Telescope Nerd ยป Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro Maksutov

Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro Maksutov

(13 customer reviews)

From: $1,500.00 (incl. VAT plus shipping costs)

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The Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro Maksutov is a high-performance telescope with a 7-inch (180 mm) aperture and 2700 mm focal length. Its Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design delivers sharp, high-contrast images for planetary and deep-space observation. The telescope excels at viewing planets, stars, and galaxies while remaining portable at 68cm x 25cm x 25cm dimensions and 17kg weight.

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Product Description

The Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro Maksutov telescope is a high-performance, versatile instrument for planetary and deep-space observation. Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro features a 7-inch (180 mm) aperture and a long focal length of 2700 mm, providing a focal ratio of f/15. Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design combines a meniscus lens and mirror to deliver high-contrast, sharp images with minimal obstruction. Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro’s large aperture gathers more light, producing clearer images of faint objects like planets, stars, and galaxies. Astronomers consider the Skymax 180 Pro one of the best Maksutov telescopes on the market, offering unrivalled performance at its price point.

The Skymax 180 Pro comes with essential accessories. The package includes a 1.25″ eyepiece, 9x50mm finderscope, dovetail, and diagonal. These accessories enhance the overall observing experience and make it easy to locate celestial objects.

The telescope excels in planetary performance. It delivers exceptional views of the moon, Saturn, and other planets with stunning clarity. The Skymax 180 Pro enables observers to see small faint objects, clusters, and double-stars in detail. The telescope is suitable for deep sky observations, allowing users to explore distant galaxies and nebulae.

The Skymax 180 Pro is a take-anywhere telescope with compact dimensions. It measures 68cm x 25cm x 25cm and weighs 17kg. The telescope packs a powerful punch despite its portable size. Visual observers benefit from the large visual aperture and good quality optics made of borosilicate glass.

Should you buy Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro Maksutov as your first telescope?

The Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro Maksutov is not recommended as a first telescope for beginners. Novice astronomers will find its high magnification capacity of 360x and long focal length of 2700mm overwhelming and difficult to navigate. The telescope requires experience to handle effectively and utilize its full potential. Advanced astronomers will appreciate the sharp optics, excellent planetary detail resolution, and deep-sky viewing capabilities. The Skymax 180 Pro does not include essential components like the tripod, mount, and Barlow lens, necessitating additional costs and research for accessories. Seasoned astronomers seeking a powerful scope that delivers exceptional results will find the Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro Maksutov exceeds expectations in image quality and resolution.

Is Sky-Watcher 180mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope easy to use?

The Sky-Watcher 180mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is easy to use for astronomers of all levels. Setting up the telescope is straightforward with an equatorial mount that assembles quickly. The mechanism operates smoothly with minimal play, ensuring stability during use. The rack-and-pinion focuser enables precise adjustments. GoTo controls and the SynScan system simplify locating and tracking celestial objects. The telescope weighs 17kg, making it relatively light and portable for its size. Its performance impresses users, in tracking planets. The 9x50mm finderscope aids in quickly locating objects. The tripod height adjusts from 137cm to 173cm, providing flexibility in viewing positions.

Should you buy Sky-Watcher 180mm MAK Telescope for kids?

The Sky-Watcher 180mm MAK Telescope is not recommended for children or beginners. We advise against purchasing this telescope for kids due to its complexity and advanced features. The telescope requires technical expertise to assemble and operate effectively. It lacks essential components like a mount and tripod, necessitating additional investments. The telescope’s powerful 180mm aperture and 2700mm focal length provide crisp views and high detail, making it ideal for aspiring astroimagers and seasoned astronomers. Its compact size and lightweight design allow for easy transport. The telescope offers excellent views of planets, nebulae, and galaxies, exceeding expectations for its class. However, its complex features may overwhelm young users. Other telescopes on the market are more suitable for younger children or astronomy beginners, featuring simpler designs and easier assembly.

What can you see with Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro MAK Telescope?

The celestial wonders you can see with the Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro MAK Telescope are listed below.

