Skywatcher 150/1800 F12 Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope
Sky-Watcher’s premiere line of Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes create a perfect blend of aperture and lightweight portability. This telescope design has a reputation for sharp, high-contrast views, ideal for planetary observation. Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes serve as an alternative to Schmidt-Cassegrains and Newtonians, and offer astronomers a large visual aperture, high contrast, and long focal length in a compact package. Maksutov’s deliver better planetary detail than other telescopes due to a focal length that’s 5-7 times longer, increasing overall magnification. Maksutov-Cassegrains also use a meniscus-shaped corrector plate, eliminating any spherical aberration caused by the primary mirror. Our Maksutov series telescopes deliver refractor-like views and superior contrast while allowing for larger apertures at a fraction of the cost. Our Maksutov series features a borosilicate primary mirror with an aluminum coating and a quartz overcoat, producing 94% reflectivity. The corrector plate utilizes our proprietary Metallic High -Transmission Coatings (MHTC ), giving visual astronomers professional-grade optics creating a unique viewing experience.In addition to the visual benefits of Sky-Watcher Maksutovs, these serve as excellent optical tubes for imaging planetary, lunar, or solar (with use of a solar filter). For astronomers looking to start in astrophotography, the Sky-Watcher Maksutovs deliver exceptionally long focal lengths, necessary for imaging planetary detail. This provides an increased image scale, forgoing the need of a barlow lens or other accessories that may increase exposure times.As customary with all Sky-Watcher products, the Maksutov series includes a bundle of accessories, including: 28mm 2-inch eyepiece, 2-inch 90-degree star diagonal, and a 9x50 straight-through finderscope.
Sky-Watcher’s premiere line of Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes create a perfect blend of aperture and lightweight portability. This telescope design has a reputation for sharp, high-contrast views, ideal for planetary observation. Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes serve as an alternative to Schmidt-Cassegrains and Newtonians, and offer astronomers a large visual aperture, high contrast, and long focal length in a compact package. Maksutov’s deliver better planetary detail than other telescopes due to a focal length that’s 5-7 times longer, increasing overall magnification. Maksutov-Cassegrains also use a meniscus-shaped corrector plate, eliminating any spherical aberration caused by the primary mirror. Our Maksutov series telescopes deliver refractor-like views and superior contrast while allowing for larger apertures at a fraction of the cost. Our Maksutov series features a borosilicate primary mirror with an aluminum coating and a quartz overcoat, producing 94% reflectivity. The corrector plate utilizes our proprietary Metallic High -Transmission Coatings (MHTC ), giving visual astronomers professional-grade optics creating a unique viewing experience.In addition to the visual benefits of Sky-Watcher Maksutovs, these serve as excellent optical tubes for imaging planetary, lunar, or solar (with use of a solar filter). For astronomers looking to start in astrophotography, the Sky-Watcher Maksutovs deliver exceptionally long focal lengths, necessary for imaging planetary detail. This provides an increased image scale, forgoing the need of a barlow lens or other accessories that may increase exposure times.As customary with all Sky-Watcher products, the Maksutov series includes a bundle of accessories, including: 28mm 2-inch eyepiece, 2-inch 90-degree star diagonal, and a 9x50 straight-through finderscope.
Sky-Watcher’s premiere line of Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes create a perfect blend of aperture and lightweight portability. This telescope design has a reputation for sharp, high-contrast views, ideal for planetary observation. Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes serve as an alternative to Schmidt-Cassegrains and Newtonians, and offer astronomers a large visual aperture, high contrast, and long focal length in a compact package. Maksutov’s deliver better planetary detail than other telescopes due to a focal length that’s 5-7 times longer, increasing overall magnification. Maksutov-Cassegrains also use a meniscus-shaped corrector plate, eliminating any spherical aberration caused by the primary mirror. Our Maksutov series telescopes deliver refractor-like views and superior contrast while allowing for larger apertures at a fraction of the cost. Our Maksutov series features a borosilicate primary mirror with an aluminum coating and a quartz overcoat, producing 94% reflectivity. The corrector plate utilizes our proprietary Metallic High -Transmission Coatings (MHTC ), giving visual astronomers professional-grade optics creating a unique viewing experience.In addition to the visual benefits of Sky-Watcher Maksutovs, these serve as excellent optical tubes for imaging planetary, lunar, or solar (with use of a solar filter). For astronomers looking to start in astrophotography, the Sky-Watcher Maksutovs deliver exceptionally long focal lengths, necessary for imaging planetary detail. This provides an increased image scale, forgoing the need of a barlow lens or other accessories that may increase exposure times.As customary with all Sky-Watcher products, the Maksutov series includes a bundle of accessories, including: 28mm 2-inch eyepiece, 2-inch 90-degree star diagonal, and a 9x50 straight-through finderscope.
