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Sky Watcher

Sky Watcher Sky-Watcher Skymax 180mm Maksutov-Cassegrain - Large Aperture Compound-Style Reflector Telescope (S11540)

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Style: 180mm Maksutov-Cassegrain


Features

  • EXPERTLY MATCHED OPTICS: The Skymax series of Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tubes features matched primary and secondary mirrors with an expertly coated corrector plate that delivers contrast-rich views with charcoal-black skies.
  • 94% REFLECTIVITY MIRROR COATINGS: Using a borosilicate primary mirror with an aluminum coating and a quartz overcoat, Sky-Watcher Maksutov-Cassegrains produce a 94% reflectivity rating for outstanding light transmission.
  • VIXEN-STYLE DOVETAIL: An industry standard, the Vixen-style dovetail is the most commonly used dovetail bar for astronomy.
  • FULLY BAFFLED TUBE: Utilizing a fully-baffled tube, Sky-Watcher Maksutovs prevent stray light from interfering with your viewing experience.
  • EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The 180mm Skymax Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope comes equipped with everything you need to get started, including: 28mm 2-inch eyepiece, 2-inch 90-degree star diagonal, and a 9x50 straight-through finderscope.

Description

Sky-Watcher’s premiere line of Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes create a perfect blend of aperture and lightweight portability. This telescope design has a reputation for sharp, high-contrast views, ideal for planetary observation. Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes serve as an alternative to Schmidt-Cassegrains and Newtonians, and offer astronomers a large visual aperture, high contrast, and long focal length in a compact package. Maksutov’s deliver better planetary detail than other telescopes due to a focal length that’s 5-7 times longer, increasing overall magnification. Maksutov-Cassegrains also uses a meniscus-shaped corrector plate, eliminating any spherical aberration caused by the primary mirror. Our Maksutov series telescopes deliver refractor-like views and superior contrast while allowing for larger apertures at a fraction of the cost. Our Maksutov series features a borosilicate primary mirror with an aluminum coating and a quartz overcoat, producing 94% reflectivity. The corrector plate utilizes our proprietary Metallic High -Transmission Coatings™ (MHTC™), giving visual astronomers professional-grade optics, creating a unique viewing experience. In addition to the visual benefits of Sky-Watcher Maksutovs, these serve as excellent optical tubes for imaging planetary, lunar, or solar (with use of a solar filter). For astronomers looking to start in astrophotography, the Sky-Watcher Maksutovs deliver exceptionally long focal lengths, necessary for imaging planetary detail. This provides an increased image scale, forgoing the need of a barlow lens or other accessories that may increase exposure times. As customary with all Sky-Watcher products, the Maksutov series includes a bundle of accessories, including: a 28mm 2-inch eyepiece, 2-inch 90 degree star diagonal, and a 9x50 straight-through finderscope.

