# Maksutov–Cassegrain

Also called: Mak, Maksutov.

A compact catadioptric telescope with a thick curved front lens: sharp, slow (f/12–f/15), great for planets and the Moon.

Maksutovs are small, rugged and hold their [collimation](https://astropilot.space/glossary/collimation), making them excellent grab-and-go telescopes for the Moon, planets and double stars. Their slow focal ratio limits how wide a field they can show, so the largest deep-sky objects don't fit.

**Related:** [Schmidt–Cassegrain](https://astropilot.space/glossary/schmidt-cassegrain.md), [Focal ratio](https://astropilot.space/glossary/focal-ratio.md), [True field of view](https://astropilot.space/glossary/true-field.md)

From the AstroPilot astronomy glossary: https://astropilot.space/glossary/maksutov