7 Best Maksutov Cassegrain Telescopes 2026; Reviews
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Here in this “Best Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope” article we’ve rounded up 7 of the best telescopes of various types, specifications, and budget. Below, you’ll find in-depth reviews of each to help you pick out the one that suits you the most.
Our Top 3 Picks
Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes provide a spectacular viewing experience in a compact design, offering a superior contrast that makes them excellent telescopes for planetary and double star observing.
Also known as Mak-Cass telescopes, these telescopes appear similar to Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, but they differ slightly in design and are typically available with smaller apertures between 3.5 and 7.1 inches.
Like SCTs, Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes are reflecting telescopes with a catadioptric design that uses both lenses and mirrors to minimize aberrations.
How Do Maksutov Cassegrain Telescopes Work?
Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes are a catadioptric design, meaning they use both lenses and mirrors. Mak-Casses are primarily reflecting telescopes, but they use a corrector lens to eliminate aberrations that would result from the mirror design alone.
In a Mak-Cass the incoming light passes through the Maksutov corrector lens (sometimes called a meniscus corrector, because of its shape) at the front of telescope. It is reflected from a concave primary mirror at the back of the scope which focuses the light to the front of the telescope where it is reflected again by a smaller, convex secondary mirror.
Finally, the light travels back through a hole in the primary mirror to the rear of the scope where an eyepiece is located for visual observing (or a camera for photographing).
By folding the light in this manner, a Mak-Cass can be made much smaller than an equivalent Newtonian or refractor.
Advantages Of Maksutov Cassegrain Telescope.
They are compact and easy to transport. And the higher magnification will darken the washed-out city sky and bring out more contrast in deep-sky objects.
They are rugged and robust, so Maksutov-Cassegrains are used in harsh environments in industrial and military applications. But because the corrector lens on a Mak is quite thick, these scopes get heavy at higher apertures.
These scopes have superb mechanics and razor-sharp optics almost without aberration.
Best Mak-Cass Telescopes
1. Celestron – NexStar 127SLT
- COMPUTERIZED STAR LOCATING TELESCOPE: The Celestron NexStar 127SLT offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. Simply choose an object and the telescope finds it for you in the night sky and tracks it as it moves.
- MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN OPTICAL DESIGN: With a large, 127mm aperture, the NexStar 127SLT can gather enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s cloud bands, the Moon's craters, and the Orion Nebula in brilliant detail.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The ideal telescope for adults and kids to use together, the NexStar 127SLT is compact, lightweight, and portable. It's easy to transport just about anywhere—your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site, or simply the backyard.
- FAST SETUP WITH SKYALIGN: Celestron’s proprietary SkyAlign procedure has you ready to observe in minutes. Center any 3 bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects.
- BONUS FREE STARRY NIGHT SOFTWARE: Your Celestron NexStar 130SLT includes a free download of Starry Night Special Edition, one of the top-rated astronomy software programs. Simulate the sky, learn about celestial objects, & plan your observing session.
As a Maksutov-Cassegrain (Mak) design, the NexStar 127SLT delivers sharp, high-contrast views, especially on planetary and lunar targets. The 127 mm aperture with a long 1500 mm focal length produces crisp detail on the Moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter’s cloud bands with minimal chromatic aberration thanks to the Maksutov meniscus corrector.
These optics also make color rendition true and fine detail easy to discern — typical strengths of Mak designs that don’t require frequent collimation.
The computerized NexStar+ Go-To mount with SkyAlign makes finding objects in the sky far easier than star-hopping manually.
After a quick alignment, the telescope will automatically slew to thousands of objects in its database, which is a huge plus for beginners and casual observers alike. It’s also relatively compact and portable, making it a good “grab-and-go” scope for backyard sessions or trips to darker skies.
However, there are notable limitations. The included mount and tripod are somewhat underpowered and prone to vibration, which can make high-power focusing and tracking a bit shaky without additional stabilization.
The telescope’s battery power drains quickly on the computerized mount, and the small aperture limits deep-sky performance compared to larger telescopes — bright planets and lunar features are excellent, but faint nebulae and galaxies are more challenging. Upgrading eyepieces and stabilizing the tripod are common additional purchases to get the most out of it.
