Top Cassegrain telescopes reviewed – Buying guide & Comparison for 2024
If you’re short on time and you just want to find the best cassegrain telescope, this short paragraph should help you get exactly the model you need. According to your research the Celestron CPC 1100 is the best because it comes with SkyAlign so all you need to do is locate the three brightest objects in the sky and it will automatically align itself. The software can also be set to hold the position overnight so you can use the telescope as a permanent observatory. The large 280 mm aperture ensures that distant objects are bright and clear, even farther away planets like Neptune and Uranus. It also comes with an impressive focal length. Beginners will appreciate the easy to use computerized altazimuth mount that makes it easy to locate and track objects in the night sky. Its ergonomic design also makes the telescope relatively easy to move so you can enjoy different views of the celestial objects. If the Celestron CPC 1100 is not available, your second option should be the Celestron NexStar Evolution.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
Given that the CPC 1100 boasts a 280mm aperture, so there’s plenty of celestial objects you will be able to take a peek at. It’s easy to use yet powerful enough to meet and even exceed your requirements, whether you’re a beginner or experienced astronomer. The computerized altazimuth mount that this unit comes with is an advantage in itself.
This model weighs around sixty-five pounds, so it is not the most lightweight alternative available for sale these days.
If you’re willing to invest in a top-notch Cassegrain telescope, this Celestron model might be the right fit for your needs and preferences.
2nd Best
The convenience offered by the NexStar Evolution will inevitably satisfy experienced and beginning astronomers alike. It’s lighter than other choices and comes with a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery that can last for as many as ten hours. There’s also an application available for those who would appreciate controlling the telescope using their mobile devices.
The USB cable that needs to be utilized with this telescope is not provided in the box, which bothers some buyers.
Since setting up this model is especially easy, you will find this unit to be both convenient and efficient. It’s a high-quality telescope.
Also To Consider
As it is one of the most budget-friendly choices out there, you’re likely to be impressed with the capabilities of this device. It comes with a 150mm aperture and a 1500mm focal length that will inevitably serve you as good as possible. Even distant sky objects will look clear and bright while using this model. The SkyAlign system is a neat help as you can track objects with ease.
Several consumers note that, if the batteries are taken out of the device, you need to reset the date and time.
Despite being somewhat hard to set up, this device can surely meet your requirements if you’re looking for a great Cassegrain telescope.
If you want to see distant planets like Pluto and Uranus you need a telescope with a large aperture. While refractor telescopes are great for viewing the moon and the rings around Saturn, if you want to see objects and other galaxies deep in space you will need something with a little more power. A Cassegrain telescope will be able to provide you with the power you need, and best of all you can usually find one that will fit almost any astronomer’s budget. To help you find the best Cassegrain telescope we have included the following tips in this buying guide.
Price
The best cassegrain telescope reviews recommend taking a few minutes to decide on a budget. Cassegrain telescopes can be found at a variety of price points, and having a set spending limit in mind will significantly reduce your number of options. What you are going to use the telescope for, along with your skill level should all be considered and will affect your budget.
The size of the aperture, materials used to construct the tube and any included extras will help determine the cost of the reflecting telescope. Larger apertures will make deep space objects appear bright and clear, but they also come at a price. It is important to remember that one of the advantages of a Cassegrain telescope is that it already comes with an aperture that is typically larger than many refractor models so it might not be necessary to spend a lot of money on this important feature.
Beginners will want to pay close attention to the extras that can come with a telescope, especially if this is their first time using one. Often times the best beginner cassegrain telescope is computerized. Even though this often costs extra, it does make alignment quick and easy so you can start locating objects in the sky.
Performance
How well the telescope performs will depend on the size of its aperture, and in this case bigger is always better. The diameter of the aperture will determine how much light is gathered, and this affects how bright and clear objects appear in the sky. It is important to note that the aperture does not determine magnification, only how clear the celestial bodies appear. In most cases you will want to look for a telescope that comes with an aperture measuring 102 mm in diameter or larger.
