The Sky-Watcher 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain is an inexpensive step up from a 90mm Mak. This compact optical powerhouse is capable of producing sharp, high contrast images inside the solar system and out.
This 102mm (4") Sky-Watcher Maksutov-Cassegrain is an inexpensive step-up from a 90mm Maksutov. It costs less than 20% more than a 90mm Mak, but has 30% more light gathering. Resolution of the 102mm is 14% higher than a 90mm Mak, as well.
Like all Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes, such as the ultra-premium Questars, the 102mm Sky-Watcher is designed for observing anything that is small and distant and needs a lot of power to resolve clearly. Its Maksutov-Cassegrain folded optical system provides sharp, high contrast images - mountains and craters on the Moon; major surface details on Mars; multiple storm bands on Jupiter; even Cassini's Division in the rings of Saturn occasionally pops into view in good seeing conditions.
Outside the solar system, the high resolution 102mm Sky-Watcher splits close binary stars, resolves open star clusters, begins to reveal the brighter nebulas and galaxies, and more. It can also be used as a very high performance terrestrial spotting scope.
Features of this 102mm Sky-Watcher Maksutov-Cassegrain . . .
Maksutov-Cassegrain optics: 4" (102mm) aperture, 1300mm focal length, f/12.75 optical system. The system's Maksutov corrector lens is fully multi-coated on both sides with multiple layers of anti-reflection materials for high light transmission and good contrast.
Internal focuser: Focuses by moving the primary mirror fore and aft in the optical tube by means of a large focusing knob on the rear cell.
Star diagonal: 1.25" 90°.
Two 1.25" eyepieces: The first is a 25mm Plössl providing 52x. The eyepiece field of view is nearly 1° across, twice the diameter of the full Moon, for expansive views of the Moon, star clusters, and terrestrial observing. The second is a 10mm Plössl providing 130x for close-up views of the Moon and planets, globular star clusters, binary stars and more.
Finder: illuminated red dot finder. The red dot finder is a quick and easy way to point your telescope exactly to the desired object in the sky. There's no need to worry about the inverted images you see through traditional finders. Just align the red dot seen in the finder with the desired object and you're done.
Dovetail: Vixen-style dovetail for installing the scope on any altazimuth or equatorial mount that uses a Vixen-style saddle.
Warranty: two years.
