SkyWatcher Starquest 90MC Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope with AZ/EQ Mount

SkyWatcher Starquest 90MC – compact Maksutov with AZ/EQ mount

The SkyWatcher Starquest 90MC combines a compact Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube with a manual mount that can be used in alt-azimuth or equatorial mode. Its 90 mm aperture and 1250 mm focal length give it a long-focus f/13.88 optical system. It is particularly suited to the Moon, brighter planets and double stars, and its short tube is easy to transport.

Observing the Moon and planets

The telescope reveals many lunar craters and features along the terminator. In steady atmospheric conditions, Jupiter's prominent cloud bands and bright moons, as well as Saturn's ring, are rewarding targets. Double stars and compact bright star clusters can also be observed. The 90 mm aperture naturally limits views of faint, extended nebulae and galaxies; visually, these objects appear subtle. The long focal length is designed for smaller, detailed targets and provides a narrower field of view than a short-focus wide-field telescope.

Eyepieces and magnification

The 20 mm eyepiece provides 62.5x magnification and the 10 mm eyepiece 125x. The 20 mm eyepiece makes it easier to find and frame an object, while the 10 mm eyepiece gives a larger view. Maximum useful magnification is listed at 180x. This is an upper guideline and depends strongly on atmospheric steadiness, the object's altitude and accurate focus. On many nights, a lower magnification gives a steadier, sharper image. Allow the tube time to adapt after a significant temperature change.

Flexible AZ/EQ mount

The manual StarQuest mount can be used in two modes. In alt-azimuth mode, the telescope moves intuitively in altitude and direction; tracking an object requires adjusting both axes. In equatorial mode, align the polar axis with the celestial pole to make tracking an object with the right ascension axis easier. Flexible slow-motion controls move both axes precisely, while the clutches allow quick manual slewing. The mount has no GoTo control; an optional right ascension motor is not included.

Diagonal and smartphone adapter

The supplied 90-degree star diagonal produces an upright but laterally reversed image. For an upright, correctly oriented image during daytime nature observation, an optional Amici prism is required. A smartphone adapter is included; you will need your own smartphone. It can be used for simple images of bright objects such as the Moon.

What's included

• SkyWatcher Starquest 90MC Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope
• Manual AZ/EQ StarQuest mount with counterweight
• Height-adjustable aluminium tripod with accessory tray
• Flexible slow-motion controls for both axes
• Red dot finder
• 90-degree star diagonal with 1.25-inch connection
• 20 mm and 10 mm eyepieces
• Smartphone adapter (smartphone not included)

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.