
Balancing aperture with manageability and representing the mid-range size in the series, the Sky-Watcher 127mm f/12 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope exchanges the conventional front corrector plate of a Schmidt with a convex meniscus lens, resulting in a smaller secondary mirror that limits obstruction and increases contrast, while eliminating the need for periodic collimation. The Maksutov optical path results in a slower focal ratio and narrower field of view versus a similar Schmidt, but the optical benefits, when coupled with the larger aperture and fully multi-coated optics, make this an ideal scope for making detailed solar, lunar, and planetary observations, while being able to resolve bright deep-sky objects like stars, clusters, galaxies, and nebulae. The scope is outfitted with a large 2" visual back and, to get users started, Sky-Watcher includes a 28mm long eye relief eyepiece that produces a moderate magnification and a 90° star diagonal for more comfortable viewing when the optical tube assembly (OTA) is pointed at or near the celestial zenith. The OTA is offered here without a mount or tripod for users who have a platform or want to use it as part of a dual-OTA setup for star parties or observation/imaging rigs. It is outfitted with a Vixen-style dovetail plate for easy attachment onto many mounts. This OTA's compact form factor belies its observation power and resolution and is ideally suited as a grab-and-go option for quick observation sessions or heading out to remote locations.
Balancing aperture with manageability and representing the mid-range size in the series, the Sky-Watcher 127mm f/12 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope exchanges the conventional front corrector plate of a Schmidt with a convex meniscus lens, resulting in a smaller secondary mirror that limits obstruction and increases contrast, while eliminating the need for periodic collimation. The Maksutov optical path results in a slower focal ratio and narrower field of view versus a similar Schmidt, but the optical benefits, when coupled with the larger aperture and fully multi-coated optics, make this an ideal scope for making detailed solar, lunar, and planetary observations, while being able to resolve bright deep-sky objects like stars, clusters, galaxies, and nebulae. The scope is outfitted with a large 2" visual back and, to get users started, Sky-Watcher includes a 28mm long eye relief eyepiece that produces a moderate magnification and a 90° star diagonal for more comfortable viewing when the optical tube assembly (OTA) is pointed at or near the celestial zenith. The OTA is offered here without a mount or tripod for users who have a platform or want to use it as part of a dual-OTA setup for star parties or observation/imaging rigs. It is outfitted with a Vixen-style dovetail plate for easy attachment onto many mounts. This OTA's compact form factor belies its observation power and resolution and is ideally suited as a grab-and-go option for quick observation sessions or heading out to remote locations.
Balancing aperture with manageability and representing the mid-range size in the series, the Sky-Watcher 127mm f/12 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope exchanges the conventional front corrector plate of a Schmidt with a convex meniscus lens, resulting in a smaller secondary mirror that limits obstruction and increases contrast, while eliminating the need for periodic collimation. The Maksutov optical path results in a slower focal ratio and narrower field of view versus a similar Schmidt, but the optical benefits, when coupled with the larger aperture and fully multi-coated optics, make this an ideal scope for making detailed solar, lunar, and planetary observations, while being able to resolve bright deep-sky objects like stars, clusters, galaxies, and nebulae. The scope is outfitted with a large 2" visual back and, to get users started, Sky-Watcher includes a 28mm long eye relief eyepiece that produces a moderate magnification and a 90° star diagonal for more comfortable viewing when the optical tube assembly (OTA) is pointed at or near the celestial zenith. The OTA is offered here without a mount or tripod for users who have a platform or want to use it as part of a dual-OTA setup for star parties or observation/imaging rigs. It is outfitted with a Vixen-style dovetail plate for easy attachment onto many mounts. This OTA's compact form factor belies its observation power and resolution and is ideally suited as a grab-and-go option for quick observation sessions or heading out to remote locations.
Balancing aperture with manageability and representing the mid-range size in the series, the Sky-Watcher 127mm f/12 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope exchanges the conventional front corrector plate of a Schmidt with a convex meniscus lens, resulting in a smaller secondary mirror that limits obstruction and increases contrast, while eliminating the need for periodic collimation. The Maksutov optical path results in a slower focal ratio and narrower field of view versus a similar Schmidt, but the optical benefits, when coupled with the larger aperture and fully multi-coated optics, make this an ideal scope for making detailed solar, lunar, and planetary observations, while being able to resolve bright deep-sky objects like stars, clusters, galaxies, and nebulae. The scope is outfitted with a large 2" visual back and, to get users started, Sky-Watcher includes a 28mm long eye relief eyepiece that produces a moderate magnification and a 90° star diagonal for more comfortable viewing when the optical tube assembly (OTA) is pointed at or near the celestial zenith. The OTA is offered here without a mount or tripod for users who have a platform or want to use it as part of a dual-OTA setup for star parties or observation/imaging rigs. It is outfitted with a Vixen-style dovetail plate for easy attachment onto many mounts. This OTA's compact form factor belies its observation power and resolution and is ideally suited as a grab-and-go option for quick observation sessions or heading out to remote locations.
