Sky-Watcher Skymax 102

A Take-Anywhere Maksutov

Maksutov-Cassegrains are take-anywhere telescopes, also ideal when working space is limited, with high-resolution, diffraction-limited optical systems multi-coated to maximize contrast and image sharpness, for terrestrial and astronomical use.

For the 102mm Maksutov, the highest practical power is 204x and the faintest stellar magnitude 12.7.

Multi-Coated Optics

The Skymax 102 puts its 1300mm focal length in a tube 12.25" long and 4.625" in diameter (Sky-Watcher USA).

The Maksutov optical systems are high-resolution and diffraction-limited, multi-coated to maximize contrast and image sharpness. The lenses are fully multi-coated, and the mirrors carry Sky-Watcher's Radiant Aluminum Quartz (RAQ) coatings.

Eyepieces and Magnification

Magnification is the telescope's focal length divided by the eyepiece's. Both included eyepieces are 1.25", as are the star diagonal and the focuser (1.25" focuser diameter):

• Super 25mm: 1300 / 25 = 52x.
• Super 10mm: 1300 / 10 = 130x.

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

Focusing

Focus is by moving the primary mirror (Sky-Watcher USA), with the focusing knob and a focus locking screw at the rear of the tube. 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 flexure, and almost always after changing an eyepiece or adding or removing a Barlow lens.

Mounting and Carrying

A V-style dovetail rail comes pre-installed. The Maksutov tube assemblies can also be mounted on a standard photographic tripod, and the 102mm Maksutov is also sold as a kit on Sky-Watcher's AZ-Go2 Wi-Fi GoTo mount.

It weighs 4.6 lb with accessories and measures 12.25" long and 4.625" in diameter, and a soft carrying case is included.

Solar Safety

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

Attach the tube to the mount of your choice, slide the red dot finder bracket into its slot and tighten its screw. Loosen the three thumbscrews at the end of the tube, insert the diagonal and retighten them, then insert an eyepiece in the diagonal and secure it. Remove the dust cap before viewing.

To align the red dot finder, open its battery cover and remove the plastic shipping cover over the 3-volt lithium battery, then turn the brightness control clockwise until it clicks. Center a bright object in a low-power eyepiece and, with both eyes open, turn the azimuth and altitude controls until the red dot merges with it.