2. Sky-Watcher Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain – Telescope
- EXPERTLY MATCHED OPTICS: The Skymax series of Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tubes features matched primary and secondary mirrors with an expertly coated corrector plate that delivers contrast-rich views with charcoal-black skies.
- 94% REFLECTIVITY MIRROR COATINGS: Using a borosilicate primary mirror with an aluminum coating and a quartz overcoat, Sky-Watcher Maksutov-Cassegrains produce a 94% reflectivity rating for outstanding light transmission.
- VIXEN-STYLE DOVETAIL: An industry standard, the Vixen-style dovetail is the most commonly used dovetail plate for astronomy. In addition to this, all Maksutov-Cassegrains come with a ¼-20 tripod thread under each dovetail bar, allowing users to mount to most photographic tripods.
- FULLY BAFFLED TUBE: Utilizing a fully-baffled tube, Sky-Watcher Maksutovs prevent stray light from interfering with your viewing experience.
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The 102mm Skymax Maksutov-Cassegrain comes equipped with everything you need to get started, including: 10mm and 25mm 1.25-inch eyepieces, red-dot finder, 90-degree star diagonal, and a padded carrying bag.
As a Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design, this Sky-Watcher Skymax-102 offers sharp, high-contrast views in a compact package — a hallmark of the Mak-Cass design. Its 102 mm aperture with a long 1300 mm focal length and fully multi-coated optics yields bright, crisp planetary and lunar detail, with excellent contrast and minimal optical aberrations.
The long focal ratio (around f/12.7) means it excels particularly on the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and double stars, making celestial details stand out beautifully against a dark sky.
This package comes with useful accessories to get started right away: 10 mm and 25 mm eyepieces for a range of magnifications (~52× and ~130×), a 90° star diagonal for comfortable viewing, and a red-dot finder to help you locate objects.
The optical tube itself is lightweight and portable (around 4–4.6 lb, ~11–12″ long), and the included Vixen-style dovetail plate lets you mount it on a wide variety of tripods or mounts — giving you flexibility to customize your setup. Many owners appreciate that it’s easy to transport and set up for quick observing sessions.
However, there are limits worth noting. With only 102 mm of aperture, deep-sky observing (like faint nebulae and galaxies) will be limited compared to larger telescopes, and the slow focal ratio isn’t great for deep-sky astrophotography without expensive accessories. Also, because this is just the optical tube assembly (OTA), you will need a separate mount or tripod to use it — which adds cost if you don’t already own one.
Overall, it’s a strong portable choice for beginners and casual observers focused on the solar system and bright celestial sights, but not a substitute for larger, more versatile instruments for serious deep-sky work.
Related
3. Celestron – NexStar 4SE
- ADVANCED TECH MEETS ICONIC DESIGN: The NexStar 4SE pairs Celestron’s legendary orange tube with a fully computerized GoTo system—ideal for those ready to step up from manual scopes and explore more of the night sky with precision and ease.
- 4-INCH MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN OPTICS: The 4" aperture, combined with high-contrast, long focal length optics, delivers sharp views of the Moon and planets, while remaining compact and easy to transport.
- FULLY AUTOMATED GoTo MOUNT WITH NEXSTAR+ HAND CONTROL: Use the NexStar+ hand control to select from a 40,000+ object database. The computerized mount then automatically slews to your target and tracks it—no star charts or manual alignment needed.
- FAST & EASY ALIGNMENT WITH SKYALIGN TECHNOLOGY: SkyAlign gets you observing fast—just center any three bright stars or planets, even if you don’t know their names. The system then calculates your position and aligns the mount in minutes.
- BUILT-IN WEDGE FOR ASTROIMAGING: Capture long-exposure images of the night sky—perfect for entry-level astrophotography. The integrated wedge lets you polar align the mount, reducing field rotation for improved tracking during imaging.
The Celestron NexStar 4SE is a compact 4-inch (102 mm) Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope designed to offer sharp, high-contrast views of the night sky with automated object locating and tracking.
Its Maksutov-Cassegrain optics provide a long focal length (~1325 mm, f/13), meaning you’ll see crisp detail on the Moon, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and bright double stars with minimal optical aberration — a strong suit of this catadioptric design. Beginners and casual observers often appreciate the telescope’s ease of use combined with respectable optical performance for solar system targets.
