Which is the better telecope A 90mm refractor or 114 reflector for seeing planets?

Answer 1

Hi! Between a 90mm(3.5") refractor and a 114mm(4.5") reflector for planetary viewing, I think you'll probably have a better view with the refractor. One of the reasons is because the reflector (Probably a newtonian) has what is called a "central obstruction", which is basically a mirror at a 45 degree angle right in the middle of the telescope tube. This is a necessary element of a newtonian telescope, but unfortunately reduces the amount of contrast in the picture as well as allowing less light than the full aperture from getting back to the lens.

The light gathering capability of the reflector will certainly be greater than the refractors, though.

I've included a couple of links below, the first one is a site dedicated to helping people chose their first telescope. I would greatly recomend you read through it and make an informed decision before you spend $400 on a telescope at Wal*Mart. I did that as my first telescope and unfortunately found out that for that same $400 I could have received a -much- larger (and higher quality) telescope.

I am currently using a 10" Newtonian telescope on a German Equatorial Mount, and I'm considering building a 20" Split-ring Newtonian sometime in the next few years.

Answer 2

I'll throw my support behind the refractor - for these specific measurements. Anything less than a 150mm aperture reflector is going to be of limited use, whereas a refractor half that size will give great results, hence the gasps - and I do mean gasps - from friends the first time I showed them Saturn through even a 60mm refractor. If you get access to a reflector of 200mm or more, that would be my choice ahead of the 90m refractor.

And the maximum magnification you should use is about 2x per mm for a refractor, ie 180x for the 90mm one.

Answer 3

it rather is (now) 2014 - and the refractor alternatives are even better. For planetary viewing - as you specific on your selection of viewing, the refractor is tops. you may purchase an dazzling 6" F-12 (or F-8, F-10) Istar achromat with R35 glass - for under $2200. that's for the optical tube (or truss-tube) - you elect regardless of mounting fits your needs. you are able to discover an 8" or 10" sct which will artwork for you, yet - there are subject concerns with that selection. jointly with how long it takes to equalize temps interior the enormous & heavy reflect. in case you have been to think approximately your popular seeing situations at your website (back backyard-backyard) - you likely will come across a 6" refractor grants you extra usable hours consistent with 3 hundred and sixty 5 days - in comparison with a miles better sct or newt. Many extra. A 6" refractor is the biggest telescope! And that is defining potential will rather prepare itself to you.

Answer 4

Bill C is right. Reflectors are cheaper to make, so you get more aperture for your money that way, but I'd expect the refractor to be more useful for planetary observing - a 114mm reflector isn't so much bigger that it has an advantage.

Answer 5

A refractor is much better for seeing the planets. A reflector, with it's relatively low f-stop lets more light in and is much better for viewing "deep-sky" objects, like nebulae and galaxies.

Answer 6

I have been out of astronomy for a while, so my knowledge is about 25 years out of date, but I was always told that a reflector is always better.

I was amazed looking at telescopes recently that ones that cost around 5,000 pounds when I was young are now available for just a few hundred!!!

Answer 7

go for a reflector. 100x magnification is ideal for looking at saturn, jupiter,mars, venus

Answer 8

the refrator will give you better views of surface detail on planets e.g will pick out bands and spots on Jupiter and surface markings on mars