Maksutov-Cassegrain
A Maksutov-Cassegrain packs a long focal length into a short, sealed tube. The thick meniscus corrector and spherical mirrors hold their alignment well, so a Mak is ready to show the Moon, planets and double stars at high power with very little fuss. It is one of the best choices for observers with limited storage or a balcony.
We carry Sky-Watcher Skymax from 102 to 200 mm, Celestron NexStar 90SLT, 127SLT and 4SE plus 700 mm Maks on equatorial mounts, Explore Scientific FirstLight and Sidara Pro models, SVBONY MK tubes, the iOptron 150 mm and the Orion Optics UK OMC De-Luxe series.
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Celestron Advanced VX 700 Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope
180mm (7.08") Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube 2700mm Focal Length at f/15 Advanced VX Computerized GoTo Equatorial Mount 30 lb Instrument Payload...
View full detailsCelestron Astro Fi 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
102mm (4.02") Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube 1325mm Focal Length and f/13 Focal Ratio Integrated WiFi for full control via smartphone or tablet ...
View full detailsCelestron CGEM II 700 Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
180mm (7.08") Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube 2700mm Focal Length (f/15) StarBright XLT Optical Coatings CGEM II Computerized Equatorial Mount wi...
View full detailsCelestron CGX 700 Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope
180mm (7.08") Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics 2700mm Focal Length (f/15) CGX Computerized Equatorial Mount with 55 lb Load Capacity Dual CG-5/CGE Saddl...
View full detailsCelestron NexStar 127SLT Computerized Telescope
127mm (5") Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design 1500mm Focal Length (f/12) Computerized GoTo Mount with 40,000+ Object Database Celestron SkyAlign T...
View full detailsCelestron Nexstar 4SE Computerized Telescope
102mm (4.02") Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube 1325mm Focal Length (f/13) Computerized GoTo Mount with 38,181 Object Database StarBright XLT Optic...
View full detailsCelestron NexStar 90SLT Computerized Telescope
90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube 1250mm Focal Length at f/14 Fully Computerized GoTo Altazimuth Mount NexStar+ Database with 40,000 Celestial...
View full detailsExplore Scientific FirstLight 100mm Mak-Cassegrain with EQ3 Mount
Mak-Cassegrain Optical Design Long Focal Length for High Magnification German Equatorial EQ3 Mount Slow-Motion Controls for Precise Tracking Compa...
View full detailsExplore Scientific FirstLight 100mm Mak-Cassegrain with Twilight Nano Mount
100mm Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA 1400mm Focal Length (f/14) Twilight Nano Alt-Azimuth Mount 25mm Plössl Eyepiece (1.25") Includes Smartphone Adapter ...
View full detailsExplore Scientific FirstLight 127mm Mak-Cassegrain
127mm (5") Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube 1900mm Focal Length f/15 Focal Ratio Includes 25mm Plössl Eyepiece & 1.25" Diagonal Smartphone Ada...
View full detailsExplore Scientific Sidara Pro 127 Telescope System
Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design Fully Automated GoTo Mount SkyAssist Object Location and Tracking Optimized for High-Magnification Viewing Comp...
View full detailsiOptron MAK 150mm Telescope OTA
150mm Rumak-style Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics 1800mm Focal Length f/12 Focal Ratio 0.77 Arc Second Resolving Power 13.4 lbs Tube Weight Dual-Speed ...
View full detailsOrion Optics UK OMC 185 De-Luxe Optical tube assembly
Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design Sized between the OMC140 and OMC200 Built to order in the UK Description Specifications In the Box Warranty ...
View full detailsOrion Optics UK OMC140 De-Luxe Tube Assembly
140mm (5.5") Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics 2000mm Focal Length at f/14 Guaranteed 1/6 PV Wavefront Hand-Figured Optics Lightweight 3.5kg Carbon Fibre...
