: loosen the screws on the diagonal, insert the eyepiece and retighten them. Remove the dust cap before viewing.