Combining power, portability, and connectivity, the Sky-Watcher Skymax 127 AZ-GTi 127mm f/12 GoTo Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope gives users an easy-to-use observational platform for viewing the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects right out of the box.
The compact and powerful Maksutov-Cassegrain design is combined with a limited-diffraction optical system and fully multi-coated lens surfaces. The Mak design corrects off-axis aberrations like comas and chromatic aberrations, while the limited-diffraction system prevents light from being scattered by defects in the mirrors and corrector plate. These complementary features, plus the anti-reflection coatings, work together to produce crisp and clear views with true-color rendition and improved contrast and resolution.
Guiding the optical tube assembly (OTA) is Sky-Watcher's AZ-GTi GoTo AZ mount. It features an integrated WiFi module that generates its own local network signal to allow wireless control via a smartphone running their free SynScan Pro app for Android and iOS devices. The app is intuitively laid out for easy setup, navigation, and exploration of the sky—even if you've never looked through a telescope before. Packed with over 42,900 objects with daytime and nighttime alignment-assistance procedures, plus advanced features such as periodic error correction, backlash compensation, tours, and DSLR camera control, the SynScan app is a powerful yet easy-to-use way to control the mount.
To give users a complete observation platform, Sky-Watcher includes a sturdy yet lightweight aluminum tripod that comes with an extension pier. The pier adds additional height for easier viewing when the OTA is aimed at or near the zenith. Two eyepieces, which produce 60x and 150x magnifications, give you a comfortable range for viewing near- and deep-sky objects, while a 90° diagonal places your head in a more comfortable and natural viewing position.
- 127mm aperture enables detailed observations of the Moon, plus planetary and deep-sky viewing
- 1500mm focal length helps to produce a moderate magnification potential and focal ratio
- Diffraction-limited optical system prevents light from being scattered by defects in the mirrors and corrector plate for maximum clarity, contrast, and resolution
- 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
- Resolution: 0.91 arcsec
- Internal primary mirror focusing mechanism
- 1.25" visual back is compatible with the most popular size eyepieces and accessories
- Motorized alt-azimuth design
- Integrated WiFi module allows for direct connection to smartphones without the need for routers or Internet connection
- DC servo motors precisely move the mount on both axes with minimum vibration
- Dual encoders on each axis maintain alignment, even when mount is moved by hand, allowing the user to move the mount manually across the sky while keeping GoTo functionality
- Altitude and azimuth clutch knobs enable easy manual movement
- SNAP port allows optional remote shutter-release cables to be connected to mount for advanced astrophotography
- Runs on eight user-supplied AA batteries or optional 12 VDC power cord
- Adjustable-height aluminum-legged tripod
- Max height: 43.3"
- Max leg spread: 42.3"
- Spiked feet provide greater stability on rough, uneven, and soft ground
- Center tray holds accessories such as eyepieces, filters, phones, and flashlights
- Extension pier placed between the tripod and mount head adds height for more comfortable viewing without sacrificing stability or increasing vibration when the OTA is pointed at or near the zenith
- Free app for Android and iOS devices
- Align, move, and control mount wirelessly
- Automatic day, date, time, and location using the device's GPS unit
- 42,900+ object database, similar to the conventional SynScan hand controller
- Sky tour shows best deep-sky objects visible at a specific day/date/time
- Solar, lunar, sidereal tracking rates
- Slew speeds: 0.5x, 1x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 128x, 400x, 600x, Max (800x/3.4°/sec)
- Assisted nighttime and daytime alignment procedures
- Periodic error correction (PEC) allows user to train out intrinsic tracking errors and save them into the permanent memory to improve GoTo and tracking accuracy over time
- Backlash compensation eliminates the backlash experienced when gears stop and settle for improved GoTo and slewing accuracy
- DSLR shutter release and exposure control enable long-exposure, time-lapse, and other advanced astrophotography techniques to be controlled by the app through the SNAP port on mount
Database Details:
- Solar system, including Moon, Sun, and planets
- NGC catalog
- IC catalog
- Messier catalog
- Caldwell catalog
- SAO catalog
- Named stars
- Double (binary) stars
- Variable stars
- User-defined celestial and terrestrial objects
- 1.25"-diameter barrel
- Accept most 1.25" filters
- 10mm focal length yields 150x power
- 25mm eyepiece produces 60x magnification
- 1.25" snout and holder are compatible with the most popular size drawtubes and accessories
- 90° angle places the user's head in a comfortable position, especially when the OTA is aimed at or near the zenith
- Star diagonal configuration corrects the view vertically, but not horizontally
- Wide unmagnified field of view makes alignment easy and star-hopping navigation fast
- Simple red dot allows easy centering without covering small or dim objects
- Includes mounting bracket