Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi 102mm f/13 GoTo Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope

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.

This is a loaded lightweight mount.

The free SynScan Pro app for Android and iOS devices turns this mount into a serious observation machine with 42,900 objects in its database.  The AZ-GTi also has periodic error correction, backlash compensation, tours, and a DSLR camera control.  I can not state enough just how fuil featured this mount is.  The built-in wifi connection allows you to connect without needing an additonal router or internet connection.  With a payload capacity of 11 pounds most small to medium sized instruments should be right at home. Built in clutch knobs on both axis allow for easy movement by hand. With certain mounts when you move the scope by hand you will lose your computer alignment.  Not with this one.  The dual encoders will keep exact axis aligment when you unlock the mount and move the scope manually. Once you are locked in and tracking the DC servo motors run quietly and have minimum vibration. The mount runs on eight user-supplied AA batteries.

So, you want to know what exactly the SynScan App does? One this it doesn't do is cost money.  It is free at the app store.  The app will control the mount wirelessly allowing you to align, move, control from your device.  The GPS unit will automatically update your location, day, date, time making it even easier to line up your mount.  Once you get it all aligned the SynScan has a fantastic tour abilty taking you around the night sky to the best objects that are available.  It has three tracking rates (solar, lunar, and sidereal) as well as 10 slewing speeds.

And in closing, we can talk about the 5.3 pound tripod and pier extension.  The tripod is an adjustable height tripod with aluminum legs.  Its maximum height is 43.3" and the extension pier will give you a few more inches making night time viewing a tad more comfortable while keeping vibration at a minimum.  The tripod legs will spread to 42.3 inches and are held in place with a spreader tray that is designed to hold personal effects or accessories while you are out observing.  The feet of the AZ-GTi are spiked to increase stability when you are on different types of terrain or soft ground.