The MC 102/1300 telescope: This telescope is an ideal companion for trips and is suitable both for astronomy and for use as a reflector spotting scope for nature watching. This telescope is also super for letting children take their first steps in observing the night sky. The extremely compact design fits into virtually any hand luggage and is also known for the very high-contrast image it produces. Its 102mm aperture collects much more light than its 90mm little brother - the light collecting capacity is 212X more than the naked eye alone (for a 7mm exit pupil). Although the overall length is only 28cm, it has a long focal length of 1300mm resulting in an aperture ratio of f12.7.
Astronomically, this telescope has had a lot to offer: with a resolution of 1.13 arc seconds, planets become beautiful objects to observe. Exploring deep sky objects such as the Orion Nebula or the summer Milky Way is also highly enjoyable. This telescope also provides an appropriately low priced alternative as a spotting scope for nature watching. Many classic spotting scopes only start to include adapters for use with a camera at the higher end of the market, at several hundred Euros. This telescope is different: it comes with a large range of adaptations for nature photography included. The 1300mm focal length means that low cost bird photography is possible. The built-in T-2 thread allows the simple connection of an SLR camera. And, for astrophotography, you can also take shots of the Moon for example. The focusing sharpness is set by adjusting a knob on the side which moves the primary mirror forwards or backwards. This type of focusing mechanism provides a large back focus, enabling a wide range of add-on options to be used.
The advantages in a nutshell:
- compact telescope with long focal length and 102mm aperture
- high contrast image
- 1.25" connection with T-2 thread
- nature watching and photography possible
It not only matters which telescope you buy but also where you buy it. Our additional services:
- We are a leading telescope dealer and know the devices we sell. Our customer service team will gladly help you after your purchase if you have problems with assembly or operation.
- We provide a copy of the 80-page Telescope ABC beginners handbook with every telescope.
- We also provide an edition of the exciting astronomy magazine, “Sterne und Weltraum” with each telescope.
Our expert comment:
Maksutov telescopes have their own thread, which is different to the SC thread. This means that an additional Adapter is required. Using this, then makes the extensive range of accessories for Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes available for use.
(Bernd Gährken)
