Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescopes

Maksutov telescope: the planetary scope that fits in a backpack

A Maksutov telescope (full name: Maksutov-Cassegrain) has a thick, curved meniscus lens at the front and a spherical primary mirror at the back. The secondary mirror is a silvered spot on the inside of the lens. The result is a fully enclosed tube that never requires collimation, with a focal ratio ranging from f/12 to f/15. With a 127 mm aperture, you already get a brand focal length of 1500 mm in a 35 cm tube. For the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and double stars, there is no sharper instrument in this price range.

Which size?

• 60 to 90 mm. Travel telescopes and children's telescopes. The Omegon MightyMak series and the Skymax-90. Moon and bright planets, can also be used as a spotting scope during the day.
• 102 mm. The best balance between size and picture. Skymax-102 on AZ-GTi or if loose tube.
• 127 mm. The best-selling size. Detail in Jupiter's cloud belts, the Cassini division in Saturn's rings. Skymax-127 Virtuoso GTi, Skymax-127 EQ3 Pro or as an OTA.
• 150 to 180 mm. For the serious planetary observer with a sturdy mount. Skymax-150 PRO and Skymax-180 PRO. Allow an hour for cooling.

Three subcategories

• GoTo Maksutovcomplete sets on a computer-controlled mount, from tabletop model to EQ5 Pro.
• Manual Maksutov: sets up AZ or EQ mount without electronics.
• Maksutov OTAloose tubes for your own mount.

For whom yes and for whom no

Good for: planetary observers, balcony watchers, travelers, and anyone who wants a telescope that will last ten years without maintenance. Also strong for lunar and planetary photography with a planetary camera. Not for: anyone who wants to see faint nebulae and galaxies. At f/12 to f/15, the field of view is narrow and the image is dark; a Dobson with the same opening, show much more there.

Useful accessories: a dew shield (the lens mists up quickly), a good star diagonal, and a 2x barlow for the highest magnifications. Brand pages: Sky-Watcher, Omegon, Bresser.