fairyhippopo

I wonder if observing star or planet in equator country is different from north hemisphere or south?

2 minutes ago, vlaiv said:

+1 for Skymax 102.

It's recent addition so I have not had a chance to use it much, but so far - I like it very much.

When I was thinking of getting my first Maksutov scope - there were a few contenders 90mm, 102mm and 127mm. I'm glad I've chosen 102mm.

In essence very similar focal length to 90mm (1250mm vs 1300mm) but a bit more aperture - good for both light grasp and for resolving things. Moon is very sharp with this scope. I was not much of Lunar observer but this scope is now my grab&go for quick lunar.

Many people will say that Maks have very narrow field of view, and while this might be true for larger instruments with longer focal length, I don't think it is necessarily true for 90/102mm models. I also have 8" dob. That instrument has 1200mm of focal length and is considered one of the best amateur visual instruments and often recommended to beginners. Almost the same focal length as 90/102mm maks (only 50mm difference between each of them). I never felt "boxed in" by my 8" dob, and yes, if you want to observe whole Andromeda with it - it's not really going to work, even if you put forward serious cash (and get ultra wide 2" eyepiece) - you'll still miss a bit of FOV.

But if person wants wide field views - its just much more cost effective to get ST102 / ST120 type scope and enjoy truly wide fields at 500-600mm of FL.

In any case - good scopes, if you can, get 102 - just a bit larger and a bit more fl but more aperture for a bit more money.

my main purpose is planetary, so i guess fov is not an issue for me..

1 hour ago, Anthonyexmouth said:

i had one, got it to try out a little planetary and lunar. ended up gathering dust as i couldnt be bothered to swap scopes on my mount. great for the price, focus can be tricky but adding a clothes peg to the focuser helps with fine adjustment. 

is it good for planetary?

anyone owned Skywatcher Skymax 90? can give me some reviews or problem with this scope?