Reflector or refractor for first telescope?

esourcemt · Guest

I am looking to purchase our first telescope for family use and after reading thru all the various materials on types of scopes and mounts it is still unclear to me what would be best for a first telescope.

I understand the differences but having never owned one or worked with one, just reading about it does very little on guiding someone in the proper direction.

I am limited to around $150 and was considering something like the Powerseeker 127 or Astromaster 70.

So the big question is why would I choose one over the other?

Thanks
Mike

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5018

Hi

There is no best, here. Each design, refractor and reflector, has advantages
and disadvantages.

A refractor uses lenses. A refractor requires less maintenance, is less
likely to ever need adjustment and images produced are right side up when
used with a diagonal. However, refractors are the most expensive telescopes
per inch of size and size of the telescope in terms of lens or mirror size,
is still the primary factor in telescope performance. Refractors are ideal for use with children, since the eyepiece sits at the bottom of the telescope, within closer reach than a reflector, but for a taller adult, the tripod legs may not extend tall enough to use the telescope comfortably when in a standing position.

A reflector uses mirrors. Reflectors are the least expensive telescope per
inch of size and telescope size, in terms of the diameter of the lens or mirror, is the primary factor in telescope performance. However, images produced by a reflector are upside down (not a problem for astronomy) and they require more care as well as occasional adjustment of the mirrors. Reflectors also put the eyepiece closer to eye level position, making them more comfortable to use for adults, but more of a problem for children.

For a discussion of these basics, you might also find it useful to review
our article at

How to choose the right telescope
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