12 replies to this topic

[MGW]

I found an Oklop available from AstroShop.eu, padded case for $85.00 incl. VAT, plus shipping costs.

I have not found others made for this OTA. I checked Apertura, Celestron, SkyMax, Orion. Any suggestions would be helpful.

[MGW]

OP here:

In case I was not specific enough.

I am looking for a carry case for my new SkyMax 180mm Maksutov OTA.

It seems unlikely that there aren't any available anywhere. I am striking out.

 

In addition:

My OTA came with a straight through finder scope. I have seen pics of a SkyMax with a right angle finder attached. Any thoughts about where I might find one?

 

Again, my inquiries with dealers and manufacturers have not been successful.

 

Regards,

MGW

[Cpk133]

It might be a little big for the 180, but i use a sterlite trunk from walmart and hand cut polyethylene foam.  Not a soft case, but offers solid protection if you have the space for it.  I bought the foam from foam factory.

 

https://www.walmart....ASABEgInFPD_BwE

[Freezout]

Oklop bags are excellent. I use one for my Mak 150 and it’s worth it.

[archy990]

I just got my Celestron 7" (180mm) Mak-Cass. I originally bought the Celestron padded carrying case for it, that turned out to be remarkably awkward to use and very lightly padded. I returned it. I've since purchased a Nanuk 963 wheeled case with pick-and-pluck cubed foam to protect the system (including the right angle finder). I found the case (new) for $340. Well worth it to protect your investment. I have three other Nanuk cases that I use to protect my cameras, eyepieces, etc. They're fantastic. Hope this helps!

 

Best,

 

Jeff

Madison, WI

Edited by archy990, 16 September 2023 - 08:07 PM.

[Birdy38]

Hi, I own an Oklop MAK150 transportation bag. Excellent product. Not really strong padded but it's convenient for transportation. I'm used to put the secondary side on the exterior and the knob side against the zipped compartment. Not sure it's the right way. The zipped side allows me to put the 2" diagonal, a 38mm eye piece and a red dot finder in their cardboard cases.

 

The MAK150 lies on its Vixen bar in the bag and sometimes it tilts on a side or other before closing the bag. Mind it if its on a table, it can roll a bit if you unmount the backpack straps.

 

Well balance though when in hand.

 

Think it's the same for the MAK180.

[Freezout]

Hi, I own an Oklop MAK150 transportation bag. Excellent product. Not really strong padded but it's convenient for transportation. I'm used to put the secondary side on the exterior and the knob side against the zipped compartment. Not sure it's the right way. The zipped side allows me to put the 2" diagonal, a 38mm eye piece and a red dot finder in their cardboard cases.

 

The MAK150 lies on its Vixen bar in the bag and sometimes it tilts on a side or other before closing the bag. Mind it if its on a table, it can roll a bit if you unmount the backpack straps.

 

Well balance though when in hand.

 

Think it's the same for the MAK180.

same technique for me. I put the red dot finder and double bracket also in the big compartment next to the focus knob, and the prism + RACI in the zipped compartment. I noticed that once the big compartment is empty, you can leave it wide open, and the accessories compartment can then be put flat inside the big compartment. Easier to access it and I put there all the caps from the prism, RACI, telescope back opening, when installing. 

[MGW]

Thank You All,

 

Your comments were very helpful. I purchased the Oklop 180mm Mak OTA Padded Carry Case. I am very pleased with the item and with astroshop.eu.

 

In addition, I purchased the 90° (9x50) Right Angled Correct View Finder Scope provided with the SkyMax 180mm Mak sold in the UK at www.firstlightlptics.com.

 

Now I'm on to other mods/upgrades.

 

Regards,

MGW

[stephenws]

It might be a little big for the 180, but i use a sterlite trunk from walmart and hand cut polyethylene foam.  Not a soft case, but offers solid protection if you have the space for it.  I bought the foam from foam factory.

 

https://www.walmart....ASABEgInFPD_BwE

What exactly did you order from the foam factory? I looked at the website and it is confusing.

Thanks!

[Cpk133]

What exactly did you order from the foam factory? I looked at the website and it is confusing.

Thanks!

They have a brick n mortar retail store about 5 miles from my house so i was able to go in and pock out what i wanted.  I used a white polyethylene foam because it’s closed cell and chemically stable so it wont off gas or get moldy.  The sheet is 1” thick and cuts easily with a serrated knife, but you do have to take care to keep the angle consistent.  I cut a solid piece for the bottom layer.  For layer 2, i started cutting with a 45 deg angle and pieces are held together with double sided tape.  I cut a piece of PE bubble wrap from some discarded packaging and that is the top layer that the scope rests on.  The weight of the scope just helps to keep it all together, I haven't had to fiddle with it one bit in 8 years.  See posts 8-11 here:  https://www.cloudyni...-case-for-c925/

[Cpk133]

Another old thread with more detail:  

 

https://www.cloudyni...r-my-new-c-925/

[Kevin Barker]

I have 3 IM Maks 6, 7 and 8 inches in aperture and 2 came with black padded cases which are Ok but not really durable.

I reverted to making simple wooden cases/coffins from ply or wood. I painted them and added inserts, carry handles etc 

At home the scopes sit in my homemade cases in our optics room. It was not hard to make them and I am no craftsman......the latest effort is a Green case for the 6 inch Mak. 

The photo's show the case for the 8 inch Mak and the flimsy padded case for the 6 inch Mak.

The cases stack on top of eachother with a thin foam layer between coffins.

Edited by Kevin Barker, 29 September 2023 - 02:26 AM.

[CeeKay]

Have you looked at "gadget bags" on Amazon?  This is one I picked up for my Orion Mak:

 

https://www.amazon.c...le?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

Used the packing material

from the Mak box to line it... nice, snug fit