SkyWatcher Skymax-102 Maksutov-Cassegrain (102/1300) on StarQuest mount

The SkyWatcher SkyMax 102MC is a really compact sized model which shows great details on planets. The short tube makes easy to transport. This telescope has 102 mm aperture, whish is more powerful than the 90 mm model. The central obstruction is 30% only resulting in contrasty image even at high magnification. Compared to the Explorer 102 refractor the aperture is similar but this Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope is much shorter and weights less meaning that it is easier to transport, however the central obstruction makes the image a bit less contrasty. The recommended magnification range is 32-200x and shows excellent details on Moon or planets, and can be used to observe brighter deepsky objects as well.

The StarQuest mount is functionally very similar to the Avant mount, but instead of the polar wedge we can adjust the pole height using the two screw solutions. Like the Avant, the axes are lightweight, but they have a strong design, and can be fixed by the discs on the bottom. Both axles have fine-tuning (with the usual flexible arms). The instrument can now be fixed to the mount with a more practical plate. The counterweight sits on a threaded end counterweight shaft. The length and weight is less than the EQ2 mount. The reason for this is that, due to the more compact mechanical head, the center of gravity of the telescope is closer, so a shorter axis and less weight are required.

The head is located on the thinner aluminum tripod, which provides sufficient stability. The head can be fixed to the stand with the usual hand-held screw. The head has a black finish with green sticker scale. The capacity of the mount is approx. 4 kg.