Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Design
The Maksutov-Cassegrain (MAK) is a catadioptric telescope, which means the optical design includes both a lens and a mirror. The light coming through a MAK passes through the corrector lens to the primary mirror and back to a spherical secondary mirror before it hits the eyepiece. Images are bright, sharp, and virtually free of chromatic aberration.
The Maksutov-Cassegrain’s optical design offers several unique benefits. Instead of a secondary mirror, the MAK features a “secondary spot” of reflective coating applied directly to the inside of the corrector plate. Because of this, the telescope does not require frequent collimation like a Schmidt-Cassegrain. Also, the secondary spot is significantly smaller than a traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain secondary mirror, giving the MAK its signature high-contrast views.
One important thing to note about Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes is that the larger, heavier Maksutov corrector plate takes longer to cool down and adjust to ambient air temperature compared to a Schmidt-Cassegrain of the same aperture. We recommend assembling your telescope outside before dusk so it has time to cool before observing.
Description
Star Trang 127EQ3M-MAK5 (S83103)
S81303
EQ3M-MAK5
Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain type
Caliber: 127 mm
Focal length: 1900 mm
Focal ratio: f/15
Star finder: Red dot star finder
Zenith mirror: 1.25″ positive
Eyepiece: 1.25″ Prosopo 25 mm
Optical coating: multilayer film
Bracket type: German equatorial instrument
Number of teeth: biaxial 132 teeth
Weight: 5 kg
Horizontal fine adjustment: ±5 degrees
Latitude fine-tuning: 10~65 degrees
Tripod: Height adjustable, including attachment tray