Catadioptric (Cassegrain) Telescopes

Learning About Catadioptric Telescopes

The three major types of reflecting telescopes are Newtonian, Schmidt-Cassegrain (SCTs), and catadioptric (Cassegrain). The catadioptric telescope has dual mirrors to create a folded optical path. Unlike original reflectors (Newtonian), with catadioptric reflectors, light is reflected off the sides of the telescope instead of the back. SCTs have the same folded optical path, but include a thin correction lens at the front of the scope to improve the final image. Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes have a unique feature as well, a negative lens at the entrance pupil. The main difference between Maksutov and other reflector telescopes is that they don't require alignment before use.

Choosing a Cassegrain Telescope

Select the Cassegrain telescope that fits your specific viewing needs, as not all of them offer the same features. Maksutov-Cassegrain options provide compact sizes and reliable optics for people who live in the city, and they're primarily designed for viewing larger planets and dual stars. SCTs are bulkier but allow viewers to observe galaxies and singular stars in addition to planets. SCT telescopes produce better results in open spaces because city lights can cause glare and poor viewing conditions. Selecting additional accessories such as telescope diagonals and prisms can provide you with clearer planetary viewing and increase detail.

Computerized Telescopes

Celestron-NexStar telescopes come in computerized versions, with Wi-Fi modules that can connect directly to your mobile device via the SkyPortal app. Celestron is famous for creating high-quality refractor telescopes for astronomical and terrestrial viewing. Glass lenses inside these telescope grab light and bend it to produce an image.

B&H Photo and Video carries telescopes and accessories such as cases, lens filters, and stands, to give you the best viewing experience. Amateur astrologists or telescope enthusiasts can also browse through a large selection of all-in-one telescope kits.