254mm F14.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain (254F145MC)

Our new 254 mm f/14.5 Maksutov-Cassegrain generated a lot of excitement when we introduced the prototype at the Northeast Astronomy Forum (NEAF) in April 2017.

Like its predecessor, this telescope was developed for those desiring a no-compromise high-power instrument for a wide variety of visual and imaging needs. It is ideal for lunar/planetary, double star and high-resolution deep-sky observing. As a bonus, it offers so much aperture in a small compact size that fits comfortably on a Mach1GTO. You can’t do this with a large refractor.

Long-time followers will recall that we offered a limited number of 10 inch f/14.6 Mak-Cass scopes some 16 years ago. They have become prized instruments to those who own them. Planetary photos are absolutely stunning as this scope provides refractor-like images.

The salient features of the original and current version are small central obstruction for the highest possible contrast in a Cassegrain of this size plus quartz mirror optics for quick cool down during times of falling temperatures.

The optical design follows the original concept of aspheric primary with secondary spot on the inside of the corrector . The simplicity of this 2-element optical system assures no collimation issues - the scope will always retain collimation and cannot be knocked out of alignment because there is no secondary mirror to fuss or adjust. The small 23% central obstruction assures the highest possible planetary contrast at high powers.

This obstruction also acts as a baffle to keep stray light from the sky from falling directly on the eyepiece. For high-power eyepieces, a 23% obstruction is enough to fully shield the field of view from this stray light. When the field of view exceeds about 1 inch diameter, light from the sky can leak past the front baffle and reduce the contrast at the edge of the field. Therefore, for low-power, wide-field viewing with 2” eyepieces we provide a larger secondary baffle that will increase the front baffle size to 32% to block this stray light in the outer portions of the field. This is needed primarily when sky light-pollution is high and you are using low-power wide-field eyepieces to observe faint deep-sky objects. Under dark skies, there will be no difference in contrast. Note: this secondary baffle threads onto the front of the corrector. The photo does not show the method of attachment on the corrector.

We have redesigned the mechanical and optical parts of this telescope to make it lighter weight and to enhance the performance
even in falling temperatures. Weight was reduced two ways: the tube is now carbon fiber and the optics are substantially thinner and
lighter weight than the original. The thinner optical components retain much less heat, which allows faster cool down. We are still
using fused silica quartz for the mirror and high quality crown glass for the corrector

Features

• New lightweight carbon fiber tube assembly with machined aluminum covers to close and protect each end of the tube. The rear covers can be removed to allow internal heat to escape out the back for fast cool down.
• Precision focuser system that has no image shift. The internal moving mirror focuser rides on a jeweled mechanism that
  provides very smooth accurate positioning of the mirror.
• Removable felt-lined dew shield slides onto the front of the corrector and provides stray light baffling as well as trapping warm
  air from the corrector to prevent dew from forming.
• High-contrast multi-coating technology on the corrector, the same as we have used for our StarFire refractors in recent years,
  will provide optimum light transmission.
• Our optional CCD Telecompressor (CCDT67) can be used for faster focal ratio imaging with popular CCD cameras.
• The 2 inch field is flat and coma-free for stunning views with any wide-field eyepiece. No flattener is needed for imaging at
  prime focus for high-resolution images of distant deep-sky objects such as galaxies and globular clusters.