Sky-Watcher · Maksutov-Cassegrain
Sky-Watcher SkyMax 102
Compact GoTo Maksutov with WiFi control, built for sharp planetary views anywhere you can carry it.
Performance Scores
Overview
The Sky-Watcher SkyMax 102 pairs a 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube with the AZ-GTi, a lightweight computerized alt-azimuth mount that connects to your smartphone via its own WiFi signal. The Mak's 1300mm focal length at f/12.7 makes it well suited for lunar detail, planetary observing, and double stars, where high contrast and long focal length matter more than wide fields. Do not expect sweeping deep-sky views; the narrow field of view is a genuine tradeoff for that planetary sharpness.
The whole package weighs under 6kg, fits in carry-on luggage, and sets up quickly without the complexity of a polar-aligned equatorial mount. GoTo alignment through the SynScan app gives you access to a full sky catalog, and the dual-encoder Freedom Find system lets you move the telescope by hand without losing your alignment, which is a genuinely useful feature in the field. At $765, this is a capable, portable planetary scope with modern convenience built in.
It is best suited to someone who wants a grab-and-go setup for the Moon and planets, and who values being able to control the mount from a phone rather than fumbling with a hand controller in the dark.
At a Glance
102mm
Aperture
f/12.7
Focal Ratio
5.99kg
Weight
1300mm
Focal Length
Specifications
Key Features
- 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain delivers sharp, high-contrast views of the Moon, planets, and double stars
- 1300mm focal length at f/12.7 provides strong magnification potential in a physically compact tube
- AZ-GTi mount weighs just 8.6 lbs and fits in carry-on luggage, making it a genuine travel setup
- WiFi-enabled GoTo control works through the SynScan smartphone app, no hand controller required
- Freedom Find dual encoders allow manual repositioning without breaking your GoTo alignment
- 11-pound payload capacity means the mount can support other optical tubes or a DSLR for timelapse work
- Narrow field of view limits performance on extended deep-sky objects; this is a planetary and lunar instrument
Customer Reviews
35 reviews
I've been an amateur astronomer for several years now. This is my 4th telescope, and I'm pretty happy with it. The tripod and mount are great. I like how the motorized mount uses an app (something I was initially weary of); it actually simplifies and speeds up the alignment process. The OTA (the tel...
This is my 5th telescope, and I could have saved some time, expense, and headache by simply starting here. I also have an 8" Dob and had and sold an 8" goto SCT, plus a couple smaller guys. The dirty little secret of visual astronomy is that there are really only 7-8 real showpiece amazing sights to...
Mount is great, no issue there. Skywatcher apparently has 2 version of the 102 Mak telescope. The one sold separately from the mount has optical adjustment/collimation screws. The one sold with the mount does not, and cannot be adjusted. I would not recommend getting this tube/mount combo for that r...