THE CATADIOPTRIC
Ideal for astrophotography, this telescopic hybrid is an excellent deepsky telescope, but be prepared to take a bigger hit to your wallet
In order to take the best parts of reflectors and refractors, telescope manufacturers introduced the Schmidt-Cassegrain and the Maksutov-Cassegrain. Most of these hybrid catadioptric telescopes have the added bonus of correcting any problems that are often experienced using your standard reflectors and refractors.
The Maksutov-Cassegrain corrects the problem reflectors experience – an aberration effect called coma that can make objects look distorted and appear like they have a tail. This effect is reduced or banished with the combined efforts of a mirror and a corrector lens. The Maksutov is ideal for beginners or for those who don’t have the time, or funds, to complete any extensive maintenance on their telescope, since the tube’s optics are sealed off. This catadioptric is very robust and is also an ideal family telescope. Packed into its short optical tube is a system that allows you to target higher magnification objects such as the planets, Moon and double stars. Sadly, if you’re an observer interested in capturing wide-field objects such as open clusters and other objects that take up a large area of sky, you are better off investing in a rich-field telescope such as a Dobsonian. The good news is that you’ll be able to pick up a Maksutov for a very good price. Not only that, but if you struggle to find objects and your way around the night sky, catadioptric telescopes can be found commonly equipped with a GoTo system.
What you get with a Schmidt-Cassegrain is very similar to the capabilities of the Maksutov-Cassegrain. It will allow you to make general observations of planetary targets and stars, but is unfortunately less suitable for wide-angle astronomy on its own. However, it’s possible to expand the telescope’s field of view with the help of corrector lenses, therefore providing you with the opportunity to view a wide selection of astronomical targets.