which is the best type of telescope for looking at the planets?

Question

Refractor or Reflector ?

Answer 1

Refractors are the best for looking at planets. Unfortunately, refractors are far more expensive than reflectors.

Edit to adress the answers above mine...yes, you can see the planets just fine in a reflector (especially Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn). But the question you asked was which type of scope is *better*...and every real astronomer knows that refractors are better for planets.

Second edit: If all you really want is a general purpose telescope to do casual observations, a reflector is the way to go. Whatever you do, stay away from the crap made by Tasco and other low-quality imports from China.

Answer 2

Yes, refractor telescopes are better than reflectors, Newtonian. Dobsan or catadioptic types. This is because reflectors need something, called a secondary lens, in front of the reflector to alter the path of the light to the objective you are looking through at the side of the telescope. The secondary lens and the vane that holds it in front of the reflector cause objects to be less sharp. Thus, since you look directly through a refractor, objects appear sharper and you can see more detail. They are the best to look for detail on the planets.

Answer 3

Generally, if you have a lot of money and want to dedicate yourself to planetary observing, there's nothing like a nice big apochromatic refractor with a long focal length.

That being said, refractors are expensive, and many reflectors will do just as well as, or even outperform some refractors so you need to know what you're buying.

Answer 4

Inch-for-inch, an apochromatic refractor is the best telescope for planetary observing. However, aperture counts, and in good seeing a well-collimated 14" SCT will show you much more detail than the best 4" apo. Also, those who aren't up for spending $12,000 for a 6" telescope with mount will gladly compromise on a good quality Newtonian reflector. A premium mirror (Zambuto, Pegasus, Royce, etc.) will come very close to the performance of an apochromat at a fraction of the price.

Answer 5

Well, actually, a newtonian reflector telescope would actually be the very best at looking at the planets as well as a far off star or nebula. A refractor telescope can be used, but it wouldn't give the best results, plus, you would barely be able to use one to look at Pluto or nebula or something. You would only be able to view things like the planets close up, but a refractor telescope will work just as good. Tasco doesn't make real good telescopes as they don't give good quality images, etc. but I've found that Orion makes the best. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I have an old 6 inch reflector telescope that I bought used in the 1970s. It gives me excellent views of the planets as you can see in the first source. Although mine is no longer made, the one in the second source is a new one you can buy today that has the same size and focal length mirror as mine. That comes with only one low magnification (48x) eyepiece, so for the planets you will want one or two higher magnification eyepieces. I suggest a 12.5mm giving 96x and a 6.3 mm giving 190x magnification. See the third source.

Answer 7

A Reflector with a least a 6 inch mirror.

Answer 8

If money's no object then refractors have the edge. Failing that, a long focal length newtonian will give anything a run for its money - I've got a 6" f10 which is wonderful for planetary viewing.

Answer 9

Reflector offers a bigger image at a smaller size. A 6 or 8" Newtonian, but it weighs more.

You want to get as much magnification (50 power per inch) and as much light gathering (inches of mirror divided by tube length, but not exceeding maximum power per inch) as you can.

Answer 10

A larger reflector will gather more light and produce a sharper image with real color, if you are looking for detail.