GoTo Maksutov telescopes

GoTo Maksutov: keeping planets automatically in view

At 200x magnification, a planet drifts out of view in half a minute. A GoTo Maksutov solves this: the mount tracks and you observe. Because a Maksutov has a long brand focal length and is specifically intended for high magnification, GoTo is more useful here than with any other telescope type. In this category are the complete sets from Sky-Watcher (Skymax on AZ-GTi, AZ-Go2, Virtuoso GTi, and EQ3 Pro) and Celestron (NexStar and AstroFi).

Which mount?

• Virtuoso GTi (tabletop model). No tripod, WiFi control via the SynScan app, battery-operated. The Skymax-127 Virtuoso GTi is our first choice in this category.
• AZ-GTi (tripod, WiFi). The same app on a lightweight alt-azimuth mount with tripod. Skymax-102 AZ-GTi. The mount can also be used separately later with a small refractor.
• AZ-Go2 (tripod, hand controller). Simpler, with a hand controller instead of an app. Skymax-102 AZ-Go2 and Skymax-127 AZ-Go2.
• EQ3 Pro and EQ5 (equatorial). Tracks without field rotation, suitable for planetary photography with longer sequences. Skymax-127 EQ3 Pro SynScan and Skymax-150 PRO EQ5 SynScan.
• Celestron. The AstroFi 102 with WiFi and SkyPortal app.

For whom yes and for whom no

Good for: planetary observers, those who frequently observe with guests, those who have a light-polluted sky, and those who want to make Moon and planetary videos with a planetary camera or smartphone. Not for: those who want to do deep-sky astrophotography with long exposures. Choose a GoTo refractor or a smart telescope.

Power: the Virtuoso GTi and AZ-GTi run on AA batteries or a power bank, the equatorial sets on 12 volts. A dew shield is included with every Maksutov. Manual alternatives can be found at manual Maksutovs. Brand page: Sky-Watcher.