SkyWatcher Skymax-180 Maksutov-Cassegrain (180/2700) on HEQ5 PRO mount

The Sky-Watcher 180/2700 Maksutov-Cassegrain is a real planet killer telescope. Thanks to its long focal length it is easy to achieve high magnifications without using Barlow lenses. The central obstruction is 24% only, resulting in high contrast. No color aberration and detailed image is provided even at high magnifications, making the telescope ideal for observing the Moon and planets. Maximum recommended magnification is above 400x under perfect conditions. Has a 2" focuser, meaning that the lowest magnification is 54x with an 50mm eyepiece at 1 degrees field of view. This means that even larger deep sky objects can be observed.

Can be used for astrophotography as well, capturing images of Moon and planets. Due to its long focal length it is not the ideal telescope for fainter objects.

The tube weights 7.8kg, length is 520mm. An EQ5 mount is recommended (for visual use) for photographic purposes an HEQ-5 or EQ-6 is recommended.

Accessories included: 9x50 finderscope, 2" star diagonal, 28mm Apex eyepiece.

The Sky-Watcher HEQ Pro GoTo mount is a precision German Equatorial Mount, ideal for both visual observing and astrophotography. Equipped with stepper motors that can provide 800x sideral speed (3.4 degrees/sec) using the hand controller or a planetarium program running on the attached PC. The 1/64 microstepping provides smooth tracking, precise manufacturing and bearings results small backlash on both axes makes ideal for autoguiding. An autoguider port is also included (standard ST4). The guide correction speed can be adjusted between 0.125x and 1x.

GoTo controller:

This version features the latest SynScan GoTo hand controller. Its database contains more than 42900 object, including the complete Messier, NGC and IC catalgues, plus double and variable stars. The mount also provides a "guided tour" functionality to show all objects currently visible. The hand controller also helps to perform proper polar alignment. Voltage of the power source and the temperature can be also checked. For astrophotography the PEC helps in accurate tracking.

The hand controller firmware can be upgraded from the internet.

Requires 12V DC, that can be provided from a cigarette lighter or from a rechargeable battery.