Sky-Watcher BK MAK102SP OTA

Similar to their Schmidt cousins, this 102mm f/13 Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope from Sky-Watcher exchanges the conventional front corrector plate with a convex meniscus lens, which results in a smaller secondary mirror – limiting obstruction and increasing contrast, while eliminating the need for periodic collimation. The Maksutov optical path results in a slower focal ratio and narrower field of view versus a similar Schmidt, but the optical benefits, when coupled with the larger aperture and fully multi-coated optics, make this an ideal scope for solar, lunar, planetary, and deep-sky observation of bright objects like stars and clusters. The scope is outfitted with a 1.25" visual back and, to get users started, Sky-Watcher includes 10 and 25mm eyepieces that produce low and moderate magnifications and a 90° star diagonal for more comfortable viewing when the optical tube assembly (OTA) is pointed at or near the celestial zenith. The OTA is offered here without a mount or tripod for users who have a platform or want to use it as part of a dual-OTA setup for star parties or observation/imaging rigs. It is outfitted with a Vixen-style dovetail plate for easy attachment onto many mounts. This OTA's compact form factor belies its observation power and resolution and is ideally suited as a grab-and-go option for quick observation sessions or heading out to remote locations. Optical performance: Front convex meniscus lens corrects spherical and chromatic aberrations and comas (off-axis aberrations) across the entire field of view Smaller secondary mirror versus Schmidt-Cassegrains reduces obstructions and increases contrast Fully multi-coated optics maximize light transmission to improve brightness, color rendition, sharpness, and contrast Internal primary mirror focus Mounting: Requires user-supplied mount and tripod Vixen-style dovetail plate Weight: 2.1kg (4.6lbs) including OTA, dovetail plate, finder, diagonal, and eyepiece Included accessories Eyepieces: 1.25" barrel diameter Accept most 1.25" astronomical filters 25mm eyepiece yields 52x power 10mm eyepiece produces 130x magnification Diagonal: 1.25" snout and eyepiece holder 90° angle places head in a comfortable viewing position Star configuration corrects image horizontally for terrestrial use Finderscope: Unmagnified view provides a wide field of view for easier alignment and faster star-hopping navigation Red center aiming dot won't obstruct objects Variable intensity to preserve night-adjusted vision The kit includes: Telescope optical tube Super 10mm and 25mm (1.25") eyepieces 90° (1.25") diagonal mirror Red Dot finderscope Lens protective caps Bag for storage and transportation User manual and warranty