Mak180 Black Diamond Sky-Watcher Telescope on NEQ5 Pro Go-To

• Telescope for planetary and deep sky observation
• Very good image sharpness, sharpness, contrast
• Compact tube, weight 7.8kg
• German Equatorial Mount NEQ5
• Auto tracking and GOTO targeting included
• Transportable by one person

The largest Maksutov-Cassegrain offered by Sky-Watcher, the Mak180 rivals the classic Schmidt-Cassegrain 203mm for a very attractive price and high performance. Thanks to its 180mm diameter, it collects 44% more light than the 150mm model. Its focal length ratio of f/15 is primarily intended for planetary observation/imaging, the details obtained on Jupiter, Saturn or the Moon will delight both beginners and experienced amateurs. Mars too as long as it is high in the sky and close to Earth. The 180mm diameter offers the ability to shoot effectively in short exposure images.

The Moon is a wonder that you can contemplate for years, since the number of craters that make up its surface is important. There is no chromaticism, unlike achromatic glasses. The tube is compact and the assembly is easily transportable. Complemented by eyepieces with large focal lengths, the observation of the most beautiful objects in the deep sky will satisfy both the beginner and the amateur who wishes to have an easily transportable instrument.

The primary mirror, combined with the secondary mirror and a multi-layer treated concave meniscus, provides detailed, stitched images. Its low central obstruction of less than 30% provides amazing contrast for a telescope at this price. The temperature setting (meniscus cooling in particular) is around 45min/1h. Focusing, a key element in obtaining quality images, is done by translating the primary mirror to offer a sufficient focusing stroke with many accessories. A 2" SCT (Schmidt-Cassegrain) type threaded outlet allows you to adapt multiple accessories from other brands.

All about the Sky-Watcher NEQ5 mount

The Sky-Watcher NEQ5 equatorial mount is a jack-of-all-trades mount, a worthy heir to the legendary Vixen GP. Very modular, it is possible to add several options depending on whether it is intended for observation or photography: motorization, Goto automatic aiming kit, polar scope, etc. Its load capacity is close to 9kg in visual observation; Therefore, the NEQ5 will support many optical tubes, from the small 80mm telescope to the Newton telescope up to 200mm in diameter.

In photography, the load will be limited to 7.5 kg, for greater comfort and precision. Like all equatorial mounts, the NEQ5 is equipped with an azimuth and latitude shift assembly (for parking), and a right ascension and declination shift assembly for pointing and tracking the stars.

The adaptation of the optical tube is carried out using a Vixen type dovetail socket. An accessory tray ensures good rigidity of the set. The NEQ5 mount can receive a polar scope (option #SW0124) on the polar axis to quickly achieve parking.

Go-To Automated Scoring System

After calibration (parking) with the polar scope on the North Star, select the mount alignment on one, two or three stars. More than 49,200 objects whose main catalogs are registered in the database (Messier, NGC, IC as well as the planets, the Moon and the Sun). For maximum comfort, the holder moves quickly, up to 3.4°/sec via the control racket. Easy to use, it helps quickly direct the instrument to any galaxy, nebula, cluster or object in the solar system. Discover in detail the famous Andromeda galaxy, the fabulous curtains that surround the heart of Orion, the Hercules cluster M13 and its heart rich in thousands of stars. Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon are also wonders to scrutinize without moderation.

The indication on the racket of the date, time and place of observation combined with the "Turn" function allows the NEQ5 mount to be pointed at the most interesting objects throughout the night. Enjoy a guided tour of the sky from your viewing location by clicking the "Enter" button according to the object presented in a drop-down list. This procedure called "Backlash" requires measuring the time between two opposite movements of the mount. The operation is simple to perform and especially in astrophotography it saves precious time. The object you want to photograph is usually in the center of the sensor... A real pleasure!

Specifications

Optical tube:

• Focal length 2700mm
• Focal length ratio F/15
• Maximum front diameter 219 mm (for the addition of a heating element, fog screen or solar filter)
• Metal Construction
• With integrated Vixen type male dovetail
• Outlet Rear thread type Schmidt-Cassegrain 2"
• Eyepiece holder 50.8 mm with M42 thread
• Dimensions (diameter x length) 216mm x 500mm
• Weight 7.8kg

Mount:

• German equatorial mount type NEQ5
• Motorized Dual Axis with Go-To Auto Pointing Stepper Motor
• Resolution: 0.144 arc/sec Travel speed up to 3.4°/sec
• Go-To System SynScan control racket with 42,900 objects from the usual celestial catalogs Tracking mode: Sidereal, Lunar or Solar
• Function: Park, Timing, Backlash, Identification, Tower...
• Load capacity 9kg
• Optimum load capacity in astrophotography: 7.5kg
• Orientation speed 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x, 1x sidereal speed
• Tripod Height-adjustable tubular steel tripod (71cm to 123cm)
• Frame weight: 6kg
• Tripod: 3.8kg
• Counterweight 2x 5kg counterweight provided
• Power Cigarette lighter cable included
• 12V DC AC power supply or optional battery
• Ports ST-4 Autoguide included