Sky-Watcher’s premiere line of Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes create a perfect blend of aperture and lightweight portability. This telescope design has a reputation for sharp, high-contrast views, ideal for planetary observation. Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes serve as an alternative to Schmidt-Cassegrains and Newtonians, and offer astronomers a large visual aperture, high contrast, and long focal length in a compact package. Maksutov’s deliver better planetary detail than other telescopes due to a focal length that’s 5-7 times longer, increasing overall magnification. Maksutov-Cassegrains also use a meniscus-shaped corrector plate, eliminating any spherical aberration caused by the primary mirror. Our Maksutov series telescopes deliver refractor-like views and superior contrast while allowing for larger apertures at a fraction of the cost. Our Maksutov series features a borosilicate primary mirror with an aluminum coating and a quartz overcoat, producing 94% reflectivity. The corrector plate utilizes our proprietary Metallic High -Transmission Coatings (MHTC ), giving visual astronomers professional-grade optics creating a unique viewing experience.In addition to the visual benefits of Sky-Watcher Maksutovs, these serve as excellent optical tubes for imaging planetary, lunar, or solar (with use of a solar filter). For astronomers looking to start in astrophotography, the Sky-Watcher Maksutovs deliver exceptionally long focal lengths, necessary for imaging planetary detail. This provides an increased image scale, forgoing the need of a barlow lens or other accessories that may increase exposure times.As customary with all Sky-Watcher products, the Maksutov series includes a bundle of accessories, including: 28mm 2-inch eyepiece, 2-inch 90-degree star diagonal, and a 9x50 straight-through finderscope.
in 5 offers
The lowest price for Skywatcher 150/1800 F12 Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope right now is $1,371.13 at Camera Concepts & Telescope Solutions, compared across 5 retailers.
The all-time low was $695.57 on 6 May 2026 — today's price is 97% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 17 Aug 2026.
Last updated at 17/08/2026 16:12:46
Sky-Watcher Sky-Watcher Skymax Maksutov-Cassegrain 150mm
Sky-Watcher Black Diamond Maksutov 150mm OTA Telescope for Astronomy
Delivery between 18–27 Aug $25
Skywatcher S11530 Maksutov-cassegrain 150mm (black)
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Sky-Watcher Skymax 150mm Maksutov-Cassegrain - Large Aperture Compound-Style Reflector Telescope
Delivery between 22–26 Aug $35.88
Sky-Watcher Skymax Mak 150 PRO 150/1800mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Large Aperture Compound Style
Delivery $1,027.85
originally posted on adorama.com
For a smaller aperture than I'm used to using, this little scope packs a punch at 6". The optics are superb, colors pure, field perfectly flat. I also own a TPO 10" Truss RC, but it's big and bulky and susceptible to breezes for short exposure astrophotography. I bought this little Sky-Watcher beauty because even in breezy conditions, its profile and weight keep it from being moved around much. At this price, and with optics of this quality (for which Sky-Watcher is well known in all their scopes), it's impossible to go wrong, especially for portable setups.
originally posted on telescopesplus.com
I have been a telescope owner for over 25 years. I've had every scope design. This model has fine optics. I have an excellent 8" SCT and a 10" Custom Newtonian. These both bring in more light, but this model has better contrast overall and gives decent deep sky views that other than the very faint objects, is satisfactory. I have a 4" achromatic refractor which is ultra sharp, but is limited to lunar and solar observation and planetary viewing out to Jupiter and is more cumbersome to set up and handle. Atmosphere permitting, I have bumped this model up to 375x .... It cruises at 200x. You will not be disappointed with the views of Jupiter and Saturn. The most important aspect of this scope is that the set up and take down are a breeze and you can view all night from ... MoreI have been a telescope owner for over 25 years. I've had every scope design. This model has fine optics. I have an excellent 8" SCT and a 10" Custom Newtonian. These both bring in more light, but this model has better contrast overall and gives decent deep sky views that other than the very faint objects, is satisfactory. I have a 4" achromatic refractor which is ultra sharp, but is limited to lunar and solar observation and planetary viewing out to Jupiter and is more cumbersome to set up and handle. Atmosphere permitting, I have bumped this model up to 375x .... It cruises at 200x. You will not be disappointed with the views of Jupiter and Saturn. The most important aspect of this scope is that the set up and take down are a breeze and you can view all night from a chair... speaking from experience that is definitely a plus. It holds collimation better than my SCT or Newtonian... as a matter of fact, I haven't had to collimate it at all... I would suggest using a very sturdy equatorial mount. I have a CG-4 mount and I would say that this scope pushes the capacity to its limits, so you might want to go one step up, i.e. CG-5 or equivalent.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Amazing telescope. Unfortunately not clear enough skies to give a in depth review. I ordered this telescope and only 2 day later it arrived at my door! Awesome job. Highly recommend b and H to Canadian consumer
| Eyepiece lens description | Barlow |
