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Celestron – MAK 90mm Angled Spotting Scope – Maksutov Spotting Scope – Great for Long Range Viewing – 39x Magnification with 32mm Eyepiece – Multi-Coated Optics – Rubber Armored
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Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Celestron |
Optical Tube Length | 70 Millimeters |
Eye Piece Lens Description | Brandon |
Objective Lens Diameter | 90 Millimeters |
Telescope Mount Description | Equatorial Mount |
Product Dimensions | 16"D x 7"W x 10"H |
Focus Type | Manual Focus |
Finderscope | Reflex |
Item Weight | 2.1 Kilograms |
Compatible Devices | Smartphone |
About this item
- 90MM MAKSUTOV-CASSEGRAIN SPOTTING SCOPE: Compact and lightweight, the C90 is an ideal choice for bird watching, nature observation, target shooting, and digiscoping.
- BRIGHT, SHARP VIEWS OF DISTANT TARGETS: Ideal for spotting small land-based targets at great distances or viewing astronomical objects at night.
- COMPACT AND PORTABLE: The Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design folds the scope's light path, resulting in a scope that is much smaller than others of a similar focal length. Take it with you anywhere.
- USE IT AS A TELEPHOTO LENS: The C90 is designed with photography in mind; it's fully camera adaptable. To take professional quality shots, just attach the correct optional T- Adapter and T-Ring for your camera to the back of the scope.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 32mm eyepiece, 45° erect image diagonal, 8x21 erect image finderscope, nylon backpack for storage and transport.
- UNBEATABLE WARRANTY & CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Buy with confidence from Celestron, a leading optics brand in California since 1960. Your purchase includes a Celestron Limited Lifetime US Warranty & US-based expert tech support.
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Top Brand: Celestron
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This Item Celestron – MAK 90mm Angled Spotting Scope – Maksutov Spotting Scope – Great for Long Range Viewing – 39x Magnification with 32mm Eyepiece – Multi-Coated Optics – Rubber Armored | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | -16% $244.35$244.35 List: $289.95 | -23% $189.99$189.99 Typical: $245.99 | -13% $233.99$233.99 List: $269.95 | $624.82$624.82 | -33% $240.42$240.42 List: $360.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Mar 20 |
Customer Ratings | |||||
Value for money | 4.4 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.1 |
Picture quality | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.0 | — |
Light weight | 4.5 | — | 4.0 | 4.6 | — |
Sold By | Amazon.com | Gosky-Direct | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
focus type | Manual Focus | — | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Individual Focus |
eye piece lens | Brandon | — | Brandon | Plossl | — |
objective lens diameter | 90 millimeters | 80 millimeters | 80 millimeters | 127 millimeters | 65 millimeters |
exit pupil diameter | 2.3 millimeters | — | 4 millimeters | 2.5 millimeters | — |
telescope mount | Equatorial Mount | — | Equatorial Mount | Equatorial Mount | — |
lens coating | Multi-Coated | — | Multi-Coated | Schmidt-cassegrain | Fully Multi-coated |
weight | 2.1 kilograms | 1.1 kilograms | 3.56 pounds | 96 ounces | 2.28 pounds |
finderscope | Reflex | — | Reflex | Reflex | Reflex |
What's in the box
From the manufacturer
C90 Maksutov-Cassegrain Spotting Scope / Telescope Hybrid
An excellent choice for both terrestrial and astronomical usage.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
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Highly VersatileThe Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design is recognized for being a portable design that is easy to use and has a variety of applications. |
Erect Image FinderscopeLocate your subject quicky with the included 8x21 erect image finderscope. |
Uses Astronomy EyepiecesThe C90 accepts a wide range of 1.25” mount eyepieces for even more magnification. |
Backpack Case IncludedAn included backpack case is a convenient way to transport your scope. |
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
