Orion MaK-500 User manual

IN 063 Rev. B 0799
Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975
Customer Support [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Corporate Offices [phone]
P.O. Box 1815, Santa Cruz, CA 95061
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Orion®
MAK-500™
#9390 Maksutov Spotting Scope/Telephoto Lens

Congratulations on purchasing an Orion
MAK-500 90mm Spotting Scope!
Compact portability combined with solid construction and
fine optics make it an excellent spotting scope that you can
take virtually anywhere. Equally suited to visual observation
and photography, the Orion MAK-500 is a tremendously ver-
satile instrument. For visual use as a 29x spotting scope, no
additional parts are necessary. If desired, optional higher-
power eyepieces or a barlow lens can be added to obtain
magnification powers up to 160x. There is no need to buy a
camera adapter to use the scope as a 500mm (f/5.6) tele-
photo lens, but you will need an inexpensive T-ring adapter
for your make and model of camera.
About Maksutov-
Cassegrain Optics
Your new spotting scope is a Maksutov-Cassegrain catadiop-
tric design—a hybrid that combines the best features of both
reflector and refractor scopes. By way of lenses and mirrors,
the Mak-Cass design folds long focal length into a small
body. For example, the actual tube length of the Orion Mak-
500 is 178mm, while its rated focal length is 500mm, almost
three times longer. Light (an image) enters the MAK-500
through a front meniscus corrector lens and reflects off a
spherical primary mirror to a secondary mirror (the obstruc-
tion you see in the center of the meniscus lens), which
focuses and redirects it through a hole in the primary for
viewing through an eyepiece. Mak-Cass scopes are known
for their trouble-free performance, sharp and color-correct
images, and compact size.
Observing with the MAK-500
The MAK-500 comes with a 45° correct-image prism diago-
nal and a Sirius Plössl eyepiece of 17mm focal length. The
correct-image diagonal renders an image that is right-side-
up and left-to-right correct, unlike standard diagonals which
yield a backwards image with this type of telescope. (When
an eyepiece is inserted without a diagonal, the image
appears upside-down.)
The included Sirius Plössl eyepiece has a 1.25" barrel diame-
ter and produces a magnification (or power) of 29x. Other 1.25"
eyepieces can be utilized to provide higher or lower magnifica-
tions. Magnification is calculated by the following formula:
The MAK-500 itself has a focal length of 500mm (hence the
name!). So, the magnification yielded with the 17mm eyepiece
is 500/17 = 29.4. If you substitute an optional 10mm eyepiece,
the magnification would increase to 50x (500/10 = 50).
To insert the diagonal and eyepiece for visual use, follow
these steps:
1. Remove the spotting scope, eyepiece, and diagonal
prism from the carrying case.
2. Slide the diagonal prism into the accessory adapter on
the back of the lens and tighten the locking setscrew.
Then slide the eyepiece into the diagonal prism.
3. Tighten the locking setscrew on the diagonal to secure
the eyepiece in place.
Focusing the Mak-500 for Viewing or Photography
To bring an image into sharp focus, rotate the knurled knob on
the back of the scope. Turn the knob clockwise for close focusing
to approximately 5", counter-clockwise for distance to infinity.
Photography with the
MAK-500
The Mak-500 is a moderately fast f/5.6 telephoto lens with a
focal length of 500mm. Mak-Cass optics make it well-suited
to photography with a 35mm single lens reflex (SLR) camera
body. As a telephoto, the MAK-500 performs superbly on ter-
restrial subjects. Its light weight makes it hand-holdable for
photography in reasonably bright light (depending, of course,
on the ISO rating of the film used), while the 1/4"-20 plate on
the underside of the tube accommodates an optional tripod,
if desired. Note: Before the MAK-500 can be used as a tele-
photo lens, you will need an optional T-ring to mount your
particular camera to the scope. Orion Customer Support can
help you with this. Call [phone].
Mounting a 35mm SLR camera body to the MAK-
500:
1. Loosen the locking screw on the accessory adapter so its
tip does not extend into the barrel.
2. Remove the eyepiece and the 45° erect-image diagonal
prism from the accessory adapter.
3. Thread an optional T-ring onto the accessory adapter.
2
T-Ring
Accessory Adapter
WARNING: Never look directly at the Sun
through your telescope or its finder scope—
even for an instant—without a professionally
made solar filter that completely covers the front
of the instrument, or permanent eye damage
could result. Young children should use this
telescope only with adult supervision.
Magnification =
Telescope focal length (mm)
Eyepiece focal length (mm)

