Skywatcher Skymax-127 OTA Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope Review

Skymax 127 Review
  • 82%
    Performance - 82%
  • 85%
    Ease of Use - 85%
  • 85%
    Value for Money - 85%
84%

Summary

If you are looking primarily for shots of the moon and nearby planets, with a little bit of added technology by hooking your scope up to a webcam, then this one will do everything you want.

If you are looking for the type of scope that will show you some really brilliant, crisp and clear views of the moon and nearby planets, you won’t be disappointed with the Skymax 127.

If you are looking for really deep space objects then you will be better off looking elsewhere, but for the moon and planets you won’t go far wrong with this one. It’s not like you will ever get bored of seeing the moon and other planets close up and in great detail!

Skymax 127 review

What are you buying?

This is a small and compact scope, which is absolutely perfect for seeing our nearest neighbours with just about the best clarity you can find.

It has a good aperture, and I found it fantastic for getting some great, really detailed shots of the moon. It’s a simple scope which is perfect for those wanting to have a close look at some far off planets. Well, the relatively close far off ones, anyway!

You will receive the Maksutov-Cassegrain scope with supplied optics (1.25”) 10mm and 25mm, red dot viewfinder, 1.25”/31.7mm star diagonal, and a built-in holder for the star diagonal. This one doesn’t come with its own tripod, but you can buy these separately – or just use one you’ve already got lying around!

How easy is it to use?

This is a simple, straight out of the box scope which can be set up and used straight away, to get some good shots. It is a very easy scope to use – however there is a rumour that it needs a while to cool down and around an hour to get itself going to its maximum potential. Keeping it in a cool area will help it with its cooling down period in the long run.

What accessories do you get?

You don’t get a lot with this one, but hopefully the scope will be enough! You do however get a database with nearly 43,000 objects including the complete Messier, NGC and IC catalogues, plus the red dot finder (always very useful!) and the built in holder for adjusting the polar finder.

Unlike some telescopes where you get the kitchen sink thrown in, this kit is minimal – but with a scope that is this good at viewing nearby planets you won’t need any added extras.

Skymax 127 Pros and cons!

Pros:

  • Compact enough to be transportable – Taking your scope on camping trips or specific stargazing trips is great fun, but can be hard work. This one is small enough to move around easily.
  • Won’t break the bank too much – Cost is, sadly, always a factor. This is a quality scope with a relatively small price tag.
  • Gives really clear images – When used for what it is designed for, this little scope will deliver some stunning shots.
  • Can be hooked up to a webcam – This is great for some even more detailed pictures. It won’t get you very far with astrophotography, but for added viewing pleasure this is a great feature.

Cons:

  • Not great for deep space viewing – If you are searching for far off galaxies then you should search elsewhere other than this scope!
  • Doesn’t come with a mount – If you don’t already have one that you can use with this telescope, it’s another expense to add.

Anything else?

This scope really is brilliant for the closer planets, and can be made even better with the addition of the mount of your choice. It can be connected to webcams, and even an Xbox to make your viewing even better! It has high eye relief for the greater magnifications, which means it will be functional and comfortable to use as well as delivering impressive images.

To conclude…

If you are looking primarily for shots of the moon and nearby planets, with a little bit of added technology by hooking your scope up to a webcam, then this one will do everything you want.

It’s ideal for near-space viewing, and you will capture some breathtaking views of the moon and some of the closer planets. There is enough in these near neighbours of ours to keep you occupied for many happy hours of stargazing, so don’t feel you’re missing out by not getting involved in any deeper space viewing!

Where to buy?

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