One of the NexStar 4SE’s biggest strengths is its fully computerized GoTo mount with SkyAlign technology. After aligning on three bright stars or planets, the system can automatically slew to and track thousands of celestial objects from its database, making it especially friendly for newcomers who don’t yet know their way around the sky.
The mount and tripod are relatively sturdy for its class, and the compact size makes it portable for backyard sessions or trips to darker skies. However, the telescope typically includes just one eyepiece (25 mm), so many users upgrade eyepieces for better magnification ranges.
That said, the NexStar 4SE isn’t without limitations. Its small aperture limits deep-sky performance—faint nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters often appear dim or don’t fit well in the narrow field of view imposed by the long focal length. Astrophotography beyond short, lunar or planetary exposures isn’t its strong suit due to field rotation and mount constraints.
Additionally, the automated system can be power-hungry, and performance depends on accurate alignment and good power supply. In short, it’s a solid beginner telescope focused on lunar and planetary observing, but there are better values if deep-sky performance or astrophotography are priorities.
4. Sarblue Mak70 Maksutov-Cassegrain
- 【Might Mak】Mak-cass design brings several benefits which distinguishes the telescope from others. Foremost, it largely reduces aberrations and renders crisp and clear views. Plus its quality fully multi-coated optical components, high precision, high reflectivity of the coating and not easy to oxidize. Make terrestrial objects look more vivid and vibrant, and celestial objects magnificent.
- 【Compact & Powerful】Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design allows 1000mm focal length folded in 210mm length tube. 70mm aperture allows the greater the amount of light entering the telescope and the higher the resolution. It's a camping telescope, easy to pack the compact and lightweight telescope in any backpack and take it for travel.
- 【Micro Tripod Design】In pursuit of a more precise and comfortable calibration experience, Sarblue equipped the MAK70 with a micro-movement tripod. The perfect combination of quick motion and slow motion can make you regret not having it sooner.
- 【Adjustable Tripod】The tripod can be adjusted from 23inch to 56inch. It can support most available telescope tubes, as well as most DSLR cameras which it with a dovetail. You can attach the telescope to a field tripod with a 3/8" or 1/4"-20 threaded post.
- 【Accessories】This telescope comes with 20mm quality eyepiece which brings 50X magnification, 10mm photographic eyepiece which brings 100X magnification. A universal phone mount with 1.5X Barlow Lens to attach your phone and do simple astrophotography. 5X24 finderscope with adjustable angle and position.Aluminum alloy integrated telescope tube brings more stronger texture.
The Mak70 Maksutov-Cassegrain uses a classic Maksutov optical design that folds a long 1000 mm focal length into a very short ~210 mm tube, making it highly compact and portable for travel or casual backyard stargazing.
This folded optical path means you get relatively high magnification potential in a small form — ideal for looking at the Moon and brighter planets — and the design naturally reduces chromatic and off-axis aberrations for sharp, contrasty views even on modest subjects. Because Maksutov designs correct many optical errors with spherical elements, you won’t see much color fringing on bright targets.
Out of the box, it includes basic accessories to get started: 20 mm and 10 mm eyepieces delivering roughly 50× and 100× magnifications, a reflex finderscope, and an adjustable tripod with slow-motion control mount — which is more than many ultra-budget scopes provide.
The finder and mount help you point and track celestial objects more easily than just a fixed tabletop setup. There’s even a phone adapter and 1.5× Barlow for simple imaging with a smartphone.
However, there are clear limitations you should know before buying. With only a 70 mm aperture, light-gathering is limited — deep-sky objects (faint galaxies, nebulae) will appear dim or difficult to see, and even the field of view can feel very narrow due to the long focal ratio typical of Maksutov designs.
The stock finder and supplied eyepieces are basic quality, so enthusiasts often upgrade them later for easier targeting and better views. Still, for its size and price, it’s a good introductory telescope for beginners — especially for lunar and planetary observing and as a portable grab-and-go scope.
