Sky-Watcher SkyMax-150 PRO - 6″ Maksutov-Cassegrain on EQ5 Mount

The Sky-Watcher SkyMax 150/1800 EQ5 is a high-quality Maksutov telescope that excels at observing the moon and planets. Thanks to its long focal length of 1800 mm and compact design, this telescope delivers sharp, high-contrast images without annoying color errors. The small secondary mirror is rammed directly onto the meniscus lens, which keeps obstruction to a minimum and makes details such as the Cassini separation in Saturn's rings or the polar caps of Mars clearly visible.

However, with an aperture of 150 mm, the SkyMax also has enough light output to observe bright deep-sky objects, such as globular clusters (M13) or planetary nebulae. The f/12 aperture ratio makes it less suitable for fast deep-sky photography, but instead very powerful for planetary and lunar photography with a suitable camera.

The sturdy EQ5 mount provides a solid base and is designed for telescopes up to about 10 kg. This equatorial mount allows for tracking objects by turning only one axis. For visual observations, the EQ5 is stable and reliable; for photography, the mount can be expanded with a motor kit or SynScan GoTo upgrade. Thanks to the steel tripod and counterweights, it is well balanced and the telescope remains stable even at higher magnifications.

Application

• Moon & planets: exceptionally high-contrast, ideal for detail observations.
• Deep-sky: globular clusters and bright nebulae are visible, but photography is limited to short exposures.
• Astrophotography: suitable for planet and moon photography; for deep-sky, we recommend guiding and/or a heavier mount.
• Practical: compact for a 150 mm aperture, relatively easy to transport, and robust enough for regular use.

Specifications

Optics

• Type: Maksutov reflector
• Opening: 150 mm
• Focal length: 1800 mm
• f/ratio: f/12
• Resolution: 0.77”
• Boundary magnitude: 12.7 mag
• Light collection: 460× relative to the naked eye
• Max. useful magnification: 300×
• Tube weight: 5.3 kg

Mount

• Type: EQ5, equatorial
• Carrying capacity: 10 kg
• Stand: steel legs, accessory holder
• Expandable: pole finder optional, motor kit/GoTo upgrade possible
• Mounting saddle: Vixen-style
• Counterweights: 2 pieces included

Accessories

• Eyepiece: 28 mm 2″
• Viewfinder: 9×50
• Zenith mirror: 2″ 90° with 1.25″ adapter
• Adapter: 2″ → 1.25″

General

• Total weight of set: approximately 19 kg
• Series: EQ5
• Recommended for: advanced, planetary observers, entry-level astrophotography
• Sun: only with suitable sunscreen