View full detailsOrion Optics UK OMC200 De-Luxe Tube Assembly – Carbon Tube 1/8PV
200mm (8") Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics 4000mm Focal Length f/20 Focal Ratio Guaranteed 1/8 PV Wavefront Accuracy Vented Carbon Fibre Tube Construct...
View full detailsSky-Watcher Skymax 102
102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube 1300mm Focal Length & f/12.7 Focal Ratio Fully Multi-Coated Lens & 94% Reflectivity Mirror Coatings...
View full detailsSky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi
102mm (4-inch) Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube 1300mm Focal Length at f/12.7 AZ-GTi Motorized Alt-Azimuth GoTo Mount with 11 lb (5 kg) Payload Ca...
View full detailsSky-Watcher Skymax 127
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127mm (5") Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design 1540mm Focal Length f/12.1 Focal Ratio Primary Mirror Focusing Mechanism OTA Weighs 9.7 lbs with Acc...
View full detailsSky-Watcher Skymax 127 AZ-GTi
127 mm (5 in) Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube 1540 mm Focal Length (f/12.1) Motorized GoTo Altitude-Azimuth Mount with 11 lb Payload Capacity Bui...
View full detailsSky-Watcher Skymax 150
151mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube 1800mm Focal Length f/12 Focal Ratio Primary Mirror Focuser Optical Tube Weight (with accessories): 14 lbs ...
View full detailsSky-Watcher Skymax 180
180mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube 2700mm Focal Length f/15 Focal Ratio Weighs 19 lbs with Accessories Includes 2" Diagonal and 28mm LET Eyepi...
View full detailsSky-Watcher Skymax 200DX Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
200mm (8-inch) Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube 2000mm Focal Length at f/10 44mm Image Height Zero Shift Belt-Drive Focuser with Focus Distance In...
View full detailsSVBONY MK105 105mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope OTA
105mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Optics 1365mm Focal Length f/13 Focal Ratio Weighs Only 4.83 lbs (2193g) 377mm Optical Tube Length Dual Finder-Style Mou...
View full detailsSVBONY MK127 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope OTA
127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design 1500mm Native Focal Length (f/11.8) f/7.68 with Included 0.65x Focal Reducer Secondary Mirror with 99% Re...
View full detailsStrengths and Trade-Offs
- High-power views: Focal ratios around f/12 to f/15 deliver sharp, high-contrast images of planets with simple eyepieces.
- Low maintenance: The sealed tube keeps dust out and rarely needs collimation.
- Narrow field: Large nebulae and the Pleiades do not fit. A Mak is a planetary and lunar specialist, not a wide-field scope.
- Cool-down time: The thick corrector takes time to reach outside temperature. A 127 mm needs 30 minutes or more in winter, larger ones longer.
- Planetary imaging: Long native focal length suits planetary cameras without needing a strong Barlow.
Getting the Most from a Mak
- Low power eyepiece: At 1500 mm, a 32 mm eyepiece gives about 47x. That is your finder view, so choose it carefully.
- Cool-down: Store the telescope somewhere cold, like a garage, and the corrector will reach temperature much faster.
- Dew control: The front corrector dews quickly. A dew shield, and a heater strip on humid nights, keeps the view clear.
- Mount match: Tubes up to 127 mm sit happily on an AZ-GTi. 150 mm and larger need a heavier mount to damp vibrations at high power.
Maksutov-Cassegrain: Frequently Asked Questions
Mak or SCT?
A Mak is sharper per inch and needs less collimation. An SCT is larger, faster to cool per inch of aperture and has more accessories. Under 150 mm, the Mak usually wins. Above that, the SCT is easier to handle.
Can I see galaxies with a Mak?
Bright ones like M31 and M81 appear as soft glows, but the narrow field and small aperture limit deep-sky views. Planets and the Moon are where it excels.
Why does my Mak show blurry views at first?
It is usually still cooling. Put it out 30 to 60 minutes before observing, or store it somewhere cool.
Want sharp planets from a compact tube?
Tell us your mount and observing spot. We will help you choose the right Mak.