Sky-Watcher SkyMax-150 PRO (OTA): The Planet Cannon as an Individual Tube
The Sky-Watcher SkyMax-150 PRO is a Maksutov-Cassegrain with a 150mm aperture and 1800mm focal length (f/12) in a mere 40cm tube. This is the standalone optical tube assembly (OTA) for those who already have a sturdy mount: maximum sharpness and contrast at high magnifications, supplied with a deluxe 28mm 2-inch LET eyepiece and a 9x50 finderscope.
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.
PRO-performance: built for the demanding observer
The closed tube keeps the optics dust- and maintenance-free, and the included 28mm long eye relief eyepiece (64x) provides a comfortably wide field of view, even with glasses. When choosing a mount, consider the long lever arm of the 1800mm focal length: an EQ5-class mount or heavier is recommended.
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.
- Magnification: The 28mm eyepiece provides 64x magnification; for planets, an eyepiece around 9mm (200x) is the logical addition.
- 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're looking for a complete set, check out the 150 PRO bundles with EQ5, EQ5 SynScan or HEQ5 Pro mount. Long exposure deep-sky photography belongs with 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 upholstered Maksutov 150 bag for this tube. Look at the carrier bags.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Optical design | Maksutov-Cassegrain |
| Opening | 150 mm |
| Focal length | 1800 mm (f/12) |
| Tube length | 40 cm |
| Mount | None (separate OTA) |
| Ocular | 28 mm 2 inch LET, long eye relief (64x) |
| Seeker | 9x50 optical finder with crosshairs |
| Maximum useful magnification | Around 300x |
Included in the box
- Sky-Watcher SkyMax-150 PRO optical tube (OTA, without mount)
- 28 mm 2 inch LET eyepiece (64x, long eye relief)
- 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.
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