Best 5 Compound Telescope Models To Purchase In 2022 Reviews

Are you looking for more information about the compound telescopes?

Then read this post.

I will write reviews of the best five compound telescopes on the market. Find out what they are, how they work, what beneficial features they offer,  and what makes them the best choice.

Need-To-Know About Compound Telescopes

What Is A Compound Telescope?

A compound telescope or more often called Catadioptric telescope is a telescope that comes with a much shorter tube but a longer focal length. It is designed with both reflector and refractor style construction. It’s called “compound” because it focuses light back and forth between multiple elements. The two most popular models are Maksutov-Cassegrain and Schmidt-Cassegrains telescopes.

How Do Compound Telescopes Work?

As I mentioned, compound telescopes feature a combination of reflective and refractive telescope designs. That means that they use both reflective mirrors and refractive lenses to gather and focus a large amount of light providing you with the most beautiful view of the desired object.

What Are The Advantages Of Compound Telescopes?

The main advantage of the compound telescope is the long focal length that comes with a short tube. That means that it has strong magnifying power and it’s the perfect choice for observing the Moon and other planets in our Solar System. Also, compound telescopes are much lighter which makes them much easier to transport.

Are There Any Disadvantages?

Even though the compound telescopes offer the best of both reflective and refractive telescopes they do have a few disadvantages. The most important disadvantage is the fact that the compound telescopes are not that good for observing deep-sky objects such as nebulas and different galaxies.

Best 5 Compound Telescope Models

Best Portable Compound Telescope

Meade Instruments Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope

Multiple Eyepieces

This compound telescope features different eyepieces that provide you with high magnification features. Thanks to that feature you will be able to choose the magnifying power at which you want to observe the desired celestial object to ensure you get the most beautiful view.

Erect Image

Unlike other telescopes you can find on the market, this compound telescope will provide you with an erect view of the object you are observing. It is a great feature because the inverted image can be very confusing especially for younger minds. With this telescope, you will see the object the same way you would with your eyes.

GoTo Mount

The great thing about this compound telescope is that it comes with a GoTo mount that will locate the celestial object you choose and track it as it moves across the sky. It is a great feature that can be beneficial both for beginners and professional astronomers.

Adjustable Tripod

Another user-friendly feature of this compound telescope is the tripod that allows you to adjust it according to your needs. Because of that feature, you can forget about bending or squatting down to capture the best view. Simply adjust the tripod according to your height and enjoy the most comfortable experience.

Accessory Holder

The tripod of this compound telescope also features an accessory holder that will keep your eyepieces in place. That means that you never have to worry about losing them while using the telescope. Change the eyepieces to get the most out of this telescope.

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Best Star Finding Compound Telescope

Celestron GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

Premium Optical Coating

This star finding compound telescope comes with a premium optical coating that enhances light transmission. Thanks to that feature you can be sure that you will get the most beautiful and much brighter and sharper view of the observed object.

Computerized Hand Controller 

Another great thing about this star finding compound telescope is that it comes with a computerized hand controller that features a large database of more than forty thousand different celestial objects. It also lists all the objects that are most visible to ensure you get the most detailed view.

GPS Technology

You never have to worry about entering your longitude and latitude with this star finding compound telescope. It features a built-in GPS system that will automatically determine your exact coordinates even if you are nowhere near available cell service. That means that you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of this telescope no matter where you are.

Ergonomic Design

This star finding compound telescope features an ergonomic design. Because of this feature, you will be able to easily break this telescope down and store it in its place. Also, this feature makes it much easier to transport so you can take the telescope anywhere you go.

Great For Astrophotography

The best thing about this star finding compound telescope is that it is a perfect choice if you enjoy astrophotography. Everything you need to do is add your DSLR and you will be able to capture beautiful photographs of different celestial objects that will enhance your portfolio.