5. Sky-Watcher Skymax-127
- EXPERTLY MATCHED OPTICS: The Skymax series of Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tubes features matched primary and secondary mirrors with an expertly coated corrector plate that delivers contrast-rich views with charcoal-black skies.
- 94% REFLECTIVITY MIRROR COATINGS: Using a borosilicate primary mirror with an aluminum coating and a quartz overcoat, Sky-Watcher Maksutov-Cassegrains produce a 94% reflectivity rating that delivers crisp, sharp detail.
- VIXEN-STYLE DOVETAIL: An industry standard, the Vixen-style dovetail is the most commonly used dovetail plate for astronomy. In addition to this, all Maksutov-Cassegrains come with a ¼-20 tripod thread under each dovetail bar, allowing users to mount to most photographic tripods.
- FULLY BAFFLED TUBE: Utilizing a fully-baffled tube, Sky-Watcher Maksutovs prevent stray light from interfering with your viewing experience.
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED: The 127mm Skymax Maksutov-Cassegrain comes equipped with everything you need to get started, including: a 28mm 2-inch eyepiece, 2-inch 90-degree star diagonal, and a 6x30 straight-through finderscope.
The Sky-Watcher Skymax-127 is a classic Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope that brings a good balance of aperture, portability, and optical performance in a compact form.
With a 127 mm (5″) primary mirror and ~1500 mm focal length (f/11.8–f/12), this scope delivers sharp, high-contrast views — especially of the Moon, planets, and double stars — thanks to the Maksutov design’s naturally corrected optics that minimise chromatic aberration and produce crisp images. This optical layout gives planetary details a strong presence in the eyepiece, with contrasty rings on Saturn and cloud bands on Jupiter appearing clearly.
Out of the box, this OTA typically includes a 28 mm eyepiece, a 6×30 finderscope, a 2″ 90° diagonal, and a Vixen-style dovetail, allowing you to mount it on many standard photographic or astronomical mounts.
That makes it a flexible choice for beginners and intermediate observers who already have a tripod or mount, or who want to pair this OTA with a quality mount later. The compact tube (around ~12–15″ long) and modest weight make it easy to transport for backyard stargazing or even travel, aligning well with telescopes designed for “grab-and-go” sessions.
However, the Skymax-127 has a few limitations. While its contrast and high-power views are strong, its long focal ratio and relatively narrow field of view aren’t ideal for wide-field deep-sky observing (e.g., large nebulae or sprawling star clusters) — faint objects can appear dim or narrowly framed compared to larger, faster telescopes.
Some older versions of the 127 mm Mak also measured slightly under the full advertised aperture in effective clear aperture, meaning performance isn’t always a dramatic step above smaller 102 mm Maks rather than a full 5″ telescope. Still, for targeted lunar and planetary observing, compact convenience, and solid optical quality at this size and price point, it’s a highly capable mid-size Maksutov-Cassegrain that many stargazers enjoy.
6. Celestron NexStar 90SLT Computerized Telescope
- Computerized Star Locating Telescope: The Celestron NexStar 90SLT is a computerized telescope that offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. The telescope locates your object with pinpoint accuracy and tracks it
- Compact and Portable: This telescope for adults and kids is ideal for weekend camping trips or excursions to dark sky sites. Its compact form factor makes it easy to transport and assemble just about anywhere
- Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design: The NexStar 90SLT is the smallest in the SLT family. The 90mm aperture gathers enough light to see our Solar System and beyond. View Saturn's rings, Jupiter's cloud bands, and the Moon in brilliant detail
- Fast Setup with SkyAlign: Celestron's proprietary SkyAlign procedure has you ready to observe in minutes. Simply center any three bright objects in the eyepiece and the NexStar SLT aligns to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects
- The NexStar 90SLT Computerized Telescope includes a free download of one of the top consumer-rated astronomy software programs for an interactive sky simulation
The Celestron NexStar 90SLT is a 90 mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope with a long ~1250 mm focal length (about f/14) that produces high-contrast, detailed views of the Moon, bright planets, and double stars — the classic strengths of a Mak-Cass design where chromatic aberration is minimal and sharp images are delivered without frequent collimation.
Its compact optical tube makes it highly portable, and the Maksutov design naturally corrects off-axis aberrations, giving pleasing, true-color planetary detail through modest accessories.
