Skywatcher Starquest DX102MC 102 mm Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope

Skywatcher 102 mm Maksutov Cassegrain on Starquest DX mount

The compact 102 mm Maksutov is a powerful telescope for observing the moon, planets, and double stars. Fine details on the surface of the moon can be seen. The combination of a corrector lens at the front of the telescope and a mirror system keeps the telescope length short. Nevertheless, the image is reminiscent of a good APO refractor. The Maksutov is also well suited for photography. Internal focusing makes focusing effortless, and the Maksutov offers a T2 photo thread for connecting a camera. In just a few minutes, the telescope can be turned into a camera lens with a focal length of 1300 mm.

The Starquest DX Telescope Series

Skywatcher combines proven, high-performance telescopes with the innovative and versatile Starquest DX mount, which is suitable for beginners as well as experienced amateur astronomers and nature lovers. The mount allows a maximum payload of 5 kg of instrument weight with excellent stability. It is equipped with 360° drives in both axes, which are moved via flexible shafts and allow for very sensitive adjustment. The mount can be operated in equatorial mode for astronomy and in altazimuth mode for nature observation. Telescopes, spotting scopes, or camera lenses can be mounted in a matter of moments using the appropriate dovetail bars via the quick-release coupling.

The equatorial mode for astronomy
Set the elevation of the mount to the latitude of your observation location. The mount has a scale for this purpose. Determine the north direction, for example with a compass or the North Star (Polaris), and then align the hour axis to the north. This allows you to follow objects in the sky using only one axis, the hour axis. With the optional motorized tracking # 20940, the mount automatically follows celestial objects. Astrophotography becomes possible and observation is more comfortable, as the objects stay in the field of view of the eyepiece.

Alt-azimuthal mode for nature observation
Adjust the polar height on the mount so that the counterweight bar is horizontal. This gives you an alt-azimuth mount with horizontal and vertical adjustment. This makes nature observation and photography possible. With the fine adjustment, you can precisely center the target at higher magnifications or longer focal lengths and also track it.

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