Orion Apex 127

Dear Group,

I have two questions and am hopeful someone will answer them.

1. Is the Orion Apex 127 and the Orion StarMax 127 the same
scope? It appears so - just that the StarMax has the mount and
extras.

2. I have been reading that the Apex 127 is very good for the
planets but have seen little concerning its capabilities
regarding star clusters, nebula and galaxies that are my main interest right now. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Thank you,
Kirby Benson
Las Cruces, NM

Thank you all for your responses - you have been most helpful. I will miss my almost 3 degrees on the little 114 F/5 I have but need more light and distance. Santa is coming and the Apex 127 can be under the tree.

Kirby