Balancing aperture with manageability and representing the mid-range size in the series, the Sky-Watcher 127mm f/12 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope exchanges the conventional front corrector plate of a Schmidt with a convex meniscus lens, resulting in a smaller secondary mirror that limits obstruction and increases 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, makes this an ideal scope for making detailed solar, lunar, and planetary observations, while being able to resolve bright deep sky objects like stars, clusters, galaxies, and nebulae.

The scope is outfitted with a large 2" visual back and, to get users started, Sky-Watcher includes a 28mm long eye relief eyepiece that produce a moderate magnification, and a 90° star diagonal for more comfortable viewing when the OTA pointed at or near the celestial zenith. The OTA is offered here without a mount or tripod for users that have a platform, or want to use it as part of a dual-OTA set up 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.