which type of telescope is batter?

Question

I want to buy a telescope and don't know if I should get a reflector or a refractor. also is a 12 inch reflector telescope for $600 a good deal?

I know I spelled better wrong

Answer 1

A reflector is the better deal. A refractor is ok for casual stargazing but for any serious study you would need a reflector.

Refractors suffer from several problems: Tripod, you need a very heavy tripod and the refractor also is more prone to "shaking" or unsteady view. The tripod needs to be very tall so that you can use the viewing lens without bending over.

Reflectors are usually larger and heavier and less prone to shaking, and while needing a good tripod they don't need a real heavy tripod. The viewing lens is at the upper end of the telescope body which makes viewing easier and can be done without bending over.

And $600, with some careful shopping, can get you a good basic telescope with a equitorial movement.

Answer 2

I'd get a reflector because while $600 will get decent apochromatic refractor, you won't be able to see all that you probably want to see live.

I've seen some nice astrophotography done with small apochromatic refractors though. They also get nice, sharp images of star clusters, planets, and nebulas with the proer filters.

$600 for a 12" sounds average for a used Dobsonian. Dobsonians are good for live viewing but aren't practical to use for astrophotography for most people (they're expensive and time consuming to motorize).

For $600 you can get a used 8" Schmidt Cassegrain with an astrophotography set up.

Funny story. I too once had $600 for a telescope and I decided to save up until I had enough for a 10" Meade LX200. I decided I wouldn't be happy with anything less than 10". Well the LX200's started to climb in price on eBay and my $600 was slowely dwindling until I had about $300 left and I came across an old 13" Dobsonian. I decided to hell with the bells and whistles I'll take the aperture so I bought the Dobsonian. For $300 I'm happy to have a 13" telescope and my only regret is I didn't buy a trailer to haul it or a BB gun to shoot out the street lights.

www.astromart.com for used telescopes.

Answer 3

Get a reflector because you get more telescope for the money with a reflector than you do with a refractor. All new professional telescopes are reflectors. And yes, a 12 inch for $600 is a good deal.

Answer 4

Refractors become very expensive very quickly as you go up in aperture. A 12" reflector is realistically affordable, while a 12" refractor has a literally astronomical cost and would require a permanent observatory to house it.

Generally speaking, a reflector is a better choice when you go above 4". Under 4", a refractor will perform significantly better, at least as far as what is commercially available out there.

Answer 5

Refractor or reflector depends mostly on what type of viewing you want to do. For solar system viewing, a refractor is best. For truly deep-space viewing (..star clusters, nebulae, galaxies) reflectors are by far best because of their light-gathering powers.

A 12" reflector for $600 is a good deal UNLESS it doesn't have a clock drive system. Without that you'd have to constantly move the tube to maintain a fixed field of view.

Answer 6

A refractor can only be a compromize to a "small " wallet when you actually need a reflector. This one is better, but usually much more expensive.

Answer 7

A dobsonian- The most amount of light gathering power for the money you pay !

Answer 8

first off no offence but its better not battar and reflector are better in my opinion but whatever ya go with is cool

Answer 9

I THINK YOU SHOULD GET A refractor

Answer 10

mine is the best...i dunno..u choose its ur telescope..i mean i have one but u dont need one when u go to the mountains..u can see stuff real good..