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Super-telephoto LensBuilt-in T-mount adapter threads allow easy connection of DSLR camera bodies to create a 1250 mm lens. |
Versatile Mounting OptionsDesigned with both a dovetail rail and a ¼-20 threaded mounting port, the C90 mounts easily on both astronomical and camera tripods. |
Multiple Accessories IncludedCustom backpack case, 32 mm eyepiece, 45° erect image diagonal 8x21 mm erect image finderscope, objective cover, cleaning cloth, and instruction manual all included. |
Customer Reviews |
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52268 | 52291 | 52238 | 52305 | |
Magnification | 39x (with included eyepiece) | 50x (with included eyepiece) | 25x-75x | 20x-60x |
Optical Design | Maksutov-Cassegrain | Schmidt-Cassegrain | Maksutov-Cassegrain | Porro Prism |
Eyepiece | 32 mm Plossl | 50 mm Plossl | 10-30 mm | 8-24 mm |
Field of View (degrees) | 1.3° | 1.0° (with included eyepiece) | 1.3°-0.7° | 2.1°-1.0° |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 67 (with included eyepiece) | 52 (with included eyepiece) | 68-37 (with included eyepiece) | 110-52 |
Lens Coatings | Multi-coated | StarBright XLT | Multi-coated | Fully Multi-coated & XLT |
Close Focus Distance (feet) | 15 | 20 | 32 | 21.3 |
Eye Relief (mm) | 20 | 22 | 16 | 20 |
Eyecup | Folding (with included eyepiece) | Folding (with included eyepiece) | Folding (with included eyepiece) | Twist |
Customer Reviews |
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Tripod Mount | Dovetail Rail & ¼-20 threaded | Dovetail Rail & ¼-20 threaded | Fixed; ¼-20 threaded | Rotating; ¼-20 threaded |
Finderscope | 8x21 mm Erect Image | 6x30 mm Erect Image | No | No |
Looking for specific info?
Product information
Product Dimensions | 16 x 7 x 10 inches |
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Item Weight | 4.62 pounds |
ASIN | B0038QYRDO |
Item model number | 52268 |
Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #234,025 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors) #90 in Spotting Scopes |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | February 17, 2010 |
Manufacturer | Celestron |
Country of Origin | China |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product guides and documents
Product Description
Product Description
The Maksutov optical design is recognized for being a portable design that is easy to use and has a variety of applications, making it an excellent choice for both terrestrial and astronomical usage. This C90 Mak has excellent optics with razor sharp images over a wide field.
Amazon.com
Celestron’s 52268 90mm Maksutov Spotting Scope delivers excellent high power optics in a compact, affordable package. The 52268 package includes a backpack style soft carrying case, an 8x21 erect image finder scope, a 1.25 inch size correct image 45* prism diagonal, and a fully coated 32mm plossl eyepiece for a magnification of 39X.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, value, weight and image quality of the telescope. They mention that its a great little setup, good value for money and that the optics are very good for clarity and detail. They are also satisfied with performance, and ease of assembly. That said, opinions are mixed on visibility and brightness.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the telescope. They say it's a great little telescope with a high-quality tripod. Customers are impressed with the quality and functionality of the product. They mention that it' s s solid little setup and is not a flimsy scope.
"...PRO: excellent optics, easy to get very high useful magnifications and outstanding views of moon and planets, easy to split double stars, and good..." Read more
"...swapping out single-focal-length eyepieces; also, a sturdy, high-quality tripod of either the camera or the astronomical variety, depending on your..." Read more
"...The unit is fairly rugged, self-contained, and more or less sealed so you can't accidentally mess something up...." Read more
"...This however, does make it easier to find the object you are looking for...." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the telescope. They mention that the optics are really good for the price, and it is a well-made scope for its price.
