Skywatcher MAK127 opinions please

Snibs · #1 13-08-2008, 09:17 AM

Hi all.
I'm thinking of upgrading from my GSO 10 inch DOB to a Skywatcher MAK127 that Andrews currently has for $999 (with motor drives) delivered. I have read several reviews but would like to hear from anyone that has used both. Astrophotographer was my main interest but have not had a lot of luck with my DOB, I read that M-C scopes are well suited to the task. My main concerns were going from 10 to 5 inch, how much difference that will make with the different optics, but the c-s's are supposed to be more clear and crisp. I was also wondering about the 2 axis motor drives, I assume the hand controller will follow a target once its found but can it be converted to a computer system later on if need be? I would greatly appreciate any comments or pro's and con's or if I'd be better of getting a good mount for the old GSO DOB?
Many thanks all from Mick.

g__day (Matthew) · #2 13-08-2008, 12:40 PM

I have a Skywatcher 127mm MAK, one thing I would strongly suggest is put a 10:1 Crayford Focuser on it!

Its hard to precisely focus with the standard simply knob, and I'm not sure that Starlight micro focusers produce one for this model. So I got a 2" + adapter SCT 10:1 focuser from Bintel $129 and added an thread adapter (about $32 imported) to connect the MAK to a Microfocused 2" eyepiece.

With that modification its a whole new beast that I love. The other addition I added was a Andrew Coms GSO 50mm * 8x finder - brilliant at $99 versus the cheap gunsight finder that comes default with the MAK.

The optics are very crisp, but I can compare its light reach to a 10" dob.

dannat (Daniel) · #3 13-08-2008, 01:25 PM

Kep in mind you will see a lot less detail going down from 10" to 5", I have a 5" mak which is great but you don't gather that much light.

With the long focal length of the Mak a focal reducer would be a must for photography, and tracking becomes more critical as you increase the focal length, also the exposrure time goes up.

Easier photography is with a refractor, maybe you should consider holding onto the dob for visual & buy an ed80

Snibs · #4 13-08-2008, 03:59 PM

Thanks guys, sounds like id be better sticking with the dob and motorizing it, I see Andrews now had tripods for gso. Thanks for the input danat and g_day.
cheers from Mick.

dazastar · #5 15-08-2008, 09:16 AM

Andrews has a north optics 150 mak, this baby is a real winner as it has a proper 2" SCT fitting and star diagonal that takes both 2" and 1.25" EP's. I took it to Astrofest and was easily able to do planetary imaging. I also have a 10" dob, and its on par visually, but the mak still wins out as it is able to do imaging on a motorized mount for less than $800 total cost including scope and mount gear motor etc.

DSO's viewed:-
the helix nebula
triple galaxy in grus
the ring nebula in lyra
the dumbel nebula
sombrero galaxy
hamburger galaxy
swan nebula
triffid nebula all just to name a few

Snibs · #6 15-08-2008, 09:25 AM

thanks for the info dazastar but I cant find a North optics on Andrews comms site, is that a knick name for it? the less than $800 has caught my attention..

Thanks from Mick.

dazastar · #7 15-08-2008, 11:12 AM

Just ask Lee for his $499 150 x 1900 mak, then get his $199 eq 3c and a single axis motor for about the $100 mark.

I used this at Astrofest and got an excellent polar align and was able to do some descent imaging and viewing. Jupiter was extremely sharp with very high contrast, you'd swear you were looking through a refractor.

Quite a few people commented on how well this scope performed.

Snibs · #8 15-08-2008, 02:24 PM

I saw his own brand and wondered what they would be like, that might be the go id say and maybe one of the larger tripods in case of upgrade later on, I didn't know scopes and mounts were all interchangeable

, I think it wise to flog my dob first and then go for one of Andrew's since you say the change from 10 to 6 inch is not that much different.
Thank you again for your help and cheers from Mick.

bluescope · #9 15-08-2008, 03:20 PM

Hi Mick

As already stated if you want to do astrophotography with the Mak you would be advised to get a focal reducer into your imaging train. Both the 127mm and the 150mm Mak will give you a focal ratio of around F12 .... fine for visual but slow for imaging requiring accurate tracking and preferably auto guiding. I would assume your Dob is around F5 or F6 .... big difference.

As Dannat says you may be better to get a wide field, faster refractor such as the F7.5 ED80 Pro and a HEQ5 gotto if you can stretch your budget.

I have a 90mm Meade gotto Mak and a SkyWatcher 180mm Mak Pro and have only used them visually apart from Solar imaging with the 90mm ( no problem with slow F ratio on that bright sucker

) .... Maks are the closest view you will get to a refractor besides ofcourse a refractor.

I also have 8" and 10" SW Newtonians which I have used for imaging on an EQ6 Pro. I am currently awaiting delivery of a William Optics FLT 110 F7 Apo Triplet Refractor which will hopefully become my main imaging scope.

It never stops Mick.

dazastar · #10 16-08-2008, 07:24 AM

Thanks for pointing that out Bluescope. I forgot to add that I need to use a focal reducer in deep sky work. Sorry for the bum steer. Mick, I probably wouldn't get rid of the dob - I know I didn't. There are just some things a dob are to handy for. Maks weigh heaps and are a bit tricky to set up. Trust me, you will miss your dob when it comes to wanting to have a quick sky perv.

Cheers