The eyepieces will determine the telescope’s magnification power, and most models come with at least one to help you get started. It is important to match magnification with the telescope’s light gathering abilities so distant objects do not appear dim. Most experienced astronomers recommend using low power eyepieces for sighting distant galaxies and nebulas, and one with a mid range if you want to see details on the surface of brighter objects. The eyepieces can also be added as you become more proficient with the telescope, and as your budget allows.
The focal length of the telescope is usually another important consideration, but since it is already longer on these models it is often not a concern. This is also good news for glasses wearers since telescopes with longer focal lengths are easier for them to use.
Mount
There are several reasons why the telescope mount is an important consideration. It provides support and stability, and allows you to attach the telescope to a tripod. Some mounts are even computerized, which is a great feature for beginners to have since this means that the telescope will automatically align itself.
The best refractor telescope for beginners and compound cassegrain models come with an altazimuth mount. This mount is extremely easy to set up, and astronomers will appreciate its slow motion capabilities when they are tracking moving objects. If you are on a tight budget the best schmidt-cassegrain telescope for the money will come with a dobsonian mount. A type of altazimuth mount, it is simply priced lower due to its lightweight construction.
Experienced astronomers often prefer the slightly more expensive equatorial mount. Often computerized, these mounts are a little harder to set up but are ideal when you need accurate alignment. Since these mounts are aligned with the earth’s axis their precision also makes them a great choice for astrophotographers.
6 Best Cassegrain Telescopes (Reviews) in 2024
A cassegrain telescope is the perfect choice for anyone that wants to see celestial objects in deep space. Their relatively compact size allows you to use them almost anywhere, and some are even lightweight enough that you can take it with you to different observation points. While we can’t choose the right model for you we can help you make an informed decision, which is why we have the best cassegrain telescopes showcased below.
Contents
1. Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain
While this telescope does weight 65 pounds, its ergonomic design makes it relatively easy to move from a window to your backyard.
This way you can enjoy different views of the night sky. It also comes with a sturdy tripod that is incredibly easy to set up so you can start using this telescope right out of the box. Since this is a compound Schmidt- Cassegrain telescope it comes with a compact design that allows it to fit in almost any room, and this also allows for easy storage.
You will love being able to clearly see images deep in space thanks to the 280mm aperture. It wide diameter combined with the 2800mm focal length ensures celestial objects are bright and clear, even on cloudy evenings. While experienced astronomers will appreciate its power, beginners will love how easy it is to use.
The computerized altazimuth mount combined with the SkyAlign system ensures even first time users will be able to accurately locate and track distant celestial objects. This system can also be set to keep the telescope aligned over night, which makes it a great choice if you want to have a permanent observatory at home.
Pros
This fantastic product features an 11-inch diffraction limited Schmidt-Cassegrain with an extremely ergonomic design. Although it may seem quite bulky at the beginning, this telescope is easy to carry around from location to location and see the most important celestial objects.
It features a Proven NexStar computer control technology complete with GPS alignment for easily detecting the most important objects in the sky, including the Moon, planets, stars, and galaxies and provide a closer look to them.
This is mainly for use at home but, if you add it the right wedge and CCD cameras, it can easily turn into a professional astrophotography tool.
Cons
The price of this amazing telescope could prove to inhibit for those who are only looking at astronomy as a hobby. If you are on a tight budget or simply not as passionate about stargazing as you should be, there are several other products available on the market for less.
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2. Celestron NexStar Evolution Telescope
If you are looking for a powerful and portable Cassegrain telescope, this compact model by Celestron might be the perfect choice for you.
Measuring 9.25 inches and weighing under 30 pounds, you can easily pack up this telescope and take it with you to your favorite observation site. To ensure you have plenty of power away from home it comes with a rechargeable lithium ion battery. Capable of powering the telescope for up to 10 hours, you don’t have to worry about missing a thing.