"...SUMMARY: A very capable, sturdy spotting/astro scope for a very attractive price...." Read more
"...clarity are well beyond what I expected for such a small and inexpensive telescope...." Read more
"...Given the small size and modest price, my expectations were relatively low, but I did expect it to do a reasonably good job for casual use...." Read more
"...I think this scope is a great budget spotting scope and possibly a decent portable astronomical scope...." Read more
Customers like the image quality of the telescope. They mention that it has a perfectly clear image, the sharpness and clarity are well beyond what they expected for such a small and affordable telescope. The resolution is fantastic, and the optics are very good for clarity and detail. Customers are also impressed with the incredible detail they can see with just the normal eyepiece, and that it is capable of some decent deep-sky photos.
"...Secondly, the C90 is capable of providing very good images at focal lengths (i.e. high magnification) that leave regular spotting scopes in the..." Read more
"...As for the actual quality of the image, I am not an expert. It seems very crisp to me and I don't seem to see any color issues...." Read more
"...Next, I found terrestrial images to be "soft", with a washed-out appearance...." Read more
"...Its sharpness and clarity are well beyond what I expected for such a small and inexpensive telescope...." Read more
Customers like the weight of the telescope. They mention that it is easy to use and very portable. They also say that it's a great tool to take with you anywhere. The weight is relevantly light weight for its power, but it' s still built to last. The eyepiece is 32mm and 39x, and it weighs about 3 pounds. It has proven to be a good travel scope, and is a quick grab-and-go for some quick lunar or planetary looks.
"...The Maksutov Cassegrain design makes it an excellent travel scope, very capable optically, without the color aberration or "coma" of other..." Read more
"...It has a quality look and heavy weight feel that is impressive for a scope in this price range...." Read more
"...scope is a great budget spotting scope and possibly a decent portable astronomical scope. For the price and versatility, it is a great little scope...." Read more
"...You can easily count shingles on a house 3000 ft away. It travels easily in a checked bag at Southwest Airlines...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the telescope. They say it works well for astronomy, and is great for terrestrial viewing. The high focal ratio of the scope makes it ideal for use with economical eyepieces. The finder scope works great, and the performance on fixed distant land objects is incredible. The balance of size, price, and functionality makes it an ideal choice for terrestrial use. The focuser functions well, and allows for crisp views when matched with the telescope, making it a great choice for both terrestrial and skyward views.
"...PRO: Because of it's high focal ratio (F13.9), it works great with economical eyepieces...." Read more
"...The focuser functions well and allows for crisp views when matched with the appropriate eye pieces...." Read more
"...In the end, for less than $300 the results are quite satisfactory." Read more
"...It's a great introductory scope for astronomy, and works fantastic at the range." Read more
Customers find the telescope easy to assemble. They say it has a one-page instruction, and is very solid. Customers also mention that it is very easy to attach a camera, and that the optical tube assembly is light. The telescope is a lot more stable than larger models, and it is easy to use for photography. The included backpack is quite simple, but it gets the job done, and the scope back makes it easy to navigate the sky. Customers are happy to own and use the telescope.
"...PRO: fully erecting diagonal makes it easy to navigate the sky, and not "get lost" with inverted/mirrored images...." Read more
"...I'm super pleased with the Celestron C90, and it is a pleasure to own and use." Read more
"...The included backpack is quite simple but gets the job done and it is the perfect size to carry the telescope tube, the viewfinder (unmounted), the..." Read more
"...Cons:-The finder scope isn't all that great. It's difficult to use while a camera body is attached...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the visibility of the telescope. Some mention that it has a nice daytime view, the field of view is very good, and it's good for looking at planets and the Moon. However, others say that the optics seem to be acceptable, it' s too dim in the viewfinder, and the eyepiece is subpar.
"...PRO: The finder is nice. Fully erecting, nice aperture, balanced magnification, easy to align.CON: The finder is "straight through"...." Read more
"...this scope did a better job that I expected and it was able to easily view Saturn's rings!..." Read more
"...The supplied Plossel eyepiece is ideal with a comfortably wide apparent field of view, even though the telescope is looking at a restricted bit of..." Read more
"...First, I found the supplied eyepiece to offer far too narrow a field of view...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the brightness of the telescope. Some mention that it's bright, clear, and overall excellent, while others say that the contrast is really low, faint nebula look very dim, and the reflections from the telescope lower the contrast. Customers also mention that the misalignment affected both contrast and resolution of the instrument.
