SKY-WATCHER Maksutov MC 102/1300 SkyMax-102 AZ-GTi GoTo WiFi 4″

This altazimuth mount is very light and compact. Despite its small size, the AZ-GTi can carry optics weighing up to 5 kilograms and has its own GoTo control. You can connect the mount to an app (SynScan for Android and iOS) over the integrated WLAN, and automatically track your chosen celestial object with your telescope or camera. In contrast to AZ-GTe, this mount is equipped with a patented encoder technology (FreedomFind), which never loses its orientation, even if you move the optics manually.

The MC 102/1300 telescope: This telescope is an ideal companion for trips and is suitable both for astronomy and for use as a reflector spotting scope for nature watching. This telescope is also super for letting children take their first steps in observing the night sky. The extremely compact design fits into virtually any hand luggage and is also known for the very high-contrast image it produces. Its 102mm aperture collects much more light than its 90mm little brother – the light collecting capacity is 212X more than the naked eye alone (for a 7mm exit pupil). Although the overall length is only 28cm, it has a long focal length of 1300mm resulting in an aperture ratio of f12.7.

Astronomically, this telescope has had a lot to offer: with a resolution of 1.13 arc seconds, planets become beautiful objects to observe. Exploring deep sky objects such as the Orion Nebula or the summer Milky Way is also highly enjoyable. This telescope also provides an appropriately low priced alternative as a spotting scope for nature watching. Many classic spotting scopes only start to include adapters for use with a camera at the higher end of the market, at several hundred Euros. This telescope is different: it comes with a large range of adaptations for nature photography included. The 1300mm focal length means that low cost bird photography is possible. The built-in T-2 thread allows the simple connection of an SLR camera. And, for astrophotography, you can also take shots of the Moon for example. The focusing sharpness is set by adjusting a knob on the side which moves the primary mirror forwards or backwards. This type of focusing mechanism provides a large back focus, enabling a wide range of add-on options to be used.

The advantages in a nutshell:

• compact telescope with long focal length and 102mm aperture
• high contrast image
• 1.25″ connection with T-2 thread
• nature watching and photography possible

The AZ-GTi mount – this lightweight and very compact altazimuth mount can carries 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 (WiFi). The mount generates a Wi-Fi signal that allows you to connect to your smartphone or tablet. You can then control the telescope via Skywatcher’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.