  • The Moon
  • Lunar craters
  • Lunar mountains
  • Lunar lava flows
  • Apennine Mountains (on the Moon)
  • Sea of Tranquility (on the Moon)
  • Saturn
  • Saturn’s rings
  • Jupiter
  • Jupiter’s cloud bands
  • Jupiter’s Great Red Spot
  • Venus
  • Phases of Venus
  • Mars
  • Mars’ polar ice caps
  • Nebulae
  • Galaxies
  • Star clusters
  • Double star systems
  • Multiple star systems
  • Faint stars up to magnitude 13.3

Should you buy Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 MCT Telescope to observe planets?

Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 MCT Telescope offers superb planetary observation. Astronomers consider it one of the best options for exploring planets. Skymax 180 MCT provides great views of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. 180mm aperture and 2700mm focal length contribute to excellent planetary viewing. Maksutov-Cassegrain design delivers high contrast and resolution. Equatorial mount enables precise hand tracking of celestial objects.

Should you buy Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 MCT Telescope to observe galaxies?

Yes, you should buy the Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 MCT Telescope to observe galaxies. The telescope delivers impressive detail for deep-sky objects with its 180mm aperture and 2700mm focal length. Its Maksutov-Cassegrain design provides a compact package with a large lens system, enabling high magnification and great resolution. The scope’s light gathering capacity of 750x reveals faint objects even in suboptimal conditions. The 0.93 arcsecond resolution limit captures intricate details of galaxies. Users report breathtaking views of the Andromeda Galaxy and Whirlpool Galaxy. The f/15 focal ratio suits galaxy observation well, though reducers can improve performance for larger galaxies if needed. Oversampling is unnecessary due to the telescope’s high resolution.

Should you buy Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro Telescope for astrophotography?

The Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro Telescope is an excellent choice for astrophotography, for imaging the moon and planets. Its long focal length of 2700mm and high focal ratio of f/15 enable capturing high-resolution images of celestial objects. The telescope’s Maksutov-Cassegrain design and good quality borosilicate glass optics deliver planetary detail with clarity and precision. Photographers will appreciate the telescope’s ability to resolve details as small as 0.93 arcseconds, ensuring sharp images of nebulae, galaxies, and other deep-sky objects. The sturdy equatorial mount with DC servo motors provides smooth and accurate tracking for long-exposure photography. While primarily excelling at planetary imaging, the Skymax 180 Pro performs well for deep-sky astrophotography with additional accessories like a focal reducer.

Is Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 MCT Telescope portable?

Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 MCT Telescope is relatively portable. Portability features include a sturdy carrying case, compact design, and quick-release dovetail plate. Telescope weighs 22 lbs (10 kg) and measures 26.8 in (680 mm) long. Users praise its ease of transport and setup. Telescope fits easily in most vehicles and requires no special handling.

Specifications

Telescope type

Maksutov

Optics structure

Maksutov-Cassegrain

Optical design

Maksutov

Optics material

Borosilicate Glass

Aperture size

180mm

Focal length

2700mm

Limiting stellar magnitude

13.3

Focal ratio

f/15

Aperture ratio

1:15

Resolution limit

0.93 arcseconds

Resolving capacity

0.93 arcseconds

Light gathering capacity

750x

Lowest useful magnification

67x

Maximum useful magnification

360x

Tube material

Aluminum

Tube diameter

203mm

Type of focuser

Rack-and-Pinion Focuser

Eyepiece size

1.25"

Magnification of eyepiece

10mm, 20mm

Mount type

Equatorial

Mount structure

Steel

GoTo controls

Yes

Motors

DC Servo Motors

Type of electronics

SynScan GoTo System

Batteries

12V DC Power Supply

Power supply

12V DC Power Supply

WiFi

No

GPS

No

Includes hand controller

Yes

Tripod height

137cm – 173cm

Tripod leg diameter

50mm

Tripod material

Steel

Finderscope

9x50mm

Barlow lens

No

Size dimensions

68cm x 25cm x 25cm

Weight

17kg

Portability

Moderate

Ease of use

Easy

Assembly

Moderate

Release date

2015

Brand

Sky-Watcher

Telescope series

Skymax

Manufacturer

Sky-Watcher

Country made in

China

13 reviews for Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro Maksutov

  1. Johnny Soto (verified owner)

    The Sky-Watcher 180mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope has been a solid addition to my astronomy setup. Assembly of the Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro was surprisingly easy and straightforward. Focuser can be finicky at times, but that’s probably just me getting used to it. Smart phone adapter is a great feature, allowing for amazing detail capture.

