Sky-Watcher Skymax 102S Pronto Maksutov Telescope

Skywatcher Skymax-102S Pronto – compact Maksutov telescope for the Moon and planets

The Skywatcher Skymax-102S Pronto combines a 102 mm aperture with a 1300 mm focal length in a short, portable tube. The Maksutov-Cassegrain design folds the long optical path inside the tube, giving a long focal length in a compact package. With a focal ratio of f/12.74, it is particularly suited to the Moon, planets and double stars, where detailed views at higher magnification are useful.

Observing the Moon, planets and brighter objects

On the Moon, you can explore craters, mountain ranges and the fine shadows along the terminator. Under steady atmospheric conditions, Jupiter shows its most prominent cloud bands and four bright Galilean moons; Saturn's ring can be seen when conditions allow. Double stars and compact bright star clusters are also worthwhile targets. The 102 mm aperture provides more resolution and gathers more light than very small beginner optics, but remains limited on faint, extended nebulae and galaxies. Visually, these objects appear much subtler than in long-exposure photographs.

The long focal length makes higher magnifications easier to reach but limits the available field of view. The Skymax is therefore less suited to large star fields and very extended celestial objects. After a significant temperature change, the closed Maksutov tube needs time to adapt to the surroundings. Allow for this cooling period before high-power observing, and look for steady seeing.

Eyepieces and magnification

The 25 mm eyepiece gives about 52x magnification, while the 10 mm eyepiece gives about 130x. The 25 mm eyepiece is a good starting point and helps locate objects; the 10 mm eyepiece gives larger views of lunar and planetary detail. The magnification that actually produces a sharp image depends on atmospheric steadiness, the object's altitude and accurate focusing. Focus is adjusted by moving the primary mirror; the rear 1.25-inch connection accepts the supplied accessories.

AZ-Pronto mount: intuitive controls with slow motion

The manual AZ-Pronto alt-azimuth mount moves the telescope in altitude and azimuth. Two flexible slow-motion controls allow small, precise adjustments without polar alignment. This makes the system straightforward to use for spontaneous observing. To track a celestial object, both axes need to be adjusted as it moves; GoTo control and automatic tracking are not included. The aluminium tripod supports the mount head and can be set up at the observing site.

Occasional nature viewing

A 90-degree diagonal mirror is included for astronomical observing. The 90-degree diagonal mirror produces an upright but laterally reversed image. For a correctly oriented, non-reversed view during nature observation, you can optionally use an Amici prism. The supplied red dot finder helps you point the telescope quickly at bright targets in the sky.

What's included

• Skywatcher Skymax-102S Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope
• Manual AZ-Pronto alt-azimuth mount head
• Two flexible slow-motion controls
• Aluminium tripod
• Red dot finder
• 1.25-inch diagonal mirror
• 25 mm and 10 mm eyepieces

Technical specifications

Safety: Never point the telescope at the Sun unless a suitable solar filter is securely fitted over the front aperture. An eyepiece filter or other accessory is not a substitute.

Related accessories: Browse mount accessories and telescope accessories at Optikshop24.