Sky-Watcher Skymax-180 PRO (EQ5 PRO) SynScan Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope

Sky-Watcher Skymax-180 PRO (EQ5 PRO) 180mm (7.1") f/2700 SynScan Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope. Black Diamond PRO-Series is the name for the new generation of professional quality telescopes and mounts of the Sky-Watcher range, targeted at the most discerning and critical observers, available in apertures of 150mm and 180mm. Skymax Black Diamond-PRO series Maksutov-Cassegrains are manufactured to extremely high levels of optical and mechanical precision, undergoing very strict quality control procedures and testing by specially assigned technicians, to ensure the highest standards of quality and performance are consistently maintained. They employ super-high contrast optical systems, utilising high-transmission multi-coatings on all optical services, for optimum optical performance. The quality of each telescope is monitored by means of a Ronchi test and an artificial star test. They excel for high-power, high-resolution and Planetary applications. No effort is spared to reach optimal optical quality.

Sky-Watcher Skymax-180 Features:

World Exclusive Co-Branding Agreement with Schott.
Selected high-end Sky-Watcher telescopes benefit from the inclusion of Schott glass in their construction. Schott is the recognised world leader in glass utilised for precision optical lens systems, including medical instrumentation and famous brand camera lenses. Sky-Watcher's parent company signed a worldwide exclusive telescope co-branding agreement with Schott in March 2008.

• Magnifications with eyepieces supplied: x96
• Highest Practical Power (Potential): x540
• Diameter of Primary Mirror: 180mm
• Telescope Focal Length: 2700mm (f/15)
• Eyepieces Supplied (2"): 28mm
• 9x50 Finderscope & Bracket
• 2"/50.8mm Star Diagonal
• Focusing by Moving Primary Mirror
• EQ5 PRO SynScan Super Heavy-Duty Computerised GOTO Equatorial Mount (Requires 12 volt DC Power Supply)
• Built-in Dual-Axis Stepper Motors
• Built-in Polar Alignment Scope Holder
• 1.75" Stainless Steel Pipe Tripod with Accessory Tray

EQ5 Pro SynScan GO-TO Equatorial Mount:

The EQ5 PRO SynScan mounts use the same Go-To system found in the HEQ5 and EQ6 PRO SynScan. It allows you to point the telescope at a specific object or even tour the skies at the touch of a button. Its extensive database includes a massive 42,900+ night sky objects. The EQ5 PRO SynScan mount is a perfect instrument for advanced visual observers and imagers to enjoy astronomy with minimal setup time and in-depth knowledge of the night sky.

Hardware Features:

• SynScan V.3 Firmware Updateable Hand Control New features include ongoing firmware updateability via the internet, Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE), and capability to store star alignment data. Can also accept new GPS mouse attachment.
• High precision stepper motors
• Motor Controller: Microstep driving with auto-power saving feature
• Resolution: 0.288 arc second
• Slew Rate: 0.5x, 1x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 400x, 500x, 600x, 800x
• Tracking Rate: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
• Tracking Mode: R.A. tracking
• ST-4 type Autoguider Interface: Support 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x 1x guiding rate
• Maximum Payload Capacity: Approx 9kg
• Power requirement: 11 to 15 V DC 2 Amp (Tip positive) (Power supply not included)

Software Features:

• Alignment Method: One-Star Alignment, Two-Star Alignment, Three-Star Alignment
• Pointing Accuracy: Up to 1 arc min
• Object Catalogues: Messier, IC, NGC, Caldwell
• 42,900+ Object Database: Including Planets, Named Stars, Double Stars, Variable Stars & User-Defined Objects
• Backlash compensation
• Periodic Error Correction
• Premium PC Interface: ASCOM compatible, Nexstar-5i compatible protocol and command set
• User-tunable LCD contrast, LED backlight and buzzer volume