Name: Used Sky-Watcher Virtuoso Versatile Mount with 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope & Computertized GoTo system undefined
Brand: Sky-Watcher
SKU: US1385867
Price: 225.00 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 4.67 (3 reviews)

Sky-Watcher Virtuoso Versatile Mount with 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope & Computertized GoTo system

Sky-Watcher Virtuoso Versatile Mount with 90mm ...

Sky-Watcher

Adorama

Sky-Watcher Virtuoso Versatile Mount 

Open Box: Used Sky-Watcher Virtuoso Versatile Mount with 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope & Computertized GoTo system undefined

Using the same precision technology that allows our telescopes to track tiny stars across the sky, the Virtuoso Versatile Mount is a powerful tool for photographers and videographers alike. This super steady mount can capture stunning panoramic photos or smooth panning video. You can use Virtuoso with just about any camera or camcorder, from your DSLR to your iPhone. We've also included a 90 mm optical tube and two eyepieces for astronomical observing.  Easy Control and Synscan Compatible  Virtuoso features Sky-Watcher's patented Freedom Find dual-encoder technology that allows the scope to be manually moved on either axis without losing alignment or positional information, providing incredible freedom and convenience. With the addition of the optional Sky-Watcher SynScan hand controller, the Virtuoso has access to a database of over 42,900 celestial objects that can be automatically located and tracked throughout the night sky  A Complete Photography Package  Included brackets make it possible to use a variety of devices and preset modes to capture the world around you, with your DSLR, camcorder or cell phone. Take photographs automatically with your DSLR at up to six preset positions. The mount stops at each predetermined position and automatically triggers the camera's shutter release. Or take automatic long distance panoramas, up to 360 degrees. Photo and video cruising allow you to record panning video with up to six programmable stopping points.  Also, included with the Virtuoso are a full aperture white light Solar filter and solar finder for safe viewing of the sun.

Used Sky-Watcher Virtuoso Versatile Mount with 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope & Computertized GoTo system undefined

An important caveat to the description of this product: the Virtuoso mount is most decidedly NOT a computerized GoTo system straight out of the box. It does have some nice ?computerized? features for panoramic photos and different tracking speeds that can be controlled with the built-in keypad but it will NOT work as a typical GoTo mount without the addition of an optional accessory. 

That being said, I really do love this little mount. With the addition of the SynScan Wi-Fi adapter (nominally an additional $65 from Adorama) it can be upgraded to a serviceable GoTo mount which is controlled from your iPhone or Android phone with a free app. 

But wait, there?s more! With a little research I was able to use my laptop to control the mount through the free Stellarium planetarium program. (Any ASCOM linked program should work, in theory but YMMV.)  I use the Virtuoso to mount my Canon DSLR and am able to not only control the mount but (by using the APT program) with Stellarium, I can do plate solving to ?automagically? determine exactly where my camera is pointed and sync the mount so alignment is almost painless. This is a BIG DEAL because the view of the sky from my back patio is severely limited, especially with respect to the standard alignment stars at any given time. 

All things considered, definitely 5 stars for this little gem. Just be aware you?re looking at additional expense to get GoTo functionality. If that?s what you want in a highly portable tabletop mount, go for it!  But I recommend considering that total price point in regard to other entry level GoTos? size, payload, and optics features before deciding.

Nice Little Mount but Additional Adapter Needed for True GoTo Functionality

I specifically wanted a 4" Mak with a motorized but NOT computerized mount for simple backyard planetgazing. After doing a lot of research on the mount I found this -- and bonus, it comes with a rather good Mak tube (a couple online forums sung its praises, so I was confident when ordering). My viewing with it is urban-seeing-limited (i.e., the 'scope is fine) and the mount tracks wonderfully even when only hurredly aligned with Polaris. The included eyepieces are okay, but you'll be happier with a couple low-end Plossls, and the solar filter is a great addition. I expected the mount motor to be a battery hog, but so far it's been gentle on my NiMH batteries.

ideal backyard scope

I bought this device to make panoramic pictures and do some astronomical photography. It functions either as a camera directional control or as a telescope. Use the included brackets to attach your camera with standard tripod mount, then program this device to rotate and tilt in whatever order you want. You can even mount a DSLR on the lower mount and use an extension to mount a GoPro above it and take pictures/video with both cameras simultaneously. The included telescope allows you to track astronomical objects automatically. If you buy a separate T-Mount adapter, you can hang a camera on the end to take pictures rather than just look through it.
It does everything I have wanted to but I have not used the telescope for astronomical pictures yet.
The major point I think you need to consider is whether you have a suitable platform for astronomy. Although there is a tripod mount on the bottom, it's intended to be used as a table-top device, with leveling feet, etc. If you don't have a suitable platform, you may want to consider a similar device intended for tripod use.
The motion control switches work fine but it seems odd that the button panel moves with rotational controls. That means the buttons move as you press them to rotate the camera/telescope position.
Overall, it's a nice device and an excellent value