Sky-Watcher MAK127 AZ-GTi GOTO Telescope

In short:

• Compact and easy to transport
• Ideal for the Moon and planets
• Smartphone controls

This telescope is already a very compact and powerful telescope for planetary and deep sky observations. Its 127mm aperture Maksutov-Cassegrain optics can collect approximately twice as much light as a 90mm telescope. Although the overall length of the tube was maintained at just 33cm, it has its design on a focal length of 1540mm. This enables a high-contrast planetary observation and many recognizable details. Even the most deep-sky observations are possible. The light gathering ability is at 329x of a dark adapted eye with 7mm. As a spotting scope for nature watching, the look offers a suitable alternative for low price. There are many adaptations for nature photography available. At 1540mm focal length for example there can be bird photography in low-cost operating area. An integrated T-2 threads makes it quite easy to connect an SLR camera. Of course you can make for example moon shots. The sharpness can be adjusted with a side knob. This moves the primary mirror in the front or rear direction. This mechanism enables a large area for the focus and offers a variety of adaptation possibilities. The external appearance is a real gem: It impresses with its elegant design, tube and finderscope shimmer in an aesthetic black tone.

The advantages at a glance:

• Compact optics with long focal length and 127mm aperture
• Camera tripod thread connection 1/4"
• High-contrast image
• 1.25" connection with T-2 thread
• Even nature observation and photography possible

The AZ-GTi mount

This lightweight and very compact altazimuth mount can carry optics up to 5kg in weight.

Despite its small size, the mount has computer control (GoTo) to track astronomical objects with your telescope or camera. This is achieved via the built-in WLAN (Wi-Fi). The mount generates a Wi-Fi signal that allows you to connect to your smartphone or tablet. You can then control the telescope via Sky-Watcher's SynScan app for Android or via iOS.

The SynScan app allows you to use the GoTo system to select from around 10,000 astronomical objects. The mount must first be aligned to the night sky for this to function. The app offers several methods that make it easy even for beginners to carry out the alignment. You do not require any previous astronomical knowledge.

What's more – the app does not simply allow you to select astronomical objects, the software also recommends objects of special interest and helps with identifying objects.

As the SynScan app uses the graphical user interface of your mobile device, operation is much more simple and intuitive than when using the hand controls supplied with classic mounts.

The AZ-GTi is equipped with the patented FreedomFind encoder technology. This ensures that the mount will not lose its orientation even if you move the telescope or camera manually. So you can slew to near the object manually and let the GoTo do the final fine adjustment. This much quicker and also saves on electricity.

And as regards electricity – you can operate the mount using batteries or with a 'Powertank' (DC 7.5 ~14V, 0.75A, tip positive).

The mount can be connected to most camera tripods via the standard 3/8" photo screw.