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Orion Apex 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
The Compact "Mak" - A Scope For All Reasons
Orion Apex 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope   in stock
#09823
$319.95
Oversize
User Level  Beginner

Features

Orion Apex 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
  • Small enough to store on a bookshelf but with the power of traditional scopes five times its size!
  • 102mm aperture and 1300mm focal length for fantastic celestial and terrestrial views
  • Does not include tripod - can be purchased separately
  • Includes one eyepiece, finder scope, diagonal, case, and FREE Starry Night astronomy software
  • One-year limited warranty

Imagine a telescope so small you can tuck it into a daypack or store it on a bookshelf, yet so powerful that it has the magnification and light-gathering capability of traditional telescopes five times its size . . . Imagine a telescope equally at home looking an eagle in the eye or revealing the cloud bands of Jupiter . . . Imagine a telescope made the old-fashioned way, of enameled aluminum and precision optical glass, instead of plastic. And imagine that these telescopes are incredibly competitively priced. As you can imagine, we've got it. The Orion Apex 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope, only from Orion.

One look at it and you immediately appreciate its abbreviated simplicity and quality details. But the proof of any great telescope is in the viewing. And one look through our Apex 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope will prove that it's as long on optical excellence as it is short in profile. A serious telescope only incredibly portable.

Big Aperture Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics
The secret is in the light-folding Maksutov-Cassegrain design. It permits large-diameter optics, 102mm, to be housed in an unusually compact, wonderfully portable tube. As a spotting scope, the Apex 102mm gathers more light than typical field telescopes (often costing several times more), serving up brighter, more highly resolved images even in the dimmest of lighting conditions. Multi-coatings applied to the curved front lens guarantee the highest possible light transmission. For astronomy, the Orion Apex 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope exhibits all the performance of classic long-tube 102mm refractors, and easily outperforms smaller refractors on views of the planets and Moon as well as on faint nebulas and star clusters. Its long focal length allows high-power study of Jupiter's cloud belts and Red Spot, and Saturn's rings, and provides long reach for capturing distant terrestrial targets. What's more, Apex telescopes accept standard 1.25" telescope eyepieces for nearly unlimited magnification options.

Speaking of accessories, the Apex 102mm comes with a multi-coated 25mm Sirius Plossl telescope eyepiece (1.25") and a 45° diagonal that provides a correctly-oriented field of view. As does the correct-image finder scope (6x26 on Apex 102), which makes locating objects a cinch. The finder scope is held in a quick-release dovetail bracket for easy assembly and disassembly. And here's something special: we also include a rugged, fully padded carrying case to protect your telescope. It's got hand and shoulder straps and ample pockets for accessories.

The telescope easily pops on and off a telescope mount or camera tripod with the built-in 1/4"-20 adapter plate. And it doubles as a high-power telephoto lens for photography, too. Just mount a 35mm camera body (with optional T-ring) to the T-threads on the telescope eyepiece holder and you're all set!

Imagine, a telescope that's this versatile, this powerful, this portable. And on top of all that, this competitively priced! It's here, in the Orion Apex 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope. Take a look! One-year limited warranty.

Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.

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Download a PDF file of the Instruction Manual and Addendum for this product.
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Product Specs

Product Specifications:

Use Astronomy and terrestrial
User level Beginner
Optical design Maksutov-Cassegrain
Optical diameter 102mm
Focal length 1300mm
Focal ratio f/12.7
Eyepieces included Sirius Plossl 25.0mm (1.25in.)
Magnification with included eyepieces 52x
Resolving power 1.13arc*sec
Lowest useful magnification 15x
Highest useful magnification 204x
Limiting stellar magnitude 12.7
Optical quality Diffraction limited
Finder scope 6x26 Correct-image
Focuser Internal
Diagonal 1.25in. 45-deg Prism Correct-image
Secondary mirror obstruction 31mm
Secondary mirror obstruction by diameter 34%
Secondary mirror obstruction by area 12%
Mount style Optical Tube without Mount
Astro-imaging capability Lunar and planetary
Tube material Aluminum
Length of optical tube 11.0 in.
Weight, optical tube 5.0 lbs.
Additional included accessories Optical tube carry case
Warranty One year

Included Items

Included Items:

Orion Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope ooptical tube assembly
25mm Orion Sirius Plossl telescope eyepiece (1.25")
45-deg correct-image diagonal (1.25")
Orion 6x26 correct-image finder scope
Finder scope bracket with O-ring
Dust cap
Soft carry case
Starry Night special edition software

Media Buzz

Customer Reviews


10/31/09 2:39 PM
Orion Apex 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
Reviewer: Philip A. Pelletier
Sharp optics, small size and weight, zero image shift when focusing...what is not to like? I purchased used and sold off the accessories that came with the scope and ended up with a total outlay of $55.00! I use my TV diagonal and Howie Glatter laser finder and University Optics Orthos and TV Plossls with the scope mounted on a Bogan tripod and a Universal Astronomics MicroStar mount for a near perfect fast set up scope. Cool down is not an issue with this small aperture, though I will place the scope in an unheated vehicle before dinner on winter nights. With a erecting prism it makes a great spotter for daytime nature studies. Great little scope to carry in the car on weekend trips and is airline portable. Excellent little scope!!

5/15/09 4:49 AM
Orion Apex 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
Reviewer: Chuck Rose
I bought this scope shortly after it's introduction. I mount it on a CG-3 (same as the Orion EQ-2) that I had from a Celestron 80mm refractor. Great optics in a compact tube. This scope is better on planets and the moon than even my Orion XT-8 Dob. These two scopes compliment each other great. The Apex for planets and moon, and the XT-8 for deep sky viewing.

12/12/08 7:36 PM
Orion Apex 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
Reviewer: SBelflowers
Not pleased at all with the planetary views with this scope. Even viewing the moon is disappointing. The supplied lens (25mm) supplies the best view. Don't get a barlow, don't waste money on a 12.5mm plossl lens. The aperture of this scope is just too small. Any farther magnification will cut the light down so much to make the image disappointing. Get a large aperture scope or use this puppy for a spotting scope. ...

12/2/08 2:27 PM
Orion Apex 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
Reviewer: boeser
This scope has just been phenominal. I've been using it for a while now, and am just blown away by what I've seen. From the rings of Saturn to the eagles' nest I have located near me, the observing is crisp and clear. I have five eyepieces I've accumilated over the years that work just right with this scope. Along with a 2X barlow, the magnifications are just right. I was out the other night and just happened upon the Pleiades. And with my 32mm eyepiece, caught an eye full of wonder. Instead of just a few stars you see with the naked eye, I viewed a whole lot more of the cluster. Sure you can do this with a pair of binoculars, but I was able to discern so many more stars. All in all, I want to thank Orion for a high quality product.

6/1/08 12:21 PM
Orion Apex 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
Reviewer: Rasto
excellent scope, sharp optics, still lightweight and small enough for easy transportation. Can be collimated for best results.

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