To ensure distant planets and galaxies are sharp and clear, the Evolution comes with a 1.25 inch star diagonal. When you want to see the details of a star cluster or just on the surface of the moon, simply insert one of the 2 included eyepieces.
The 40mm and 13mm plossl eyepieces ensure details are crisp, even on dim objects. Beginners and experienced astronomers will appreciate the convenience of the computerized altazimuth mount that can be set for automatic alignment. It even comes with an app that will let you control its movements from your compatible smartphone or tablet.
Pros
It weighs under 30 pounds, which makes it lightweight and portable enough to ensure movement from location to location, as well as easy transportation. You can easily install this telescope in the intimacy of your own home or take it with you on trips and special nights.
The telescope comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery capable of working up to 10 hours, so you won’t have to worry about losing power during the most important celestial activities.
You can wirelessly control your telescope via iOS or Android systems and benefit from everything this amazing product has to offer you.
The USB charge port for your smartphone or tablet is handy.
Cons
Just like with plenty of Cassegrain telescopes, this item isn’t sold for less either. If you are not a very avid fan of astronomy, you can opt for more affordable telescopes, at least until you get a grip on exactly how to use them and benefit from all of their features.
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3. Celestron 11068 NexStar 6 SE Computerised Telescope
It is easy to travel to different observation points with this cassegrain telescope by Celestron. It also comes at a price that will fit any astronomer’s budget.
While this might be an affordable telescope, it still comes with all of the power and functions you need to clearly see objects in deep space. The 150mm aperture and 1500mm focal length ensure that even dim, distant celestial bodies appear bright and clear. The long focal length is also great for astronomers with glasses, since they will find that it is easier to see through the telescope with their spectacles on.
Since this cassegrain telescope comes with the SkyAlign system, even first time stargazers will find it easy to locate and track objects. There is also a database with over 40,000 celestial objects in it so you can quickly and easily locate exactly what you want to see.
You will also appreciate the “quick release” mount, along with the fact that there aren’t any tools needed for assembly. Simply attach the telescope to the tripod and you are ready to start watching the sky.
Pros
Thanks to the SkyAlign system incorporated in this telescope, even the first time stargazers will be able to locate and focus on more than 40,000 celestial objects with ease. In other words, it is very easy to use even for beginners.
Thanks to the compact and lightweight design, the telescope is easy to carry around in any of your field trips or simply mounted in the comfort of your own backyard.
It features a quick-release fork arm mount, an optical tube, as well as an accessory tray for easy setup. This means that you will be ready to use this scope in no time and you won’t require professional help for the setup either.
Cons
The product only comes with a 25mm eyepiece, so if you want to get a closer look on the planets out there, you will have to acquire additional eyepieces or a zoom eyepiece. Depending on their capacities, these could prove quite expensive.
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4. Celestron NexStar Evolution Telescope
When you are ready to take your stargazing to a new level, you might want to consider the Evolution 8 by Celestron.
It comes with a 1.25 inch star diagonal for bright clear images, and the 40mm and 13mm plossl eyepieces ensure you can see every detail without causing the object to appear dim or blurry. There is even a red dot finder scope so you can easily pinpoint an object’s precise location.
What sets this cassegrain telescope apart are its WiFi capabilities. Not only does this allow you to control the telescope from your smartphone or tablet, it also provides you with instant access to Celestron’s mobile app.
With over 40,000 celestial bodies included in the database, you can easily find what you are looking for in the night sky.
The telescope also comes with an easy to use computerized altazimuth mount. To ensure you have plenty of power for a full night of stargazing the rechargeable lithium battery can last for up to 10 hours at a time.
Pros
The StarPointer red dot finderscope technology allows you to easily spot and focus on the most important celestial objects and provide a clear view of them.
The deluxe accessory kit included with the purchase of this telescope comes with extremely useful gears, including a fork mount, a tripod, and an AC adapter with USA/ EU, UK, and AUS plugs.