| Objective lens diameter | 150 Millimeters |
| Telescope mount description | alt-alt-mount |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone |
| Mounting Hardware | Diagonal, Eyepeice, Finder |
Sky-Watcher Sky-Watcher Skymax Maksutov-Cassegrain 150mm
Sky-Watcher Black Diamond Maksutov 150mm OTA Telescope for Astronomy
Delivery between 18–27 Aug $25
Skywatcher S11530 Maksutov-cassegrain 150mm (black)
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Sky-Watcher Skymax 150mm Maksutov-Cassegrain - Large Aperture Compound-Style Reflector Telescope
Delivery between 22–26 Aug $35.88
Sky-Watcher Skymax Mak 150 PRO 150/1800mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Large Aperture Compound Style
Delivery $1,027.85
For a smaller aperture than I'm used to using, this little scope packs a punch at 6". The optics are superb, colors pure, field perfectly flat. I also own a TPO 10" Truss RC, but it's big and bulky and susceptible to breezes for short exposure astrophotography. I bought this little Sky-Watcher beauty because even in breezy conditions, its profile and weight keep it from being moved around much. At this price, and with optics of this quality (for which Sky-Watcher is well known in all their scopes), it's impossible to go wrong, especially for portable setups.
I have been a telescope owner for over 25 years. I've had every scope design. This model has fine optics. I have an excellent 8" SCT and a 10" Custom Newtonian. These both bring in more light, but this model has better contrast overall and gives decent deep sky views that other than the very faint objects, is satisfactory. I have a 4" achromatic refractor which is ultra sharp, but is limited to lunar and solar observation and planetary viewing out to Jupiter and is more cumbersome to set up and handle. Atmosphere permitting, I have bumped this model up to 375x .... It cruises at 200x. You will not be disappointed with the views of Jupiter and Saturn. The most important aspect of this scope is that the set up and take down are a breeze and you can view all night from ... MoreI have been a telescope owner for over 25 years. I've had every scope design. This model has fine optics. I have an excellent 8" SCT and a 10" Custom Newtonian. These both bring in more light, but this model has better contrast overall and gives decent deep sky views that other than the very faint objects, is satisfactory. I have a 4" achromatic refractor which is ultra sharp, but is limited to lunar and solar observation and planetary viewing out to Jupiter and is more cumbersome to set up and handle. Atmosphere permitting, I have bumped this model up to 375x .... It cruises at 200x. You will not be disappointed with the views of Jupiter and Saturn. The most important aspect of this scope is that the set up and take down are a breeze and you can view all night from a chair... speaking from experience that is definitely a plus. It holds collimation better than my SCT or Newtonian... as a matter of fact, I haven't had to collimate it at all... I would suggest using a very sturdy equatorial mount. I have a CG-4 mount and I would say that this scope pushes the capacity to its limits, so you might want to go one step up, i.e. CG-5 or equivalent.
Amazing telescope. Unfortunately not clear enough skies to give a in depth review. I ordered this telescope and only 2 day later it arrived at my door! Awesome job. Highly recommend b and H to Canadian consumer
I had entertained the idea of getting a scope for quite a while. Finally took the plunge. The Skywatcher Mak seems to be a quality unit. First views of the full moon with binoviewer were amazing. Saw rings of Saturn for the first time. Saw Hercules and Wild Duck clusters too. Full moon pretty much drowned out everything else though. I think I made a good choice with this scope.
Having owned a Sky-Watcher dobsonian, I knew to expect a quality build on the OTA. I have not been disappointed with this scope. The Schott glass performs admirably. I put it through its paces at a star party that I held for my students and their parents. Great contrast, stars are crisp and bright. Jupiter shines. The Trapezium came out like diamonds in the Orion Nebula. All this was viewed with a 30mm GSO Super View. Everyone was suitably impressed. If you're looking for a portable all around scope for planets, Messiers, etc, this OTA should do nicely.And a shout out to the High Point staff who answered all my questions, didn't try to up sell me, and delivered a great product with excellent customer service. I've made a few purchases from them, and they've never ... MoreHaving owned a Sky-Watcher dobsonian, I knew to expect a quality build on the OTA. I have not been disappointed with this scope. The Schott glass performs admirably. I put it through its paces at a star party that I held for my students and their parents. Great contrast, stars are crisp and bright. Jupiter shines. The Trapezium came out like diamonds in the Orion Nebula. All this was viewed with a 30mm GSO Super View. Everyone was suitably impressed. If you're looking for a portable all around scope for planets, Messiers, etc, this OTA should do nicely.And a shout out to the High Point staff who answered all my questions, didn't try to up sell me, and delivered a great product with excellent customer service. I've made a few purchases from them, and they've never let me down. Once I placed an order for something that hadn't been marked out of stock. When I let them know it was something I needed for my students they had their supplier ship to me direct, and didn't charge me for the shipping. Service like that keeps me coming back.
