Sky-Watcher 102/1300 AZ-Go2 Explorer

The Sky-Watcher 102/1300 AZ-Go2 Explorer makes some of the most memorable sights in astronomy remarkably easy to experience.

Its 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optics and long 1300mm focal length are naturally suited to the Moon and planets. Saturn becomes a tiny ringed world rather than simply another point of light, Jupiter reveals its four major moons and dark cloud belts, and Venus clearly displays the phases that Galileo first observed more than four centuries ago.

The Moon provides an almost endless observing landscape. Craters, mountain ranges, ridges and dramatic shadows change continually as sunlight moves across the lunar surface, giving you something different to explore throughout the month.

With the supplied 25mm and 10mm eyepieces you have 52x and 130x magnification immediately available. That gives you a useful progression from wider views to much closer examination of bright astronomical targets.

One of the clever features of the Maksutov-Cassegrain design is that its long focal length is folded inside a very short optical tube. You get the magnification advantages of a 1300mm focal length in a telescope that remains remarkably compact.

The AZ-Go2 mount makes exploring the sky easier again. Once aligned, choose a target through the SynScan app and the motorised mount points the telescope towards it. Once there, tracking follows the object so you can keep observing rather than continually repositioning the telescope.

That combination makes the 102/1300 especially appealing for someone who wants an uncomplicated route into genuine planetary astronomy — not just finding Saturn and Jupiter, but spending time actually looking at them.

Why Choose the Sky-Watcher 102/1300 AZ-Go2 Explorer?

• 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optics — crisp, high-contrast views particularly well suited to the Moon and planets.
• See iconic Solar System sights — Saturn's rings, Jupiter and its moons, Venus's phases and detailed lunar landscapes.
• 1300mm focal length — useful magnification from ordinary eyepieces without a physically long telescope tube.
• 52x and 130x included — a versatile observing range from the supplied 25mm and 10mm eyepieces.
• Wi-Fi GoTo finding — select an object through the SynScan app and let the telescope move towards it.
• Automatic tracking — keeps planets and other targets centred while you observe.
• Compact closed-tube design — easy to accommodate while helping protect the internal mirrors.
• Bright double stars and clusters — plenty to explore beyond the planets.
• Smartphone adapter included — useful for experimenting with simple images of suitable bright targets.
• Stainless-steel tripod — provides a stable observing platform.
• 5-year Sky-Watcher warranty.

What Can You See?

Saturn is one of the great reasons to own a telescope, and its distinctive rings are clearly recognisable through the 102mm Maksutov.

Jupiter shows its four largest moons as bright points strung out around the planet. Return on different nights and their positions will have changed as they orbit Jupiter, while the planet itself shows its prominent atmospheric cloud belts.

Venus provides another fascinating sight as it moves through unmistakable phases, while Mars becomes a small reddish disc when favourably positioned.

The Moon offers considerably more detail than can be appreciated with the naked eye. Crater rims, central peaks, mountains, valleys and sharp shadows become increasingly apparent at higher magnification, particularly around the boundary between lunar day and night.

Bright double stars and compact star clusters provide rewarding targets beyond the Solar System, with brighter nebulae and selected deep-sky objects extending the range further.

The 102mm Maksutov is not primarily designed for huge sweeping fields of stars. Its real strength is making smaller, brighter targets large enough and detailed enough to spend time exploring.

Find It — Then Watch It

For someone new to astronomy, finding an object can sometimes be harder than viewing it.

The AZ-Go2 mount changes that. Once aligned, select the object you want in the SynScan app and the mount automatically turns the telescope towards it.

It then continues tracking as the Earth rotates.

That matters particularly when using 130x on Saturn, Jupiter or the Moon. Rather than repeatedly moving the telescope to keep the target in the eyepiece, you can simply watch.

FAQ's

Is the Sky-Watcher 102/1300 AZ-Go2 suitable for beginners?

Yes. The telescope gives you recognisable and rewarding targets such as the Moon, Saturn and Jupiter, while automatic GoTo finding and tracking remove much of the difficulty of locating and following them.

What is this telescope best at?

The Moon and planets are its natural strengths. Its long 1300mm focal length also suits double stars and other compact bright objects particularly well.

Can I see Saturn's rings?

Yes. Saturn's rings are clearly recognisable through the telescope under normal suitable observing conditions.

Does GoTo mean I don't have to move the telescope myself?

Once aligned, the motorised mount moves towards the object you select in the SynScan app and then tracks it automatically.

Does the telescope require power?

Yes. The AZ-Go2 mount can use a compatible 12V DC power supply or AA batteries. Neither is included.

Sky-Watcher technologies included: - Click here for more details

Warranty - 5 Year Limited Warranty

AZ-Go2 Mount Features

• Wi-Fi GOTO (Optional SynScan Hand Controller sold separately)
• DC12V Voltage
• 1.3kg Mount Weight
• DC Motor

• 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
• AZ-Go2 Mount
• Smartphone Adapter
• 10 and 25mm Super Plossl Eyepieces – 1.25″ Barrel
• 90° Diagonal – 1.25″ Barrel
• Red Dot Finderscope
• Power Requirement: 12v DC Power Supply (Tip Positive, not supplied) or AA Batteries (not supplied)
• Stainless Steel Tripod with Accessory Tray