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Best Astronomical Compound Telescope

Bushnell Northstar 90mm Maksutove Telescope

Maksutov-Cassegrain Design

This astronomical compound telescope features a Maksutov-Cassegrain design that uses a spherically curved front lens and a curved primary mirror to provide you with the most beautiful view of different sky objects. It will provide you with a long focal length, much longer than the optical tube of this telescope is.

Star Locator

Another great thing about this astronomical compound telescope is that it uses a computer and a motorized technology to accurately locate and track your desired object as it moves across the sky. It comes with over twenty thousand pre-programmed celestial objects for you to choose from.

Remote Control

The best thing about this astronomical compound telescope is that it comes with a remote controller that features illuminated LCD and backlit buttons to ensure that you can use it during the night too. It also comes with an educational feature. By the press of a button, you can hear the description of the night sky.

Kinematic Mount

This astronomical compound telescope features a simple and precise altazimuth mount that ensures the optimum shape for the most comfortable observing experience. That means that you can set it up very quickly without worrying that it will shift or change its position.

Completely Portable

You can take this astronomical compound telescope anywhere you go. It is very easy to break apart, set up, and it’s completely portable. it is a great choice for people who love to travel and want to observe the sky from different parts of the world.

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Best Tabletop Compound Telescopes

Orion StarMax TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope

High Magnifying Power

This tabletop compound telescope comes with high magnifying power and powerful contrast which is the perfect thing for observing the Moon and different planetary objects. Talking about deep-sky objects, you will be able to see the brightest ones such as Orion Nebula and Andromeda galaxy.

Tabletop Design

Another great thing about this tabletop compound telescope is that you can place it on any flat surface. However, because of its lightweight design, you can attach the bottom of the telescope to any floor standing camera tripod that you may have at home.

Red Dot Finderscope

Thi tabletop compound telescope comes with a few additional accessories including a red dot finderscope. When you look through the finderscope you will see a small red dot. Keep adjusting the telescope until the red dot aligns with the object you want to observe.

Completely Portable

The best thing about this tabletop compound telescope is that it is completely portable. Thanks to that feature you can take it with you even when you go on a camping trip. It is the perfect choice for everyone who loves to travel but doesn’t have extra room for the equipment that large telescopes come with.

Precaution Tips

Note that you should never look through the telescope or its finder scope directly at or even anywhere near the Sun. If you are interested in observing the Sun make sure you get a professionally made solar filter that completely covers the front side of the telescope. Otherwise, you can end up with serious eye damage.

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Best Auto-Tracking Compound Telescope

Celestron Computerized Telescope

8 Inch Aperture

This auto-tracking compound telescope features an eight-inch aperture that has enough power to absorb a large amount of light that the sky objects transmit. Thanks to that feature you will get the most beautiful view of different celestial objects that surround us.

GoTo Tracking System

The best thing about this auto-tracking compound telescope is that it comes with a computerized GoTo tracking system. Everything you need to do is choose the celestial object you want to observe and the telescope will automatically locate it and track it as it moves across the sky.

Great For Astrophotography

Another amazing thing about this auto-tracking compound telescope is that you can attach any Celestron planetary camera or your DSLR to the telescope. That means that you can use this telescope to get the most beautiful photographs of different celestial objects.

Simple Setup

This auto-tracking compound telescope is very easy to set up. The best thing is that the process will take only a few minutes of your time. It is also very easy to breast apart so you can be sure that you won’t have any trouble with storing this telescope inside your home.

Portable Design

You can take this auto-tracking compound telescope anywhere you go. It can be a great companion for camping and fishing trips. It is the best choice for those who like to travel a lot and observe celestial objects from different locations.

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Conclusion: What Are The Best Two Compound Telescopes On The Market?

In my opinion, the best two compound telescopes on the market are Meade Instruments Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope and Orion StarMax TableTop Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope. The first one features a GoTo mount and it provides you with an erect view of the object you are observing. The second one features a tabletop design and it has high magnifying power.

If you want to find out more pieces of information about Schmidt Cassegrain telescopes and the best telescopes for viewing planets and galaxies read this article about the best telescopes on the market. Find out how they work and choose the one that fits into your budget.