"...Still, what's there, looks OK. Contrast isn't super, but a dew shield from Astrozap helps, as does flocking the inside of the..." Read more
"...This scope is an excellent implementation of the design, and is optically great. However, there are a few caveats, which I list here:..." Read more
"...Cons: f/13.89 f-ratio means it's not particularly good at seeing dim objects at night...." Read more
"...Views of the moon were contrasty, very bright and quite sharp...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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The Maksutov Cassegrain design makes it an excellent travel scope, very capable optically, without the color aberration or "coma" of other telescopes. This scope is an excellent implementation of the design, and is optically great. However, there are a few caveats, which I list here:
PRO: Because of it's high focal ratio (F13.9), it works great with economical eyepieces.
CON: only comes with one eyepiece (32mm, for 56x magnification). To get this as a first telescope, I highly recommend you get the "Celestron 93230 8 to 24mm 1.25 Zoom Eyepiece". They work great together, awesome views of the planets and the moon.
PRO: very lightweight, easy to take on hikes, airline carry-on bags, trips to dark skies, etc. Comes with a nice bag.
CON: does not come with a tripod. This is it's crux, because for astronomy use not any photo tripod will do. A good astronomy tripod (with slow motion controls or tracking) will cost more than this telescope. It *can* be used with a good travel tripod with fluid head (which is what I use) but this way you sacrifice "ease of use" for portability.
PRO: excellent optics, easy to get very high useful magnifications and outstanding views of moon and planets, easy to split double stars, and good views of a few of the brightest nebula.
CON: Very narrow true field of view: Maxes at just 1°, in which many of the larger star clusters (like the Pleiades) won't fit. Also, faint nebula look very dim, because of the small 90mm aperture.
PRO: fully erecting diagonal makes it easy to navigate the sky, and not "get lost" with inverted/mirrored images.
CON: the 45° diagonal is just not suited for astronomical use, because it makes it really uncomfortable to look at things that are very high in the sky (near the zenith). To use this spotting scope as a telescope, you will need to purchase a "90° mirror diagonal" or your neck will hurt. (I got an $18 SVBONY 1.25 90° diagonal from Amazon, and it works)
PRO: The finder is nice. Fully erecting, nice aperture, balanced magnification, easy to align.
CON: The finder is "straight through". There are "RACI" (right angle) finders that are more comfortable to use, although those are very expensive, so the included finder works fine.
PRO: the price of this scope just can't be beaten. It's optical performance per dollar is top notch.
CON: Not a full package. Additional purchases of a 90° diagonal and tripod/mount are required.
The Celestron C90 was my first telescope, and I'm very satisfied with it. It is best for the planets, the moon, splitting double stars, and a few of the brightest deep space objects (more if you can travel to a very dark sky).
If portability or price is paramount, it is an excellent choice. However, for home use, a larger aperture telescope (150mm or more) for a bit higher cost, could serve you better.
Note: these pictures were taken with a Motorola MotoG3, they don't do justice to what you see through the eyepiece.
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2017
The Maksutov Cassegrain design makes it an excellent travel scope, very capable optically, without the color aberration or "coma" of other telescopes. This scope is an excellent implementation of the design, and is optically great. However, there are a few caveats, which I list here:
PRO: Because of it's high focal ratio (F13.9), it works great with economical eyepieces.
CON: only comes with one eyepiece (32mm, for 56x magnification). To get this as a first telescope, I highly recommend you get the "Celestron 93230 8 to 24mm 1.25 Zoom Eyepiece". They work great together, awesome views of the planets and the moon.
PRO: very lightweight, easy to take on hikes, airline carry-on bags, trips to dark skies, etc. Comes with a nice bag.
