SKYWATCHER MAK 102AZ-GO2

Sky-Watcher Maksutov 102/1300 AZ-GΟ2

Features:

• Telescope with smartphone controls
• Easy set-up and quick skyward orientation
• Servomotors for automatic tracking
• Stainless steel tripod
• No further accessories required!

The MC 102/1300 telescope: This telescope is an ideal companion for trips and is suitable both for astronomy and for use as a reflector spotting scope for nature watching. This telescope is also super for letting children take their first steps in observing the night sky. The extremely compact design fits into virtually any hand luggage and is also known for the very high-contrast image it produces. Its 102mm aperture collects much more light than its 90mm little brother - the light collecting capacity is 212X more than the naked eye alone (for a 7mm exit pupil). Although the overall length is only 28cm, it has a long focal length of 1300mm resulting in an aperture ratio of f12.7.

Astronomically, this telescope has had a lot to offer: with a resolution of 1.13 arc seconds, planets become beautiful objects to observe. Exploring deep sky objects such as the Orion Nebula or the summer Milky Way is also highly enjoyable. This telescope also provides an appropriately low priced alternative as a spotting scope for nature watching. Many classic spotting scopes only start to include adapters for use with a camera at the higher end of the market, at several hundred Euros. This telescope is different: it comes with a large range of adaptations for nature photography included. The 1300mm focal length means that low cost bird photography is possible. The built-in T-2 thread allows the simple connection of an SLR camera. And, for astrophotography, you can also take shots of the Moon for example. The focusing sharpness is set by adjusting a knob on the side which moves the primary mirror forwards or backwards. This type of focusing mechanism provides a large back focus, enabling a wide range of add-on options to be used.

The AZ-Go2 mount uses its motors to make the telescope follow the rotation of the sky. Its integrated computer controls (“GoTo”) helps by selecting a suitable celestial object and points the telescope towards it.

One of the AZ-Go2 mount’s special features is its integrated Wi-Fi. This enables the mount to be controlled remotely using the free SynScan app for iOS or Android. You need a smartphone or tablet with this app to control the mount this way. It is also possible to control the mount using optional hand-held controls, but the app provides more functions and can always be kept up-to-date.

The AZ-Go2 mount is a single-arm mount. This makes it lightweight and compact. Due to the mount's curvature, the telescope does not touch the mount when it is pointed sharply towards the zenith.

The telescope is attached to the mount using a clamp (mounting saddle). This is a Vixen-style clamp and enables various scopes to be attached, even from other manufacturers.

The height-adjustable stainless steel tripod with accessory tray holds the mount and the telescope steady with no shaking whatsoever.

The mount has a battery compartment but can also be powered using an external battery (12V/1A).