Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes

Choosing a Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope: sharp images in a compact design

The Maksutov-Cassegrain system combines a spherical primary mirror with a thick, strongly curved front lens (the meniscus). This configuration folds the light path to deliver a long focal length in a tube just one-half to one-third the length of a Newtonian with the same focal length, while eliminating coma and spherical aberration.

The key strengths of the Maksutov design:

• Planetary and lunar detail: With a focal ratio typically between f/12 and f/15, the Mak delivers striking contrast and impressive sharpness on lunar craters, Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s cloud bands.

• A compact, portable format: Its very compact design places little leverage on the mount, allowing you to use lighter tripods and equatorial or altazimuth mounts without unwanted vibration.

• Stable collimation: With the secondary mirror formed by an aluminised spot directly on the meniscus (or held by a rigid support, as on Vixen VMC models), optical alignment remains extremely stable over time, even after frequent transport.

• Terrestrial observing: With a 45° erecting diagonal, a 127 mm Mak also becomes a remarkably effective spotting scope for long-distance daytime viewing.
  
  

To get the best from your Maksutov, simply allow a little extra time for it to reach thermal equilibrium because of its thick corrector, and favour medium- to long-focal-length eyepieces for a comfortable field of view.