Orion Apex 127mm Compact Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope Product Info
Usually in terms of what you can see, bigger telescopes are better. But bigger telescopes also require bulkier, heavier mounts and tripods to keep them stable, and consequently, an equally brawny owner to lug it around - not to mention more storage space.
Enter the Orion Apex 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope. It boasts big 127mm (5")-diameter optics but in a telescope tube that's a fraction of the length (just 14.5" long!) and weight (8.6 lbs.) of a Newtonian reflector or refractor telescope of similar aperture and focal length. That's the beauty of its Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope optical design - it's so wonderfully portable.
It's those same high-performance optics that give the Orion Apex 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope such outstanding image quality and such an incredible range of uses for the demanding observer. It gulps in 55% more light through its multi-coated, 5" meniscus lens than that of a 4" telescope, putting it in the big leagues for astronomical observation and advanced nature study. And its long 1540mm (f/12.1) focal length provides 62x magnification with the included 25mm Sirius Plossl telescope eyepiece (1.25"), and lets you push the power up to 250x with optional eyepieces! Bright views of star clusters and nebulas at low power, stunning lunar and planetary detail at higher power - it's all in a night's work for the Apex 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope.
As a daytime spotting scope, no telescope is more capable, especially in low-light conditions. It couples quickly to any sturdy equatorial mount or photo-style tripod (we recommend our Paragon-Plus XHD tripod, sold separately). Thanks to a built-in threaded 1/4"-20 adapter plate, mounting and disassembly are a snap.
Quality is evident not only in the optics of the Apex 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain, but also in the black-anodized aluminum front and rear castings, the smooth-turning focus knob, and the extruded aluminum tube, with a classy, metallic-burgundy finish. The included 6x26 achromatic, correct-image finder scope features a quick-release aluminum bracket with a dovetail base and two-screw X-Y alignment. For great daytime views with proper left/right and up/down orientation, the included 25mm Sirius Plossl telescope eyepiece slips into a 45° correct-image prism diagonal, also included. You might also be interested to know that the T-threads on the eyepiece adapter allow attachment of a 35mm camera body (with optional T-ring) to the telescope for powerful telephoto photography.
As if all that weren't enough, we also include a fully padded, nylon/polyester telescope carrying case, which has plenty of room for additional accessories in the zippered side pockets.
Unencumbered with complicated gadgetry like you find on competing models, the Orion Apex 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope offers hassle-free, big-aperture performance and convenient portability, at a price that's too good to pass up!
Features:
Compact Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope optical tube outfitted for daytime terrestrial use - just add a tripod!
Excellent for daytime use as a versatile spotting scope capable of high magnification views
During the night the Apex 127 provides sharply detailed views of the Moon, brighter planets such as Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn as well as open and globular star clusters and cloudy nebulas
Tripod not included - altazimuth or field tripod will provide a solid foundation for the Apex 127 (mount and/or tripod sold separately)
Includes a 25mm Sirius Plossl 1.25" eyepiece, 6x30 finder scope, 45-degree correct-image diagonal, soft carry case, Starry Night astronomy software, and more!
Specifications:
Best for viewing - Brighter deep sky
Best for imaging - Lunar & planetary
User level - Intermediate
Optical design - Maksutov-Cassegrain
Finder scope magnification - 6x
Optical diameter - 127mm
Finder scope lens diameter - 26mm
Focal length - 1540mm
Focal ratio - f/12.1
Eyepieces - Sirius Plossl 25.0mm (1.25")
Magnification with included eyepieces - 61x
Resolving power - 0.91arc*sec
Lowest useful magnification - 18x
Highest useful magnification - 254x
Highest theoretical magnification - 254x
Limiting stellar magnitude - 13.2
Optical quality - Diffraction limited
Finder scope - 6x26 Correct-image
Focuser - Internal
Diagonal degrees - 1.25" 45° Prism Correct-image
Secondary mirror obstruction - 39mm
Secondary mirror obstruction by diameter - 31%
Secondary mirror obstruction by area - 9%
Mount type - Optical Tube without Mount
Astro-imaging capability - Lunar & planetary
Tube material - Aluminum
Length of optical tube - 14.5 in.
Weight, optical tube - 8.6 lbs.
Additional included accessories - Optical tube carry case
Package Contents:
Orion 127mm f/12.1 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope optical tube assembly
25mm Orion Sirius Plossl telescope eyepiece (1.25")
45º correct-image diagonal
Orion 6x26 correct-image finder scope
Finder scope bracket with O-ring
Dust cap
Soft telescope carry case
Starry Night Special Edition astronomy software