A standout feature is its fully computerized SLT GoTo mount with SkyAlign, which lets you align on any three bright stars or planets and then automatically slew to thousands of celestial objects in the database — making this a very beginner-friendly telescope for those who don’t want to hunt manually.
The package also includes a StarPointer red-dot finder, adjustable tripod, and NexStar+ hand controller, and you even get a free download of Starry Night astronomy software to plan sessions and learn the sky.
There are some trade-offs to be aware of. With only a 90 mm aperture, light-gathering capacity is limited, so faint deep-sky objects will often appear dim or hard to resolve compared with larger telescopes — especially given the narrow field of view from the long focal ratio. The SLT mount, while convenient, runs on AA batteries and is best suited to casual observing rather than heavy astrophotography or demanding tracking.
For many, this telescope shines as a portable “starter GoTo” scope that’s easy to use and great for lunar and planetary observing, but enthusiasts seeking deeper views or wide-field observing may eventually want more aperture or a sturdier mount.
7. SVBONY MK127
- Optimal focal ratio for versatility: with MK127 telescope's meticulously crafted 127mm effective aperture; coupled with an f/11.8 focal ratio; capturing deep-sky objects with stunning detail and minimal aberration; it offers exceptional performance
- How to Enhance Deep-Sky Imaging: Recommended that you use Lens Hood when using the MK127 for deep sky photography; eliminate stray light and boost contrast for deep space targets photography—capture pristine deep-sky details
- Unlock the mysteries of the universe: with Maksutov Cassegrain MK127 Telescope's 99% high-reflectivity dielectric coatings; significantly boost optical efficiency; allowing you to see deeper into space and capture faint objects with ease
- Transform your stargazing: with OTA Telescope's state-of-the-art flat-field design and Maksutov-Cassegrain optics; minimize optical aberrations; delivering tack-sharp images with exceptional contrast and clarity
- Achieve precise focus: with ease using Catadioptric Telescope OTA's intuitive dual-speed focus mechanism; allowing for rapid initial focusing; while the fine tuning knob enables meticulous adjustments for tack-sharp imagery
The SVBONY MK127 is a 127 mm aperture Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube assembly (OTA) designed for visual astronomy and astrophotography with a long focal ratio around f/11.8, delivering high-contrast views of solar system objects and many deep-sky targets when paired with the right mount and accessories.
It features a dual-speed focuser for both quick focus adjustment and fine tuning, and 99 % high-reflectance dielectric coatings on its optics to improve light throughput and contrast — helping bring out detail on the Moon, planets, and brighter deep-sky objects.
The OTA accepts both 1.25″ and 2″ eyepieces for flexible observing or photography setups, and includes a flat-field reducer that widens the imaging field and improves edge sharpness for astrophotography use.
Because this is an OTA only (no mount or tripod included), you’ll need to attach it to a stable equatorial or Go-To mount to use it effectively; this adds cost but also gives you flexibility to pair it with a mount that suits your use (visual observing vs tracking for astrophotography).
The dual-speed focuser and flat-field reducer are especially helpful additions at this price point and give you more control over image quality than many basic Maksutov scopes without such enhancements — meaning you can get more satisfying planetary views and better framed astrophotos once everything is properly set up.
On the flip side, optical quality can vary — some community discussions highlight that performance isn’t always at premium-level standards and that optical testing data isn’t clearly specified by the manufacturer, which can lead to variable results between units.
Still, for the price and features included, many users appreciate the balance of mid-sized aperture, contrasty optics, and imaging accessories in a compact package. It’s a strong choice if you want a mid-aperture Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA for planetary observing and beginner astrophotography with the understanding that a good mount and additional accessories are essential to unlock its full potential.
Conclusion
Our top pick for the best maksutov cassegraoin telescope is the Celestron – NexStar 127SLT. Designed as an entry- to mid-level astronomical observation platform, the Celestron NexStar 127SLT 127mm f/12 Maksutov-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope gives users the ability to make detailed observations of the Moon, with the ability to easily see planets and reach outside the solar system to resolve distant objects like galaxies, nebulae, and binary or variable stars.
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