I had a nightmare accident a few nights ago when the scope slipped out of the saddle onto my concrete driveway. It fell about two feet while I was doing the declination balancing on my CGEM II mount. Not only did it survive with a couple nicks on the collar. It had fallen onto the diagonal which got most of the shock. I put it back on the saddle, really tightened those bolts. I found a tiny star and checked collimation on both sides of focus and got concentric circles that showed the scope was still collimated and operational. I did not expect that. I was lucky this time and I will be extra careful to make sure the vixen is locked in. This scope is rear-end heavy, especially if you're using the 2 inch eyepieces which can be hefty.
The scope arrived in near perfect collimation. I have had it out three times observing a variety of objects (double stars, galaxies, Jupiter and comet Johnson). I found it to be a decent performer on double stars, but it lost contrast on Jupiter above magnifications of 180X. Brighter galaxies like M65/M66 and M51 seemed dim even at a darker sky site. Maybe the mirror and lens coatings don't have a very high light throughput? My 4" Tak fluorite doublet outperformed it on about every target at similar magnifications.
I finally got a chance to use the 150 mm this Monday evening. I'm impressed! It's built like a tank! The first thing I checked was the collimation. I was worried that it being shipped from California to East Pennsylvania and back to Arizona, it would be out of wack. The diffraction ring were centered! With a three day old Moon, I wasn't trying for deep sky objects. I did pick out the galaxy M51 and it's companion pretty easily. The Moon was sharp and flat, right to the edge. I did detect a very, very slight bit of color at the moon's edge, but hardly noticeable. Jupiter was observed during twilight, with average seeing. Plenty of cloud detail could be seen. The Galilean Moons looked like disks instead of stars. I did notice some mirror shift when focusing. ( more ... MoreI finally got a chance to use the 150 mm this Monday evening. I'm impressed! It's built like a tank! The first thing I checked was the collimation. I was worried that it being shipped from California to East Pennsylvania and back to Arizona, it would be out of wack. The diffraction ring were centered! With a three day old Moon, I wasn't trying for deep sky objects. I did pick out the galaxy M51 and it's companion pretty easily. The Moon was sharp and flat, right to the edge. I did detect a very, very slight bit of color at the moon's edge, but hardly noticeable. Jupiter was observed during twilight, with average seeing. Plenty of cloud detail could be seen. The Galilean Moons looked like disks instead of stars. I did notice some mirror shift when focusing. ( more than my 8" Celestron SCT ) For me that's no big deal. Lastly, I checked out a few double stars. Excellent contrast! A nice dark background. ( much better than the SCT ) Many people complain about the cool down time with Maks. I didn't have an issue with this. But then again in Tucson, you don't observe much in 10 degree temperatures. ( I'm from Syracuse,NY. and I know about cold.) This is a great scope. Can say anything more.Vince Tramazzo
Just got my Mak Cas from BH, the scope is everything I hoped for. Having come from a 5 SCT at 1250mm, this scope brings things a lot closer and remarkably clear and bright despite it being F12 vs F10. I don't see a difference, and truly it isn't that much to even worry about as I am able to see everything I saw before from my red-zone light polluted driveway. The culmination was spot on (no pun intended), the accessories (diagonal, 28mm eyepiece, and 2 to 1/25 adapter) were welcomed additions knowing I didn't have to buy them; although, I have already purchased additional upgraded lenses and will replace the diagonal shortly. The Scope mounts nicely on my Celestron AVX. Hope this helps you decided, if you do get this, you will enjoy.
the SW 150 mak that I purchased from High Point Scientific after 4 nights of use is just great, it has sharp images in the eyepieces that I use and the back grounds are inky black.It is also easy to get in and out to view with and very easy to travel with.I would recommened this scope to anyone for price quality and portability.I would like to say that High POint Scientific is a great company to deal with on any of their products and I have bought lots of equipment from them.the final decision on any equipment purchase rests with the buyer so do yourself a favor and deal with High Point Scientific, just my thoughts.FreddyH NE ohio
| Eyepiece lens description | Barlow |
| Objective lens diameter | 150 Millimeters |
| Telescope mount description | alt-alt-mount |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphone |
| Mounting Hardware | Diagonal, Eyepeice, Finder |
