(From Wikipedia) "A refracting or refractor telescope is a type of optical telescope that uses a lens as its objective to form an image (also referred to a dioptric telescope). The refracting telescope design was originally used in spy glasses and astronomical telescopes but is also used for long focus camera lenses. Although large refracting telescopes were very popular in the second half of the 19th century, for most research purposes the refracting telescope has been superseded by the reflecting telescope."
Sounds complicated? Not really! Refracting telescopes are what people think of telescopes when think of old war movies...the long tube, lens at one end, eye piece at the other. Look through the eye piece- things get bigger, look through the lens- things get smaller. Thats how they work.
Why a Refracting telescope?
When you need a easy to look after telescope. The lenses never have to realigned merely close the lens cap and thats about it. Refractors are also best for simple planetary viewing, they give good sharp images when viewing planets and are very easy to operate.
Because they are low maintenace, easy to operate and good for the larger objects like planets, Refractors tendf to be a good choice when starting in astronomy.
(From Wikipedia) "A reflecting telescope (also called a reflector) is an optical telescope which uses a single or combination of curved mirrors that reflect light and form an image. The reflecting telescope was invented in the 17th century as an alternative to the refracting telescope which, at that time, was a design that suffered from severe chromatic aberration. Although reflecting telescopes produce other types of optical aberrations, it is a design that allows for very large diameter objectives. Almost all of the major telescopes used in astronomy research are reflectors. Reflecting telescopes come in many design variations and may employ extra optical elements to improve image quality or place the image in a mechanically advantageous position. Since reflecting telescopes use mirrors, the design is sometimes referred to as a "catoptric" telescope."
Again, it sounds kind of complex? Not really! Instead of having a lens to bend the light a reflector uses a mirror. The mirror is slightly curved so the light from it is concentrated onto another mirror that then shines it onto the eypiece to be focused. Not much more than that. great example of this is the Celestron c6 SGT.
There are 2 designs of reflecting telescope, The Newtonian and the Cassegrain. The Newtonian has an eyepiece outside of the telescope body, the Cassegrain has it's eyepiece in line with the telescope body. The Celestron C6 SGT is a Cassegrain thus it is relatively compact.
The differences? Newtonian Telescopes tend to be larger, more bulky but relatively cheap. Schmidt Cassegrains are alot more compact but, because they are more complex inside, they tend to be more expensive.
Reflectors tend to be much better at looking stars, galaxies and objects much fainter than planets. A good example of a reflector would be the Hubble Space Telescope.
Well, who are you and what do you want do you want to look at with your telescope?
You're new to astronomy and would like to look at the moon, planets and don't want to spend alot of money? Go for a Refractor. There's alot of telescopes out there so go through our reviews, find the brand and price that suits you and get that best buy telescope it...you won't be disappointed as you will be soon be hooked on astronomy!!!
One thing I must mention here is to be careful. The moon is actually VERY bright and can damage your eyes so it might be worthwhile buying a moon filter to go along with your purchase.
You're a keen stargazer or are pretty affluent then go for a reflector. As a keen astronomer you'll know what counts already so head straight to the reviews, from there you can carry on through and buy your next dream telescope.
However. if you're neither of these and are like a few friends of mine who like the idea and feel of having a telescope then go through the reviews, find what looks best in your price range and go for it.
