Sky-Watcher Skymax-150 PRO EQ5 – 150/1800 Maksutov-Cassegrain

Sky-Watcher SkyMax-150 PRO EQ5: High Magnification on a Stable Foundation

This set combines the 150/1800 mm Maksutov-Cassegrain (f/12) with the stable equatorial EQ5 mount on a 1.75-inch stainless steel tripod. Exactly what this optics need: at 200x and above, the mount determines the viewing pleasure, and the EQ5 tracks with one fine adjustment knob or, after an optional motor upgrade, fully automatically.

What do you see through the SkyMax-150 PRO?

This is high-level planetary observation. Jupiter shows structure within the cloud bands, Saturn the Cassini Division as a constant, and Mars its polar caps and dark plains. The Moon at 200x is an endless landscape. Double stars split the 150 mm optics with book-like perfection: sharp Airy disks in calm air. Globular clusters and bright planetary nebulae complete the program.

EQ5: The Stable Foundation

Once roughly aligned with Polaris, you track each object by rotating on one axis; vibrations are quickly dampened thanks to the steel tripod. The mount can later be upgraded with tracking motors or a complete SynScan GoTo upgrade, so the set grows with your ambitions.

This is how to get the most out of this telescope

• Give the thick correcting lens plenty of time to cool down. 45 to 60 minutes with these larger lenses. A Maksutov rewards patience with a silent image.
• Protect against dew The front meniscus lens fogs up faster than a mirror. A dew shield is the most useful first upgrade for this type.
• Align the mount to Polaris: For visual use, roughly north and the correct pole height are sufficient; after that, you can follow objects effortlessly.
• Magnification: the 28mm eyepiece provides 64x magnification; an eyepiece around 9mm (200x) will complete the planetary program.
• Plan with the moon: Around the first quarter you see the most detail along the terminator. Our lunar calendar have the best nights in a row.

For whom yes and for whom no

Hello The moon and planet specialist, double star enthusiast, and urban observer: bright targets don't care much about light pollution. Unsure about the type? Our Telescope Buying Guide for Beginners List the considerations.

Not For wide deep-sky fields, the field of view of this long focal length is too narrow. If you want to find objects automatically, choose the EQ5 SynScan or HEQ5 Pro version directly. Deep-sky photography with long exposures is suited for the smart telescopes or a bright Newtonian; moon and planetary shots are precisely a specialty of this optics.

Featured accessories

These accessories add the most after purchase:

• Moon Filter 25%: at this long focal length, the moon is the main course, and bright. The Omegon Moon Filter 25% (1.25 inches) dims the light and increases the contrast. More explanation in our Moon filter guide.
• Smartphone adapter: Maksutov telescopes, with their long focal length, are particularly good for impressive moon photos taken with a phone. The Sky-Watcher SmartPhoto+ adapter comes with a special 20 mm photo eyepiece.
• Carrier bag There is an exact fitting Maksutov 150 bag AND a bag for the EQ5 tripod. Take a look at the carrier bags.

Technical specifications

Included in the box

• Sky-Watcher SkyMax-150 PRO optical tube
• EQ5 equatorial mount with 1.75 inch stainless steel tripod
• 28 mm 2 inch LET eyepiece (64x)
• 9x50 optical finder with crosshairs

Honest advice from observers

We sell and use the Sky-Watcher line ourselves. In our Sky-Watcher merk Guide We'll explain which series are strong and which you'd rather skip. View the full range on our Sky-Watcher merk Page. Order before 11:59 PM for fast delivery within the Netherlands and Belgium. Unsure about assembly or version? Call or email us; we're happy to help you with these systems.