You can remotely control your telescope via smartphone or tablet with both iOS and Android operating systems.
The compact, 8-inch design weighs under 30 pounds which make the product portable and lightweight, suitable for taking it in all your field trips.
It also includes a rechargeable Li-ion battery that can last up to 10 hours of intense use, allowing you enough time to see all important celestial phenomena and objects.
Cons
Some customers complained about Celestron’s customer service claiming they had to wait a lot of time for receiving a new item after the previous one arrived broken or used.
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5. Orion 10022 StarMax 90mm TableTop Maksutov
Despite being a tad hefty when compared to other types of models, this Orion choice is the perfect alternative for those who want to make sure that they have a telescope at hand and one that can produce crisp and clear images of anything ranging from Saturn’s rings to Jupiter’s moons.
The magnification, focal length, as well as focal ratio specifications of this option, enable it to be a great friend in need if you want to take a peek at star clusters, nebulae, and even galaxies. The finder scope that accompanies the main unit allows you to aim the telescope better, thus eliminating some of the hassle that beginners have to deal with.
Based on the feedback that we have analyzed, it appears that the instructions that come with this telescope are easy to read and allow even rookies to learn how to use the device. This semi-professional optical instrument can provide truly incredible images of celestial objects.
Pros
The 90mm aperture boasted by this telescope is an advantage in itself, as it is thanks to this feature that you’ll have the opportunity to look at a wide range of celestial objects.
The EZ Finder II that accompanies the main unit will give you a hand at better aiming so as to focus the image both conveniently and efficiently.
There’s no need for you to go through a lot of trouble when it comes to installing this choice as it is ready to go right out of the box. It comes preassembled.
Since the model is lightweight, it can be taken on camping trips so that you get a chance to look at the stars even when traveling.
This semi-professional alternative can be used by beginners and well-seasoned observational astronomers.
Cons
The battery of the finderscope can get drained fast seeing how many consumers forget to turn it off.
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6. Levenhuk Strike 1000 PRO
Experienced astronomers and astrophotographers often find that this is the perfect cassegrain telescope for them.
It comes with an equatorial mount so it is easy to align the telescope accurately with the earth’s axis. Not only does this allow you to precisely locate objects in the sky, it also provides you with slow, accurate tracking. This ensures that the image always appears crisp and clear, which is a must in astrophotography.
Seeing into deep space isn’t a problem with this telescope, thanks to the 102mm aperture. Its wide diameter allows it to gather plenty of light so even dim distant planets appear bright and clear. This telescope also comes with a 1300mm focal length so even astronomers with glasses can enjoy seeing deep space objects in stunning clarity.
When you need to see details simply insert one of the 3 included plossl eyepieces. Designed for low, mid and high range viewing you will be able to clearly see everything from the features on the lunar surface to distant Pluto. You can also add more eyepieces as needed. To ensure plenty of stability when you are scanning the night sky, the Strike 1000 Pro also comes with a sturdy and lightweight aluminum tripod.
Pros
This product is definitely more suitable for professionals as it features outstanding technical details.
It includes an equatorial mount to align the telescope with the Earth’s axis in order to provide clear and enhanced image of everything worth watching on the sky.
The slow, accurate tracking allows you to see planets, stars, the Moon, and many other celestial wonders easily.
Thanks to the long focal length as well as the wide objective lens diameter this telescope will make objects look clearer and brighter. Thus, this item is suitable both for stargazing and planet watching in the closest details.
The lightweight and durable construction makes for easy transportation.
Cons
It is quite hard to find this item available for sale on the market. Moreover, even if you do manage to purchase this item, you will notice the price is quite high.
The product is mainly destined for professionals or avid lovers so it should be avoided if you are not part of these categories. There are plenty of beginners’ telescopes you can choose from, but this is not one of them.
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Bibliography:
1) What is the Cassegrain reflector?
2) Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes design
3) Cassegrain reflector in astronomical telescopy
4) Cassegrain Telescope Walkthrough Video