Sky-Watcher Skymax-127 – 127/1500 Maksutov-Cassegrain

Sky-Watcher SkyMax-127 (OTA): The most popular planetary telescope

The Sky-Watcher SkyMax-127 is a Maksutov-Cassegrain with a 127mm aperture and 1500mm focal length (f/11.8) in a tube that's only 33cm long. This is the optical tube assembly (OTA) only, without a mount – the entry-level model for those who already have a mount and want Sky-Watcher's most popular planetary optic. Low maintenance due to the closed tube, includes a red dot finder and two eyepieces.

What do you see through the SkyMax-127?

This is the most popular size in the Maksutov line, and for good reason: the 127 mm aperture provides merkbar more detail than its smaller counterparts. Structured cloud bands on Jupiter, the Cassini Division in Saturn’s rings, polar caps on Mars, and a moon that’s worth a closer look at 150x magnification. Globular clusters and bright planetary nebulae are also in the mix.

Loose tubing: your mounting, your choice

The SkyMax-127 OTA is a popular second telescope alongside a fast Newton: the Newton for deep-sky, the Maksutov for moon and planets. The short tube places few demands on the mount, and the included 20 mm (75x) and 10 mm (150x) eyepieces cover the planetary program right away.

This is how to get the most out of this telescope

• Give the thick correction lens cooling time: 30 to 45 minutes outside before looking at high magnification. A Maksutov rewards patience with a rock-steady image.
• Protect against dew The front-mounted meniscus lens fogs up faster than a mirror. A dew shield is the most useful first upgrade for this type of telescope.
• Virtually maintenance-free The closed tube keeps dust out and collimation is rarely an issue. Set it down and look.
• Magnification: The 10mm eyepiece already provides 150x magnification; precisely what this optics are made for. Adding more magnification rarely makes sense in the Dutch climate.
• 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 moon and planet watchers, city and balcony observers (bright targets are less affected by light pollution), and travelers who want a short, maintenance-free tube. Still 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; a short Newton is better suited for that. If you want a complete set, consider the 127 bundles with AZ-5, AZ-Go2, or AZ-GTi WiFi mounts. Long-exposure astrophotography belongs with smart telescopes; moon photos with a smartphone adapter are precisely a strong point on a Maksutov.

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 The short tube calls for a compact bag. Check out the carrier bags and choose the size that fits.

Technical specifications

Included in the box

• Sky-Watcher SkyMax-127 Optical Tube (OTA, without mount)
• 20 mm eyepiece (75x) and 10 mm eyepiece (150x)
• Red dot viewfinder

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, in the Netherlands and Belgium.