Looking for a compact telescope for detailed views of the Moon and planets? The SVBONY MK105 Pro Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is designed for observers who want to explore lunar craters, planetary details, and other celestial sights with a compact optical setup.

But how does it perform in actual use? We invited Francisco Perez to put the MK105 Pro to the test and share their hands-on experience with the telescope. Let’s take a look at their feedback!

Francisco's MK105 Pro Review

MK105 Pro first impressions

I got the mk105 pro. I was well packed in a double box.The telescope is well finished and has no plastic parts.There are a few differences between this and the original version. It looks a little longer but that’s only my perception, since I don’t have the original anymore to compare them.

The inside blackening looks great and seems to work better eliminating light reflections. The scope came pretty well collimated as seen in this out focus image.

 Visual Performance and Focusing

Visually I didn´t find any chromatic aberrations, but the FOV is small. Like looking through a straw.

The views are a little dark, especially when looking at deep space objects, but the moon and planets views are amazing and sharp.

I also tested it on the sun, using a white light filter and the sunspots were clearly visible.

The image shifting is minimal while focusing, but it is noticeable. Is there a way to reduce it even more?

The focuser is really smooth but, being an mk127 user, I really missed thedouble focuser nob. I wish this little mak also had it.

The Moon and the planets

Visually, this mak excels in planetary views, but due to its limited aperture it only lets you use up to a 10mm eyepiece, going to higher magnification will make the views blurry and dark.

Looking a the moon is a pleasure. I was also able to observe Saturn and Jupiter.

There the views were better at lower magnifications, using a 21mm eyepiece.

I would love to try this mak with a 2 inch diagonal and see if the FOV improves.

However, the back end of the mk105 and the mk127 are not compatible.I´ll see if I can make it work any other way.

Imaging the moon was so easy with this telescope. However, the full moon will not fit in the FOV using a M43 sensor size like the SV405cc.

It would probably fit in an APSC sensor like the upcoming SC715.

MK105 + asi294mc pro (350 frames)

MK105 + Sv305 (350 frames) MK105 + Sv305 (350 frames)

Mk 105 + Sv305 (500 frames) Mk105 + Sv305 (500 frames)

Deep space with this telescope?

I know this telescope is not intended for deep space photography but I gave it a try. The first thing I noticed is that the vignetting using a Micro four thirds sensor is minimal compared to the first version.

The telescope is f/13.3 so it is slow for astrophotography. It would be nice if a reducer for this mak were produced.

I captured 20 minutes on the Orion Nebula and the first light shows that the telescope is pretty flat. The stars look better than I imagined.

However, using this OTA with narrow band filters would be less productive due to its high focal ratio.

Mk105 + asi294mc pro (4 x 300s uncalibrated)

All in all, this telescope is great, especially for lunar, solar, and planetary viewing and imaging. I would love to see a double focuser in the final version and maybe, have a reducer for it. One more thing, two of the plastic caps (collimating screws covers) came loose.

Our Take on the SVBONY MK105 Pro

What Works Well

• Sharp Lunar and Planetary Views:The MK105 Pro delivers impressive detail when observing the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn, making it particularly suitable for lunar and planetary observation.
• Good Optical Quality:The reviewer found no noticeable chromatic aberration during visual observation. The internal blackening also appears effective at reducing unwanted light reflections.
• Smooth Focusing:The focuser operates smoothly, with only minimal but noticeable image shift during focusing.
• Enjoyable Lunar Imaging:Capturing the Moon with the MK105 Pro was straightforward, and the telescope also showed promising results in a test image of the Orion Nebula.
• Improved Vignetting Performance:When using a Micro Four Thirds sensor, the reviewer observed less vignetting than with the original version.

A Few Considerations

• Narrow Field of View:The limited field of view can make the viewing experience feel restrictive, particularly when observing larger celestial objects.
• Magnification Limitations:Higher magnifications can produce dimmer, blurrier views. Choosing an appropriate eyepiece is important for getting the best results.
• Deep-Sky Imaging:With its f/13.3 focal ratio, the MK105 Pro is relatively slow for astrophotography, especially when using narrowband filters.
• Focusing and Accessories:Image shift is noticeable during focusing, and the reviewer would prefer a dual-speed focuser. Compatibility with a 2-inch diagonal also remains an unresolved question.

Summary

Overall, the MK105 Pro is a strong choice for astronomy enthusiasts who prioritize sharp lunar and planetary views in a compact telescope, especially those interested in lunar imaging and solar observation.

While its narrow field of view and slow focal ratio present challenges for deep-sky imaging, it is well suited to observers seeking detailed views of the Moon and planets without a bulky setup.