Few things can quell the enthusiasm of beginning and intermediate astronomers more than a telescope that's too big to easily handle. If it takes too much work to move it, set it up, and take it down, actual viewing time will be cut to a minimum.

Our Orion StarMax 102mm Equatorial Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope puts viewing first, allowing plenty of time for family and friends to enjoy the wonders of the night sky. It's the perfect ready-when-you-are telescope. Transporting it is a breeze. Set-up and break-down takes just minutes. Viewing time is measured by a chorus of "ohhhs" and "ahhhs" that extend for hours as star clusters practically burst from the telescope eyepiece and the rugged relief of Moon craters blazes in crisp, sharp clarity.

This excellent all-around performer is as notable for the quality of its Maksutov-Cassegrain optics as it is for ease of use and compact portability. Its 102mm, fully multi-coated front lens pulls in 28% more light than its 90mm counterparts, to capture fainter objects and resolve subtler detail. And with a 1300mm focal length (f/12.7) it has the same magnification range (up to 200x) as longer, bulkier refractor and reflector telescopes. In a tube less than 12" long!

Quality over Gadgetry
Like the smaller StarMax 90, the Orion StarMax 102mm Equatorial Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is equipped for years and miles of use. It shuns plastic parts that are so ubiquitous on gadgety mass-market telescopes in favor of a quality aluminum tube with solid aluminum front and rear castings, rubber-grip metal focus knob, and a built-in aluminum 1/4"-20 mounting block. Even the included accessories are top-of-the-line: a 25mm (52x) Sirius Plossl fully-coated telescope eyepiece (1.25"), a 90° mirror star diagonal, and a 6x26 correct-image finder telescope equipped with an aluminum dovetail bracket with intuitive X-Y alignment control. You won't pay extra for a carrying case, either. It's included! Fully padded, with zippered accessory pockets, and with handles that fit in the hand or over the shoulder.

The Orion StarMax 102mm Equatorial Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope comes complete with a sturdy German-type EQ-2 equatorial mount with dual setting circles and slow-motion hand controls. An optional AstroTrack or EQ-2M electronic drive can be added for automatic tracking. The aluminum tripod adjusts for the height of all users, from short to tall.

Astrophotographers will like the addition of T-threads on the telescope eyepiece adapter, enabling direct attachment of a 35mm camera body (with optional T-ring) for short-exposure shoots. The same feature allows the telescope to become a precision telephoto lens for terrestrial photography. With this versatility, many avid big-telescope owners will find the Orion StarMax 102mm Equatorial Maksutov-Cassegrain Telesoce to be an excellent second scope for everyday use.

All in all, the Orion StarMax 102mm Equatorial Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is an easy and inexpensive way to open the sky for all to see. One-year limited warranty.

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