3
4. Attach the camera body to the T-ring as you would attach
it to any lens.
5. Tighten the T-ring to hold the camera in place.
6. Be sure to set the camera to the desired orientation by
loosening the lock-ring and rotating the entire accessory
adapter and T-ring to the desired position.
7. Tighten the lock-ring and then inspect the entire assem-
bly to make sure all attachments are secure.
8. If desired, attach the scope to an optional tripod by
threading the the 1/4"-20 stud on the tripod into the
threaded hole on the bottom of the scope.
Cleaning and Care
The closed optical tube design of the Orion MAK-500 helps
keep it free of dust and grit. Avoid removing the eyepiece and
diagonal, or accessory adapter and camera, from the MAK-
500 in environments with lots of airborne dust and/or grit.
Lens and mount caps should always be in place when the
scope is not being used. Storing the MAK-500 in its carrying
case can further protect it against dust intrusion. It is impor-
tant to remember that the lens surface of the Orion MAK-500
is coated with high-performance anti-reflection coatings that
can be damaged by careless handling. (Telescope, eyepiece,
and camera lenses are generally cared for in the same man-
ner.) Please follow these simple suggestions:
• Theopticsshouldbecleanedapproximatelytwiceayear
or as necessary when they are dirty. The dust that builds
up on coatings promotes mold growth. Mold can etch
glass and destroy coatings.
• Never touch lens or mirror surfaces with fingers or any
coarse material.
• Avoidover-cleaning;itcandamagecoatings.
• Alwaysuselenscleaningtissueandfluidthatisspecifi-
cally designed for multi-coated lenses (such as Orion
Optics Cleaning Kit #5825). Do NOT use fluids or tissue
made for eyeglass or household use.
Cleaning the Front Lens
1. Make sure your hands are clean.
2. Blow any particles or dust off the lens with a blower bulb.
3. Have several pieces of lens cleaning tissue at hand,
ready to use.
4. Put two drops of lens cleaning fluid on a piece of lens
cleaning tissue (NEVER directly onto the lens!).
5. Clean a small area at a time, using a new tissue for each
small section.
6. If the lens is extremely dirty, wipe across it only once for
each tissue, alternating wet and dry. (The more fresh
tissue you use, the less likely you are to scratch your lens.)
7. Always avoid excessive pressure or rubbing, which can
destroy the coatings.
Storage and Cold Weather
All optics have the potential to fog. Fogging occurs when an
optical instrument is exposed to excessive temperature
changes or high humidity. Always allow the optics to slowly
adjust to cold weather by storing the instrument in its case for
a few hours in a cold area such as an unheated garage or the
trunk of a car. When bringing the instrument back inside a
warm building, store it in its case in a cool area for an hour or
two. It is very important to then open the case, remove the
lens cap, and let everything dry overnight. The MAK-500
should always be stored in a cool, dry place. Storing it in a
moist environment will result in mold growth and destroy the
optics. This is NOT covered by the warranty.
Specifications
Maksutov corrector diameter: 90mm, multi-coated
Secondary obstruction diameter: 44mm
Focal length: 500mm
Focal ratio: f/5.6
Close focus: Approximately 5'
Magnification: 29x with standard 17mm Plössl eyepiece
Weight: 44 oz.
Length: 7" (178mm)
Standard Accessories
Accessory adapter (Combination camera adapter and eye-
piece holder)
45° correct-image visual prism diagonal
17mm Sirius Plössl eyepiece (1.25")
Lens cap
Soft nylon carrying case
Suggested Accessories
Sirius Plössl Eyepieces
Additional focal lengths will provide more magnification
options. Fully coated glass optics, 4-element Plössl design.
1.25" barrels.
20mm #8733, 12.5mm #8726, 10mm #8736, 7.5mm #8738
Moon Filter
Reduces lunar glare for more comfortable viewing. Enhances
visible surface detail. Threads into eyepiece barrel.
#5662
Paragon HD-F2 Tripod with Fluid Pan Head
Sturdy medium-weight aluminum tripod with smooth two-way
pan head, quick-release 1/4"-20 shoe, and cushion/spike
feet. Maximum height 69.5", folds to 21.5". Weighs 7.5 lbs.
#5370

4
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars
Post Office Box 1815, Santa Cruz, CA 95061
Customer Support Help Line [phone] • Day or Evening
Five-Year Limited Warranty
This Orion MAK-500™Spotting Scope is warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for
a period of five years from the date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail
purchaser only. During this warranty period Orion Telescopes & Binoculars will repair or replace, at
Orion’s option, any warranted instrument that proves to be defective, provided it is returned postage
paid to: Orion Warranty Repair, 89 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076. If the product is not regis-
tered, proof of purchase (such as a copy of the original invoice) is required.
This warranty does not apply if, in Orion’s judgment, the instrument has been abused, mishandled,
or modified, nor does it apply to normal wear and tear. This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. For further warranty service
information, contact: Customer Service Department, Orion Telescopes & Binoculars, P. O. Box 1815,
SantaCruz,CA95061;(800)676-1343.