Which one is the Budget King? Refractor vs Maksutov-Cassegrain

This is an in depth comparison between the Maksutov-Cassegrain SkyMax 102 and Refractor EvoStar 90. Which one is the better telescope for planetary observations?
⬇️ More Information down below ⬇️

Contents of this video:
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Refractors vs Maksutov-Cassegrain design
3:41 - EvoStar 90 vs SkyMax 102
11:50 - Conclusion

SkyMax 102

EvoStar 90

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[damienremwick]

What really surprises me about this Sky-Watcher refractor is how well controlled its chromatic aberration is. It is certainly far less than one might expect, so much so that on the Moon I struggle to see it. Mind you, the objective's clear aperture is actually 87mm, which brings the focal ratio closer to f/10.5 than f/10, and that has to help reduce the false colour. And yes, I too find this refractor sharper than my Maksutov-Cassegrain (a Sicong 105mm f/13), though I intend to try flocking that instrument's primary baffle tube to see whether that improves its contrast. Anyway -- thanks, Bogdan, for this comparison and your previous reviews of the two telescopes.

[lornaz]

I have both of these scopes. When I pull them both out to compare them I always put the Skymax back in its case and observe with the refractor.

[AndyinMokum]

I have both the SkyMax 102 and its bigger sibling, the SkyMax 127. I use a SkyWatcher EQM-35 PRO SynScan GoTo mount. Both my MAKS are awesome. I highly recommend them for planetary and lunar observation. Fit a planetary camera to them and you've got yourselves a beast.

[_-pingas-]

I recommend the evostar as not only will it give you a sharper image as he says, you won’t have to worry about blurry views that I have noticed with my 750p.

[Tataouine]

Merci Damian pour toutes tes vidéos comparatifs de telescopes👍👍👍

[Astronurd]

I think that image quality is superior in the Mak, although the contrast as expected is better in the refractor.

[paganphil]

I ordered a Mak102 about half an hour before I found this video....I should receive it tomorrow or the next day from FLO.

[BjørjaBear]

I have the 127 Mak, but I often find myself grabbing my old 7x50 Tesco binos from the 70s. The Mak is wicked on the moon and the planets, but on the Hyades and the Pleiades, I like the binos.

[MarcoRizzinelli]

I have mak 102 in EQ2 i like it very much very portable very light

[MazzifLOL]

Just mounted my 102mm Mak on ym Sky-Watcher GTi. What a combo

[michaelklemm-abraham]

Resolution of the Skymax is wrong. It is 1.13 arcseconds. This also makes more sense because resolution is mostly dependent on aperture, so the maksutov would have to win.

[evitapepperoni]

Thank you for this great video! Is there a Sky-watcher suitable for begginers that is sharp to see planets, brighter elements, comets and deep space elements, with low or none chromatic aberrations?

[yasserafifi]

Great video as usual! i subbed to your channel :). I have a question regarding eyepices. I ordered a 10inch Omegeon dob and I want to get a planetary EP for around 200 euros. which one would you recommend? also for deep space, which one would you recommend for 200 euros. I am considering the SWAN 32 as per your review. But would 40mm be a better/more immersive option? thanks a lot :)

[palmereldrich]

Get the 'budget' ED 100mm from Sky-Watcher at F/9 it is not a good AP scope but visually you'll never be disappointed. You REALLY need to spend 4figures for a great scope experience, unfortunately. And BTW that should be an apo !!
Good vids !!

[georgesimeonov]

Did you maybe make a mistake in the resolving capacity of the Skymax? All sources show 1.13 arcsec.

[kennethdorn]

Greetings Bogdan, seeking to better understand the difference between two refractors one f/11, the other f/6.5. I get that an f/11 is 'slower' and therefore better suited for viewing planets than DSOs, but does that preclude refractors with f/6.5 being suitable for viewing planets?

[kevingumfory]

I looked at a newt mak for a wk or 2 ... particularly the carbon fiber one. I forget the manufacturer. Man that thing took beautiful beautiful pictures. I can't find it tho in an 8" or more aperture.

[linou]

hello bogdan hiw are you? im alain ftom Lyon.can you tell me what do uou think about omegon oculaire Panorama II 15mm 2"?do you advice me to buy it? thx

[MR.MR.]

Question about eyeeyepieceses, Does the FoV of the eyepiece affect the qualaty of the object ? for ex. 10mm eyepiece whith 51* fov VS a 10mm whith 100* fov ?

[palmereldrich]

Do an apo to Maksutov comparison Bogdan❤