SkyWatcher 102MC Maksutov-Cassegrain (102/1300) on StarQuest-2 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.

Sky-Watcher's StarQuest mount provide easy usability at a reasonable price. The mount has a light structure, but a strong design. The gear wheel of the RA axis has a diameter of 95 mm, which enables precise fine movement. Fixing and releasing the axles is convenient thanks to the large, easy-to-reach discs. Both axes are 360 deg fine-tuned, so it is very easy to follow the set celestial bodies.

The mount head can be attached to the tripod with a simple hand screw. The telescope can be attached to the mount with the practical dovetail plate, using a manual screw.

Due to the more compact mount head, the telescope's center of gravity is closer to the center of mass, so a shorter shaft and less counterweight are required, so the total weight of the system is also lower.