Last updated at 04/03/2026 22:21:23
Sky-Watcher Skymax 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain - Large Aperture Compound-Style Reflector Telescope
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originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Tried it on the moon with my camera and images were tack sharp. Will be great for planets this year!
originally posted on adorama.com
Shipped fast, works great beyond the occasional Mak-Cass air currents if the temperature vhanges too abruptly. See attached pics that I got with this Skymax 127 on a CG4 manual eq mount, and captured with ZWO ASI120MC-S.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I was so completely in awe upon first use the clarity and detail of the moon. Great size and weight making it a powerful yet mobile unit.
| Optical design | Maksutov-Cassegrain |
| Aperture | 127mm |
| Focal Length | 1500mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/11.8 |
| Resolving Power | 0.94′′ |
Sky-Watcher Skymax 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain - Large Aperture Compound-Style Reflector Telescope
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Tried it on the moon with my camera and images were tack sharp. Will be great for planets this year!
Shipped fast, works great beyond the occasional Mak-Cass air currents if the temperature vhanges too abruptly. See attached pics that I got with this Skymax 127 on a CG4 manual eq mount, and captured with ZWO ASI120MC-S.
I was so completely in awe upon first use the clarity and detail of the moon. Great size and weight making it a powerful yet mobile unit.
I purchased to use with my sky watcher EQM35 pro mount. It is really built nice. Perfectly collimated. I am awaiting clear skies now!! Lol
This 127 mak is great, but HS service could be better. Difficult to reach, phone waits 25+ min still no answer. Need to hire more phone reps.
Haven't had a chance to try it out yet but it's absolutely an amazing scope right out of the box. I am very anxious to aim it to the sky and observe the wonders with my lil man.
My new favorite scope this thing is awesome high magnification on a small package would recommend to anyone
I purchased this scope to use as a grab and go for lunar and planetary viewing. It certainly fits the bill for a light weight, compact, long focal length scope. The build quality of the scope is first rate, with good fit and finish. I had some initial concerns about the focuser operation, but they turned out to be unfounded. Focusing is smooth and precise.Since receiving the scope from High Point on time and in good condition, I have had it out twice for lunar viewing. I have been very impressed with the crispness of the views. The detail is quite remarkable through a 36 mm aspheric eyepiece.I am very pleased with this purchase from High Point. Their products and service are always top notch. The next purchase will be a couple of ultra wide angle eyepieces to ... MoreI purchased this scope to use as a grab and go for lunar and planetary viewing. It certainly fits the bill for a light weight, compact, long focal length scope. The build quality of the scope is first rate, with good fit and finish. I had some initial concerns about the focuser operation, but they turned out to be unfounded. Focusing is smooth and precise.Since receiving the scope from High Point on time and in good condition, I have had it out twice for lunar viewing. I have been very impressed with the crispness of the views. The detail is quite remarkable through a 36 mm aspheric eyepiece.I am very pleased with this purchase from High Point. Their products and service are always top notch. The next purchase will be a couple of ultra wide angle eyepieces to compliment the views this product delivers.
This is my second telescope, the first being a 114mm Newtonian "starter" scope that I dragged outside to view last year's "Christmas Star" conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter. That reinvigorated an interest in stargazing that had laid fallow for years. So I researched affordable telescopes and latched onto the 127mm mak, which fits my criteria for viewing objects visible in light-polluted suburban skies from my driveway. Specifically: 1) It's great for viewing the moon (this scope's contrast made a crescent moon almost look like a true 3D body dangling before a black sky sprinkled with a few stars); 2) it's supposed to be great for viewing planets, but I'll have to wait until Jupiter and Saturn return to the nighttime skies to really test that (although I'll try out ... MoreThis is my second telescope, the first being a 114mm Newtonian "starter" scope that I dragged outside to view last year's "Christmas Star" conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter. That reinvigorated an interest in stargazing that had laid fallow for years. So I researched affordable telescopes and latched onto the 127mm mak, which fits my criteria for viewing objects visible in light-polluted suburban skies from my driveway. Specifically: 1) It's great for viewing the moon (this scope's contrast made a crescent moon almost look like a true 3D body dangling before a black sky sprinkled with a few stars); 2) it's supposed to be great for viewing planets, but I'll have to wait until Jupiter and Saturn return to the nighttime skies to really test that (although I'll try out Mars and Venus once it finally stops raining); 3) its solid construction (and a solid mount) make it a reasonably stable platform for my DSLR; 4) it's portable.
With getting ready for Christmas and New Year’s and dodging the wet weather, I haven’t gotten the opportunity to take this scope outside. Even so, I can say it is lightweight and solid, the workmanship is beautiful, and I can’t wait for my opportunity for First Light. I am so pleased to have had the opportunity to buy this on holiday sale.
| Optical design | Maksutov-Cassegrain |
| Aperture | 127mm |
| Focal Length | 1500mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/11.8 |
| Resolving Power | 0.94′′ |