Sky-Watcher 127/1500 AZ-Go2 Explorer

The Sky-Watcher 127/1500 AZ-Go2 Explorer is a powerful visual telescope for anyone who wants to do more than simply find the planets, this is a telescope for spending time actually exploring them.

Its 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optics and long 1500mm focal length are particularly well suited to targets where fine detail matters. Saturn's rings become unmistakable through the eyepiece, Jupiter reveals its prominent cloud belts and four Galilean moons, Venus displays its changing phases, and Mars can reveal polar and darker surface detail when favourably positioned.

Then there is the Moon. Crater walls, central peaks, mountain ranges, ridges and long shadows turn the lunar surface into an extraordinary landscape that changes from one observing night to the next.

The supplied 25mm and 10mm eyepieces give 60x and 150x magnification, providing an excellent observing range straight out of the box. At 150x, the telescope begins to show exactly why the 127mm Maksutov has such a strong reputation for lunar and planetary observing.

There is plenty beyond the Solar System too. Bright globular clusters, planetary nebulae, double stars and selected brighter deep-sky objects add considerably more to explore.

The long 1500mm optical path is folded inside a relatively short Maksutov tube, giving you substantial focal length without a physically long telescope. The front corrector also closes the optical tube, helping protect the internal mirrors from dust and the outside environment.

The AZ-Go2 mount then removes much of the work involved in finding and following what you want to see. Once aligned, select a target through the SynScan app and the telescope moves towards it automatically. Motorised tracking then keeps the object in view as the Earth turns.

That tracking is especially valuable at higher magnification. Instead of continually nudging Saturn or Jupiter back into the eyepiece, you can concentrate on the moments of steady atmosphere when the finest detail suddenly snaps into view.

Why Choose the Sky-Watcher 127/1500 AZ-Go2 Explorer?

• 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain optics — excellent contrast and resolving capability for detailed visual astronomy.
• Outstanding Moon and planet viewing — explore Saturn's rings, Jupiter's belts and moons, Venus's phases, Mars and intricate lunar detail.
• 1500mm focal length — ideally suited to bringing smaller astronomical targets closer.
• 60x and 150x included — two genuinely useful magnifications from the supplied 25mm and 10mm eyepieces.
• Wi-Fi GoTo finding — choose a target through the SynScan app and let the motorised mount point the telescope towards it.
• Automatic tracking — keeps your target in view while you observe.
• Compact Maksutov design — long focal length without a long optical tube.
• Useful deep-sky capability — explore bright globular clusters, planetary nebulae, double stars and other selected deep-sky objects.
• Smartphone adapter included — adds a simple way to experiment with capturing suitable bright targets.
• Stainless-steel tripod — provides a solid observing platform.
• 5-year Sky-Watcher warranty.

What Can You See?

The 127mm Maksutov gives the Solar System centre stage.

Saturn is one of astronomy's unforgettable sights. Its ring system is clearly separated from the planet, and the Cassini Division between the main rings can become visible when atmospheric conditions are steady.

Jupiter offers an entirely different view. Its four bright Galilean moons continually change position around the planet, while the main equatorial cloud belts are clearly visible and finer atmospheric features can emerge during good seeing.

Mars becomes most rewarding when it is favourably positioned and closer to Earth, when its polar region and darker surface markings may become visible.

Venus shows no surface features through a telescope, but its changing phases — from a small fuller disc to a larger crescent — provide a striking demonstration of its orbit around the Sun.

And the Moon can keep you observing for years. Craters that appear almost flat under a high Sun become dramatically sculpted by shadow near the lunar terminator, revealing crater rims, central mountains, valleys and ridges in remarkable detail.

Beyond the planets, bright double stars, compact clusters, planetary nebulae and brighter deep-sky objects broaden the observing considerably.

GoTo That Lets You Concentrate on the View

The AZ-Go2 system doesn't simply tell you where an object is. The motorised mount actually moves the telescope towards the selected target and then tracks it.

Once the mount is aligned, use the SynScan app on a compatible smartphone or tablet to choose what you want to observe.

This is particularly useful with a telescope capable of 150x straight out of the box. At higher magnification objects cross the eyepiece more quickly, so automatic tracking means more time studying the view and less time repositioning the telescope.

It also makes sharing the telescope easier — Saturn can still be sitting in the eyepiece when the next person steps up for a look.

FAQ's

What is the Sky-Watcher 127/1500 AZ-Go2 particularly good for?

The Moon and planets are major strengths. Its 127mm Maksutov optics and long 1500mm focal length are ideal for observing Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus and detailed lunar features, while its aperture also gives you worthwhile access to brighter deep-sky objects.

Is the 127/1500 AZ-Go2 suitable as a first telescope?

Yes. It has enough optical performance to remain rewarding well beyond the beginner stage, while the GoTo mount makes finding and tracking objects considerably easier for someone starting out.

Can I really see Saturn's rings and detail on Jupiter?

Yes. Saturn's rings are clearly visible, while Jupiter shows its four major moons and prominent cloud belts. Under good atmospheric conditions, additional planetary detail can become visible.

Does the telescope find and track objects automatically?

Yes. Once aligned, select an object in the SynScan app and the motorised mount moves towards it. It then continues tracking the object as the sky moves.

Does the telescope require power?

Yes. The AZ-Go2 mount can be powered by a compatible 12V DC supply or AA batteries. Neither is supplied.

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

• 127mm 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

Download the Maksutov Manual