Brand: Sky Watcher


Model Name: Sky-Watcher Maksutov-Cassegrain 180mm


Optical Tube Length: 180 Millimeters


Eye Piece Lens Description: Barlow


Objective Lens Diameter: 180 Millimeters


Telescope Mount Description: Altazimuth Mount


Product Dimensions: 30"D x 12"W x 14"H


Focus Type: Auto Focus


Power Source: manual operation without any external power source


Finderscope: Reflex


Product Dimensions: 30 x 12 x 14 inches


Item Weight: 19 pounds


Item model number: S11540


Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No


Date First Available: May 21, 2015


Manufacturer: Sky-Watcher


Country of Origin: China


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Monday, May 26

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Worth every penny.
Style: 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain
I love this optical tube. I live in the suburbs of Orlando FL, so the light pollution isn't gonna let me see alot of deep sky objects. So a mak seemed like a logical choice for lunar and planetary astronomy. I did see the Orion nebula and the image was sharp. Planets and the moon are amazing and ideal for observing thru this scope. Stock 2in 28mm eyepeice is awesome. It has comfortable eye relief, I'm guessing around 20mm, and the feild of view is (chef's kiss). No need for replacement like with other scopes, not right away anyway. The diagonal is good too, using a mirror rather than a prism, that are usually no good. I still got an upgrade but I didnt feel the need to replace it right away like other cheaper scopes. The only complaint I have is the finder scope. I'm just not a fan of them, it was sturdy and I can't thing of any problems with operating it. I will have this scope for the rest of my life. I can't wait to share my love of astronomy with my children. I loved Meade as a kid, but since meades are now harder to find, Sky watcher will now be my go to brand. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2025 by Brian Koonce
    • My Purchase Skywatcher Skymax 150 mm Maksutov -Cassegrain
Style: 150mm Maksutov-Cassegrain
A really nice Telescope that is easy to use and has great clarity. I easily swap out my Nexstar 8se and use the standard Celestron mount. Yes, you can mount the 150mm Skywatcher on the same mount. (It was impossible to get this simple straight answer on different treads for some reason.) lol. Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon look splendid as well. Im very new to Astronomy but this device just makes me want to get out and learn more. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2025 by Kenneth E Johnson
    • A Stellar Upgrade (Get it?)
Style: 102mm Mak-Cass
Upgrading to the Sky-Watcher Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain from a beginner's telescope has been an astronomical leap in my stargazing journey. Here's why this telescope is a star performer in its category. Pros: Powerful Magnification: The leap in detail is breathtaking. Viewing Jupiter felt like bringing the giant planet right into my backyard. The clarity and closeness with which I could observe its bands and moons were a game-changer. Compact and Portable: Despite its large aperture, this compound-style reflector telescope is surprisingly portable. Its design is perfect for those who have limited space but don't want to compromise on quality. Ease of Use: Transitioning from a beginner's scope, I found the Skymax 102mm to be user-friendly. It strikes a nice balance between advanced features and simplicity, making it accessible for amateurs looking to step up their game. Cons: Learning Curve: While it's relatively easy to use, getting the most out of its advanced features does require a wee bit of a learning curve. However, this is to be expected with any step-up in equipment. Conclusion: The Sky-Watcher Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade from a beginner telescope. Its ability to bring distant celestial bodies like Jupiter "close" and in stunning detail is impressive. It combines power, portability, and ease of use in a way that's hard to beat. Whether you're an amateur astronomer passionate about planetary observation or deep-sky viewing, this telescope will not disappoint. It's an investment that opens up a whole new universe to explore. Wish I started off with this one, but at least now I appreciate it more having stepped up to it. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2024 by Michael M. Byrd
    • Absolutely great! (Update!)
Style: 102mm Mak-Cass
Review Image by Veronica rayos Veronica rayos
Review Image by Veronica rayos Veronica rayos
Review Image by Veronica rayos Veronica rayos
Review Image by Veronica rayos Veronica rayos
Review Image by Veronica rayos Veronica rayos
Review Image by Veronica rayos Veronica rayos
Review Image by Veronica rayos Veronica rayos
Review Image by Veronica rayos Veronica rayos
Review Image by Veronica rayos Veronica rayos
It’s a great telescope! Its work extremely well for planets and terrestrial viewing. It gives very nice views of Saturn and Jupiter as well as close up and sharp views of objects and wildlife it’s small lightweight easy to use and it arrived perfectly collinated! Here are some picture of Jupiter a wide view of Saturn and the moon edited to show color. Different days yield different results some days I could see only 1 band on Jupiter and a poor quality Saturn it all depends on weather!!!! I will update this review once better picture have been taken enjoy! (Edit) new objects! In order left to right monkey head nebula,Crab nebula,needle galaxy,dumbbell nebula,ring nebula Lyra,M13,sombrero galaxy,M81/82,M42 Bortle 7 Skywatcher star adventurer GTi and 102 Mak 40mm eye piece iPhone 15 pro ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2024 by Veronica rayos Veronica rayos
    • Nice scope but mine was out of collimation.
Style: 102mm Mak-Cass
Amazon did a fantastic job shipping the scope fast and secure. I took the scope out the night and it was badly out of collimation. I was not willing to adjust on a Maksutov-Cassegrain as I have no experience collimating them. If it was a Newtonian - no problem.
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2024 by rockmanz
    • Excellent Performance and Value
Style: 102mm Mak-Cass
I'm amazed at how excellent this compact scope is while being in such a small / compact package at such a great value. Sharp and high-contrast views with the ability to push the limits of magnification with it's long folded focal length and high-quality optics. At only 5 lbs, it makes an excellent "grab-and-go" scope for travel or quick views in both terrestrial and astronomical viewing. It even comes with two KE eyepieces (25 and 10 mm) that produce good views at what looks to be about 45 or 50 degree Apparent Field of Views. I have a set of Naglers (with 82 degree AFOV) that I use on this scope that it's funny to admit that each eyepiece costs more than this scope but they compliment each other very nicely. I'm very pleased with this "pairing" and this compact MAK 102 mm brings out the best in performance with perfectly round airy disks around stars right to the edge of field of view. I also use a Nagler 3-6 mm Zoom eyepiece (50 degree AFOV) that pushes this scope beyond it's recommended maximum magnification. However, it's incredible how good the image holds up as I zoom and this scope produces surprisingly good terrestrial views at 400+ magnification in this "little" scope. This is a great scope with amazing value in a compact package. Highly recommended for both the beginner and advanced amateur astronomer. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2019 by Romie T.
    • Very clear optics in this telescope
Style: 102mm Mak-Cass
The optics in this telescope are sharp and clear. Please note that the focal length is 1300 mm, which is remarkable in such a small tube.
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2025 by Jim Link

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