  2. Vanessa Dunn (verified owner)

    The Sky-Watcher 180mm Skymax Pro Mak delivers crisp, clear images even in less-than-ideal conditions. Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Maksutov Telescope has become my go-to for deep space observing. Views of the moon and planets are breathtaking. The mount is well-built and sturdy, manageable despite the scope’s weight. No issues with vibrations or wobbling when making adjustments. Optics are top-notch, providing sharp views without noticeable distortion. Quartz drive system operates quietly and smoothly, making object tracking a breeze.

  3. Maeva (verified owner)

    Sky-Watcher 180mm Skymax Pro provides stunning views even with a relatively small aperture of 180mm. Seeing the moon and planets with incredible clarity in my backyard is amazing. Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s clouds are easily visible. ISO 12844-1 certified optics are top-notch. Wide field of view makes it perfect for observing deep-sky objects. Pretty lightweight and easy to assemble compared to my old cumbersome telescope. Black finish is particularly impressive, reducing glare and improving contrast.

  4. xgibson (verified owner)

    The Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Maksutov Telescope delivers stunning image quality. Views of the moon and planets through the Sky-Watcher 180mm Maksutov Telescope are crisp and clear. Deep-sky objects are easy to spot. The biggest pro is definitely the image quality.

  5. lbarnes (verified owner)

    Mechanical components are smooth and precise, making focus and altitude adjustments a breeze. Optical tube cant took some getting used to, being more pronounced than expected.

  6. Brandie (verified owner)

    The views are incredibly sharp and clear in dark skies. I’ve spotted amazing details on the moon and planets.

  7. Tommy (verified owner)

    Expected a complicated process, but it only took about an hour to set up. Attractive and professional design is a bonus. Heaviness makes moving the telescope challenging, requiring careful planning for viewing sessions. Good news – the weight indicates sturdy build and high-quality materials.

  8. Melissa Miller (verified owner)

    The sleek black and white design caught my eye immediately. Sturdy construction and a convenient carrying handle make it easy to transport.

  9. Melissa Taylor (verified owner)

    The Sky-Watcher 180mm Maksutov Telescope has been pretty wild for deep space observation. Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro Mak is reportedly capable of delivering extremely amazing views.

  10. Emilie (verified owner)

    Sky-Watcher Skymax 180 Pro’s mirror allows for sharper images more easily. Maksutov design proves smart for deep space observing. Views of the moon and planets are stunning, with crisp details and minimal distortion.

  11. Ege (verified owner)

    Sky-Watcher 180mm Maksutov Telescope blew me away with radiant views of the moon and planets during first use. Image quality is impressive, showing crisp details that make me feel like I’m floating in space. Waiting impatiently for the scope to cool down was worth it.

  12. Dustin Franco (verified owner)

    The Skymax 180 Pro is truly remarkable. Sky-Watcher 180mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope caught my eye with its sleek, polished design. Unlike other cobbled-together telescopes, the Skymax 180 Pro looks professional and well-crafted. Performance-wise, it delivers impressive results. Visual quality is outstanding, allowing me to observe the moon and planets with stunning clarity. Optically excellent, the telescope produces sharp, detailed images. I’ve captured great photos using my camera with the full ISO range. The ability to handle high ISOs with minimal noise is noteworthy.

  13. Barbara White (verified owner)

    Sky-Watcher 180mm Maksutov telescope has an attractive design that caught my eye. Large size and heavy weight make it less than ideal for grab-and-go stargazing. Heft requires preparation before use. Can’t just toss it in a backpack for casual trips. Delivers excellent results for high-quality observation. One of the best in its class for planetary and lunar viewing. Not designed for deep space observation though. Focuser can be finicky at times, causing some issues. Weight becomes problematic for frequent transportation.

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