CON: does not come with a tripod. This is it's crux, because for astronomy use not any photo tripod will do. A good astronomy tripod (with slow motion controls or tracking) will cost more than this telescope. It *can* be used with a good travel tripod with fluid head (which is what I use) but this way you sacrifice "ease of use" for portability.
PRO: excellent optics, easy to get very high useful magnifications and outstanding views of moon and planets, easy to split double stars, and good views of a few of the brightest nebula.
CON: Very narrow true field of view: Maxes at just 1°, in which many of the larger star clusters (like the Pleiades) won't fit. Also, faint nebula look very dim, because of the small 90mm aperture.
PRO: fully erecting diagonal makes it easy to navigate the sky, and not "get lost" with inverted/mirrored images.
CON: the 45° diagonal is just not suited for astronomical use, because it makes it really uncomfortable to look at things that are very high in the sky (near the zenith). To use this spotting scope as a telescope, you will need to purchase a "90° mirror diagonal" or your neck will hurt. (I got an $18 SVBONY 1.25 90° diagonal from Amazon, and it works)
PRO: The finder is nice. Fully erecting, nice aperture, balanced magnification, easy to align.
CON: The finder is "straight through". There are "RACI" (right angle) finders that are more comfortable to use, although those are very expensive, so the included finder works fine.
PRO: the price of this scope just can't be beaten. It's optical performance per dollar is top notch.
CON: Not a full package. Additional purchases of a 90° diagonal and tripod/mount are required.
The Celestron C90 was my first telescope, and I'm very satisfied with it. It is best for the planets, the moon, splitting double stars, and a few of the brightest deep space objects (more if you can travel to a very dark sky).
If portability or price is paramount, it is an excellent choice. However, for home use, a larger aperture telescope (150mm or more) for a bit higher cost, could serve you better.
Note: these pictures were taken with a Motorola MotoG3, they don't do justice to what you see through the eyepiece.
Fast forward many years, I just purchased the Celestron C90 scope, and it's a whole 'nother animal. Comes with all the accessories you will need except a tripod, including a handy backpack style soft case. The dovetail mount is drilled and tapped to fit any standard tripod. Comes with 45 degree image erector, Plossl type eyepiece, lens covers, a sighting scope, lens cloth, etc.
I bought this unit to use as a terrestrial spotting scope, and for the price it is a remarkable unit. It has a quality look and heavy weight feel that is impressive for a scope in this price range. These catadioptric-style scopes have a couple of real advantages vs. traditional, refractor type spotting scopes. First, the C90 uses common 1.25" astronomic eyepieces, of which there are multitudes of them in the aftermarket to choose from (although the 32mm eyepiece that is included is quite good, this was a nice surprise). Secondly, the C90 is capable of providing very good images at focal lengths (i.e. high magnification) that leave regular spotting scopes in the dust.
I did a quick test of the unit mounted on a Bogen tripod and pointed it at Jupiter on a night with about a quarter moon. To my surprise, I could faintly make out the bands on the planet disk itself. With a set of filters I'm sure the color bands would have been even more evident. Views of the moon were contrasty, very bright and quite sharp. The focusing knob, at the rear of the main scope tube, is very precise and has a nice feel/resistance to its motion. To be sure, the C90 would make a dandy backyard astronomic telescope, although a motorized astro tripod would be necessary to truly enjoy star-gazing with it. Informal daytime terrestrial viewing with various eyepieces showed crisp, contrasty images at magnifications twice that of typical refractor spotting scopes in this price range. A bonus: the rear case of the C90 is threaded for cameras using the T-mount system, and given the right tripod and camera setup, can provide quite impressive photographic results.
Recommended accessories for this wonderful little scope - a Celestron "zoom" eyepiece, to minimize swapping out single-focal-length eyepieces; also, a sturdy, high-quality tripod of either the camera or the astronomical variety, depending on your needs.
SUMMARY: A very capable, sturdy spotting/astro scope for a very attractive price. I'm super pleased with the Celestron C90, and it is a pleasure to own and use.