Orion StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope Small But Powerful Portable Telescope for Adult & Family Stargazing of Moon, Planets & More
The Orion 10022 StarMax TableTop Telescope, a compact Maksutov-Cassegrain, delivers remarkable views despite its modest size. Boasting a long 1250mm focal length and gathering over 25% more light than comparable scopes, it offers impressive planetary details, vivid lunar landscapes, and opens a door to the wonders of the Milky Way. Its stability, ease of assembly, and adaptability for different mounts make it an appealing choice for both beginners and seasoned stargazers.
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Features & Functionality
Image credit: Orion
The Orion 10022 StarMax TableTop Telescope embodies a blend of powerful optics and convenient functionality. Despite its compact size, it offers an impressive 90mm aperture, gathering ample light for breathtaking views of celestial wonders. The long focal length of 1250mm and included 25mm and 10mm eyepieces provide substantial magnification powers of 50x and 125x, respectively. This feature alone allows users to explore lunar landscapes with intricate details, observe Saturn’s rings, and marvel at the moons of Jupiter.
In addition to its planetary prowess, this telescope reveals its versatility when turning its gaze toward deeper cosmic treasures. It’s capable of capturing open and globular star clusters, offering glimpses of distant nebulae and even presenting some brighter galaxies. The inclusion of accessories like the EZ Finder II reflex sight and the 90-degree correct image diagonal further enhance the user’s experience by aiding in easy aiming and providing comfortable nighttime viewing, respectively.
One notable aspect is its adaptable base—a stable swivel base, securely attached via a quick-release dovetail mount with adjustable altitude tension. This configuration allows the tube assembly to be detached effortlessly from the base, enabling users to mount it on an optional photo tripod. Moreover, the small swivel base itself can be mounted on a camera tripod with a 3/8″ screw, augmenting its adaptability for different viewing preferences and locations.
Despite these commendable features, some users might find a learning curve associated with aligning the telescope for accurate celestial object location. While the included accessories suffice for basic functionality, some might opt for aftermarket upgrades or additional tools to streamline the alignment process, especially under light-polluted skies or for improved accuracy when targeting specific celestial bodies.
The Orion StarMax TableTop Telescope stands out as a versatile and powerful instrument, catering to both beginners and seasoned stargazers. Its balance between size, magnification capabilities, and adaptability to different mounts makes it an attractive choice for those seeking a reliable and portable telescope for their astronomical adventures. However, it’s essential to note that exploring the full potential of this telescope might require additional accessories or a learning curve to maximize its capabilities.
Design & Build Quality
With an 11.1-inch optical tube and weighing merely 6.5 pounds when assembled, the StarMax TableTop Telescope strikes a balance between portability and performance. The stable swivel base and dovetail mount offer versatility, allowing for easy detachment and potential use with different tripods. While it excels in stability, some might find it slightly cumbersome for solo use due to its weight.
Power & Performance
The Orion 10022 StarMax TableTop Telescope impresses with its power and performance, offering a remarkable viewing experience despite its compact size. Its 90mm aperture Maksutov-Cassegrain optics gather substantial light, providing clear and detailed images of celestial objects. This telescope’s standout feature is its ability to deliver stunning views of the Moon and bright planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.
The long focal length of 1250mm allows for substantial magnification, rendering planetary features with impressive clarity. Observers can appreciate intricate details on the lunar surface, including craters and mountains, while witnessing the cloud bands of Jupiter or the rings of Saturn in striking detail. The telescope’s optics also lend themselves well to planetary observations, revealing the phases of Venus or the polar ice caps of Mars.
Moreover, its capability extends beyond our immediate planetary neighbors. The 90mm aperture, though modest, enables the capture of deep-sky objects like globular clusters and certain galaxies. While it may not compete with larger telescopes in light-gathering ability, this telescope’s portability and compact design make it a convenient option for those interested in exploring a variety of celestial wonders.
However, its performance might be affected by light pollution in urban areas, affecting the clarity of fainter deep-sky objects. Users in such environments may find it challenging to observe faint galaxies or nebulae due to the limited light-gathering capacity of the 90mm aperture.
The telescope’s stable base and adaptable mounting options contribute to its performance, providing a sturdy foundation for observation sessions. The inclusion of accessories like the EZ Finder II reflex sight aids in aligning the telescope for precise targeting, enhancing the overall user experience.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Orion 10022 StarMax TableTop Telescope?
For stargazing enthusiasts seeking a balance between power and portability, the Orion StarMax TableTop Telescope presents an excellent option. Its ability to provide remarkable views of celestial objects, ease of assembly, and adaptability for various mounts make it suitable for beginners or as a secondary telescope for experienced users. While there might be a learning curve, especially with alignment, the potential for awe-inspiring views of the night sky makes it a worthwhile investment for those eager to explore the cosmos. Consider potential upgrades for the finder scope for smoother alignment experiences.
