Frequently Asked Questions about Telescopes
What is a refractor?
The refractor is the most well known look to most people. Characteristics: - Refractors generally stand up to abuse more than other types of scopes. - They don't usually need alignment. - Generally more costly than reflector/dobsonians. - Lighter than other scopes - More expensive - Good for AstroPhotography with a DLSR Camera - Can be computerized |  |
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What is a Reflector?
The Reflector uses a second mirror to reflect the light to the Eye. Characteristics: - Average weight - Most aperture for the money - Easier to handle - Correct reading of images. Other scopes will flip what you see. - Still not to big to be transported to dark sites. - Often computerized. |  |
What is a Dobsonain?
The Dobsonian is essentially the same tube as a reflector but does not use a tripod. Characteristics: - Average weight - Most aperture for the money - Easiest of all the scopes to handle - Correct reading of images. Other scopes will flip what you see. - Still not to big to be transported to dark sites. - Quick to set up - Can be computerized |  |
What is a SCT?
The Schmidt-Cassegrain is the most flexible of all scopes yet most. Characteristics: - Very Compact size - More expensive - Heavy for the larger apetures - Needs alignment from time to time but is easier to align than reflectors. - Average set up time. - Always come computerized |  |
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Can I buy a decent telescope from a department store?
Most likely not. Depart stores generally sell scopes that are just bad enough to permanently discourage further interest in the night sky. Between the small aperture (diameter of the lens) and the wobbly mount which makes steady viewing almost impossible, most people walk away from the hobby. You might find a quality scope fro m a camera store but not at a department store.
Isn't more power better to see more detail?
This single question is perhaps the most misundertood part of viewing the night sky. Simply put, it is impossible to use any power greater than 500x due to our atmosphere. This one reason alone is why they made the Hubble Space telescope and put it in space. If there is any one single feature that can be called the most important it is the aperture or diameter of the lens.
Why should I get a scope with a larger mirror?
The general rule of thumb is your new scope will handle 50x the power of the aperture (diameter) of the lens. So if you have a 3" mirror, in the best conditions, you will only be able to magnify up to 150x before the clarity of the view is distorted. A 6" mirror will yield up to 300x. The reason it works this way is that the larger mirror gathers in more light than the smaller mirror. The mirror size is the key to great viewing!
I only have a couple hundred dollars to spend. What scope should I get?
There are two factors to consider getting the most out of your money. One is the mirror aperture and the second is the mount that holds the telescope. A great scope on a wobbly mount results in frustrating viewing. Generally, the Dobsonian mount allows for the best of both for the price. Orion has some great Dobs but they go fast at our store!