SkyWatcher MAK-90 Virtuoso telescope

The Virtuoso telescope is an innovative device with wide-ranging capabilities. The design combines the features of a portable telescope for beginners and a computerized photographic mount with a precise electric drive. The device can serve as a tripod and make it possible to photograph selected objects in a specific sequence, create time-lapses, and spherical panoramas. It is also worth mentioning its compact size. The telescope is lightweight, fits on a table, and is several dozen centimeters high.

Use of Virtuoso in astronomy
Virtuoso is a complete astronomical telescope built in the Maksutov-Cassegrain system, which can be used for simple astronomical observations. The model is characterized by a sharp image and no chromatic aberration. It is equipped with a 90 mm objective lens and 2 eyepieces with focal lengths of 20 mm and 10 mm. The eyepieces offer 62x and 125x magnification and are sufficient for observing the Moon and the basic planets. They make it possible to see details such as Jupiter's equatorial bands, Saturn's rings, or Mars' polar caps.

The greatest advantage of Virtuoso is the ability to track astronomical objects. The model is equipped with an advanced system of precise stepper motors and dual axis encoders, patented by Sky-Watcher. The system is able to track an astronomical object by rotating the telescope on both axes. It can work with SynScan AZ controllers known from large Dobsonian telescopes (not included in the set). At the same time, the device is easy to operate. After leveling the telescope and entering the geographic coordinates into the system, Virtuoso starts tracking astronomical objects on its own.

Use of Virtuoso in photography
The set includes a solid camera mount. The mount automation allows creating time-lapses, recording video with smooth tracking, cyclic photography of several programmed objects, and panoramic photography, including 360-degree spherical panoramas.

The mount is equipped with a remote shutter release cable with a 2.5 mm mini-jack standard. The cable is compatible with all Canon cameras from the three- and four-digit series (300D, 400D, 1000D, 550D, etc.). Virtuoso can be mounted on a photographic tripod with a load capacity of about 10 kg and a 3/8" mount. The set also includes a 1/4" adapter. To connect the optical tube to the camera, a T-Ring for the appropriate camera is required.

The set includes:
- 1.25" 90 deg. Diagonal,
- Star Pointer finder scope,
- 1.25" Super 20, Super 10 eyepieces,
- "L" adapter with 1/4" screw for mounting a camera,
- compass,
- 2.5 mm mini-jack remote shutter release cable.

The camera visible in one of the photos is not included in the set.

Technical data
Telescope optical system: Maksutov-Cassegrain
Objective lens diameter: 90 mm
Objective lens focal length: 1250 mm
Eyepiece 1 focal length: 20 mm
Eyepiece 2 focal length: 10 mm
Magnification with eyepiece 1: 62x
Magnification with eyepiece 2: 125x
Mount type: Alt-azimuth
Limiting magnitude: 13.2 magnitude
Maximum useful magnification: 135x
Tube diameter: 100 mm
Tube length: 240 mm
Eyepiece holder diameter: 1.25"
Finder scope: red dot (Star Pointer)
Maximum resolving power: 1.56″
Lens speed: 13.9
Light-gathering power (compared to the naked eye): 165x
Mount control: SynScan Go-To
Eyepiece holder type: SCT/MAK
Diagonal:    mirror 90 deg.
Central obstruction: 29.5 mm
Tube weight: 1.4 kg
Mount weight: 4 kg
Manufacturer: Sky-Watcher, Canada