The Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is a popular type of compound telescope that combines features of both the Schmidt and Cassegrain designs. It uses a spherical primary mirror and a corrector plate to reduce optical aberrations, allowing for clearer images. This design makes it compact and portable, making it ideal for amateur astronomers. The telescope's design allows for a long focal length in a shorter tube, which enhances its ability to observe distant celestial objects. It is versatile, suitable for both planetary and deep-sky observations, and often comes with various mounting options for ease of use.