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Bresser Maksutov 90/1250 telescope: my experience

Freely sharing what to expect from this tiny wonderful stuff!

Scritto da Silicon_Simon.
Venerdì 15 Agosto 2025, 11:50 am.

It was during the lazy days of August vacation when I finally decided to fulfill a childhood dream of mine: owning a real telescope, even though an amateurish one. With some extra free time on my hands and that old sense of wonder about the stars still burning bright, I took the plunge and ordered the Bresser Maksutov 90mm with EQ3 mount.

These are my remarks, with some considerations on how I decided to publish them here...

When I was researching this telescope before purchase, I spent countless hours searching online for detailed reviews. Despite extensive research across search engines, astronomy forums, and social media groups, I struggled to find comprehensive reviews that provided specific information about what's actually included in the package and the real-world performance for someone like me, a beginner interested in planetary observation with smartphone photography aspirations.

After receiving it, I felt compelled to share my detailed experience to help other newcomers to astronomy make an informed decision. Interestingly, when I tried to publish this comprehensive review on the well-known online shop where I purchased the telescope, they wouldn't allow it. Their policy required reviews to focus only on the delivery experience and product condition upon arrival, not actual real-world usage and performance (like I used to do in many reviews before their new guidelines for verbose customers).

This restriction made me realize how much we've lost the original spirit of the internet that I experienced when I first started browsing in the early 1990s. Back then, the web was about sharing knowledge and helping each other rather than feeding data streams for commercial purposes. It was the beautiful hacker ethic that Steven Levy described so eloquently in Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution, a genuine desire to share information freely to benefit the community. Unfortunately, I rarely find this spirit anymore in today's internet landscape.

So here's my attempt to bring back a little of that original sharing culture: an honest, detailed user experience that I hope will genuinely help future buyers make an informed decision.

Unboxing and Shipping Experience

The telescope arrives in two separate packages, which I found to be a practical shipping solution:

Package 1 - Optical Tube:

• Weight: 1.8 kg (4 lbs)
• Dimensions: 33×15×20 cm
• Packaging: Double cardboard box with custom inserts

Package 2 - Tripod and EQ3 Mount:

• Weight: 7 kg (15.4 lbs)
• Dimensions: 107×16×18 cm
• Packaging: Double cardboard box with protective inserts

While the combined weight is substantial, the dimensions are manageable for home storage. The courier delivery went smoothly with no damage thanks to the careful packaging; each component was individually protected.

What's Actually in the Box

Optical Tube Package:

• Maksutov 90mm optical tube
• Safety solar filter
• Red-dot finder with removable battery cover
• Bresser Plössl 26mm eyepiece
• Safety instructions
• Small plastic astrolabe (tiny print but nicely made)
• QR code for free Stellarium software download

Tripod/Mount Package:

• User manual in 14 languages (very compact format)
• Extendable aluminum tripod with plastic fittings
• Screw-on accessory tray for the tripod
• Basic smartphone adapter (essentially a soap dish holder with elastic band)
• Counterweight for balancing
• Complete EQ3 equatorial mount with counterweight bar and fine adjustment screws

Issues Encountered

The only defect I encountered was a broken clamping screw for the optical tube system upon arrival. Fortunately, the threading remained intact, and I easily resolved this by purchasing a replacement M3 6mm knob online at minimal cost.

First Impressions and Performance

Optical Quality

The included Plössl 26mm eyepiece has rather short eye relief but doesn't significantly compromise image sharpness. I tested a 5x Barlow lens, which revealed severe focusing issues, confirming that this configuration exceeds the instrument's physical limitations.

Accessories and Compatibility

The polarizing filter for lunar observation fits correctly into the standard 1.25-inch threading. The red-dot finder calibrates adequately, though it maintains the approximate precision typical of this type of device.

Build Quality

The overall construction quality is satisfactory for the price range, although the numbered rings aren't always perfectly synchronized with the rotating elements, occasionally requiring manual adjustment.

Recommended Modifications and Improvements

Based on my experience, I suggest these improvements:

1. Leveling: Get a bubble level to help properly position the EQ3 mount
2. Dovetail Safety: Insert a screw into the free threading under the tube's dovetail to prevent accidental slipping
3. Surface Protection: Apply electrical tape to the side of the dovetail secured by the screw to increase friction and protect the paint

Final Thoughts

This telescope proves to be a well-balanced choice for those entering amateur astronomy with an interest in planetary observation. The EQ3 mount, once you understand its operation, provides the stability necessary for extended observing sessions. Regarding smartphone photography, the included adapter is basic but functional for initial experiments. Despite some minor, easily resolvable issues, this telescope represents a good quality-to-price compromise for amateur astronomy. The accessory package is complete enough to get started, though over time you'll likely want to purchase additional eyepieces to fully exploit the instrument's potential.

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